If you’re buying for someone else or purchasing for yourself for the first time, you might wonder what the difference between men’s glasses vs women’s glasses actually is. Glasses are a functional purchase aren’t they? The design differences can’t be that big surely? The truth is a lot more complicated these days than it’s ever been actually. Men’s prescription glasses and women’s varieties might still have some intrinsic differences, however, the lines are becoming more blurred than ever before.
We live in a fun and exciting age of gender neutral dress styles, with fashion a free-for-all space where expression and individuality are at an all time high, which has, of course, seeped significantly into. This article will break down the traditional difference between men’s and women’s glasses frames, while also touching on the rise of unisex designs and the blurring of lines.
Traditional size & fit differences
The first area that you’re likely to see differences between men’s and women’s glasses is in the size and fit areas, reflective of biological differences between the sexes.
Men’s glasses have size and fit characteristics such as:
- Generally larger and wider for broader facial features and wider heads
- Wider bridge measurements
- Longer temple arms to accommodate for face distance to the back of ears
Women’s glasses tend to be sized and fit in ways such as:
- Generally smaller and more delicate in scale for narrower faces
- Narrower bridge measurements
- Often shorter temple arms
It’s vital to remember that these are just generalisations, with face shape and size differing hugely among individuals of any sex or gender identity. Glasses should always be chosen for how they fit the individual’s face.
Gendered frame shape differences
When it comes to the kinds of frames you’ll see in men’s glasses vs women’s glasses, there are a few common shapes that you might be more likely to see in traditional markets.
Men might be more likely to be sold:
- Angular, structured and rectangular shapes
- Square frames for a professional, almost intellectual aesthetic
- Aviators, for that classic Top Gun look
- Wayfarers are a traditionally masculine choice, associated with James Dean
Women’s traditional shapes tend to include:
- More curvy, rounded edges with delicate proportions
- Cat-eye designs are distinctly feminine by nature
- Oval frames can often be part of an artsy feminine look
- Generally, larger, more dramatic shapes are considered feminine
These are some of the traditional differences between men’s and women’s shapes in terms of sales.
Differences in colours & patterns
This is reflected in most men’s and women’s traditional fashion. Men’s styles generally come in more subdued and natural tones, with silvery/black metallics and earthy tones exemplified on subtle patterns. Women’s glasses, much like their clothes in general, are given license to be more vibrant in terms of both colours and designs, with bright shades, noticeable tortoiseshells and animal prints, along with gold often used. This is also reflected in the use of detailing and accessories.
Can men wear women’s glasses? (and vice versa)
So, are you a lady wondering, “Can a woman wear men’s glasses?” or the other way around? The short answer is yes, of course, you can. We live in an era where men’s glasses vs women’s glasses is probably one of the least significant areas in which lines of fashion have been blurred.
Artists like Young Thug and Billie Eilish have followed in the footsteps of artists like Prince before them and challenged gender roles to a degree that has had a significant influence across pop cultural lines. Glasses are just one of the ways people can challenge traditional gender roles in today’s fashion landscape, with individuality the name of the game.
Now, things like face shape-complementary shapes, skin tone colour matching and size considerations are still going to play a part in what looks best on your face, but the label on a pair of glasses should be the least of your concerns. Pick a pair that suits you and makes you happy and wear them with pride, however you live the rest of your life!
You might enjoy reading more fashion tips here/
