The glasses you wear make a huge statement about who you are as an individual, your sense of style and tastes. It’s about feeling confident, comfortable and stylish. That’s why it’s so important that you find the right design for your face shape, lifestyle and personality. With so many choices out there, deciding on a specific type of frame for your prescription glasses can seem tricky. That’s why in this blog post, we’ve broken down the key differences between the three main categories of eyewear which include full-rim, semi-rim and rimless frames. Each one has its own distinctive look and benefits for the wearer.
What are full-rim glasses?
Full-rim glasses, also referred to as full-frame glasses, have a rigid frame which surrounds the lenses completely. They’re typically made of sturdy metal, plastic, acetate or eco-friendly materials and are the most classic and popular frame style. Full-rim glasses offer so much variety from bold and chunky frame sizes to sleek and understated styles.
✅ Benefits:
- A durable option as the frame holds the lenses in place
- Supports thicker or stronger prescriptions
- Comes in the widest variety of styles and colours
- Makes a bold fashion statement
⭐ Best for:
- Those who want their glasses to stand out
- Individuals with an active or busy lifestyle
- People with strong prescriptions
🔥 Style tip:
Choose bold full-rim frames to add definition to softer facial features, or go with understated full-rim glasses for a fresh, minimalistic look.
Why are full-rim glasses so popular?
Fully rimmed glasses are loved for their bold and confident style. With an abundance of frame shapes, materials and colours available, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding which style to go. Full-frame glasses are a must-have accessory for your everyday wardrobe and provide excellent coverage as prescription sunglasses. They are hard-wearing and are perfect for those who love to let their frames shine.
Full-rim glasses trends
In 2025, big, bold frames are back in a major way. Full-rimmed oversized glasses are the height of fashion and are a great way to show off your confidence. The perfect blend of retro charm and modern style, they make a big fashion statement and add the perfect dose of drama to your look. Black and tortoiseshell oversized frames are particularly popular. Retro-style rounds, trendy transparents, cool cat-eyes and large square glasses are also key trends to keep an eye on.
What are semi-rimless glasses?
Semi-rimless frames, also known as half-rim glasses, only partially surround the lens. Typically, the upper part of the frame covers the top while the bottom of the lens is exposed. Although this can be the other way around for some designs. Semi-rimmed glasses are usually crafted from sturdy frame materials like metal and titanium. They were originally designed as a lighter alternative to traditional full-rim frames, but they have since become a real favourite among fashion lovers. They offer the perfect balance of style and minimalism. Half-frame glasses are also lighter than full-rim frames and have adjustable nose pads for a bespoke fit.
✅ Benefits:
- Lightweight yet stylish
- Provides a sleek, academic look
- Less frame interference in your field of vision
⭐ Best for:
- People looking for a balance between statement style and subtlety
- Individuals that wear their glasses for long periods
- Those with low to medium-strength prescriptions
🔥 Style tip:
Half-rim glasses soften sharper facial features and are an ideal option for confident, modern professionals.
Why are semi-rimless frames a good style to go for?
With their sleek top frame and open-bottom design, semi-rimless glasses offer a modern, polished look that’s trendy without being too flashy. Their sharp, clean-cut lines and strong browline make them a favourite for professionals and fashion-forward individuals looking for a smart, stylish alternative to heavier, more traditional designs. The upper part of the frame highlights your brow for a more balanced look which is ideal for those with angular features. Semi-rimless glasses are an excellent choice for comfortable and secure all-day wear. Why not add blue light lenses? These filter out blue-violet light and improve your visual comfort when using digital screens.
Semi-rimless glasses trends
Rectangular semi-rimless glasses are one of our most popular styles and will add a tidy finish to your look. A solid favourite, they have a tidy, polished appearance that instantly elevates your wardrobe. Trending shapes like butterfly glasses and quirky geometric styles are given a sleek, undertested finish with a half-rim frame, which blend a subtle design with the bold angles of these iconic shapes. These kinds of semi-rimless glasses will give you a contemporary look that is sure to get your noticed while ensuring you look confident and professional at the same time.
What are rimless glasses?
Rimless glasses, also known as frameless glasses, have no surrounding frame. The arms and nose bridge attach directly to the lenses. They are typically made of sleek metal to ensure durability without a full frame to provide added support. Rimless glasses are loved for their subtle and sophisticated design. They can be styled with virtually any outfit for this reason.
✅ Benefits:
- Ultra-light and comfortable
- Virtually invisible on the face
- Your peripheral vision is completely clear
- Minimalist and modern aesthetic
⭐ Best for:
- People who prefer a barely-there design
- Those seeking a clean, understated look
- Individuals with mild prescriptions
🔥 Style tip:
Great for formal or professional environments, rimless glasses are ideal if you want to keep the focus on your facial features rather than your frames.
Are rimless glasses in style this season?
Minimalism is all the rage this year and at the centre of this fashion trend are rimless glasses. A nostalgic nod to the ‘00s, they have a timeless appeal which has been popularised by a multitude of celebrities and business icons over the decades and is now taking over social media. Their barely-there aesthetic effortlessly complements any outfit from professional to casual. Plus, they make a great choice for people who find standard glasses distracting or uncomfortable.
Rimless frames are also a popular choice of reading glasses because they’re ultra-lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. Stylish and subtle, rimless glasses are almost invisible to look at. Yet, despite their subtlety, they rarely go unnoticed. They catch the light perfectly and they’re a great way to flaunt your best features.
Rimless glasses trends
The finer details are what counts when it comes to choosing on-trend rimless glasses in 2025. We’re seeing chic rectangles, circular and oval shapes brought to life with eye-catching embellishments along the temples. Rimless glasses are sleek and refined. They add the perfect touch of elegance without the need for extravagant design details. Rimless eyeglasses have a versatile design that naturally softens angular features and adds definition to rounder face shapes. They are best suited to business professionals and style-loving minimalists.
How to choose the most suitable frames for you
Follow our top tips to picking the ideal type of glasses to suit you and your lifestyle:
Face shape
It’s important that the glasses you choose to wear complement your natural features. This is how to find the right styles for your face shape:
- Round face: Angular-shaped frames will add definition to your rounder features. Try bold square, geometric and rectangular full-rim and semi-rimless designs with a thick upper frame. And if you go rimless, consider the frame width. Wider shapes will add perceived length to your face.
- Square face: Soften your sharper features with either circle or oval full-rim, half-rim or rimless frames. Aviator glasses with classic teardrop lenses are another stylish option for people with square-shaped faces.
- Oval or oblong face: Oversized full and half-rim frames in bold colours or a design with a mixed aesthetic will disguise the length of your face well. Try classic cat-eye, square and round shapes.
- Heart-shaped or triangular: Add balance to your look with rimless or semi-rimless frames. Oval, Aviator or circular full-rim metal frames will soften your features nicely. Rounded square shapes or any frames that are bolder at the top are also a flattering choice for these face shapes.
- Diamond face: Soften your lower facial features with a semi-rimless design or a full-rim frame that is wider at the top. Try oval, rectangular and cat-eye shapes.
Lifestyle
Consider your needs and think not only about what you’ll be using your new glasses for but also the style that makes you feel most comfortable. Below we have highlighted which frame type is suited to specific needs:
- Full rim: Ideal for style-loving statement makers and fitness enthusiasts.
- Half-rim: The perfect middle-ground for those seeking a smart, modern look.
- Rimless: Best for those wanting something ultra-light and barely noticeable.
Consider lens thickness
The thickness of your prescription lenses is an important consideration when selecting a new pair of glasses. If you have a stronger prescription or varifocal lenses, make sure to add one of our affordable packages which come with protective lens coatings. These will ensure the lenses aren’t too thick, are aesthetically pleasing and are as durable as they can be. This is especially important if you want to choose a pair of semi-rimless or rimless glasses as the lenses will be completely exposed and visible. This may result in heaviness, exposure to damage and visual distortion. Some frames also come with a specific prescription restriction. Make sure to check this in the product description before purchasing.
Final thoughts
Bold, balance or barely-there? It’s totally up to you to decide which style suits you best. Show off your unique personality whether you’re a confident trendsetter looking for something big and bold, a stylish minimalist who loves small, understated designs, or a modern professional that likes to keep their look sharp and sophisticated. Dress to impress and feel confident when buying glasses, knowing you’ll find a style that makes you feel comfortable and stylish.
