Every pair of glasses is a set of decisions: the shape of the lens, the material of the frame, the finish that carries the light. This guide lays out the main types of glasses and sunglasses, what distinguishes them, and where each one belongs.
The shapes
Round glasses
The oldest silhouette and the most intellectual. Round frames soften angular faces and carry a quiet, considered air. See our round glasses and sunglasses.
Oval glasses
A gentler relative of the round frame. Ovals sit softly on nearly every face, which makes them the most versatile shape in eyewear. Explore oval glasses, carried in our collection by the Morgane, Lissa and Alexis.
Square glasses
Structure and presence. Square frames add definition to soft features and read as architectural rather than decorative. See square glasses and sunglasses.
Cat eye glasses
The upswept corner is the most cinematic line in eyewear, lifting the cheekbones and drawing the eye outward. Explore cat eye glasses.
Oversized sunglasses
Generous proportions, worn for presence as much as protection. See oversized sunglasses.
Rimless and frameless glasses
The most demanding construction: no frame to hide behind, only lens and metal. Done properly, rimless glasses are the lightest thing you can wear on your face. See our rimless collection, led by the frameless Leo aviator.
The materials
Titanium
45% lighter than steel, hypoallergenic and dimensionally stable. Titanium is the standard for frames meant to be worn all day for years. Explore titanium glasses.
Acetate
Cellulose acetate carries color the way no metal can, from deep black to warm tortoise shell. Ours is Japanese Takiron acetate, polished by hand. See acetate glasses.
The finishes
Gold plating is where eyewear meets jewelry. Genuine 18K and 14K plating over titanium holds its color for years and ages like a fine watch rather than a fashion accessory. Read our guide to gold eyewear, 18K vs 14K, or browse gold frame glasses and gold sunglasses.
How to choose
Start with your face shape: the guiding principle is balance, structure for soft features and curves for angular ones. Our face shape guide walks through it. Then let the material decide the character: titanium disappears on the face, acetate makes a statement. Every L'Écurie Paris frame, whatever the type, is handmade in Japan and produced in a limited edition of 300 pieces.