Respect for specs, by

2019-11-03 -

All men over 40 (and 85 per cent of men over 30) experience some level of eyesight deterioration, according to Tom Davies, founder of bespoke eyewear brand, TD Tom Davies. But most men view a visit to the optician as a chore at best: it seems unnatural to stare at yourself in a mirror in front of a total stranger.

There’s an outmoded belief that the structure of your face determines the shape of frame that suits you. “The silhouette of your face is one frame,” Davies says, “But the most important is your brow line”.

The top line of your frame should have a relationship with your eyebrows, of which Tom has classified three: flat, arched and “rainbow”. Hairline, shape of nose and how close your eyes are together will also have an influence. Tips: avoid transparent or fine metal frames if you have a receding hairline, as they will elongate your forehead, and tortoiseshell is a chic and softer alternative to black if you want a classic midcentury retro vibe.

There is an upsurge of great independent eyewear brands, many from the UK, Tom Davies is only one of them. Be sure to look at Finlay London, Bailey Nelson, Cutler & Gross, Ace & Tate (accessible price points) and Cubitts.

The only way to know if a frame suits you is to leave your insecurities at home and have fun choosing.

Archer

£100, from finlayandco. com

Teller Botanical Haze frames

£98 (includes prescription lenses), aceandtate.com

Byron Maple-Syrup frames

£98 (includes prescription lenses), aceandtate.com

Johnny steel teardrop frames

£125, baileynelson.co.uk

Bidborough Slate frames

£125, cubitts.com

Dark Turtle split acetate and metal frames