Quick answer: Measure a pair that already fits you, then match new frames to those numbers. Keep total frame width within about ±2–3 mm of your best pair, choose a bridge (nose gap) that matches your comfort, and pick a lens height that clears your cheeks when you smile. OTRA Product Detail Pages list these specs in millimeters, with inches alongside for U.S. readers. See an example on Kenny in Black/Smoke. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/products/kenny-black-smoke
How to measure at home in 2 minutes
Use a rigid millimeter ruler and a well‑fitting pair. These three numbers map directly to OTRA’s product details: frame width, lens (frame) height, and nose gap. For a step‑by‑step, see How to Measure Your Face for Glasses at Home. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/blogs/comfort-fit-selection/find-your-fit-in-2-minutes-measure-frame-width-height-and-bridge-at-home
- Total frame width (mm): Edge‑to‑edge across the front at the widest point. This predicts overall stability and whether temples pinch or drift.
- Lens (or frame) height (mm): Tallest opening of the lens. Taller = more shade and presence; shorter = easier cheek clearance.
- Nose gap / bridge (mm): Narrowest point between lenses. Closer numbers grip more; wider numbers feel roomier but may slide on low bridges.
Map your numbers fast: If your favorite pair measures ~145 mm wide with a 19 mm bridge, start your search around 142–147 mm and 18–20 mm bridges. For reference, Kenny in Black/Smoke lists width 145 mm, height 36.5 mm, and bridge 19 mm—compact height many petite faces find clears the cheeks. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/products/kenny-black-smoke
Reading the three numbers printed on a temple arm
Most eyewear prints a three‑number code inside a temple, like 52–18–140. Here’s how to use it:
- Lens width (52): Horizontal lens opening in mm. Larger numbers read bolder; smaller feel more petite.
- Bridge width (18): The nose gap in mm. Closer bridges (15–17) hug more; mid bridges (18–20) are versatile; wider (21–24) feel roomier.
- Temple length (140): Arm length in mm, often 135–145. Longer temples help larger heads; shorter can secure petite fits.
Temple codes are great for comparing within a style family. Pair them with the total frame width and lens height on OTRA’s Product Detail Pages for the most accurate fit preview. You’ll find these measurements listed clearly on each page. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/products/kenny-black-smoke
Size bands in mm: narrow, medium, and wide
Use these practical ranges to zero in on a match. Start with width, then fine‑tune bridge and lens height.
| Your face width (temple‑to‑temple) | Suggested total frame width | Typical bridge (nose gap) | Typical lens height | Fit notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≈110–125 mm | ≈130–137 mm (narrow) | 15–18 mm | 30–40 mm | Light, lifted shapes prevent overwhelm; easy cheek clearance. |
| ≈126–140 mm | ≈138–145 mm (medium) | 17–20 mm | 35–48 mm | Most silhouettes work; balance height with smile line. |
| ≈141–155+ mm | ≈146–153+ mm (wide) | 19–24 mm | 45–58+ mm | Ensure hinges sit straight; slightly taller rectangles balance breadth. |
Real OTRA examples across sizes: A medium frame like Kenny at 145 mm width and 19 mm bridge suits many average widths, while a wider front like Maddy at 148.6 mm with a 21 mm bridge brings extra room and presence for broader faces. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/products/kenny-black-smoke
- Maddy - Black — A roomy aviator with ~148.6 mm total width and a 21 mm bridge, matching wide and medium‑wide frame needs.
- Nove - Transparent Coffee — Transparent coffee acetate with balanced width for medium faces and easy cheek clearance.
- Presley - Black/ Smoke — Classic rectangular shape with a mid total width that works well for medium and narrower wide ranges.
Small vs. narrow vs. wide: what they mean for fit
- Small head size: Often prefers slimmer fronts or lifted corners (cat‑eyes, slim rectangles). Keep lens height moderate for cheek clearance.
- Narrow face (slim width, average head size): Prioritize total frame width that doesn’t overhang your temples; closer bridges stabilize.
- Wide face: Choose enough total width so hinges don’t flare. Slight wrap or sculpted temples can add comfort.
Best shapes for small or narrow faces
Subtle cat‑eyes or slim rectangles add lift without overwhelming features; many shoppers find lens heights in the 33–40 mm zone clear the cheeks. If you love a sleek, lifted look with compact height, explore a silhouette like Kenny in Black/Smoke. Prefer metal with tuneable nose pads? A light option such as Sady in Trans Gold/Brown lets you micro‑adjust perch for stability and cheek clearance. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/products/kenny-black-smoke
- Sady-Trans Gold/ Brown — Light metal with adjustable nose pads so you can tune the perch and keep cheeks clear on narrow faces.
- Caysee - Black/Smoke — Narrow, slightly rounded rectangle with modest lens height to clear cheeks and maintain a lifted look.
Best shapes for wide faces
Start with sufficient total width so hinges sit straight (not flared). Slightly taller or broader rectangles balance width and add coverage, especially for bright U.S. sun. If you like statement proportions, an oversized aviator like Maddy in Black/Green offers 148.6 mm width with a 21 mm bridge; for a planted, slightly closer bridge feel in a polished square, explore Zoya in Black/Smoke. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/products/maddy-black-green?mc_gid=a8439d01-32de-5a43-bcc7-5cb239438841&mc_type=guide
- Zoya - Black — Polished square with planted bridge and proportions suited to broader faces needing straight hinges.
- Malia - Black/ Olive — Wider acetate frame with stable fit and slightly broader lenses to balance a wide face.
- Backstreet - Black — Generous frame width and structural temples that keep hinges aligned on broader faces.
If you have a low bridge
Low‑bridge wearers (glasses sit low, touch cheeks, or slide) should weigh bridge value and lens height more heavily. Start with bridges closer to your comfort number and shapes that lift at the corners; adjustable nose pads can help fine‑tune perch. For an in‑depth walkthrough, see Low‑Bridge & Asian‑Fit Confidence | OTRA Eyewear Core Guide and the practical OTRA Low‑Bridge Shortlist: Silhouettes and Specs That Commonly Work. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/blogs/comfort-fit-selection
- Elsa - Tort/Brown — Tortoiseshell acetate with a lower bridge profile that reduces sliding and cheek contact.
Measure your face and map to a frame
- Measure temple‑to‑temple: Stand in a mirror and place a rigid ruler across your brow at the point where frame fronts sit. Note mm.
- Convert to a target width: Add ~15–20 mm to your temple‑to‑temple number to approximate total frame width (accounts for frame thickness and overhang). Then pick the closest band in the table above.
- Cross‑check the bridge: If glasses usually slip, choose the tighter end of the bridge range; if they pinch, move wider by 1–2 mm.
- Sanity‑check height: If rims touch your cheeks when you smile, reduce lens height by 2–5 mm or pick shapes with an outer lift. For hands‑on steps, revisit the 2‑minute measuring guide. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/blogs/comfort-fit-selection/find-your-fit-in-2-minutes-measure-frame-width-height-and-bridge-at-home
U.S. lifestyle notes: sun and climate considerations
From bright, arid summers in the Southwest to humid Gulf Coast afternoons, match tint and stability to your day: Category 3 tints for strong sun, slightly lighter gradients for mixed light, and secure bridges/temples if you’re active or often in heat. For lens‑category context and when to reach for darker tints around water, sand, or snow, see OTRA’s lens‑education pieces; product pages also list the category (all OTRA sunglasses are UV400). Examples: Maddy lists Category 3 with UV400, and Kenny’s page shows the full spec breakdown alongside size in mm. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/products/maddy-black-green?mc_gid=a8439d01-32de-5a43-bcc7-5cb239438841&mc_type=guide
Blue‑light styles by face size (for hybrid workdays)
If you swap between screens and sun, keep your sunglass width consistent by choosing a blue‑light frame with a similar total width and bridge. Start with our guide to proportions by face size, Blue‑light glasses for small, medium and wide faces, then consider a compact, flattering option like Abby Blue Light or explore Hazel Blue Light and Frankie Blue Light for different silhouettes and pad styles.
- BLUE LIGHT - Abby — Blue‑light version of the Abby shape so your screen and sun frames match in total width and fit.
- BLUE LIGHT - Hazel — Blue‑light Hazel keeps a similar total width and pad style for consistent fit between uses.
- BLUE LIGHT - Frankie — Blue‑light Frankie offers a broader silhouette option with comparable sizing to its sunglass counterpart.
- Derby Blue Light — A versatile blue‑light frame option if you want an alternate silhouette with similar proportions.
Comparison: key criteria to get right
- Match your known‑good width: Stay within ±2–3 mm of a frame you love.
- Lens height vs. cheeks: Taller = bolder shade, higher chance of smudge; shorter = easier clearance.
- Bridge (nose gap): Closer bridge numbers reduce slipping—especially helpful for low bridges.
- Temple alignment: Front should sit straight at the hinges; flaring means the frame is too narrow.
-
Lens category for your light: Category 3 for bright sun; lighter gradients for mixed light or city shade. Product pages show category and UV400 protection details. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/products/kenny-black-smoke
FAQ
- What’s the difference between a small head and a narrow face? Small heads generally prefer overall smaller fronts; narrow faces specifically need less width across the temples. Measure a frame that feels right and match new picks to that width first.
- How close should I keep new frames to my favorite pair? As a working rule, keep total width within about ±2–3 mm for a familiar, secure feel.
- How do I stop lenses from touching my cheeks? Choose slightly shorter lens heights or shapes with an outer lift; for low bridges, also target a closer bridge value. For steps, see the 2‑minute fit guide or this practical explainer on Sunglasses touching your cheeks. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/blogs/comfort-fit-selection/find-your-fit-in-2-minutes-measure-frame-width-height-and-bridge-at-home
Next steps
- Measure your favorite pair’s width, height, and bridge (or read the printed 52–18–140‑style code if present).
- Open an OTRA Product Detail Page and compare the three numbers—start with width, then balance height and bridge.
- Pressure‑test in your real life: smile, look down, and walk. If you live in brighter U.S. regions or spend time near water or snow, prefer Category 3 depth. ([otraeyewear.com](https://www.otraeyewear.com/blogs/quality-materials-confidence/lens-categories-1-3-explained-brightness-levels-and-when-to-choose-each
