The Problem with Children's Glasses (for Adults)
“I’m a grown woman. I’ve got a great career. When people suggest that I look in the children’s section, it definitely gets me in the gut. How can a woman who rocks in all aspects of her life be downgraded to child? I may be petite, but I walk around like I’m seven feet tall.” –Carla
Has Your Optician Fitted You with Kid’s Frames?
Many women with small or narrow faces have been directed to the children’s section at their local eyewear store.
That’s because children’s sizes overlap with adult women’s smallest sizes. Glasses for an older kid will be around lens width 48mm. For a younger kid, around 45 or 46mm. Those would be considered a woman’s XS (Petite) and XXS (True Petite), respectively.
Women’s petite sizes are uncommon – only about 8% of women need them – so most eyewear stores can’t afford to offer a good selection.
Given that, it’s not surprising that women sometimes settle for kid’s frames. Sometimes, they really are the best option that your local store has to offer you.
But there are many reasons why they be unsatisfactory.
Cartoon Logos and Spaceship Colors
Although it is easier to find the right lens sizes in children’s frames, they rarely come in the elegant and fashionable styles that adults wear. The colors are often quite loud, and there may be hearts and unicorns. For many women, this is not the look they are going for.
Thick and Clunky
Often they are thicker. That reduces the chance of breakage but makes them look clunky. This is cute on your kid, of course. But many women with small faces actually prefer a thinner frame because it is less overpowering on a small face, and may give a more refined appearance.
Temples Pinch Behind the Ear
The temples are usually shorter on children’s glasses than adult frames of the same size. This causes uncomfortable pinching behind the ear. Often, they are too short to be adjusted for comfortable wear.
Fortunately, Petite Glasses Are Made for Adult Women
Designed for small or narrow faces, petite frames offer a much better fit. And, they come in the contemporary, adult styles that you see all around you.
What else do you dislike about wearing children’s glasses? Comment below!
Comments (23)
Thank you for sharing your experience. That sounds frustrating! I assume you wear metal frames?
The options for men who need small frames is even worse. I wear 48-14-130 adjustable nose pads are not negotiable. I’ve been wearing glasses for 60 years and have never seen a single frame without them that wouldn’t slide down my nose. I spent my youth wearing a retainer strap all day every day. On my last casual visit to an optical shop the salesperson insisted that 50-18-140 would work fine and that IPD didn’t matter at all.
Hi Amy!.
So, it’s been a few years since your visit to the site in 2020. Have you checked availability lately? I think you may be surprised to discover that they do indeed have a frame that would likely fit you beautifully. It’s the Kara XS-46; I think I got that correct. Give ’em a look again.
Hi Laura,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share! I appreciate you keeping an eye on our offerings, and letting me know what you’d like to see in the store.
I have been watching your site but most of your options are mostly round or have a cat eye type turn up at the edges. I look much better in a square frame with mostly flat top. Would love to see that style!
Hi, thanks for visiting! Yes, definitely worth trying. The difference in lens height is notable (25 in your old pair vs 29 in the Debbie) but this could give a slightly more updated/contemporary look while still staying on the short side. Otherwise, it sounds like a very close match!
I’m so happy to find this site. It completely speaks to me. The only glasses I ever found that fit me (and are not kids glasses) were from Japan (Jin’s). I’ve kept them for as long as I can as I’ve never been able to find another suitable pair. Until now … 48-16-133-25 is the dimensions of this pair I love so much. I couldn’t find the exact same dimensions but I saw you had the Debbie range which looks almost close – 48-16-135-29 … do you think that would work?
Thank you so much for sharing your color request, Donna!
I would love if you made the XS Julie petite in a light tortoise, or a cool light brown. It is impossible to find brown frames!
Drema, I couldn’t have said it better myself. All of that is exactly why I offer this service. Thank you for sharing your struggle. I truly hope you can find a good fit here! Get in touch over email if you need assistance with selection, and I’m happy to help.