HOW TO READ VINTAGE FRAME MEASUREMENTS

With vintage eyewear, two seemingly similar frames can fit very differently. To choose well, it is not enough to look at the shape: you need the measurements.

The code inside the temple

A measurement like 56 □ 17 – 140 indicates three values: 56 mm is the lens caliber, 17 mm is the bridge, and 140 mm is the temple length.

• Caliber: the width of the lens at its widest point.
• Bridge: the distance between the two lenses.
• Temples: the approximate length of the temples.

The front width completes the picture

For vintage frames, the front width is often the most intuitive piece of data. It measures the overall size on the face and helps to compare models with differently shaped lenses.

A large caliber does not automatically mean a wide front: it depends on the bridge, the thickness, and the construction of the frame.

How to compare with glasses you already own

The most useful method is to measure a pair that fits you well and compare it with the product sheet. Measure the front width, check the distance between the lenses, and consider the shape of the bridge.

Measurements do not replace trying them on, especially with substantial acetates or 1980s frames. But they greatly reduce the margin of error and make the choice more informed.

Explore our vintage eyewear and use the measurements as a starting point, not just as technical data.