Sick of your glasses slipping down your nose?
That’s one of the many signs that your frames are not a fit for your face. Or rather, your high nose bridge. And no, it’s not your nose’s fault.
Searching for eyewear for high nose bridges can sometimes feel frustrating because many glasses don’t account for this nose type. Yes, it’s exclusionary; all noses should be considered.
But rest assured, there are some top tips and styles for you to try.
What Is a High Nose Bridge?
For those who are new to either glasses or learning about high nose bridges, here’s a breakdown of this nose type.
- Your nose bridge is the bony bit that’s between your eyes.
- Some people have a low nose bridge, which starts further down the face, often at or below the pupils.
- A high nose bridge is the opposite. It may look prominent in profile, and it begins higher up the face, typically near the eyebrows.
Having a high nose bridge is perfectly normal and common in many regions of the world. Noses and nose shapes more broadly vary globally, so there really isn’t a ‘standard’ nose. A high nose bridge isn’t a medical condition either.
But since most glasses are designed with typical (medium-to-low nose bridges), you could struggle to find frames that fit.
Why Well-Fitting Glasses Change Everything
Although there isn’t much eyewear for high bridges specifically, there are tips to follow to find well-fitting glasses.
Many common frames sit too high on your nose. This can throw off the overall fit by pushing your glasses up your face. The outcome isn’t particularly flattering or comfortable. It might look like your glasses are kind of floating on your nose.
When glasses put too much pressure on a very small part of the nose rather than distributing the weight more evenly, you can end up with those little red marks. You know the ones, they look like little wounds. And the worst part is that this pressure can actually hurt.
That’s why choosing glasses designed or adjusted for your nose bridge can lead to a more flattering and comfortable fit. A good fit also means a better chance of your lenses actually aligning properly with your eyes, leading to better vision.
If you wear your glasses all day, comfort and clarity should be your top priorities.
Good Options for a High Nose Bridge
It’s good to know which shapes, frames, and details can help before you shop. Then there’s less chance of going through the returns and exchanges process.
First off, look at where and how the glasses sit on your face. This is also known as the contact point. Then there are other design details, including the width, nose pads, and bridge section.
The Nose Pads
Look for glasses with adjustable nose pads, as they offer flexibility. They also allow you to swap out the nose pads if and when needed.
Eyewear with silicone nose pads can provide much-needed comfort. Plus, they can be reoriented to sit on the wider part of your nose bridge.
It’s best to get a professional to help you find the perfect positioning.
The Glasses’ Bridge
Some glasses feature what’s known as a keyhole bridge. This is the bit that goes around your nose bridge (and as the name suggests, it kind of looks like a keyhole).
This shape helps distribute the weight more evenly rather than placing it on a single contact point (which can cause pressure and leave marks).
These Ray-Ban rounded sunglasses are an example of eyewear for high nose bridges. The keyhole shape will allow them to sit better on your nose.
Many rounded styles, like these classic Oliver Peoples glasses, feature a keyhole nose bridge.
For something that’s more square and ‘chunky,’ a pair of glasses with a saddle bridge could work well. A saddle bridge is a U- or W-shaped eyeglass bridge that curves smoothly over the nose. It’s shaped like a horse’s saddle, hence the name!
This Gucci pair is a good example of glasses with a saddle bridge.
Check the Width
This is a pretty smart thing to check, no matter your nose bridge. Glasses that are too wide often don’t look right and slide down your face.
On the other hand, glasses that are too narrow can cause headaches and that nose-pinching feeling. If you’re not sure what the best measurements are, ask an optician.
Materials Matter Too
When embarking on a search for eyewear for high nose bridges, countless wearers forget about the frame material. They get so hung up on silicone nose pads vs PVC nose pads, square vs round glasses, that they forget about one of the most vital factors.
It’s best to go with a lightweight material so there’s less pressure on your nose bridge. High-quality acetate is better than cheap, heavy, chunky plastic.
Titanium may be more expensive, but it’s super lightweight and durable. Even though you’ll barely feel them on your face, they’re actually built to last; it’s the best of both worlds. Titanium nose pads are also an option.
If you opt for acetate, make sure the frame’s bridge is deep enough to curve around your nose rather than resting at the highest point. If it does that, the pressure will be at least annoying and, at worst, painful.
TL;DR
- The nose bridge is the part of the bone that sits higher up in your nose, typically near your eyes. High nose bridges are common among many people worldwide.
- It can be tricky to find eyewear for high nose bridges. Some types of eyewear can pinch your nose or put a lot of pressure on one point, causing pain and those pesky red marks.
- Firstly, look for a pair with comfortable, preferably adjustable, nose pads. Silicone is often a good choice.
- Secondly, find a frame with a keyhole or saddle-nose bridge, so it wraps around your nose rather than balancing on it.
- Lastly, make sure your glasses are the perfect width so they don’t slide down your nose or pinch it.
- When it comes to materials, titanium and lightweight acetate are good choices. But the key is finding a pair of glasses with a bridge deep enough to fit around your nose bridge.
- Round, cat-eye, and some square eyewear often feature a good shape for high-nose bridges.
