Which glasses are modern, and which suit you? With glasses for men, three things count more than short-lived trends: the shape, the material and the right size. Here you will see which frame shapes for men last, how to choose material and head width, and what looks good at work. For outdoors there is a separate article: Men’s Sunglasses: Trends, Shapes and Styles That Last.
Key points at a glance
- Modern glasses for men use shapes that last: rectangle, trapeze, panto, aviator and browline. Understated and well fitting beats flashy.
- Acetate looks bold and colourful, metal looks fine, and titanium is especially light.
- The measurements are on the inside of the arm, for example 52□18 140. If the arms press, the frame is too small. With a broad head, overall width and arm length count.
- At work, understated shapes in black, havana, grey or gold look serious. In manual trades, sturdy frames are practical.
Trendy glasses for men: modern shapes that last
Glasses trends for men come and go, but the basic shapes stay. Modern, fashionable glasses for men live on proportions and one detail, such as a subtle colour, a double bridge or a fine metal rim. Cool, stylish glasses are not the loudest ones but the ones that suit the face, so the latest men’s eyewear styles rarely break with the classics. These frame shapes have been popular for years:
| Frame shape | Look | Suits especially |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangle and square | clean, sober and classic | round faces |
| Trapeze (Wayfarer style) | angular, distinctive and retro | round and oval faces |
| Panto and round | soft, timeless and versatile | angular and oval faces |
| Aviator | sporty yet elegant, usually metal, often with a double bridge | oval, angular and heart-shaped faces |
| Browline | heavy top rim, fine lower rim, retro look | round and triangular faces |
The rule of thumb is contrast: round faces can take angular frames, angular faces soft curves. Oval faces suit almost any frame shape. The guide What Glasses Suit My Face? Frames for Every Face Shape explains every face shape in detail.
Material: acetate, metal or titanium?
The material shapes the look of men’s glasses and how comfortable they are to wear:
- Acetate and plastic: allow bold colours and distinctive shapes, such as havana, transparent or black.
- Metal: looks fine, in gold, silver or black. Metal frames usually have adjustable nose pads that an optician can fit to your nose.
- Titanium: is especially light and worth considering if you wear your glasses all day.
- Mixed constructions: a plastic front with a metal bridge or metal arms combines both looks.
With stronger prescriptions, smaller lenses are usually the better choice, because large lenses become thicker and heavier.
Frame size and head width: how men’s glasses should fit
Men’s frames are often a little wider than women’s frames, so pay particular attention to lens width and bridge width. They are printed on the inside of the arm together with the arm length, for example 52□18 140: 52 millimetres of lens width, 18 millimetres of bridge width and 140 millimetres of arm length. Compare the numbers with a pair of glasses that fit you well.
Glasses are too small if the arms press at the temples or splay outwards and leave marks. They are too big if they slip and your eyes are not roughly in the middle of the lenses. If you have a broad head, overall width and arm length count most. In the shop you can filter the selection by head width. You will find measurements and tips in the article Glasses for big heads.
Glasses at work: style for the office, client meetings and workshop
- Office and screen: All day long, low weight and a fit that does not press count, for example light metal or titanium frames.
- Client meetings and suits: Understated shapes in black, havana, grey or gold look serious without being boring. Rectangle, panto and fine metal rims are safe choices.
- Manual trades and movement: Sturdy frames made of flexible plastic slip less. For training, sports glasses are worth it.
If you need varifocal lenses, the frame needs a certain lens height. If in doubt, ask your optician. You will find more on everyday life, colour and style in the type test What Glasses Suit Me?
Men’s glasses: models available now
Here is a cross-section of the current men’s selection in the shop, sorted by style. Not every model is available in every colour.
- Ray-Ban: Wayfarer Ease (RX4340V), Alain (RX7239), Elliot (RX5397), RX3928V and RX3768V.
- Oakley: Holbrook RX (OX8156) in an angular shape, the sporty Crosslink Zero (OX8076), plus Pitchman R (OX8105), Pitchman R Carbon (OX8149), Centerboard, HSTN RX, Hex Jector, Wheel House, Wingfold EVR and Rafter.
- Classic, elegant and understated: Polo Ralph Lauren (PH2083), Emporio Armani (EA1041) and Marc O’Polo (MP 503171, MP 503084), plus Calvin Klein (CKJ25631) and Esprit (ET17422).
- Designer glasses for men: Tom Ford (FT5737-B, FT5294), Dolce & Gabbana (DG3415) and Persol (PO3007V).
Ray-Ban RX3928V 2500£86.72Ray-Ban RX3928V 2501£86.72Ray-Ban ALAIN (RX7239 2001)£60.15Ray-Ban Wayfarer Ease (RX4340V 2000)£69.58Oakley HOLBROOK RX (OX8156 815601)£63.00Polo PH2083 5007£75.88Ray-Ban RX3768V 2500£68.37Oakley CENTERBOARD (OX8163 816303)£64.20Frequently asked questions about modern men’s glasses
Which frame shape suits men best?
It depends mostly on your face: contrast usually works best, and with an oval face almost any shape suits you. It also matters that the frame is the right width for your head.
Metal or plastic: which is better?
Neither. Metal looks finer, plastic is bolder and more colourful. Titanium is the lightest choice. Your daily life and the look you like decide.
Can I wear modern frames with varifocal lenses?
Yes, if the frame is tall enough. Whether a model is suitable is best clarified with your optician.
