FabList: Stylish Reading Glasses!

When did it happen to you?  When all of a sudden you couldn’t read a menu without holding it four feet away? It doesn’t matter what kind of physical shape we’re in – our vision just seems to go and the search for the perfect reading glasses begins.

You can opt to ‘buy readers in bulk’ from Amazon and sprinkle a pair in every room in the house (laundry room to read those little tags, bathroom to read the little print on little bottles of things, kitchen, living room, bedroom) and in the car, which my husband resorted to after he threw in the towel and admitted that he needed reading glasses. But you might also want a more fashionable pair that makes you feel pulled together, that you don’t mind putting on at a restaurant or when you need to check your phone in public.

In addition to helping you read, readers are great accessories that can easily switch up a look and how you feel. Thick, chunky red frames one day and slim tortoise options another day are low-cost, big-impact fashion options. I know people who purchase them in zero magnification to use them solely as fashion accessories – why not?!

When first entering the wonderful world of readers, consider the following:

Shape & Strength: Start by going to a store and trying different shapes (and magnifications) so you know what you’re looking for. You can do this at the drugstore or Target or the car wash (so many car washes sell readers!).  Just try them out by reading something on your phone. Doing this in person saves a ton of time.  If you can’t go in person, place a bulk Amazon order to test shape/color/magnification and then do a big return! Here is an article that suggests the best frames for different face shapes. It’s also good to notice if you have a ‘thin’, ‘medium’ or ‘wide’ face as most of the sites let you filter styles by shape and it’s important for the fit of your glasses. You can also use the ‘virtual try-on’ on the Peepers site (most sites have this feature but theirs is the best) to see what shape is good on you  – with a single click this tool lets you swivel your head all around to see how frames – it’s pretty amazing (note: 24 years ago I had an online makeover company that let you try on glasses virtually – let’s just say the technology has advanced a lot)!

Color: While trying on different frames, notice if you’re drawn to a certain color. Some people like to try out fun colored frames while others want to stick to more classic tortoise or black options. See what ‘speaks’ to you for color.

Blue-Light Blocking: Also decide if you want a ‘blue blocker’ option (blue-light-blocking glasses can help relieve eye strain, and migraines, and even aid sleep) in case you plan to spend a lot of time on screens with your readers.

Once you know shape, color, and magnification you can dive deeper into the sites below to find an ‘upscale’ pair that matches your style and reading needs.  And if you ‘graduate’ to a different magnification be sure to hand your old ones off to a friend who is just starting their own ‘readers journey’!

And now for the FabList of readers!

• Warby Parker – Good selection of modern shapes and a good shopping experience – you can try on at home or virtually (or in-store if you have one near you). These Felix frames are what I have, but of course, you need to get what works with your face shape. They don’t have a ‘readers’ section but allow you to select ‘readers strength’ when choosing your prescription.  If you have a store nearby, stop by and try on a ton of pairs – and bring a friend for honest feedback (although I’ve found their employees are good at giving good, honest feedback as well as suggesting styles). About $95 each. Magnification powers from +0.25 to +2.75.

• Caddis. Bold and oversized! Gotta love a reading glasses company whose mission is “to call out the whole fountain of youth illusion, industries that profit from the fear of getting older, and the concept of aging gracefully.” If you want your frames to be an accessory (vs blending into the background) these are perfect for you. The Miklos are one of their top sellers. They have great fashion-forward frames that are very ‘substantial/thick/sturdy’. In the $100 range. Readers go to +3.5 magnification.

• Peepers – Fun bright colors and stripes, as well as basics. Playful choices that are affordable (all are $29 so you can keep one in the car, one on your desk, one in your purse…). Their virtual try-on is AMAZING – please try it! Easy to filter by shape, face width, color, and power.  Powers up to +4.0.

• A.J. Morgan – Great stylish, contemporary, and ‘vintage-inspired’ designs. Want cat-eye, round, oval, or oversized? Find interesting options to accessorize/make a statement here! Start in the $25 range. Up to +2.75 power.

• Eyebobs  All the basics plus lots of color/interesting shape and color options. Many are in the $95 range. Virtual try-on. Magnification up to +4.0.

• The Book Club: Besides their fun, contemporary frames they have awesome chains to hold your glasses! With frame names like ‘Be a Wolf’, ‘Harlot’s Bed’, and ‘So Rando’ you can get a feel for their fun point of view on readers. Starting at about $32. Up to +3.0 power.

• Nooz Optics – They have a lot of very minimal reader options (good-looking slim glasses, slim cases), so if you want a light frame or one that doesn’t even have ‘arms’ head over here. $50-$60 range. Up to +3.0.

• Thin Optics – Recommended by FabLister Marta M, the world’s thinnest reading glasses come in an easy-to-carry compact case that magnetically attaches to your cell phone or tablet, or easily fits in your pocket or purse. Starting at about $50.  Up to +2.5 power.

• Zenni – Good budget option, or if you need strong magnification. TONS of styles and they start at $7. Virtual try-on option. And a great choice if you need STRONG magnification as they offer up to +12.0!

• Glasses USA – Not particularly fashion forward, but if you want a frame by a ‘name brand’ like Coach, Gucci, Oakley etc. Basic shapes/colors starting at about $85. Readers up to +4.0 strength.

• Readers.com – Focusing solely on readers, it has all the basics plus bold, fun options at moderate price points (many in the $25 range). Go to their ‘bestsellers’ section for a quick way to see some fun styles. Up to +3.75.