Sunglasses Frame Size Guide
Understand the four key sunglasses measurements — lens width, bridge, temple length and total frame width — so you can spec and communicate fit accurately.
The four measurements that define frame size
Every sunglass frame is described by a small set of millimeter measurements, usually printed on the inside of the temple in the format lens–bridge–temple (for example, 54□18–145). Understanding these numbers lets you communicate fit precisely with your factory, build a coherent size run across your range, and answer customer fit questions with confidence.
- Lens width (eye size) — the horizontal width of one lens at its widest point, in millimeters. Typically 48-62mm. This is the single most important number for overall frame scale.
- Bridge width — the distance between the two lenses, across the nose. Typically 14-21mm. A larger bridge suits a wider or higher nose; a smaller bridge suits narrow noses and prevents slipping.
- Temple length — the length of the arm from the hinge to the tip, including the bend that sits over the ear. Typically 135-150mm, with 140-145mm most common.
- Total frame width — the overall horizontal width of the front, hinge to hinge (or end-to-end). This should roughly match the wearer's face width; it is the best single indicator of whether a frame will look proportionate.
Two secondary measurements matter for certain styles: lens height (vertical lens dimension, important for cat-eye, shield and Rx fitting) and base curve (the curvature of the lens/front, 6-base for casual, 8-base for wraparound sport).
Reference sizing table
Indicative measurement ranges by frame size. Use these to build a size run or to match a customer to the right SKU. Custom dimensions are available on OEM orders.
How to measure a sample pair
- Lens width — lay the frame face-down and measure the horizontal span of one lens at its widest point, edge to edge.
- Bridge — measure the gap between the two lenses at the closest point across the nose.
- Temple — straighten one arm and measure from the hinge screw to the very tip, following the bend over the ear.
- Total width — measure the overall front width from the outermost edge of one side to the other (or hinge to hinge, and note which).
- Lens height — measure the vertical dimension of one lens at its tallest point (important for cat-eye, shield and Rx).
When you brief a custom order, give us all four (or five) numbers, or send a physical reference pair. If you only know your customer's face width, the total frame width should be within about 3mm of it for a balanced look. For prescription-ready frames, also confirm lens height and base curve so your optical lab can glaze the lenses.
Frame width vs face width
The most reliable fit signal is total frame width relative to face width (measured temple-to-temple across the cheekbones). A frame slightly wider than the face reads as confident and modern; a frame narrower than the face looks undersized and can pinch. We tune temple length and lens height to create distinct men's, women's and unisex SKUs from a single frame family — a cost-efficient way to build a full size run.