Have you ever walked into an eyewear store and felt like you were in two separate worlds? One side is all "masculine" and angular, the other "feminine" and curvy. It's like, seriously, are glasses gendered? I've been there, and it's frustrating. Let me share my story and what I've learned about finding the perfect frames that fit you, not a stereotype.
I remember one time, I was browsing for new glasses, and an employee actually told me I was in the "men's" section. I was floored! It's just plastic and glass, right? Why the labels? It made me think about why eyewear is often divided this way, and honestly, it felt pretty arbitrary. I needed new glasses, but this experience made me feel even more confused.
Another time, I was getting microfiber cloths for my new glasses, and the employee seemed concerned about giving me a cloth that wasn't "neutral" enough. Apparently, the color matched the frame case. I mean, come on! It's a cleaning cloth! This whole experience just highlighted how ridiculous the gendering of eyewear can be.
I started to think about why some glasses are labeled "men's" or "women's." I realized that face shapes play a role. Faces that are considered "masculine" often have longer, more angular features. "Men's" glasses tend to complement these shapes with straighter lines and less emphasis on curves. But that doesn't mean everyone fits neatly into those categories!
The real issue, I think, is sizing. I'm on the smaller side, and it's tough to find "masculine" styled glasses that actually fit my face. It seems like many brands assume all men have gigantic heads! This is where I feel like the industry is missing the mark. Instead of gendering glasses, they should focus on offering a wider range of sizes and styles for everyone.
So, how did I navigate this eyewear minefield? I started by ignoring the "men's" and "women's" labels altogether. Instead, I focused on finding frames that suited my face shape and personal style. I tried on a bunch of different styles, paying attention to how they felt and looked. Don't limit yourself to what's "supposed" to be for your gender.
I also discovered that some brands are better than others when it comes to offering a variety of sizes and styles. I had a good experience with Warby Parker. They have smaller sizes of "men's" glasses, and you can even try them at home for free, which is super convenient.
Recently, I came across Mozaer Eyewear and their unique designs. I was specifically drawn to their check details on different styles. I was looking for something bold and different, and I found it! And while browsing their collections, I found a pair that I really loved. It looked really nice on me, and I felt really confident wearing it.
I ended up purchasing the Unique Oversized Square Reading Glasses Women Hollow Out Frames Designer Gradient Female Eyeglasses TR90 Anti Blue Light 0-C6 green blue. I was initially a little hesitant because of the "women" in the name, but I loved the design. I have to say, I'm so glad I took the plunge! They're lightweight, comfortable, and the anti-blue light feature is a lifesaver when I'm working on my computer. The gradient color is really stylish, and I've gotten so many compliments on them. They feel high quality and I'm really happy with my purchase. I recommend checking Mozaer Eyewear if you are looking for something unique!
Here are some tips I've learned on my eyewear journey: