What Kind of Glasses Would Suit Me?

[Jason C]

Kind of a weird question I guess. But I need glasses, and I don't really know anything about glasses or what kind would make me look more masculine/less feminine. Does anyone have any suggestions, pictures, etc.?

[Jennygirl]

I wear the same pair of glasses as I did pre-transition. Where they made me look masculine before, they still make me look feminine. Maybe I just got lucky with that, though.

I actually think most frames do look pretty gender neutral these days, there is a ton of overlap. I would say just look for a pair that enhances your face.

Finding the right pair of glasses is super hard, but awesome once you find the right pair! Good luck!

[Jennygirl]

Here is a pic of them, I've always had lots of compliments on this style.

[adrian]

Hey, I think the only way to find out is to try out some different frames. The effect of a pair of frames really depends on your face a lot. A rule of thumb seems to be more squarish frames.

I finally found a pair I liked, but it took a number of "sessions" at the optician. For me, the solution was to simply pick a pair I liked rather than trying to find something that would make my face more masculine. I'm pre-t, and ultimately the glasses will not help me pass at the moment (they're still a "masculine" model I'd say), but they will look good on me both before and after starting t (whenever that will be).

[missymay]

Hey, I think the only way to find out is to try out some different frames. The effect of a pair of frames really depends on your face a lot. A rule of thumb seems to be more squarish frames.

I finally found a pair I liked, but it took a number of "sessions" at the optician. For me, the solution was to simply pick a pair I liked rather than trying to find something that would make my face more masculine. I'm pre-t, and ultimately the glasses will not help me pass at the moment (they're still a "masculine" model I'd say), but they will look good on me both before and after starting t (whenever that will be).

The recommendation I got when I started looking for glasses, was to pick a frame that complements your face shape. I have a heart shaped face, and cat eye frames seem to work best for me.

[palexander]

go to lenscrafters.com and enter in your face shape. it'll recommend some frame that will work best for you

[Jason C]

I have no idea what shape my face is, haha, but thanks for your advice

Yeah, I don't think frames will be the only reason I pass or don't pass, but they can make a bit of difference.

[AndrewG]

Trying them on is the only way really. Even if you're not planning to buy from the shop, just go to have a look and get an idea for what you like. Try as many styles as you can, even if you think they won't suit you at all. I wouldn't have gone for the frames I did last time if the assistant hadn't encouraged me to give them a go - completely different to what I'd normally pick but they're my favourite pair now. Think there's also some websites where you can upload a photo of your face and try them on virtually. Not sure how well that works.

Problem I have is that my eyesight's so bad without glasses that I have to stand right in front of the mirror to see using the fake lenses they put in

[adrian]

Problem I have is that my eyesight's so bad without glasses that I have to stand right in front of the mirror to see using the fake lenses they put in

Ha, I know exactly what you mean. I have to use contact lenses if I want to pick new glasses. Lol.

[zukhlo]

Just chipping in...there's a company I heard of called Warby Parker that has pretty inexpensive glasses, and the cool thing is that you can order 5 pairs of different glasses and try them out for a week before sending back the ones you don't want to keep.  So you get a chance to see if it makes your face look more masculine or not and it's less pressure than having to decide in the store.
I haven't actually used this company before but I'm thinking about it since I also need to get glasses soon.

[pianoforte]

The place I go to get my glasses has a "mens" section and a "womens" section, which has been helpful to me in choosing an appropriate pair =)

Personally, I'm partial to the black plastic rims, more rectangular than round. Round glasses always look very feminine to me.

[DragonBeer]

I would pick something that's rectangular or square if you have a round face.

[JandJ]

If you go to Zenni Optical (online) and set up an account you can upload your picture and try on all the frames to see how they look on your face.  Plus they are the least expensive I have found.  I've been buying glasses from them for the last five years or so.  Single vision glasses start at $7 for frames and lenses!  My progressive, no line, transition lenses and frames run about $90!  Same type glasses at LensCrafters or the like are about $500!  Instructions for taking and uploading your headshot can be found on their website.  Have fun and try on lots!