I’ve worn glasses for most of my life. Once I got my prescription, a world of frames opened up. When I realized I didn’t have to splurge on designer glasses to find a great pair, I went from owning one frame to having a pair for different occasions. Range!
Yes, I like to switch up my look a lot, but most of all, I like to see. The glasses I purchase must fit specific criteria. Of course, having my prescription is a given, but I also need them to be sturdy and of good quality. My glasses don’t always end up tucked away safely in a case; sometimes they’re in my bag, on my bed, on the bathroom counter, and, occasionally, on the floor (guilty!). Fit is important, too. Nothing is more irritating than glasses sliding off your nose. Blue-light blocking isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s a nice add-on when it’s affordable. Last but not least, I want something trendy but timeless enough that I would still wear the frames in a year or two.
When buying glasses online, it can be hard to tell if you’re going to get a good pair. Luckily, I’ve tried sites like Warby Parker, Eyebuydirect, and GlassesUSA, and I’ve rounded up where you can shop my favorite selection. I even tapped expert Nina Esteves, trend and foresight manager at EssilorLuxottica, to share what else you should consider when purchasing glasses online.
So, you need new glasses?
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Oval, Narrow Frames
Thanks to Miu Miu, you’ve seen this tiny, narrow, and minimal frame all over your Pinterest and TikTok. Sabrina Carpenter has been spotted in the tortoiseshell frame from the brand; others, like Bella Hadid, prefer the narrow shape with delicate frames.
My favorites are from Eyebuydirect. The glasses were affordable, even with blue-light-blocking lenses added, and they’re durable. They are on the larger side, so I’d recommend getting them resized if you need or opting for a pair that offers a range of sizing. French brand Jimmy Fairly also carries a handful of oval frames you can add your prescription to. If you want the original Miu Mius, LensCrafters has them. Cut Shop editor Hanna Flanagan also swears by these very narrow blue-light lenses from Otra Eyewear.
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Oversize Frames
For every tiny pair of frames I have, I have an equally oversize pair. If you love oversize glasses, you’re in good company; style icons like Jenna Lyons, Zendaya, and Rihanna often have a pair of oversize frames on. My go-to is the Sixto from Eyebuydirect for an exaggerated shape with a thin frame. For an aviator look, Garrett Leight’s Linnie lenses come in four colors. Nordstrom Rack is also a good place to shop; just look for optical lenses, and you’ll find discounted designer frames like these from Gucci.
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Cat-eye Frames
There are so many different ways to interpret a cat-eye: thin frames, thick frames, exaggerated, understated. Years ago, a Miu Miu pair from the 2013 spring/summer collection made me obsessed with this shape. While I still haven’t found that exact frame, I love my pair from Warby Parker. Eyebuydirect and Zenni also offer affordable options. If you’re looking for a better fit, Covry offers pairs that are designed to fit the bridge of your nose better.
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FAQs
What should I look for when buying glasses online?
“Measurements matter more than most people realize (lens width, bridge fit, temple length). The difference is often in the details,” Esteves explains. “Much of the value today lies in the attention to subtle craftsmanship. Those nuances can be easy to miss online but are what truly elevate a frame, both in terms of style and comfort.”
To get a good idea of what your glasses will look like, she suggests browsing social media and taking advantage of try-on services offered by retailers.
What shape glasses should I buy?
“It’s less about rigid face-shape rules and more about what a frame can communicate,” Esteves notes. “Eyewear shapes your expression every day.” However, if you can’t decide, Esteves says the pilot is one of the most universally flattering shapes. She notes you could easily find a pair from Ray-Ban, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Versace.
What color should I choose?
Black, tortoiseshell, and gold are all classics, but if you’d like to branch out, Esteves recommends starting with tinted lenses. Or if you’re feeling bold, consider transition lenses, which our senior shopping editor, Bianca Nieves, has deemed cool again.
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Our experts
- Nina Esteves, trend and foresight manager at EssilorLuxottica
