The Benefits of Trying on Glasses Before You Buy

The Benefits of Trying on Glasses Before You Buy

With so many glasses retailers online these days, it can be tempting to simply pick out a pair based on photos and opt for the convenience of home delivery. However, when it comes to finding the perfect pair of prescription eyewear or sunglasses, there are distinct advantages to trying frames on in-person before buying.

Assess Fit and Comfort

When you try on glasses in a store, you can determine how well they fit on your face. Do they sit comfortably on your nose without slipping? Are they too tight or loose around the temples? Do the earpieces pinch behind your ears? Trying frames on your actual face helps ensure a good fit.

Check Your Field of Vision

In-store try-ons let you test your peripheral vision through the lenses. Can you easily check your blind spots by looking out the corners? Do the frames obstruct your field of view? Checking vision comfort and safety are perks of in-person eyewear shopping.

See Yourself in a Mirror

The mirror allows you to see how glasses look on your face from all angles. You can get an honest assessment of whether the style flatters your facial features. Trying on frames in front of a mirror gives you a preview you cant get from photos online.

Get Others Feedback

Bringing a trusted friend or family member when you try on eyewear can provide useful opinions. They can give you honest feedback about which frames are most flattering and suit your face shape. An outside perspective is invaluable.

Compare Different Styles

When you try on glasses in-store, you can efficiently compare various styles side-by-side. Switching back and forth helps you assess what lens shapes, frame sizes, and colors complement you best. Ordering multiple pairs online to compare is tedious.

Work with Knowledgeable Opticians

Opticians in eyeglass stores can provide personalized guidance based on your needs, face shape, and lifestyle. They are trained to help you select frames that account for your vision prescription and magnification needs.

Tips for Trying Glasses In-Store

To make the most of an in-person glasses try-on session, keep these tips in mind:

Come with an Open Mind

Dont get stuck on just one style. Be open to suggestions and try on a wide variety to find the most optimal fit and look.

Bring Your Prescription

Have your updated prescription handy so you can try on frames with the correct lens strength to assess vision accuracy.

Allot Enough Time

Set aside at least 30 minutes to try on glasses without feeling rushed. Trying on eyewear requires focus and patience.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Think about your daily activities and needs when choosing eyewear. Opt for durable frames if you're rough on glasses. Prioritize comfort if you wear them all day long.

Try On Different Sizes

Dont assume one size fits all. Try the same frame style in different widths and lengths to determine the ideal dimensions for your face.

Assess Weight and Balance

Heavier frames can slip down your nose over time. Test glasses for adequate balance and weight when worn for duration.

Compare Adjustable Options

Try on frames with adjustable nose pads and temples to find the custom fit needed for your unique face contours.

Examine Extra Features

Test out special features like adjustable focus for progressive lenses, anti-reflective treatments, or polarized options.

Take Selfies to Compare

Snap some pics wearing different frames for side-by-side comparisons later. Seeing yourself in photos helps determine the most flattering options.

Places to Try Before You Buy Glasses

While shopping malls and independent eyewear boutiques offer try-on services, these are some of the most popular optical retailers for test-driving frames:

Warby Parker

This hip direct-to-consumer brand operates brick-and-mortar stores in select cities where you can browse their fashionable frames. Try on classic rectangles, rounds, and aviators in various materials.

American Eyeglass Retailing Academy Stores

These AERA stores are owned by Optical Academy students learning hands-on skills. Receive attentive service as they gain experience helping you select eyewear under instructor supervision.

Costco Optical

Costco Optical centers offer exceptional value on designer and budget prescription glasses. Members can try on frames at no obligation before deciding whether to purchase lenses.

LensCrafters

With nearly 1,000 locations, LensCrafters is one of the largest optical retail chains. Their in-house lab means you can often walk out with glasses in-hand after selecting frames.

Pearle Vision

Another major optical chain, Pearle Vision carries a wide selection of prescription glasses and sunglasses. Their eye doctors perform exams onsite for a one-stop glasses shop.

Target Optical

The eyeglass departments in Target stores allow convenient try-on sessions while you shop. Target Optical offers designer and exclusive house brands at affordable price points.

GlassesUSA

This popular online retailer also has a few brick-and-mortar showrooms. Test styles from their vast catalog of frames before deciding what to order online.

Virtual Try-on Options

If in-person shopping isn't possible, today's technology offers virtual ways to "try on" eyewear:

Online Virtual Try-On

Many eyeglass brand websites have virtual try-on tools that let you upload a selfie and superimpose frames onto your face. This gives you a rough idea of how specs might look on you.

Augmented Reality Apps

Apps like EyeLook allow you to scan your face and "try on" 3D eyewear models. Some apps even let you try frames on live through your phone's camera.

In-Store Video Systems

Stores like LensCrafters have virtual mirror systems that capture video of you trying on frames. This better simulates an in-person experience.

Snapchat Virtual Glasses

On Snapchat, you can apply their eyewear lenses when taking selfies to preview how frames might suit you. The realistic 3D glasses move with your face.

Head into a Store and Try Some Frames

While virtual tools can help, nothing beats walking into an eyewear store, browsing the collections, and taking various styles for a test run. Trying on glasses before buying lets you assess fit, comfort, vision, and whether they flatter your looks. With an expert optician's assistance and honest feedback from a friend, you're sure to walk out with a spectacular pair of glasses made just for you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.