There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect pair of sunglasses. If you know the key to taking good measurements, you can achieve functionality, overall comfortability, and style all in one.
Fortunately, there are a few easy methods that make this process a breeze. Curious how to begin? Below, we’ll guide you on how to read sizing information on your current pair and different ways to measure them.
How to Measure Sunglasses with a Ruler
Before taking measurements of your sunglasses, it’s crucial to start by finding out the size of your head. Having this specific number, usually in millimeters, helps you determine which glasses size will work best for you; in other words, knowing which lenses will not appear too big or small on your face and be most form-flattering.
One way to measure your sunglasses is with a straight ruler (as opposed to a tape measure or something similar). With the millimeter side facing up, place the ruler in front of your face just below eye level. The goal is to line up the ends of the ruler with the temples on each side of your face. Measure the width from one side to the other. This length in millimeters will tell you the best sunglass frame size for your face, which is detailed further in the next section.
How to Measure Sunglasses Using Alternative Methods
If you don’t have a ruler around, no worries! A credit card will also work for measuring your face for sunglasses. Follow these steps:
- Grab your credit card.
- Stand in front of a mirror or camera where your face is fully visible.
- Position your credit card on the bridge of your nose and under your eyebrow. This should form an “L” shape from above your brow to the middle of your nose.
- If the edge of the card is further out than the edge of your eye, you are considered a small size. If it sits on the edge of your eye, you are considered a medium size. If it sits closer in than your eye, you are considered a large size.
Another alternative method to figuring out your ideal sunglasses size is to find an old pair that still fits well. If the numbers are still visible, you may be able to use those numbers as a reference point when choosing new sunglasses or replacing lenses. Take these numbers with a grain of salt, however, as different manufacturers will influence the overall fit of any pair of sunglasses depending on how theirs are constructed.
How to Read Sunglass Measurements
Many pairs of sunglasses already come equipped with helpful sizing information. To find out if your current pair does, glance at the inside of the temples or the “arms” of your sunglasses. On the temples, you should find numbers that read “45-20-140”. These numbers indicate the millimeters for lens width, bridge width, and temple length, respectively, and are fairly self-explanatory.
While all three metrics offer valuable information into overall sizing, it’s most important to measure bridge width accurately. Both temple size and lens width allow for a small margin of error, and your sunglasses will still fit well.
Lens width refers to the horizontal distance from one side of the lens to the other (at its widest). The bridge sits atop a wearer’s nose, is the distance between two lenses, varying in size from 14 to 24 millimeters. Temple length refers to the length of the temple in its entirety, which is what stretches from the sunglass frame to behind the wearer’s ears. It is common for a temple size to be 135, 140, or 145 millimeters.
Lens height is also a helpful measurement to account for and refers to the vertical distance from the top of the lens to the bottom. It ranges anywhere from 32 to 38 millimeters. As you might expect, each of these measurements differs according to brand.
Know the Size of Your Sunglasses
Knowing how to measure your sunglass lens size and taking a moment to do so can be a major money and time-saver for your sunglass buying journey. The first item of business is to take your face measurements, then find out your frame measurements, and lastly, decide if replacement lenses or new sunglasses altogether are the appropriate route for you. Either way, knowing the important numbers will best inform your decision. From Oakley Catalysts to Costa Del Mar lenses, as the “Friendly Expert for Replacement Lenses”, Revant can help you every step of the way, and we offer a Perfect Fit Guarantee.
Can’t find your frames in our selection? Any frame you got, we can tailor cut high-quality lenses to get them back in the game. Stacked with premium features to choose from at a fraction of the price of buying a new pair. You can keep your favorite frames like new forever with Revant.
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