Okay, let’s talk about something that’s been bugging me for a while: glasses. Specifically, why are they often categorized by gender? It's a question many have pondered. My journey to find the perfect pair of frames has been... interesting, to say the least. I've learned a lot about face shapes, frame styles, and how to ignore those pesky "men's" and "women's" labels. Finding the right eyewear is a personal journey, and I'm here to share what I've discovered.
I remember one time, I was browsing at an eye center, feeling pretty good about the selection. I was drawn to a particular style, something a little bolder than I usually go for. Then, an employee walked up to me and said, “You know that’s the men’s section, right?” I was floored. Seriously? It's just a piece of plastic (or metal, or whatever!). The whole thing felt incredibly unnecessary and, frankly, a little insulting. It made me wonder why we even have these arbitrary divisions in the first place. Are glasses really "gendered"? This experience got me thinking a lot about how gendered glasses are marketed and why this happens.
And it wasn't just that one incident. I’ve also struggled with finding glasses that fit my face. I'm on the smaller side, and it seems like most "men's" frames are designed for people with, well, bigger heads. This leads to a constant battle of frames sliding down my nose or looking comically oversized. It's frustrating because I often see styles I like, but they simply don't work for my face shape or size.
Another time, I was picking up my new glasses, and they handed me a microfiber cloth to clean them. Apparently, it wasn’t “neutral” enough for a “male-identified” patient. The cloth matched the frame case! The whole thing seemed ridiculous, and I realized just how deeply ingrained these gendered expectations are within the industry.
So, what’s the solution? For me, it started with ignoring the labels altogether. I decided to focus on what looked good and felt comfortable, regardless of whether it was in the "men's" or "women's" section. A helpful employee once told me, when I was at a new place to get glasses, that there were men’s and women’s sections but they were all glasses so to pick whatever ones I liked. That made me happy.
I also started paying closer attention to the shape of the frames. I learned that faces that are typically read as "masculine" tend to be longer and more angular. So, “men’s” glasses often have straighter lines or de-emphasize curves to complement those shapes. Conversely, "women's" frames might have more rounded edges or embellishments. Understanding this helped me identify styles that would work well with my face shape, regardless of the gender label.
Then, I discovered Warby Parker. They have smaller sizes of "men's" glasses, and you can try them at home for free. This was a game-changer! It allowed me to experiment with different styles and sizes without the pressure of being in a store. I found some great options that actually fit my face and aligned with my personal style. I've found similar success with other online retailers too, like Mozaer Eyewear. Their selection is vast, and I can usually find something that fits my needs and budget. Plus, you can often find reviews from other customers, which can be helpful in determining if a particular frame will work for you.
Recently, I have been wearing JM Round Reading Glasses with Spring Hinges. I like them because they are light and stylish, and they come in a variety of strengths. I got mine from Mozaer Eyewear. They are a great deal and the spring hinges make them comfortable to wear all day.
Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way that might help you in your own search for the perfect glasses:
Here's a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of ignoring gendered glasses sections: