How To Shop For Glasses Online

Choose The Opposite Of Your Face Shape

“As a general rule of thumb, if you have a round face shape, go for rectangular or square shapes and if you have a square or heart-shaped face, then round glasses are recommended,” says Kiki Grammatopoulos, product designer at Ace & Tate. “If you are lucky enough to have a diamond or oval face shape, then the world is your oyster – most eyewear shapes will suit you. It’s also more flattering on most faces if the frame sits below the eyebrow,” she adds. 

Consider Your Frame Material

“While chunky acetate frames are great if you want to make a statement, finer metal frames can be more delicate on the face,” says Daphnée Duchatel, head of international markets at Jimmy Fairly. “This allows you to try different shapes and larger frame sizes without worrying about it looking OTT.”

Make Use Of Virtual Try Ons

Many eyewear brands are now using virtual try-on technology, which has come a long way in recent years to offer an incredibly accurate mock-up of how different styles will look on your face. “We send all our frames off to be analysed and photographed from all angles,” says Daphnée. “It means the size you see on your selfie camera will be almost identical to what it would be in reality.” Ace & Tate offer a similar service: “Our virtual try-on uses your phone or computer camera to scan your face using AR technology, allowing you to try on our whole collection virtually in the comfort of your own home,” explains Kiki.

Order Multiple Pairs If In Doubt

Understandably, you might want to physically try something on before committing to buying it, and conveniently, some brands offer the option to order multiple frames at once. “Our home try-on service will deliver up to four frames to you for free,” says Kiki. “Try them on, send selfies to your group chat for opinions, then return them to us before ordering your perfect pair from our website. This will help ensure you find a good fit that’s true to your personal style.” Other brands offering this service include BlooBloom, Glasses Direct and Mister Spex.

Decide On Different Lenses

While certain lens types, like varifocals, will cost more wherever you go, Blue Light Filtering is often offered as an add on – but is it really worth it? “Personally, all my opticals have a BLF coating, as it helps my eyes feel more comfortable in front of a computer screen,” says Kiki.

Daphnée agrees: “Blue light, which is emitted from computer screens and phones, can affect your sleep quality and cause migraines, so if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, blue light filtering lenses might be worth the extra money.  However, this lens type also gives a very slight yellow tinge, so we advise those working in a job where subtleties in colour are important to perhaps avoid it.”

Recognise The Trends

“Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a shift in eyewear trends away from the slim, micro styles to more 'protective' shapes, meaning we have seen a resurgence of retro and oversized styles for both men and women,” says Kiki. Daphnée concurs: “Our top sellers right now are styles with a vintage feel, and/or oversized, for example our ‘Dimby’, ‘Flawless’ and ‘Season’ designs.”

Bear Your Personal Style In Mind

“My biggest piece of advice is to go for the first pair you really fall in love with,” says Daphnée. “Of course, consider how the frames will fit into your wardrobe, as glasses are as much a fashion statement as a coat or blouse – but don’t be afraid to have fun with them.” Kiki agrees: “We offer free returns if you do change your mind, but at the end of the day, it's all about expressing your personal style – if you feel good in your glasses, then that's what matters.”

For more information and help finding glasses, visit AceAndTate.com and JimmyFairly.co.uk

 
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