The Ultimate Guide to Rimless Glasses

This article was updated on July 25, 2023.
Rimless eyeglasses with rose gold bridge and temples. Clear oval lenses and marbled white temple tips.

What are rimless glasses? What is the point of wearing them?

Rimless glasses are eyeglasses without a visible frame. Instead, they are attached to the lenses by two temples and a nose bridge. This gives them a barely-there appearance that is both simple and sleek, making them a great option for people who want to look or feel like they’re not wearing glasses.

466511 Shown with lens shape 444, 420612 Shown with lens shape 346, 138611 Shown with lens shape 441
There are many reasons why one would choose rimless frames, depending on what you’re looking for. Some key benefits of rimless eyewear include:

  • Being lightweight and comfortable
  • Having a subtle and discreet look
  • Being stylish, versatile, and going with any outfit or occasion
  • Coming in different shapes and tints

What are the disadvantages of rimless glasses?

Because rimless glasses have less structural support compared to framed glasses, they are more likely to break if the glasses are dropped or sat on. Wearing them every day could also cause stress at the mounting points, which may result in cracks later on.

To ensure the highest quality and longevity of your rimless glasses, we strongly recommend choosing an impact-resistant lens (1.53 Trivex or 1.59 Polycarbonate). These lens indexes are able to withstand daily wear and tear, reducing the risk of cracks, chips, or shattered lenses. Although impact-resistant lenses are priced slightly higher than our Basic Index lenses, the durability is worth it in the long run.

We would advise against selecting our 1.50 Basic Index lenses when choosing rimless frames, as these lenses do not provide the level of durability required for rimless glasses. The 1.50 Basic Index lenses in rimless frames are more prone to breakage and will shorten the overall lifespan of your glasses.

What is the best shape for rimless glasses?

Lens shapes chart for Single Vision and Progressive/Bifocal. Single Vision shapes: 341 W46 H26, 238 W53 H27, 352 W51 H30, 357 W51 H27, 233 W50 H30, 443 W51 H37, 231

Rimless eyewear comes in a wide range of shapes and lens tints to suit any aesthetic. Whether you prefer classic styles like rectangular or ovals or want to make a bold statement in geometric or heart shapes, the best shape for rimless glasses will be the ones that flatter your face shape and unique personal style!

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