Rimless glasses can look cool! But they might not be right for every man. Why? Well, there are a few reasons, from the prescription lenses you need to your personal style.
Before investing in that pair of rimless glasses you’ve been eyeing, consider whether they’re the best choice for you.
Need to Know Info About Rimless Eyeglasses
Before we get into the details of whether rimless eyeglasses could suit you or not, here are the basics:
- Rimless eyeglasses can be more fragile than glasses with frames. They need gentle handling and cleaning.
- They are more understated than many other styles, giving that ‘almost invisible’ look. Perfect if you don’t want your glasses to scream for attention!
- This style can suit men who don’t want their glasses competing with their outfits. They are more complementary than distracting.
- Since the lenses are on full display, they look best when kept clean. They need to be wiped down often and gently so as not to bend them.
Do Rimless Eyeglasses Suit Your Face and Needs?
Glasses are one of the first things that people notice about you. And a good pair can make all the difference!
With rimless eyeglasses, you may love how they look, but the question is, do they suit your face and lifestyle? Are they too big or too small? Does the rimless design look out of place on your features? Are they durable enough for your lifestyle?
They can suit a variety of face shapes, from oval to square. The key is balancing your features. If you have a rounder face with softer features, opt for rectangular frames. If your bone structure is sharp and you have a square face, soften your face with round or curved rimless glasses.
There’s a simple test you can do to make sure your glasses are the right size. Check if the edges of the frames (or lenses) reach the edge of your face. The bottom of the lenses also shouldn’t be more than two-thirds down your nose.
Let’s go through a couple more considerations you’ll want to keep in mind.
Which prescription lenses do you need?
This matters because if you need a stronger, thicker lens, rimless eyeglasses might not be the best option. They look best with thinner lenses, as thicker ones can give your glasses a clunky appearance.
Thick lenses look best when paired with stylish frames. The frames then take the attention away from the chunky lenses. The example below is what I’m talking about. The thick frame would easily disguise thick lenses, and they look cool!
Do you have a busy lifestyle?
Rimless eyeglasses are lightweight, but they aren’t always as durable as glasses with frames. And they might not be the best option for sporty people. You’ll probably need a pair that’s more secure on your face and durable.
However, they could be a great option as a secondary pair of glasses or as an addition to your collection. Rimless eyeglasses offer a solution for formal events and work, giving you a professional look. Then, switch to your comfortable glasses for your daily activities.
Do Rimless Glasses Age You?
Many people also wonder if rimless glasses make you look older.
And yes, the rimless design could possibly draw attention to any fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. Is that a bad thing? No, aging is natural and not something I believe should be hidden.
Like any pair of glasses, the wrong style, shape, or design might age you. If you’re really conscious of your eyes and don’t want to draw attention to your eye area, then they may not be your top pick.
But if you don’t want a pair because you think they’re a dated style, that’s about to change…
How Rimless Glasses Went From Grandpa to Cool
Rimless eyeglasses admittedly haven’t always been a stylish accessory. They used to give off that grandpa look, and mostly older gentlemen wore them.
Fast forward to today, and now, actors, celebrities, and skater boys are rocking rimless specs. Men of all ages are finding styles that suit them. Long gone is the fear of rimless designs looking old-school or aging your face.
Designers have taken notice, too. There are more stylish rimless glasses that go beyond rectangular lenses and silver arms. There are options with gold arms, round lenses, and tinted lenses.
Celebrities Who Wear Rimless Eyeglasses
There are numerous celebrities who take risks and wear their eyeglasses with pride, making them a key accessory.
Brad Pitt is one actor who isn’t afraid to get the specs out, and he has been spotted in rimless glasses. They suit his square face, bringing out his chiseled features.
Kit Harington, who famously played Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, also loves a pair of rimless glasses. He often wears them when he’s out and about.
Patrick Dempsey (from Grey’s Anatomy) has worn rimless glasses on the red carpet, showing that they’re versatile with a suit.
The living legend Richard Gere has also been spotted in rimless glasses. It’s no surprise, since this versatile style works with both formal and casual wear.
The singer Zayn Malik loves round rimless glasses, showing they are a geek-chic option that looks great with a variety of outfits.
Different Styles of Rimless Glasses
At first glance, rimless eyeglasses might seem like they’re limited in styles because of the lack of a frame. But that’s not true.
These glasses come in all shapes and sizes, from rectangular to round and sporty to sleek. There is something for every man. Here is the key:
- Consider your face shape and which shape of glasses best suits it.
- Think about which clothes you wear most (sporty, suits, jeans, etc.).
- Treat them like you would other glasses. Do they seem practical, are they flattering, and are the arms the right color?
Let’s get into some of my top picks for rimless glasses in different styles!
Sleek Glasses For a Slick Style
Generally, rimless eyeglasses have a sleek appeal. They look minimalist, fresh, and timeless.
If you prefer minimalist clothing and athleisure, then rimless eyeglasses could complement your style.
Opt for rectangle versions with slim arms. This minimalist model by Montblanc is what I’m talking about. The slender gold arms add to the slick design.
Best suits:
- A fashion-forward dress sense
- Those who like unfussy, straight-to-the-point glasses
- Men who enjoy being complimented on their taste
Stand Out With an Edgy Design
Rimless eyeglasses don’t have to be boring. If you want the small, cool rimless look but want to go the extra mile, I have something for you.
You can opt for a rimless style that has some added bling on the sides. A bit of gold, silver, or a stand-out logo. These details can add a bit more wow factor to your glasses. Brands like Versace, Gucci, and Balenciaga often do slightly blingy eyeglasses.
These bold glasses by Gucci are all about that gold. The rimless style lets the gold shine. They’re perfect for men who like to get compliments on their fashion sense. I see you!
Best suits:
- Men who aren’t afraid of jewelry
- Those who like people seeing their specs are designer
- Guys with expensive taste
The Retro Appeal of Round Rimless Glasses
As seen earlier with singer Zayn Malik, round rimless glasses have that John Lennon appeal without being as hippie.
They’re kind of the love child between Lennon and Harry Potter glasses, making them quirky but cool. They look great with subtle silver or gold arms that don’t take away from the round lenses.
These Paradigm Cicely glasses feature an oversized shape and come with bronze or gold arms. They’re perfect if you want to stand out for your style, while not screaming for attention.
Best suits:
- Men with a preppy fashion sense
- A man who appreciates the ’60s
- Those who don’t follow trends
Sporty Options for Casual Outfits
If you think most rimless styles look too formal, then opt for something that’s got a sporty edge. These glasses are perfect for men who live in sportswear, who believe the T-shirt is a uniform, and who only wear a suit to weddings.
These Oakley glasses look great with everything from jeans to tracksuits. They are the perfect balance between edgy and simple. This is also a great pair for those who are worried about the ‘grandpa’ effect of rimless glasses.
Best suits:
- Men who enjoy casual, sporty, or skater fashion
- Those who care about looking trendy
- Men who want to look like they’re active
Geek-Chic Oversized Glasses
If you love that scientist-smart-teacher vibe, don’t shy away from oversized glasses. They can look good as long as they’re not too big. Just make sure they don’t slide down your face or overwhelm your features.
This pair by Paradigm is a good example of geek-chic done right. The slim metal arms balance out the big lenses.
Best suits:
- Square faces and strong jawlines
- Men with facial hair
- Those who want to give off that smart vibe
Similar Alternatives to Frameless Eyeglasses
Barely there frames
If you’re skeptical about frameless eyeglasses, there are a few similar options to try. One option is barely there frames. They are super-subtle, yet they’re there! It’s a good option if you want glasses that are minimalist but still have a bit of edge.
These glasses by Sferoflex are a good choice because the gunmetal silver frames aren’t very noticeable but provide extra support to the lenses.
Best suits:
- Square faces and strong jawlines
- Men with facial hair
- Those who want to give off that smart vibe
Transparent frames are the best of both worlds
Glasses with transparent frames are a wise choice if you want to wear frameless eyeglasses but need a thicker lens. They support the lens, but the transparent frame can look cool.
They’re also trendy, showing that this is a style for all ages. You can opt for a thinner transparent frame or a chunky one like this pair by Lacoste. The thick frame is a good choice if you need thick lenses.
If you prefer a more fashion-forward pair, then this pair by Gucci features gold arms and a clear frame, making them the best of both worlds.
Best suits:
- Men who need thicker lenses
- Those who like keeping up with trends
- Those who want glasses that can work with any outfit
Half-rimless glasses provide some lens support
If you love the sleekness of rimless eyeglasses but want something more stable, opt for half-rimless glasses.
The frame wraps around the top half, while the bottom half is frameless. They look great in a rectangular shape and still look as cool as rimless glasses.
These Burberry glasses will get you noticed for all the right reasons. They have the subtlety of rimless styles while giving off that cool, designer look. The logo on the arm and the black frame don’t scream for attention. They’re perfect for wearing to work too, giving off that professional vibe (without being boring).
Best suits:
- Those who want glasses that are a bit sturdier than rimless glasses
- Those looking for a professional yet minimalist look
- People with oval or heart-shaped faces
TL;DR
Want to go all in and pick rimless eyeglasses? Here’s a summary of how to decide if they’re right for you:
- Do they suit your face? Most rimless eyeglasses are small and rectangular, so it’s best to check if this style suits you well.
- Do they suit your style? If you like subtle, sleek glasses, rimless eyeglasses could be a good pick.
- Do you need thick lenses? Thick lenses work better with frames.
- Do they fit your lifestyle? Rimless glasses are not always as durable as other styles, so they might not be the best choice for active men.
- Rimless glasses are a sleek choice, but they aren’t right for everyone. Consider your lifestyle and face shape, and use the Fittingbox feature to try them on virtually.
