The size of eyeglass prescription lenses—the primary measurement used in determining size of eyeglass frames—has changed throughout the years. It has consistently grown for the first few hundred years since it’s inception, and continuously grown throughout the 1700’s, 1800s, and 1900s, only to start slightly shrinking in the 1990’s—today. The reasons for its growth are many, including the growth of the average size of the American face, the invention of nose pads which allowed for frames to sit further from the face, and finally, the popular use of plastic lenses which are much lighter and do not weigh down on the face, allowing the lens size to be larger than if it  were glass.  Below is a graph which should help you determine the average size in any given period of history, enabling you to choose the right size of vintage frames.

As you can see from the chart above, glasses in the 1700s, had a lens width of 30-38mm, with the most popular lens size being 32mm. Glasses in the 1800s slowly grew wider. Victorian-era glasses grew slowly grew from 32 to 40mm . Most frames in that era were rectangular in shape, octagonal, or oval shape frames. As the years progressed the lens sizes grew as well. 1900 era glasses grew from 40mm to 50mm by the 1960s. range through the mid-1960s. Rimless frames generally ranged between. Browline glasses which became popular in the 50s ranged between 42-50mm.

The big change came with 1970s eyeglass frames and 1980s frames. The lens size jumped 10mm, with the norm then being between 50-60mm, sometimes even wider. However, with 1990s glasses the size started shrinking, albeit slightly. The normal range today is on the lower end of the 50mm range, usually 50-54mm.

How to Measure for a Perfect Fit with Your Vintage Glasses

Glasses often have a very personalized fit. You want them to be comfortable and rest securely on your face. But you also need them to flatter your face shape and size. Vintage glasses were made to fit smaller average head sizes, adding an additional challenge to choosing your glasses.

Our inventory of vintage eye glasses at Eyeglasses Warehouse has spectacles in a range of sizes, and while design is likely your number one choice, you will also want to be sure your glasses are the right size as well. Since buying glasses online, vintage or modern, does not give you the option to try your glasses on first, knowing the right way to measure makes it possible to still get the right pair of frames.

Glasses Measurements on Vintage Frames

There are 4 standard measurements that glasses sellers generally provide that can help you determine how the glasses will fit on your face. These are:

• Front Width – This is the measurement of the frames between the hinges, usually the widest part of the glasses. Any hinge pieces that stick out of the frame are included.
• Temple Length – The temple length goes from where the temple connects to the frame to the tip. Depending on the style of glasses, there is usually a bend here, so it is best to take the measurement of each section and add them together.
• Bridge Width – This is the horizontal distance between the inside edge of the lenses, meaning it includes any rims. Do not measure the curve of the bridge, but instead lay the ruler straight across.
• Lens Diameter – This is the measurement of the lens, not including the rims. On vintage round glasses, length and height will be the same. There might be 2 separate measurements on rectangular or oval lenses.

On our vintage spectacle listings, we also include a general size estimate – small, medium, or large – that corresponds to contemporary face sizes and glasses measurements. This sizing can give you some idea if a style you are looking at will fit, although you will want to confirm with exact measurements.

How to Measure Your Face

The easiest way to figure out your measurements is to measure your existing pair of glasses if you like their fit. You can measure your glasses in the same way we measure ours to get the right size. Your glasses may also have their measurements engraved on one of the temples to save you the trouble of measuring.

You will also need to measure your face to get the front width, which is the most important measurement to find glasses that fit. To do this, either stand in front of a mirror or have a friend help you. You will hold a ruler horizontally across your face and measure the distance between your temples. 

With your measurements in hand, you can look for glasses that are within 3mm of those measurements (2mm for the bridge) in a style you like. In addition to considering fit, also think about how glasses with different lens sizes will flatter your face. With these factors in mind, you will have no problem finding an attractive pair of vintage glasses. Take your measurements and then start your search today at Eyeglasses Warehouse.

Glasses Measurements And Size

Glasses are a crucial accessory for people who suffer from poor eyesight. A well-fitting pair of frames will not only improve your vision but can also add a stylish touch to your appearance. To ensure that glasses fit comfortably and function effectively, it’s essential to measure them correctly. Here’s everything you need to know about glasses measurements and how to measure glasses.

How to Measure Glasses

Measuring glasses is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to measuring glasses:

Determine the lens width

The lens width is the distance across each lens, measured in millimeters. To measure the lens width, place a ruler or tape measure across the widest part of the lens and check how many millimeters wide it is. This is also known as the “A” measurement.

Measure the bridge width

The bridge width is the distance between the two glasses lenses, measured in millimeters. To measure the bridge width, place a ruler or tape measure at the top of the bridge, between the two lenses.

Calculate the temple length

The temple length is the distance between the hinge and the tip of the temple arm, measured in millimeters. To measure the temple length, start from the hinge, where the frame meets the temple arm. Then measure along the temple arm until you reach the tip.

Determine the frame width

The frame width is the overall width of the glasses. To measure the frame width, place a ruler or tape measure at the outermost point of the corners of the frames and measure how many millimeters it is.

Measuring Lens Height

The lens height is the overall height of each lens. Also known as the “B Measurement. To measure the lens height, place a ruler or tape measure from the highest point to the lowest point and measure many millimeters the lens height is.

Conclusion

Glasses measurements are crucial for ensuring a comfortable fit and effective vision correction. By measuring the lens width, bridge width, temple length, and frame width accurately, you can ensure that the glasses fit perfectly and look great on the wearer’s face. If you’re unsure about how to measure glasses size, it’s best to visit an optician or eyewear specialist for assistance.

Frames Selection

Choosing the right glasses frames is an important decision that requires careful consideration. One of the key factors to consider when choosing a frame is the bra measurements. Understanding frame measurements and sizes can help you find the perfect pair of glasses that fits comfortably and looks great on your face.

Frame Sizes

Choosing the right glasses frame size is important. Eyeglasses frames are available in various sizes, with each size denoted by a number. These numbers represent the lens width, bridge width, and temple length, respectively. For example, a frame with measurements of 52-18-135 has a lens width of 52mm, a bridge width of 18mm, and a temple length of 135mm.
Frames sizes typically range from small to large, with some manufacturers offering extra-small or extra-large sizes as well. The most common glasses frame sizes are:
Small: They have a lens width of 47mm to 50mm, a bridge width of 17mm to 19mm, and a temple length of 130mm to 135mm.
Medium: They have a lens width of 51mm to 54mm, a bridge width of 20mm to 21mm, and a temple length of 135mm to 140mm.
Large: Frames with a lens width of 55mm to 58mm, a bridge width of 22mm to 23mm, and a temple length of 140mm to 145mm.
Extra-Large: Frames with a lens width of 59mm or more, a bridge width of 24mm or more, and a temple length of 145mm or more.

Conclusion

Choosing the right glasses frames is important for both comfort and style. By understanding frame measurements and sizes, you can find the perfect pair of glasses that fits well and looks great on your face. When shopping for glasses, be sure to consider your face shape and personal style preferences in addition to the frame measurements and sizes to ensure that you choose the perfect pair.

Glasses often have a very personalized fit. You want them to be comfortable and rest securely on your face. But you also need them to flatter your face shape and size. Vintage glasses were made to fit smaller average head sizes, adding an additional challenge to choosing your glasses.

Our inventory of vintage eye glasses at Eyeglasses Warehouse has spectacles in a range of sizes, and while design is likely your number one choice, you will also want to be sure your glasses are the right size as well. Since buying glasses online, vintage or modern, does not give you the option to try your glasses on first, knowing the right way to measure makes it possible to still get the right pair of frames.

Glasses Measurements on Vintage Frames

There are 4 standard measurements that glasses sellers generally provide that can help you determine how the glasses will fit on your face. These are:

• Front Width – This is the measurement of the frames between the hinges, usually the widest part of the glasses. Any hinge pieces that stick out of the frame are included.
• Temple Length – The temple length goes from where the temple connects to the frame to the tip. Depending on the style of glasses, there is usually a bend here, so it is best to take the measurement of each section and add them together.
• Bridge Width – This is the horizontal distance between the inside edge of the lenses, meaning it includes any rims. Do not measure the curve of the bridge, but instead lay the ruler straight across.
• Lens Diameter – This is the measurement of the lens, not including the rims. On vintage round glasses, length and height will be the same. There might be 2 separate measurements on rectangular or oval lenses.

On our vintage spectacle listings, we also include a general size estimate – small, medium, or large – that corresponds to contemporary face sizes and glasses measurements. This sizing can give you some idea if a style you are looking at will fit, although you will want to confirm with exact measurements.

How to Measure Your Face

The easiest way to figure out your measurements is to measure your existing pair of glasses if you like their fit. You can measure your glasses in the same way we measure ours to get the right size. Your glasses may also have their measurements engraved on one of the temples to save you the trouble of measuring.

You will also need to measure your face to get the front width, which is the most important measurement to find glasses that fit. To do this, either stand in front of a mirror or have a friend help you. You will hold a ruler horizontally across your face and measure the distance between your temples. 

With your measurements in hand, you can look for glasses that are within 3mm of those measurements (2mm for the bridge) in a style you like. In addition to considering fit, also think about how glasses with different lens sizes will flatter your face. With these factors in mind, you will have no problem finding an attractive pair of vintage glasses. Take your measurements and then start your search today at Eyeglasses Warehouse.

Glasses often have a very personalized fit. You want them to be comfortable and rest securely on your face. But you also need them to flatter your face shape and size. Vintage glasses were made to fit smaller average head sizes, adding an additional challenge to choosing your glasses.

Our inventory of vintage eye glasses at Eyeglasses Warehouse has spectacles in a range of sizes, and while design is likely your number one choice, you will also want to be sure your glasses are the right size as well. Since buying glasses online, vintage or modern, does not give you the option to try your glasses on first, knowing the right way to measure makes it possible to still get the right pair of frames.

Glasses Measurements on Vintage Frames

There are 4 standard measurements that glasses sellers generally provide that can help you determine how the glasses will fit on your face. These are:

• Front Width – This is the measurement of the frames between the hinges, usually the widest part of the glasses. Any hinge pieces that stick out of the frame are included.
• Temple Length – The temple length goes from where the temple connects to the frame to the tip. Depending on the style of glasses, there is usually a bend here, so it is best to take the measurement of each section and add them together.
• Bridge Width – This is the horizontal distance between the inside edge of the lenses, meaning it includes any rims. Do not measure the curve of the bridge, but instead lay the ruler straight across.
• Lens Diameter – This is the measurement of the lens, not including the rims. On vintage round glasses, length and height will be the same. There might be 2 separate measurements on rectangular or oval lenses.

On our vintage spectacle listings, we also include a general size estimate – small, medium, or large – that corresponds to contemporary face sizes and glasses measurements. This sizing can give you some idea if a style you are looking at will fit, although you will want to confirm with exact measurements.

How to Measure Your Face

The easiest way to figure out your measurements is to measure your existing pair of glasses if you like their fit. You can measure your glasses in the same way we measure ours to get the right size. Your glasses may also have their measurements engraved on one of the temples to save you the trouble of measuring.

You will also need to measure your face to get the front width, which is the most important measurement to find glasses that fit. To do this, either stand in front of a mirror or have a friend help you. You will hold a ruler horizontally across your face and measure the distance between your temples. 

With your measurements in hand, you can look for glasses that are within 3mm of those measurements (2mm for the bridge) in a style you like. In addition to considering fit, also think about how glasses with different lens sizes will flatter your face. With these factors in mind, you will have no problem finding an attractive pair of vintage glasses. Take your measurements and then start your search today at Eyeglasses Warehouse.