What Are the Best Brands of Reading Glasses?

What makes one brand of reading glasses better than another? Saying one brand has the best reading glasses would be like saying one color is better than all the others. The best brand depends on you and your personality, as well as your budget.

It’s also important to mention that the frames themselves aren’t what help you see better. That’s what the lenses are for. You could buy the most expensive, designer reading glasses and still struggle to read small print if the power in the lenses isn’t right.

With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular brands that offer reading glasses and grouped them by the type of wearer they might appeal to. See which brands grab your attention.

At a Glance

• Many top eyewear brands offer frames that can be fitted with prescription reading lenses.
• Ray-Ban offers classic frame styles that work with a wide range of outfits.
• Kate Spade is a good option if you want playful designs and decorative details.
• Nike offers sporty-looking frames for people who prefer a more athletic look.
• Persol and Emporio Armani are good choices if you prefer designer reading glasses.

Best Classic Reading Glasses: Ray-Ban

Some glasses follow trends while others never seem to go out of style, and Ray-Ban is one of them. Ray-Ban is a strong choice if you want classic eyewear that works with a range of outfits, from casual outfits to office wear.

Sometimes people think that Ray-Bans are limited to their iconic sunglasses. But their optical collection offers a huge range of styles and shapes, including rounded metal designs, rectangular frames, and the instantly recognizable Clubmaster. 

The Ray-Ban RX5154 CLUBMASTER combines a distinctive upper frame with a slim lower rim. Choose from a huge assortment of colors, including black, Havana, green, and transparent versions.

Ray-Bans are worth considering if you wear your reading glasses pretty often and want a pair that can blend in with the rest of your wardrobe. 

Best Stylish Reading Glasses: Kate Spade

Do reading glasses have to be purely functional? Absolutely not.

If you like accessories that add personality to an outfit, Kate Spade is worth a look. The brand’s optical collection uses playful colors, distinctive shapes, and decorative details that make them pop.

The Kate Spade LUCYANN US is a great example, especially the Tortoise Aqua Striped version. At first glance, it’s a classic rectangular tortoiseshell frame, but the transparent blue outline and colorful stripes on the insides of the arms add a fun surprise.

For something a little more understated, try the Kate Spade RAGAN US. This unisex metal frame takes inspiration from the Havana style but with black and navy.

Kate Spade is for people who want reading glasses that reflect their personal style. You don’t have to pick the boldest design, either. A frame with an interesting color or a small decorative detail can make your glasses feel special without becoming too much of a focal point.

Best Reading Glasses With a Sporty Look: Nike

If you’re looking for a sporty, casual style, Nike glasses make sense. These eyewear designs have a more athletic look than traditional dressier frames.

If you plan to wear reading glasses regularly, you should be paying attention to more than just the way they look. The weight of the frame, the fit around your nose and ears, and how securely the glasses stay put are all important for comfort. A pair that slips down your nose every time you look at a book can quickly become annoying.

The Nike 7090 is a great example of overcoming those flaws. It features a rectangular frame with a streamlined, sporty look. It’s made with a lightweight injected plastic that avoids the bulk of heavier frames.

Nike is a good choice for people who need readers but don’t want to feel like they’re wearing the kind of glasses their grandparents might wear.

Best Premium Reading Glasses: Persol or Emporio Armani

If you’re happy to spend more on your frames, Persol and Emporio Armani are two designer brands worth exploring. And actually, if you order through EZContacts, you can find them at lower prices than you might expect.

Persol is good if you like classic and refined eyewear. Their optical collection includes understated rectangular frames as well as bolder, more distinctive designs.

The Persol PO3050V is a frame that keeps things simple and timeless, with a rectangular shape and full-rim acetate build.

Emporio Armani offers another take on designer eyewear, offering plenty of contemporary frames that can work paired with both casual and smarter outfits.

For example, the Emporio Armani EA1041 is a frame with a rectangular shape and a semi-rimless design. Its minimalist look gives the wearer a cool, understated look. 

How to Choose the Best Reading Glasses for You

The brand is only one part of the decision. Before choosing a pair, think about how you’ll use your glasses, how much you want to spend, what kind of fit you prefer, and the shape of your face.

• Check your prescription: Over-the-counter reading glasses might work well enough for some people, but they use the same magnification in both lenses and don’t correct astigmatism. Prescription reading glasses account for the different prescriptions you have in either eye.
• Think about the fit and how comfortable they’ll be: Frames shouldn’t pinch your nose or temples, and the arms should sit comfortably over your ears. If you’re ordering online, read reviews to see what people have to say about the frame’s comfort.
• Compare the total cost: Prescription lenses aren’t usually included in the price of the frame, so make sure you’re comparing what the total cost will be.
• Think about your daily routine: You might prefer lightweight, understated frames for reading at work or a more colorful pair for reading at home or taking out and about with you.

FAQs About Reading Glasses

Are expensive reading glasses better than cheap ones?

Not necessarily. More expensive frames might have a better build quality, specific trendy styles, or a designer tag. But that doesn’t mean they’ll do a better job at correcting your vision. That’s the job of the lenses that slot into the frames.

How do I know what strength reading glasses I need?

An eye exam can help you understand what your reading prescription is. If you’re considering over-the-counter readers, you can compare different strengths in the shop, but you really shouldn’t rely on trial and error if you have persistent blurry vision, headaches, or trouble reading.

A proper eye exam done by a professional can help ensure you get the right reading glasses for you.

Check out all the readers available on EZContacts!