Many popular glasses are sized for an average or larger face, so if you have a small or narrow face, frames can look oversized, slide down your nose, or leave your eyes sitting too close to the inner edge of the lenses. The fix is knowing which measurements to look for.
Signs a frame is too big for you
- The frame extends well past the sides of your face
- Your eyes sit close to the inside (nose side) of each lens
- Glasses slide down even when they're freshly adjusted
- The temple arms stick out from your head instead of resting along it
- The frame touches your cheeks when you smile
Sizes to look for
| Measurement | Small-face range |
|---|---|
| Lens width | about 42 to 50 mm |
| Bridge | about 14 to 18 mm (smaller if your nose bridge is narrow) |
| Temple length | about 130 to 140 mm |
| Total frame width | roughly 115 to 128 mm |
Filter our shop for small frames (42 to 49 mm). If you have glasses that fit, copy their numbers: how to find glasses that fit like your current pair.
The best shapes for small faces
- Round and oval frames in smaller sizes look balanced and soft. Round · oval.
- Petite cat-eye frames add lift without overwhelming small features. Cat-eye.
- Thin metal frames feel lighter and look less heavy on a small face. Metal frames.
- Narrow rectangles work well on narrow, longer faces.
Small face and a low nose bridge?
If glasses always slide down or rest on your cheeks, you may have a low or narrow nose bridge. Look for:
- Adjustable nose pads (most metal frames), which an optician can set higher and closer together
- A smaller bridge number on plastic frames
- Lighter frames, since heavy frames slide more
More tips: why glasses slide down your nose and how to fix it.
Can adults wear kids' frames?
Yes. Some adults with very small faces find their best fit in larger kids' frames, which often have smaller widths and shorter temples. Browse kids' frames and compare the size numbers with glasses that fit you.
Lens tips for small frames
Good news: small frames are great for stronger prescriptions, because smaller lenses are thinner and lighter. If your prescription is strong, consider 1.67 high-index lenses for the thinnest look.
Small frames are $79 with single vision lenses, like every everyday frame. Shop small frames.
