How ‎To Choose the Right Glasses for Small Faces

All standard eyeglasses seem oversized. They slide down your nose, rest on your cheeks, or make you look like you're borrowing someone else's eyewear. If you have a small face, frame shopping can feel like a never-ending Goldilocks test where everything is just a little too big.

Here's what you need to know:

Small faces are youthful and expressive, and can be stunning in frames when they’re fitted correctly. At Stoggles, we care about how fashionable our eyewear looks and how it functions, especially for people with small heads and features that don’t quite fit the one-size-fits-most approach.

Let’s discuss how to measure a small face, what to look for in frames, and which styles fit your face shape while providing adequate protection to your eyes.

Do I Have a Small Face Shape?

Most people don't measure their face until they begin having problems with their glasses. Below are some signs that you have a small face:

• The arms of most glasses stick out instead of following your head's natural contour

• Frames always feel too big; even medium-sized frames don't fit properly

• Nosepads are too far apart; glasses are constantly falling off your face

• Glasses stick out noticeably farther than the side of your face.

Small faces aren't a problem. They just need frames with better proportions and thoughtful designs.

Frame Size 101: Why Measurements Matter More Than Labels

Labels such as "small," "medium," and "large" are not always accurate representations for people with small faces. The actual width and length measurements of the frames provide the best representation to determine whether a pair of frames fits your face properly. The three measurements required to find the right fit are:

• Lens Width: Wider lenses can create that “bug-eyed” look and overwhelm small features.

• Bridge Width: A smaller bridge width helps prevent slipping, especially if your nose is narrow.

• Temple Length: Properly sized temple arms shouldn’t hang off your ears. They should feel comfortable and secure without putting pressure on your head or temples.

When you start reading the numbers instead of the size labels, you stop guessing and start finding frames that actually fit your face instead of fighting it.

Frame Shapes That Work Especially Well on Small Faces

The goal isn't to make your face look bigger. It's to balance proportions and avoid letting frames wear you.

Round and Soft-Edged Frames

Small, round, or soft-edged glasses are an excellent way to add personality to your face without overwhelming it. Thicker rims are also a great way to maintain your sense of proportion while providing a little extra style.

Compact Square and Rectangle Frames

Compact glasses with a slight angular edge will provide structure and definition to a small face. Choose compact glasses that are slightly narrower than your usual size, with shorter lenses that don’t cover your cheeks or hide their natural shape.

Subtle Cat-Eye Frames

Cat-eye eyeglasses that have a gentle upturn will give your face a lift and make your eyes and eyebrows stand out. Go for the more delicate versions of cat-eye glasses rather than the ones that have a more exaggerated out-turned appearance past the temples.

What To Be Careful With: Oversized Frames

Although oversized eyeglasses are a popular fashion statement, they may not be the best option for very small faces. Consider the oversized style as an intentional fashion statement rather than an everyday option.

Bottom line: let the frames fit you first and the trend second. When the proportions are right, your glasses look intentional and elevated, never like they’re wearing you.

Fit Details That Make a Big Difference on Small Faces

Even small tweaks in fit can make a big difference in both comfort and appearance.

Bridge Fit and Nose Support

A bridge that is too wide will require you to constantly adjust your glasses. Look for adjustable nose pads or narrower bridges.

Lens Height and Brow Line

If your lens height is too high, it will either rest on your cheeks or cover your eyebrows. Select a lens height that aligns with your eyebrow shape.

Temple Arm Placement

If the hinges on your temple arms are too far away from your natural temple line, the arms will curve out and never fit securely.

When all three work together, your glasses stop feeling like something you’re fighting and start feeling like they were actually made for your face.

How Stoggles Frames Support Small Faces

Stoggles combine comfort, style, and protection in your everyday eyewear. Many of our styles are designed specifically for smaller faces, with tapered lines and integrated side and top shields that add protection without looking bulky.

Our lenses are impact-resistant and feature built-in UV and blue-light protection. The integrated side and top shields help keep dirt, splashes, and debris out of your eyes, so you don’t have to compromise between eyewear that fits and eyewear that protects.

For those who wear prescription eyewear, you can now wear Stoggles and avoid the hassle of carrying two different pairs of eyewear. Certain styles are also available with tinted lenses for added sun protection.

Quick Fit Checklist for Small Faces

When trying on glasses, pay attention to the following:

• The frames should not extend very far beyond the side of your face.

• Your eyebrows should be visible and not completely hidden.

• The bridge should feel secure and should not pinch or slide down your nose.

• Frames should not touch your cheeks when you are smiling.

• Temple arms should conform to your head and curve back behind your ears without flaring.

Make sure to move, smile, and look down while trying on glasses. Real life involves much more motion than a simple selfie.

The Little-Face Advantage

 

Smaller faces have a larger-than-life personality, and the right frame shape can highlight that instead of hiding it. When you’re looking for eyewear that fits a smaller face, it’s less about finding the tiniest frame possible and more about choosing well-designed proportions that enhance your features and protect your eyesight.

Smaller faces have big personalities; your glasses should match it, not hide it. Find your fit in the Stoggles collection for small faces and stop settling for frames that are just “close enough.”