Kingfisher by Flying Eyes Optics

Sunglasses Measurement

How To Measure For Frame Width

Sunglasses measurement can be one of the most difficult things to figure out when purchasing sunglasses online. It can be confusing when trying to get the correct size to fit your face and avoid returning them for the correct size.

The quickest and easiest way is to have someone hold a ruler across the front of your face and measure the distance from one side of your face to the other. Some people say measure temple to temple; however, it is important to get the width correct so that the frame temples don't bend outward when you put on your sunglasses.

If you don't have someone available to assist you try measuring the width using a mirror. If that doesn't work measure another pair of eye glass frames you may already have.

While this way of sunglasses measurement will give you the necessary inside width you want for a comfortable fit most manufacturers and dealers don't provide that dimension. Rather most sunglasses measurements are given as the width of one of the lenses at it's widest point.

How Manufacturers Indicate Size

When you see the sunglasses measurement (size) stated as "55mm" we are talking about the width of one lens at it's widest point. Some companies will provide a chart to convert sizes like "55mm" to a frame width; however, the actual frame width will depend upon a number of other factors.

The Parts Of A Sunglasses Frame

                          The Parts Of Sunglasses Frames

Above you can see the various parts of a sunglasses frame along with what each part is called. This is the first step in understanding how to decide on the correct sunglasses measurement when choosing a pair of sunglasses for yourself. As you can imagine the actual width of the frame is the total of the following items:

1. The hinges;
2. The bridge;
3. The eye size.

Each of these items are sized in millimeters and the sum of the width of 2 hinges, 1 bridge and 2 lens eye sizes will give you the inside width of a pair of sunglasses in millimeters. You can then convert that number to inches and compare with the sunglasses measurement you made earlier.

Above you can see a chart provided by Randolph Engineering to help choose the correct sunglasses size without having to worry about making a sunglasses measurement.

As a rule of thumb most women will prefer the 52mm size sunglasses while most men will prefer the 55-57mm size sunglasses. Tall men or men with more round faces may prefer the 58-61mm size sunglasses instead.

While this chart is for sunglasses manufactured by Randolph Engineering it is still useful for figuring out what will work for other sunglasses because the DBL (Distance Between Lenses) or bridge is usually in the 17 to 22mm range.

Look At Your Present Sunglasses

If all of this confuses you there is one other way you may be able to figure out the correct sunglasses measurement for yourself. If you already have a pair of sunglasses that fit well and that you really like, take a look at the inside of one of the temples. The image below shows you where you can find that information and what it means:

The most important thing is to make sure that when you purchase your pair of sunglasses online that the seller will exchange them for the correct size at no cost to you. Sunglasses measurement is more art than anything else - how the sunglasses look, fit and feel is really more a personal preference than anything else.

Still Confused? Give Us A Call

If you are still confused, or have any other questions regarding sunglasses measurement, feel free to give us a call at 1 (866) 440-2461 and one of our employees will be very happy to help you in any way we can.

At Aviator-Sunglasses.net our first priority is you - our Customer!

Have a prosperous day!