Men's eyeglasses: shapes, materials and sizing
Round, oval or square, in acetate or titanium: how to find your way among men's eyeglasses, starting from shape, material and sizing.
Journal · Guides
A prescription frame is worn all day, so choosing one comes down to three practical questions: which shape, which material, which size. The answers change from one face to another.
Shape
Square and rectangular. Horizontal lines and defined corners give structure to the gaze. As a starting point they work well on faces with soft contours. Among men it's the most chosen family: in the OCCHIO selection, rectangular eyeglasses are the largest category.
Round and oval. Curves lighten the features of an angular face and often carry a precise historical reference, from the 1930s panto to the round metal frame. The oval is a less pronounced middle ground. For a comparison of the two shapes, read Round or oval glasses: proportions.
Aviator and browline. A double bridge or a strong upper profile draws attention upward and lengthens the line of the eyes. These are recognizable shapes, to be judged also against the height of your eyebrows.
Material
Acetate. Allows thick fronts, solid colors, transparencies and sculpted work. It has more presence on the face and is a little heavier than metal.
Titanium. Light, strong and suited to those who wear glasses for many hours. Profiles are slim and the details are concentrated in the bridge, hinges and nose pads. Many Japanese makers, such as KameManNen, work mainly in this material.
Combination. Acetate and metal in the same frame: the presence of acetate with the lightness of metal in the temples. Learn more in Titanium or acetate glasses.
If you wear glasses all day
Comfort depends on where the frame rests. Metal frames often have adjustable nose pads that the optician can shape to your nose. Acetate frames rest on the bridge: the fit depends on the bridge width and how deep it is. The most common temples measure between 145 and 150 mm; if your head is long or wide, a longer temple avoids pressure behind the ears.
Size
The three numbers on the temple give lens width, bridge and temple length in millimetres. The total width of the frame should be close to that of your face at temple level: if it's much narrower, the temples press; if it's much wider, your eyes don't sit at the centre of the lenses. The bridge should rest on the nose without gaps and without pinching. The most reliable reference is still a pair you already wear comfortably: the measurement guide explains how to compare them.
Color
Black is the most chosen and has its own guide: Black frames: who they suit. Havana softens the outline while staying dark: read Tortoiseshell glasses. Transparent frames show the thickness of the acetate and lighten the front: you'll find them among the crystal frames.
Six frames, with measurements
- Lesca Toro 5 Noir · 45–23–145
- Lesca Burt 100 · 41–26–145
- KameManNen kmn 122 · 41–24–145
- Eyevan 7285 414 · 46–23–145
- AHLEM Luxembourg Grey Gold · 50–20–150
- Cubitts Carlton Dune L · 47–27–150
Where to start
Explore the men's eyeglasses in the OCCHIO selection and filter by shape, color and material. You can compare up to three models side by side, or try the frames at the Crema boutique, where we also choose the lenses.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the size without trying them on?
Compare the three numbers with a pair you wear comfortably: the measurement guide explains how.
Titanium or acetate for every day?
Titanium weighs less; acetate has more presence. Some frames combine the two.
Can I buy the frame online and get the lenses later?
Yes. Progressives need measurements taken at the boutique in Crema, with the frame on.