How-to-guide
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Sunglass Fit Guide
Discover the world of sunglasses designed for optimal comfort and style with our guide to alternative fit, nose pads, and universal sunglasses. Explore our sunglass guide to find your perfect fit.
When it comes to finding the perfect sunglasses, comfort and style are not the only features that should be considered. For faces with different characteristics, alternative fit, universal fit and nose-pad sunglasses can be revolutionary. In the past few years, the eyewear world has recognised the importance of accommodating alternative fit sunglasses, and this guide will take you through all the different types of sunglasses, their fits and their benefits to cater to other facial structures.
1. Understanding Alternative Fit
For years, a standard fit would generally see clients purchase sunglasses and optic frames that wouldn’t fit correctly, causing chronic headaches from styles sitting uncomfortably, sliding down their face or sitting too high at the cheeks that would cause cheek indentations. So, what does alternative fit mean? Also known as Asian fit, this term used to relate more to individuals with Asian ethnicity who required certain fitting requirements, but throughout the years, the term alternative/Asian fit has evolved to embrace more inclusive and luxurious designs.
These styles are specifically designed for wider faces, higher cheekbones and a lower nose bridge. Alt-fit sunglasses are crafted with a modified nose bridge that will prevent the frames from sliding down your face, reduce fogging and ensuring a more secure fit. In most instances, certain frames will also include extended temples for added comfort. To identify which models are considered as an alternative fit, an ‘F’, ‘A’ or ‘Alt Fit’ will be included in the style code for a smoother shopping experience. So you don’t miss out on trending styles, we have included a collection of some of the most popular silhouettes that cater to both standard, and alternative fits.
Versace VE4361 & VE4361F
A favourite for decades, the VE4361 is one of Versace’s best-selling styles. A design inspired by hip-hop artist Biggie Smalls, this geometric silhouette is embellished with Versace’s renowned Medusa medallions at the temples that make these sunglasses so iconic. One of the more trend-setting styles, Versace introduced the VE4361F style as an alternative fit.
Maui Jim Ho’okipa & Ho’okipa Alt Fit
If you’re looking for an ever lighter wearing experience and exceptional UV protection, the Maui Jim Ho’okipa sunglasses are a sleek and rimless wraparound design made for fast-action activities. All Maui Jim lenses are polarised to ensure your eyes are shielded from the sun’s harmful UV rays as well as surface glare, making this style an ideal fit for water-based activities. Shop the much-loved Ho'okipa design in the Ho'okipa Alt Fit.
Oakley Holbrook & Holbrook (A)
Loved by sportsmen and adventurers, the Holbrooks are an iconic design by Oakley that offers a stylish alternative to a sports frame. The rectangular silhouette offers a lightweight and comfortable fit, making it the perfect style for sports performance as well as casual wear. Available in a variety of lens colours, the Holbrooks come fitted with Oakley’s renowned Prizm™ technology that helps enhance colour and contrast, as well as an exceptional viewing experience. As an alternative fit, shop the Holbrook (A) sunglasses for a more secure and tight fit.
2. Nose Pad Sunglasses
Slightly different to the alternative fit, nose pad sunglasses offer a more customised wearing experience to adapt to your nose shape. This will ensure a more comfortable and snug fit to keep your shades and optical frames securely in place even during your more active pursuits. Nose pad sunglasses provide weight distribution that is spread evenly across the nose, resulting in more reduced pressure points for an even enhanced comfort level. A variety of nose pad materials include memory foam or silicone to personalise your fit.
Polaroid PLD 2137/G/S/X
This sports-inspired design features a rectangular shape crafted with a slender metal construction that is perfect for everyday wear. As well as offering a lightweight fit, this style is fitted with polarised lenses that can help improve visual clarity in bright conditions, as well as blocking out intense glare and harmful UV rays.
Ray-Ban Jack RB3565
The Ray-Ban Jack RB3565 sunglasses boast a chic geometric silhouette that has been crafted using the most premium materials. Embracing both masculine and feminine features, this unisex style provides a lightweight fit while the glass lenses provide superior optical clarity and sharper vision.
Prada PR21YS
A bold fashion silhouette with subtle sweeping angles, the Prada PR21YS sunglasses are an elegant cat-eye shape that offers the most flattering fit. This premium acetate frame features chunky wide temples with a modern Prada metal triangle on either side for a perfect touch of luxury, enhanced with adjustable nose pads to customise your fit.
3. Universal Fit Sunglasses
Universal fit sunglasses aim to fit a wide range of face shapes and sizes. These styles are intended to be more versatile and suitable for a broader audience without the need for certain adjustments or requirements. Typically, universal fit sunglasses are crafted with features that include flexible frames, adjustable nose pads and temple arms that can be altered depending on your face dimension. These styles offer a more general fit than alternative fit or nose pad sunglasses, aiming to provide a more comfortable fit without the need for certain adjustments. The most popular style considered universal is the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer shape. As one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world, this timeless design is known for its versatility, variety of colours and modifications over the years.
Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Classic RB2132
Nothing beats a classic like the Ray-Ban New Wayfarer Classic sunglasses. Since its introduction in the 1950s, this silhouette is known as the most iconic design to grace the fashion world. Offering the best versatile fit, the Wayfarer is suited to every individual’s style and preference. Available in a large variety of colours and sizes, the Wayfarer has been a popular style amongst celebrities and fashion icons over the years.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Ease RB4340
The Wayfarer Ease boasts a fresh new take on the classic shape. Still retaining the iconic design, this updated version features a slightly thicker acetate frame without the distinctive tilt to provide a smoother sliding-on experience. Boasting a more laidback upgrade of the classic Wayfarer, this shape is easy-to-wear and offers the best universal fit and a variety of colours.
Finding the right sunglasses can be about expressing your individuality and fashion sense to elevate your everyday look, but can be difficult to ensure optimal comfort based on your facial features or certain preferences. In the large realm of sunglasses, alternative fit, nose pads and universal styles help address individual needs and requirements to optimise your wearing experience without compromising on style. Faces with higher cheekbones, narrow nose bridges and wider shapes can find the perfect fit with alternative/Asian and nose pad sunglasses whilst maintaining your unique style.