Glasses for big heads come down to a few millimetres: if the frame is narrower than your face, the arms press and the glasses sit crooked. Here is how to spot a frame that is too small, which measurements matter and what to check when you buy online.
Key points at a glance
- A frame is too small if the arms press, splay outwards or do not reach behind your ears.
- The arm shows lens width, bridge width and arm length, for example 56□18 145. For a wide head, total frame width matters most.
- In the shop, size XL starts above 140 mm frame width.
Glasses too small or too narrow? How to tell
Most frames are made for average head sizes. These signs suggest yours are too narrow:
- The arms press against the sides of your head or behind your ears, or splay outwards.
- The arms are too short: the ends rest on your ears instead of behind them, and the glasses slide forward or sit crooked.
- Your face sticks out beyond the frame at the sides, or your eyes sit much closer to the outer edge of the lenses.
Glasses for big heads: the measurements that matter
How to read the numbers on the arm
The key numbers are on the inside of the arm, usually next to the model number and colour code. If it says 56□18 145, that is a lens width of 56 mm, a bridge width of 18 mm and an arm length of 145 mm. The product page in the shop shows all three values too.
| Measurement | What it describes | For a big head |
|---|---|---|
| Total frame width | Outer edge to outer edge, measured with a ruler | about as wide as your face at temple height |
| Bridge width | Gap between the lenses, rests on the nose | depends on your nose, not your head |
| Arm length | Hinge to arm tip | longer (e.g. 145 or 150 mm) often sits more comfortably |
Total frame width: the key measurement for a wide head
For a wide head, total frame width decides most: roughly twice the lens width plus the bridge width plus the frame edges, so 130 mm plus edges for 56□18. In the shop, glasses are sorted by frame width: S (under 130 mm), M (130 to 135 mm), L (136 to 140 mm) and XL (over 140 mm). For a wide head, look at L and XL.
Big glasses are not automatically wide: oversized frames have large lenses, but not necessarily a wide front or long arms. More in Retro Trend: Oversized Glasses.
How to find your glasses size
Read the numbers on the arm of your most comfortable pair and measure its total width with a ruler. Alternatively, measure your face width at temple height. If the pair presses, choose a wider front or longer arms next time.
Shape matters as well as size. Read more in Which glasses frames suit my shape of face?
Which shapes and materials suit a wide head?
Frames with a wide, straight front tend to work best, such as rectangular and square shapes or large aviators. Small round or oval frames quickly look too narrow on a wide face. Two details help as well:
- Spring hinges give a little when you put the glasses on and adapt better to a wide head.
- Longer arms reach safely behind the ears. What counts is the distance from the hinge to your ear.
In the shop, brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Carrera, Boss and Tommy Hilfiger have models in size XL.
Sunglasses for big heads: tips for men and women
Sunglasses often come in one size only. The same measurements apply, plus three points:
- Strongly curved sports styles sit close to the face and often feel tight on a big head. Flatter fronts with arms running straight back leave more room.
- Choose the bigger size: some classics come in a larger cut, such as the Ray-Ban Aviator Large or the Oakley Holbrook XL.
- Check UV protection: look for the UV400 marking and the CE mark.
Measurements matter more than the target group: women with a big head can also look at unisex and men’s models. More ideas for men: Trendy Eyewear for Modern Men.
Buying glasses for a big head online
Compare the values of your most comfortable pair with the product page. On the product lists, use the head-width filter (narrow, normal, wide) or the size filter, and shortlist two models instead of choosing on looks alone.
Oakley RAFTER (OX8178 817803)£60.18
Ray-Ban RX5435 2000£64.34
Timberland TB1673 020£56.32
Tom Ford FT6058-B 051£160.26
Ray-Ban RX8901 5263£91.26
Oakley ENIGMA INK (OX8190 819001)£83.58
Tom Ford FT6058-B 001£160.26
Michael Kors MONTREUX (MK4123U 3005)£75.31FAQ: glasses and sunglasses for big heads
Which arm length do I need for a big head?
It depends on the distance from hinge to ear. Many frames have arms of around 140 mm; for big heads, 145 to 150 mm often fits better. The safest way is to measure a pair that fits well.
Can an optician make glasses that are too small bigger?
Only the arms can be adjusted; the width of the frame stays the same. If it is too narrow, you need a bigger model.
