What Are the Different Types of Glasses Frames?

Ready for a new pair of glasses but can't decide on what types of frames you want? We're here to help.

Below, we'll go over the different types of eyeglasses frames and the materials they're made of so you can choose the best frames for your needs and lifestyle.

Glasses Frame Styles

You need glasses that not only meet your vision needs, but also make you look good. The right type of glasses frames will depend on your personal style. Let's go over the different options.

Full-Rimmed

Full-rimmed eyeglasses have a rim that encircles the entire lens, creating a distinct boundary between the lens and the face. Considered by many to be the most classic and versatile type of glasses frame, full-rimmed eyeglass frames are often chosen by those who want a more traditional or conservative look.

Semi-Rimless

Semi-rimless eyeglass frames only have a rim over the top part of the lens, leaving the bottom part rimless. Semi-rimless frames are considered more modern and sophisticated. This glasses frame style is often chosen by those who want a balance between a classic and contemporary look, as well as those who want to minimize the visual weight of their glasses.

Rimless

Rimless glasses have no rim around the lenses, creating a nearly invisible, minimalist look. Rimless frames have a sleek, sophisticated appearance that is often chosen by those looking for a professional and minimalist style.

Low Bridge

Low bridge eyeglass frames are specially designed to accommodate those with a lower nose bridge or a flatter face structure. Low bridge frames are practical, comfortable, and can fit multiple styles, making them a popular choice among those individuals who put a premium on comfort and functionality.

Wire

Wire eyeglass frames are made from thin metal wires, giving a lightweight and minimalist look. Wire frames are versatile enough to be both classic and trendy, meaning that anyone who wants a lightweight, unobtrusive option can find the look that they want, whether it's more professional or more casual and laidback.

Types of Glasses Frame Materials

Different types of glasses frame materials are better suited to different looks and lifestyles. Luckily, we offer a wide variety of choices, meaning that you can find frames that offer the durability, comfort, and style that you need.

Types of Metal Glasses Frames

Aluminum

Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and strong. This makes aluminum frames durable, lightweight, and suitable for humid environments, and also provides a modern and sleek look.

Aluminum frames are ideal for those looking for lightweight frames with a contemporary, minimalist style.

Titanium

Titanium glasses frames are durable, yet flexible and lightweight. They are also hypoallergenic. These frames are ideal for individuals who desire a lightweight, durable frame, with a high-end look, as well as those who have metal allergies.

Beryllium

Beryllium glasses frames are comparable in strength to titanium frames, but often at a much lower cost.

Beryllium frames withstand wear and tear very well and are also hypoallergenic. They are ideal for those looking for the durability of metal frames but who want a lower cost, less weight, or who have metal allergies.

Flexon

Flexon is a “memory metal” that returns to its original shape after being bent or twisted. This makes Flexon frames extremely flexible and durable, while still being lightweight.

Flexon frames are ideal for individuals with an active lifestyle or for those who are prone to accidentally bending or breaking their frames.

Monel

Monel is an alloy primarily composed of nickel and copper. This makes Monel frames corrosion-resistant and strong and gives them a shiny, attractive appearance, all at an affordable price.

Those who want a sturdy frame with a classic, metallic look at a good price often choose Monel.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel frames are corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic. They tend to be slightly heavier—and cheaper-than Beryllium and titanium frames.

These types of glasses frames are ideal for those with metal allergies, as well as those who want a balance of strength, durability, and contemporary design.

Types of Non-Metal Glasses Frames

Acetate

Acetate is a type of plastic that is made from natural sources, often the cellulose from plants. Acetate frames are hypoallergenic, lightweight and are produced in a wide range of colors and patterns.

These glasses frames can be shaped in many ways, which allows for nearly limitless designs. Acetate frames are an ideal choice for those looking lightweight, hypoallergenic frames with a specific look, color, or design.

Nylon

Nylon is a highly flexible and durable synthetic polymer. Nylon frames are hypoallergenic, lightweight, flexible, and damage-resistant.

These frames can withstand impact and bending, making them an ideal choice for individuals with an active lifestyle, as well as for participation in sports and other activities that put frames at risk for breakage.

Different Types of Glasses Frames Shapes

Different shapes of eyeglass frames are better suited to different face shapes. If you are unsure of your face shape, check out our face shape guide.

• Aviator - Aviator frames enclose a teardrop-shaped lens in a thin metal frame. The curves of the teardrop soften angular features and work well with oval, square, or heart-shaped faces.
• Browline - Browline frames mimic eyebrows with a heavier upper frame. These frames add a distinctive, intellectual look and can balance facial proportions and complement oval, round, or square faces.
• Cat-Eye - Cat-eye frames sweep up and away at the outer edges. These frames add glamour and lift to the eyes and are ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces.
• Geometric - Geometric frames have unconventional shapes like hexagons or octagons. These frames add a modern, fashion-forward touch and are well suited to oval or round faces.
• Horn - Horn frames have a distinctive horn-like shape at the temples. These frames have a classic, retro vibe that is very versatile and can complement a variety of face shapes.
• Oval - Oval frames are rounded and elongated. These frames add balance and soften angular features, making them well-suited for square or rectangular faces.
• Oversized - Oversized frames are larger than normal. These frames make a fashion-forward, dramatic statement and highlight creativity for those with a variety of face shapes.
• Rectangle - Rectangle frames are straight and angular, with sharp edges. These frames have a classic and professional look and provide structure and balance to round faces.
• Round - Round frames are circular. These frames add retro or vintage style and soften features, making them a great choice for square or angular faces.
• Square - Square frames have equal width and height. These frames provide a strong, confident look and add structure and boldness, making them well-suited for round or oval faces.

Choosing the Right Types of Glasses Frames for Your Lifestyle

When deciding what the right type of glasses frames works for you, you need to take a number of factors into consideration. Some of the most important include:

• Face Shape - Different frame shapes better complement different face shapes.
• Frame size - Frame size should be proportional to face size.
• Skin tone - Frames that complement your skin tone enhance your overall appearance.
• Lifestyle - Certain frames are better suited to certain lifestyles. For example, durable frames are better suited to active lifestyles, and classic-looking frames are better suited to professional settings.
• Comfort - Frames should fit well and feel comfortable on all parts of your face.
• Prescription - Certain frames may not work will all glasses prescriptions.
• Style preferences - You should wear frames that you like the look of and that match your personal style.
• Durability - Certain frame materials are more durable and resistant to humidity, corrosion, and breakage.
• Budget - Types of glasses frames are priced differently, depending on the designer, materials, and style.

Find Frames for Every Lifestyle at Pearle Vision

At Pearle Vision, we keep our selection of glasses frames fresh so you can find the style that's perfect for your preferences and needs. You'll find your favorite designer glasses frames, such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Coach, Vogue, and more.

Our eyecare experts are here to help you find the perfect pair to suit your lifestyle, budget, and face shape.

And our quality guarantee doesn't end when you leave. Come in anytime and we'll realign your eyeglasses frames, clean them and replace worn nose pads free of charge, so you'll always leave feeling as good as you look.

If you're ready to pick out your perfect pair of frames, find a Pearle Vision EyeCare Center near you today and schedule and appointment.

Types of Glasses Frames FAQs

Are there different types of frames for glasses?

Yes, there are different types of frames for glasses, which come in a variety of styles (e.g. fullrim, semi rimless, wire), shapes (e.g. aviator, round, cat-eye) and materials (e.g. titanium, Flexon, acetate). The type that's best for you will depend on your lifestyle, personal style, and budget.

What are the different types of eyeglass frame materials?

The different types of glasses frame materials can be divided into metal and non-metal categories. Some of the most common types of metal glasses frames include:

• Aluminum
• Beryllium
• Flexon
• Monel
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium

Some of the major types of non-metal glasses frames include:

• Acetate
• Nylon

What type of glasses frames should I get?

The only way for you to know what time of glasses frames that you should get is to consult with an expert. At Pearle Vision, an eyecare expert will be able to show you what types of glasses frames are available with your prescription, and can help you decide what materials, styles, and shapes, work best for you and your lifestyle. Find a Pearle Vision EyeCare Center near you today and schedule an appointment so that we can help you see and look better.

Do I need to pick out lenses before I pick out frames?

In general, the answer is yes, you will need to pick out eyeglass lenses before eyeglass frames. This is because the lenses you require will impact what frame options are available to you. Check out our resources to find out more about eyeglass lenses.