The right sunglass size is important for many reasons. It is important to protect your eyes from the sun and UV rays, it will make you look more fashionable and they will be more comfortable to wear. When you are wearing the wrong size of sunglasses, they can slip off your nose, feel uncomfortable or even hurt your ears. Therefore, in this article you will discover how to measure the right sunglass size for your face shape and different frame options. So check this out before making an investment.
Discover your sunglass size and how to measure the right frame for your face shape
Our goal is to look in detail at which sunglasses are best for you. We do this in 4 steps:
- What do the numbers mean?
- Explanation on how to measure sunglass frames
- Complete sunglass size chart for men and women
- Sunglass size chart for kids by age
- How to Determine Your Best Sunglass Size
- 5 Tips to Select the Best Sunglasses Frames & Styles For Your Face Shape (coming soon)
Explanation of sunglass size – what do the numbers mean?
First, let’s see what the numbers mean that you often see in sunglasses. These are usually on the arm / leg (temple) or on the inside of the glass. So what does this sunglasses size mean? These numbers mean from left to right; The lens width, the bridge width and the temple length. All in millimeters.
Explanation on how to measure sunglass frames
Let’s first look at the explanation of sunglasses sizes. We can distinguish the following dimensions; frame, bridge, temple length, lens width and height. So what is meant by these words? Let’s look at each understanding. Keep in mind that everything is measured in MM and inches.
Frame size (SFW) is the most important to make a good choice
It’s a bit confusing that some websites refer to the frame size as the lens / eye size. This is noticeable when a dimension is mentioned that is lower than 70 mm. However, there is only one correct frame width and that is from hinge to hinge.
| Frame size | in MM | in inches |
| XXS | 100 – 120 mm | 3.95 – 4.75 inch |
| XS | 121 – 125 mm | 4.75 – 4.95 inch |
| S | 126 – 130 mm | 4.95 – 5.15 inch |
| M | 131 – 135 mm | 5.15 – 5.35 inch |
| L | 136 – 140 mm | 5.35 – 5.55 inch |
| XL | 141 – 145 mm | 5.55 – 5.75 inch |
| XXL | 146 – 160 mm | 5.75 – 6.30 inch |
How do you calculate the frame size based on existing sunglasses?
In the previous chapter we looked at the numbers on the inside of the sunglasses. How do you calculate the frame width based on this? You will see 2 numbers with a square in the middle. Multiply the first number (lens width) times 2 and add the second number (bridge width).
For example: 55 □ 18. In this case, 55 is the lens width and 18 is the bridge width. So 55 x 2 + 18 = 128 mm frame size.
Bridge width (DBL = Distance between lenses)
The width of the bridge is the space between the lenses of your sunglass. It can vary from 14 to 24 mm. It is important that you choose the correct size that corresponds to your nose width. Because this will impact the position where the glasses rest on the nose. On average, the bridge size is 18 mm. If you have a wider nose, choose a size that varies from 20 to 24 mm. If you have a narrow nose, choose a model that varies from 14 to 16 mm. It is best to try the sunglasses on first.
What is sunglass temple length?
The temple length is the length of the arm of a sunglass. It is measured from the frame to the tip of the arm. In addition, this is always stated in millimeters. If it is too short, the glasses will sit too high on your nose. This can even lead to headaches from the wrong pressure. If it is too long, the glasses will stay in position less firmly. Because the support of the ears is missing. It is also possible to adjust the temples slightly for more grip.
The size can vary from 120 mm to 150 mm, but 140 mm is the average temple length. 135 mm and 145 mm are also common sizes.
Lens width and height
Last but not least, what is the lens width and height? This is also known as the eye size. It is the dimension in mm of the glass between the frame. This depends on the style of the glasses, but usually ranges between 40 mm and 63 mm.
The lens of the sunglasses for babies is usually 40 mm wide. For adults, the width usually starts at 50 mm. Therefore, the width of the glass can be divided into 3 categories.
| Lens size | Classification |
| up to 54 mm | XXS – S |
| 55 – 57 mm | M |
| 57 mm and bigger | L – XXL |
Complete sunglass size chart for men and women
Now let’s look at the best sunglasses sizes in relation to the face size. In most cases the lens dimension is used as a sunglass size, so we take that as a starting point. After research, we added 8 to 13 mm (0.3 to 0.5 inch) to the length to give an indication of the face size. This can still vary, because the total frame size can differ per brand.
As I explain above, the width of the bridge affects the overall width of the frame. That is why you see that a small lens size (52 for example) could fall into the ‘S’ category (52 – 16) and into the ‘L’ category (52 – 22) when it comes to the frame and face size.
Small lens sizes compared to face size
| Sunglass size | Frame | Face size in cm | Face size in inch |
| 48 | XXS – S | 11.8 – 13.3 cm | 4.65 – 5.2 inch |
| 48 – 16 | XS | 12.1 cm | 4.76 inch |
| 48 – 18 | XS | 12.4 cm | 4.88 inch |
| 48 – 20 | S | 12.7 cm | 5 inch |
| 48 – 22 | S | 13 cm | 5.12 inch |
| 49 | S – M | 12 – 13.5 cm | 4.73 – 5.32 inch |
| 49 – 16 | S | 12.3 cm | 4.84 inch |
| 49 – 18 | S | 12.6 cm | 4.96 inch |
| 49 – 20 | S | 12.9 cm | 5.08 inch |
| 49 – 22 | M | 13.2 cm | 5.20 inch |
| 50 | S – L | 12.3 – 13.7 cm | 4.85 – 5.40 inch |
| 50 – 18 | S | 12.8 cm | 5.04 inch |
| 50 – 20 | M | 13.1 cm | 5.16 inch |
| 50 – 22 | L | 13.4 cm | 5.28 inch |
| 51 | S – L | 12.4 – 13.9 cm | 4.8 – 5.5 inch |
| 51 – 18 | M | 13 cm | 5.12 inch |
| 51 – 21 | L | 13.4 cm | 5.28 inch |
| 52 | S – L | 12.7 – 14 cm | 5 – 5.51 inch |
| 52 – 16 | S | 12.9 cm | 5.08 inch |
| 52 – 18 | M | 13.2 cm | 5.20 inch |
| 52 – 22 | L | 13.8 cm | 5.43 inch |
| 53 | S – L | 12.8 – 14.3 cm | 5.0 – 5.63 inch |
| 53 – 16 | M | 13.1 cm | 5.16 inch |
| 53 – 18 | M | 13.4 cm | 5.28 inch |
| 53 – 20 | L | 13.7 cm | 5.39 inch |
| 53 – 22 | L | 14 cm | 5.51 inch |
| 54 | M – L | 13 – 14.5 cm | 5.12 – 5.71 inch |
| 54 – 16 | M | 13.3 cm | 5.24 inch |
| 54 – 18 | M | 13.6 cm | 5.35 inch |
| 54- 20 | L | 13.9 cm | 5.47 inch |
What size sunglasses for small face?
Do you have a small face and are you looking for sunglasses? Look for a lens width of 51 or less. Because these have a frame of up to 130 mm. Women with a narrow face are more likely to wear size 48. Kids have an even smaller frame of 100 mm and a lens size of 40. In this way you make sure that have the best ratio with a small face.
Medium lens sizes compared to face size
| Sunglass size | Frame | Face size in cm | Face size in inch |
| 55 | M – XL | 13.2 – 14.7 cm | 5.20 – 5.79 inch |
| 55 – 18 | L | 13.8 cm | 5.43 inch |
| 55 -20 | L | 14.1 cm | 5.55 inch |
| 55 – 22 | L | 14.4 cm | 5.67 inch |
| 56 | M – XL | 13.4 – 14.9 cm | 5.28 – 5.87 inch |
| 56 – 18 | L | 14 cm | 5.51 inch |
| 56 – 20 | L | 14.3 cm | 5.63 inch |
| 56 – 22 | XL | 14.6 cm | 5.75 inch |
| 57 | L – XL | 13.6 – 15.1 cm | 5.35 – 5.94 inch |
| 57 – 18 | L | 14.2 cm | 5.59 inch |
| 57 – 20 | XL | 14.5 cm | 5.71 inch |
| 57 – 22 | XL | 14.8 cm | 5.83 inch |
Big lens sizes compared to face size
| Sunglass size | Frame | Face size in CM | Face size in inch |
| 58 | L – XL | 13.8 – 15.3 cm | 5.43 – 6.02 inch |
| 58 – 18 | L | 14.4 cm | 5.67 inch |
| 58 – 20 | XL | 14.7 cm | 5.79 inch |
| 58 – 22 | XL | 15 cm | 5.91 inch |
| 59 | L – XL | 14 – 15.5 cm | 5.51 – 6.10 inch |
| 59 – 18 | L | 14.6 cm | 5.75 inch |
| 59 – 20 | XL | 14.9 cm | 5.87 inch |
| 59 – 22 | XL | 15.2 cm | 5.98 inch |
| 60 | XL – XXL | 14.2 – 15.7 cm | 5.59 – 6.18 inch |
| 60 – 18 | XL | 14.8 cm | 5.82 inch |
| 60 – 20 | XL | 15.1 cm | 5.94 inch |
| 60 – 22 | XXL | 15.4 cm | 6.06 inch |
| 61 | XL – XXL | 14.4 – 15.9 cm | 5.67 – 6.26 inch |
| 61 – 18 | XL | 15 cm | 5.91 inch |
| 61 – 20 | XXL | 15.3 cm | 6.02 inch |
| 61 – 22 | XXL | 15.6 cm | 6.14 inch |
| 62 | XL – XXL | 14.6 – 16.1 cm | 5.75 – 6.34 inch |
| 62 – 18 | XL | 15.2 cm | 5.98 inch |
| 62 – 20 | XXL | 15.5 cm | 6.10 inch |
| 62 – 22 | XXL | 15.8 cm | 6.22 inch |
| 63 | XXL | 14.8 – 16.3 cm | 5.83 – 6.42 inch |
| 63 – 18 | XXL | 15.4 cm | 6.06 inch |
| 63 – 20 | XXL | 15.7 cm | 6.18 inch |
| 63 – 22 | XXL | 16 cm | 6.30 inch |
What size sunglasses for wide face?
Do you have a wide face? Then choose a large lens size from 58. These wide face frames with sharp angles are the perfect fit for people with a round and wide face. A wide frame will not only make your face look slimmer, but it will also help balance out your features.
What size sunglasses for big head?
If you have a larger head than average, it is best to also pay attention to the lens height. So choose a size of 60 or higher and a lens height of 55 to 63 mm.
Sunglass for kids by age
This is an indication that may differ per brand. For example, Roshambo uses a different ratio. We assume a standard bridge size of 16.
| Child age | Sunglass size (lens) | Frame size |
| 0 – 1 year | 35 – 37 mm | 92 – 94 mm |
| 1 – 2.5 years | 37 – 40 mm | 94 – 97 mm |
| 2.5 – 4 years | 40 – 42 mm | 97 – 99 mm |
| 4 – 7 years | 43 – 45 mm | 100 – 102 mm |
| 7 – 10 years | 45 – 47 mm | 102 – 110 mm |
| 10 – 16 years | 47 – 52 mm | 110 – 125 mm |
How to measure and determine Your Best Sunglass Size
For sunglasses, the best way to measure your face size is from temple to temple. As in the image below. It is best to ask for help from someone you know in your area.If you have noted this size, then view the table above to find your best lens size.
Wikihow also shows another comprehensive way to measure it. This also provides insight into the shape of the frame. You can also measure the size from your eye to your ear to determine the temple size. Furthermore,, you can also measure the width of your nose for the bridge. However, the lens and the overall frame remain the most important.
Learn more about other fashion sizes and you always buy the right product. If you find this page valuable, please share it! Or click to the homepage and look around for a few more seconds. Thank you!