Our eyes are often called the windows to the soul, and for good reason. They tell us a lot about a person, just like the clothes someone chooses to wear. While fashion choices still matter, singles today pay just as much attention to eye contact, glasses, and visual cues when forming first impressions.
As “swipe culture” and video dates continue to become more prevalent, people have grown to rely on appearances. With less reliance on physical presence, singles use visual details — especially around the eyes — to gauge confidence, personality, and attraction. After surveying a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Americans, EZContacts found that reactions to glasses varied not only between men and women but also across different backgrounds.
Let’s look deeper into these findings to uncover how eyewear and visual appearance affect attraction, self-image, and behavior.
Key Takeaways
- 58% said glasses made someone more attractive — flipping the old stereotype that glasses make people less appealing.
- 69% of men found glasses attractive, compared to 46% of women, showing a clear gender gap.
- 44% of men were more likely to swipe right on glasses-wearers, nearly double the rate of women (24%).
- 41% of glasses-wearers removed them from dating photos, 25% skipped them on dates, and nearly one in three wore contacts instead.
- 58% said eye contact felt more intimate than physical touch, making it one of the strongest nonverbal dating cues.
- Tortoiseshell was the most attractive style for women, while Transparent/Clear stood out for men, and Oversized Fashion was ranked the least attractive.
- Frame styles carried political associations, with Bold/Colorful and Round “Retro” linked to liberals, while Classic Black and Aviators skewed conservative.
Eyewear and Attraction
Glasses have long been a divisive accessory in the dating world. For some, they signal intellect or style. For others, they may conjure outdated stereotypes or assumptions about social awkwardness. But what do today’s daters actually think?
Nearly three in five (58%) said glasses make someone more attractive. That’s not just a sign of acceptance — it’s a reversal of decades-old media tropes where TV, movies, and celebrities depicted glasses as a hindrance to beauty or confidence.
Men were far more likely than women to feel this way, with 69% finding glasses attractive compared to 46% of women. Hispanic (72%) and Black (69%) respondents were also especially optimistic about glasses, while White respondents were least likely to say they were attractive (49%).
Only 6% actively disliked glasses, but more than a third were neutral — suggesting that for many, confidence and personality mattered more than whether someone wore frames.
What Glasses Say About You
Glasses don’t just influence how we see others; they help shape how others see us, as well. Beyond attraction, eyewear sends subtle signals about personality, style, and even intent. Like clothing or jewelry, frames can be an opportunity to project identity — and people notice the difference.
Classic black frames carried the strongest associations with seriousness and confidence, making them the go-to choice for a pragmatic, put-together image. Bold and colorful frames leaned playful and flirtatious, often signaling trendiness and outgoing energy. Tortoiseshells landed in the middle, with many respondents unsure how to define them.
When it came to attraction, preferences split sharply. Classic black and transparent frames were the most reliable winners, with about one in five respondents rating each “very attractive.” Men leaned toward transparent styles, while women consistently favored tortoiseshell.
Aviators proved the most polarizing, drawing high praise from some but ranking among the least attractive for others — a reminder that style is deeply subjective. Cat-eye and oversized fashion frames also trailed, appealing to a niche few but turning off many.
Glasses, then, are more than a finishing touch. They shape first impressions, influence attraction, and help set the tone for connection.
Swiping Without Specs
Even with growing appreciation for glasses, many wearers still felt pressure to hide them in dating settings. Of our respondents, 41% admitted to removing their glasses in profile photos or switching to contacts to look more attractive.
That self-editing didn’t stop online. Nearly one in five (17%) said they had skipped glasses altogether during previous in-person dates, and another quarter admitted they would consider it — even if it meant struggling to see.
Yet those efforts may be misplaced. Glasses often give people an edge on dating apps: 35% of singles said they’re more likely to swipe right on someone wearing glasses, compared to just 8% who said they’re less likely. Men were especially receptive (45% more likely vs. 26% of women), suggesting that what many feel self-conscious about may actually boost their chances.
It’s a common phenomenon that people will present themselves in the best possible way on dating profile pictures — even if it isn’t a realistic depiction of what they look like daily. That said, our data indicates that many people may not even notice the difference between photos with or without glasses. In fact, many would prefer someone with glasses.
Date Night Trade-offs: Style Over Sight
For glasses wearers, date night decisions often extend beyond outfits and conversation. Nearly 30% said they’ve worn contacts specifically for a date, prioritizing looks over convenience.
That trade-off was most common among non-White respondents. More than four in five Asian participants had gone without glasses on a first date, along with 78% of Hispanic and 75% of Black respondents. White respondents were the least likely to do so.
The takeaway? First impressions often outweigh practicality. Even if it meant sacrificing clear vision, many daters felt that looking confident mattered more than seeing clearly.
Eye Contact and Emotional Intimacy
Eye contact can be a sign of confidence or flirtation — but it’s also deeply personal. It can spark a connection faster than conversation and create a sense of closeness in a first meeting.
Nearly three in five respondents (59%) agreed that eye contact feels more intimate than physical touch. Women were especially likely to feel this way (62% compared to 55% of men), underscoring the role of eyes as a key signal of interest.
Since women were more likely than men to value eye contact as intimate, men who lean into steady, confident eye contact may find it an especially effective way to stand out.
This can be a tangible way partners can connect. In online dating apps, practices like using AI chatbots to start conversations with other users have been on the rise, making people feel uncertain about what interactions are actually genuine. However, in reality, meeting in person and looking into each other’s eyes can be a way people can build trust in connection, cutting through the online noise of insincerity.
The Politics of Eyewear
For many people in the dating pool, politics can be a significant deal-breaker. According to a 2025 NPR survey, over 60% of those who are 18 to 29 believed that it was important to date someone within their same political party. Because politics can be such a significant value to look for — among religion, family, and work ethic — many use visual cues to help avoid any awkward conversations about party lines. For some, these visual cues come from something as rudimentary as the style of glass frames.
For instance, respondents linked aviators, classic black frames, and rimless/wire glasses with conservatives, while bold and round retro frames leaned liberal. Nearly half said tortoiseshell frames carried no clear political signal, underscoring how subjective these associations can be. Even something as simple as a pair of glasses can spark assumptions about values and compatibility.
Eyewear Tips to Crack the Dating Game
In our research, there was a distinct difference between what men and women preferred from the other sex when dating. This kind of insight can give you a better picture of how your other half may be thinking while staring deeply into your eyes.
Tips for Men
For men, glasses can be a double-edged sword — appealing to some women, but not to all. Before your next date, consider using the following gender-based insights we gathered from our research:
- Consider contacts for first impressions. Women were less likely to find glasses attractive (46% vs. 69%), making contacts a strong option.
- Stick to classics. If you do decide to wear glasses, stick to reliable styles like black and tortoiseshell frames, as they are rated highest among women.
- Lean into confidence. Rimless and black frames signaled confidence and seriousness — traits women valued.
Even though men may see glasses as simply a way to correct their vision, our data indicates that women are more perceptive and hold more value in each choice.
Tips for Women
As opposed to women’s preferences, men often preferred women with glasses. To them, glasses can be an opportunity to add personality. Here are some other insights single women may find intriguing:
- Play up your glasses. Among the survey’s respondents, 69% of men said they find glasses attractive.
- Experiment with style. Transparent and bold frames stood out most, while classic black remained a trusted pick.
- Go easy on oversized fashion. Men rated them among the least attractive styles, suggesting moderation is best.
- Show personality through frames. Cat-eye and bold styles read as playful or flirty; tortoiseshell stayed safely neutral.
Just like any other article of clothing, glasses can be an opportunity for women to highlight their beauty rather than hide it.
Looking Into Love
Our research shows how much visual presentation shapes modern dating. From profile photos to first dates, glasses carry more weight than many realize. They influence attraction, spark assumptions about personality, and even hint at politics or values.
But dating isn’t only about how we see others — it’s about how we feel seen. Eyewear may frame the face, but the eyes tell the story. Whether it’s the intimacy of eye contact or the quiet signals of a frame style, what we reveal (or conceal) can shape connection long before anyone speaks a word.
Methodology
EZContacts surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults in August 2025. All participants were single or actively dating. The sample was designed to be nationally representative by age and gender, with additional analysis by ethnicity.
About EZContacts
EZContacts is an online retailer of prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and sunglasses. With a focus on affordability, style, and quality, we help people express themselves clearly — visually and emotionally.
Fair Use Statement
This article is based on proprietary research conducted by EZContacts. You may reuse this content for noncommercial purposes with proper attribution and a link back to our original article.
