All types of glasses differ along two axes: shape — the outline you see — and construction — how the frame holds the lens. Learn both vocabularies and every wall of frames stops being overwhelming, because you can name what suits you before you try anything on. This pillar covers every major type with a real, in-stock example from our types of glasses frames available as designer eyeglasses — all authentic, all able to take prescription lenses, with single vision lenses currently 50% off. Jump to: frame construction · frame shapes · materials · sunglasses types · lens types.
Frame Construction: Full-Rim, Semi-Rimless and Rimless
Full-rim
The lens is fully enclosed in the frame — the most durable construction, the widest choice of shapes, and the best at hiding the edge thickness of stronger prescriptions.
Semi-rimless (half-rim / browline)
The rim runs along the top only; a thin nylon cord holds the lens below. Lighter on the face, and it reads professional — browse semi-rimless eyeglasses.
Rimless
No rim at all: the lenses are drilled and mounted directly to the bridge and temples. The lightest, most invisible construction — it needs a tougher lens material such as polycarbonate or Trivex to resist cracking at the drill points, and very strong prescriptions will show their edge thickness. See rimless eyeglasses for the range.
| Construction | Weight | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-rim | Standard | Strong prescriptions, durability, every shape | Heaviest of the three |
| Semi-rimless | Light | Professional look with less frame | Lower lens edge is exposed |
| Rimless | Lightest | Barely-there look, all-day comfort | Needs tough lens material; shows thick edges |
Types of Glasses Frames by Shape
Rectangle and square
Straight lines, wider than tall — the structure-adding shapes, strongest on round and oval faces. Example: the Prada Linea Rossa PS 50TV.
Round
Circular lenses that soften angular jaws and strong features — the intellectual classic. Example: Burberry BE2454 round frames, from the wider range of round eyeglasses.
Oval
Softer than a rectangle, quieter than a round — the low-key office default. Example: the Emporio Armani EA1059.
Pantos
A rounded lower rim under a flatter top line — the vintage-intellectual shape having a long moment. Example: the Dolce & Gabbana DG1366 pantos.
Cat-eye
Outer top corners that sweep upward, lifting the whole face. Example: the Prada PR 19WV cat-eye eyeglasses, among our cat-eye eyeglasses.
Butterfly
Oversized, with outer edges that flare wider than the brow — the cat-eye's dramatic sibling. Example: the Dolce & Gabbana DG3418.
Aviator and pilot
The teardrop lens and double bridge Ray-Ban introduced in 1937 for US military pilots, now a full optical category too. Examples: the Ray-Ban RX3625V New Aviator and RX3648V pilot frames.
Irregular / geometric
Hexagons, octagons and asymmetric outlines for statement wear. Example: the Emporio Armani EA1179D.
Which shape suits you is a face-shape question — our guide to which frame suits your face shape answers it in two minutes.
Frame Materials at a Glance
Acetate
A plant-derived plastic cut from solid blocks — the material behind rich colours and tortoiseshell patterns, with a touch more weight than metal. One UAE note: dark acetate left on a car dashboard in summer heat can warp. Keep glasses in their case.
Metal and stainless steel
Thin profiles and adjustable nose pads — the natural material for aviators and wire rounds.
Titanium
Very light, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic — built for all-day wear through UAE heat and humidity. Choosing between the three is simple: acetate for colour and character, metal for slim precision, titanium when weight and twelve-hour comfort decide.
Types of Sunglasses
Aviator
The teardrop classic — see aviator sunglasses for the full set.
Rectangle and wayfarer-style
Angular acetate shapes that suit the most faces — like the Emporio Armani EA4189U rectangle sunglasses.
Oversized, cat-eye and butterfly
The statement end of the rack — maximum coverage, maximum presence.
Sport wrap
Curved frames that follow the face. In the UAE this is practical, not just sporty: wider and wrap shapes block the side glare that comes with desert driving and beach light. On lenses, the honest short version: solid tints keep colour even, gradients lighten toward the bottom for indoor-outdoor wear, mirror coatings bounce light away, and polarised lenses — a Maui Jim speciality — cut reflected glare from roads and water. Prescription sun lenses can be fitted to most frames; our team confirms the fit before the order is processed. Browse all designer sunglasses.
Types of Eyeglass Lenses
Single vision
One prescription power across the whole lens, for distance or near — and currently 50% off.
Progressive
Power that shifts gradually from distance at the top to reading at the bottom, no visible line. Progressives need enough lens height, so very shallow frames may not suit — our team checks the fit.
Bifocal
Two distinct zones split by a visible line; progressives are the line-free modern alternative.
Blue light filter, photochromic and reading
Blue light filters reflect part of the blue-violet light from screens — if screen fatigue is your question, ask an optometrist. Photochromic lenses darken in UV and clear indoors, with limited darkening inside cars because windscreens block most UV. Reading lenses put near-vision magnification into any designer frame. Every frame in our prescription eyeglasses range can be fitted with any of the five.
Which Type of Frame Is Best for You?
For men
No single type is "best" — but rectangle, pilot and pantos frames are the most worn men's shapes (the RX3648V and DG1366 cover two of the three), with aviator and sport wrap leading in sunglasses.
For women
Cat-eye, butterfly and round lead women's optical — the PR 19WV and DG3418 are the reference points — and every gender page includes unisex frames. Among younger wearers, thin metal ovals, rimless builds and bold geometric shapes are having their moment.
For an oval face
Oval faces suit almost every shape; just keep the frame width in line with the widest part of the face. And for strong prescriptions, full-rim frames with smaller lens widths hide edge thickness best — construction matters as much as shape. The honest decision order for anyone: face shape narrows you to two or three silhouettes, prescription strength settles the construction, and lifestyle — screens, sun, sport — picks the lenses. By the time you've answered those three, the wall of frames is a shortlist.
Where to Buy Designer Glasses in the UAE
OptiVision stocks authentic frames across every type on this page — an authorized retailer since 1980, delivering across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Any frame can be glazed with your prescription, and single vision lenses are currently 50% off. Shop all eyeglasses Shop designer sunglasses →
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of glasses frames?
By construction: full-rim, semi-rimless and rimless. By shape: rectangle, square, round, oval, pantos, cat-eye, butterfly, aviator and geometric.
What are the four types of glasses?
Usually meant by lens: single vision, bifocal, trifocal and progressive. Readers, blue light filter and photochromic lenses are options layered on these.
Which type of frame is best?
None is best for everyone. Full-rim suits strong prescriptions and durability; titanium and rimless are lightest; pick shape by face shape and lifestyle.
What type of glasses look best on men?
Rectangle, square, pilot and pantos frames are the most versatile for men; aviator and sport wrap lead in sunglasses. Unisex frames widen the choice.
Which type of sunglasses is best for the UAE?
Larger and wrap shapes that cover the eye area well cut side glare when driving; choose dark or mirror lenses with full UV protection and ask about prescription sun lenses.
