My Wayfarer Woes: A Personal Guide to Finding Your Perfect Fit

    I remember the first time I bought a pair of classic Wayfarers. I thought I was hot stuff, channeling my inner movie star, ready to conquer the world with that iconic cool. My wife, bless her brutally honest heart, took one look at me, tilted her head, and said, "Are those… for a giant? Haha same that’s why my wife hates them." Ouch. That cut deep, mostly because I knew she was right. They felt good on my face, but in every mirror, I saw more frame than face, and my eyes seemed to swim in a sea of plastic.


    That moment sparked a deep dive into the world of Wayfarer sizing, a journey fueled by a desire to look less like a child playing dress-up and more like the suave individual I aspired to be. This isn't some official mandate or a list for cops, nor did Pit Viper, with their distinctive aesthetic, design this guide. This is for all of us who appreciate the timeless style of a Wayfarer but want to make sure they actually *fit* our unique mugs. Trust me, I've got a face, and it's not always easy to fit! It's not a Picasso face, all abstract angles, but it's definitely got its quirks, and finding the right frames for it has been a journey.

Decoding the Numbers: What Wayfarer Sizes Really Mean

    Before we even talk about face shapes, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what those tiny numbers on the inside of your Wayfarer frames actually mean. They're usually found on the inside of the temple arm, sometimes near the bridge, and they're crucial. These aren't just arbitrary figures; they represent the precise measurements that dictate how the glasses will sit on your face. Understanding these is the first step in avoiding the "giant frame" look or the equally uncomfortable "pinched temple" sensation.


    Typically, you'll see three numbers, often separated by dashes or spaces, like 50-22-150. The first number, 50, refers to the **lens width** in millimeters. This is the horizontal width of one lens, and it's perhaps the most critical measurement for overall frame size. The second number, 22, is the **bridge width**, which is the distance between the two lenses, where the frame rests on your nose. A bridge that's too wide will cause the glasses to slide down, while one that's too narrow will pinch uncomfortably.


    Finally, the third number, 150, indicates the **temple length**, which is the length of the arm that extends from the frame to behind your ear. Too short, and the glasses won't sit securely; too long, and they might feel loose or extend awkwardly past your ears. My initial pair, for instance, had a lens width that was just a few millimeters too large for my face, making them look slightly too big, even though my eyes were relatively centered in each lens. It wasn't a huge deal, but when I upgraded, I made sure to get frames that were a bit narrower.

Finding Your Face's Soulmate: Wayfarers for Every Shape

    Okay, so you know the numbers. Now, let's talk about the canvas: your face! "Bro, do you even have a face??" you might ask. Absolutely, and it's as unique as yours. The goal here is to create balance and contrast, choosing frames that complement your natural features rather than overpower them. This isn't about rigid rules, but about understanding what generally looks good to give you a starting point. Or, whatever you fucking like the look of yourself in, but a little guidance never hurt anyone, right?


    Hard to tell from a small picture, but my face looks vaguely square, which presented its own challenges. For example, I initially gravitated towards larger frames thinking they'd make my face look smaller, but they just swallowed it. That's why understanding these guidelines is so helpful. I've broken down common face shapes and how Wayfarers can best flatter them, giving you a visual idea of what to look for even without external links.

• Round Face: If your face has soft curves, a wider forehead and jawline, and is roughly equal in length and width, you've got a round face. Your mission is to add definition and angles. Classic Wayfarers, with their sharp, angular lines and slightly wider top, are practically made for you! They provide a beautiful contrast to your soft features. Look for models like the Original Wayfarer in standard sizes (often 50mm or 52mm lens width), ensuring the top of the frame sits just above your brow line to give the illusion of length.
• Square Face: Characterized by a strong, angular jawline, broad forehead, and roughly equal length and width, a square face benefits from softening angles. While Wayfarers are inherently angular, choosing a slightly softer or oversized version can work wonders. Look for New Wayfarers or Wayfarer II models, which often have a slightly less aggressive angle or a more rounded bottom edge. A medium lens width (48-50mm) that's wider than your jawline but not excessively so, will help balance your features.
• Oval Face: Ah, the universally flattering oval! If your face is longer than it is wide, with a slightly narrower jawline than your forehead, and soft, balanced curves, you can pull off almost any frame. Lucky you! For Wayfarers, you have the most flexibility. My advice is to choose a size that is proportionate to your face – not too wide, not too narrow. The classic Original Wayfarer in any standard size will likely look fantastic. Just ensure the top of the frame aligns with your eyebrows and the bottom doesn't rest on your cheeks.
• Oblong (or Long) Face: Now, some of you might be thinking, "isn’t an oblong just a rectangle?" And you're not entirely wrong in how they look similar, but for frame fitting, an oblong face is generally longer than it is wide, with a softer jawline and forehead compared to the sharper angles you'd typically associate with a true square or rectangular face. The key here is to add width and break up the length. Wayfarers with a slightly taller lens height or a more pronounced brow line can work well. The Original Wayfarer, with its robust design, adds horizontal emphasis. Avoid narrow frames that will only make your face appear longer.
• Heart-Shaped Face: If you have a broad forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrow, pointed chin, you have a heart-shaped face. Your goal is to balance the wider top with the narrower bottom. Wayfarers can be a great choice, especially if they have a slightly lighter or less prominent bottom rim, or if you opt for a style like the New Wayfarer which can be a bit softer. Look for frames that are wider than your forehead to add balance, but avoid anything too heavy on the top.
• Diamond Face: Characterized by a narrow forehead and jawline, with wide cheekbones, a diamond face is all about highlighting those beautiful cheekbones while softening the sharper angles. Wayfarers with a slightly upswept brow line or a more rounded base can complement this shape beautifully. The New Wayfarer, with its slightly softer lines, can be a fantastic option. Focus on frames that are no wider than your cheekbones to maintain harmony.

The Goldilocks Principle: Not Too Big, Not Too Small

    Beyond face shape, there are some universal fit principles for Wayfarers. Your frames should be roughly the same width as your face at the temples. If they're too wide, they'll slide down your nose and make your face look narrower than it is. If they're too narrow, they'll pinch your temples and give you a headache. The top of the frame should follow the line of your eyebrows, and your eyebrows shouldn't be hidden by the frame or too far above it.


    Your eyes should be relatively centered within the lenses. This is a tell-tale sign of a good fit. If your eyes are too far to one side or the other, the frames are likely too wide or too narrow. As for the bridge, it should sit comfortably on your nose without leaving red marks or slipping. Since neither a photo is taken exactly straight-on, it's hard to be completely sure about my assessment, but it looks like you are correct in thinking your frames are (slightly) too large, although your eyes do seem relatively centered in each lens. Since you can't do anything about it at the moment I would advise you not to worry, as it's not a huge deal, but when you do happen to upgrade, try to get frames that are a bit narrower. This sentiment applies to all of us!

My Personal Aha! Moment & The Journey Continues