This post is sponsored by Zenni.

I get asked all the time about shopping for glasses online. Switching up my eyewear is a really fun way for me to have fun with style. And I love how different frames can make me feel like a different woman. But I remember when I first started looking online for new frames. It. Was. Overwhelming. I had no idea what I was doing. I ended up with so many terrible frames. And I couldn’t figure out why I kept striking out. 

A lot of years, a lot of online glasses orders, and I finally think I’ve figured it out.

My top 5 tips for buying glasses online:

My first tip – don’t overpay for your glasses.

I cringe when I walk into those big brand frame shops in the mall. The prices are insane. You’re basically paying all markups. Go straight to the manufacturer! You’ll save yourself a ton of money and time. And extra bonus is you won’t be guilted into paying for all the overpriced extras. In fact, Zenni has frames starting at just $6.95! See more below:

1. Know your prescription ahead of time.

Little tip: you can go to any optical shop to get an exam. And most online glasses shops require an up to date prescription to place an order. With my insurance, each year I get one exam for $15. After your exam, take the prescription paper home and head to Zenni. Cheap (or free) exe exam in hand, you’re now almost ready to start shopping for your frames!  

2. Know your pupillary distance (P.D.).

Pupillary distance is just the space between your pupils. This may seem like a weird thing to need, but it’s actually really important. Your P.D. measurement is what makes sure the center of your lenses match up properly with your eyes. According to Zenni, the “average adult’s PD is between 54-74; kids’ are between 43-54.” My P.D. is 65. 

How to find your P.D.? I promise it’s not hard! Just make sure you have a millimeter ruler. If you don’t have one at home, that’s okay! Zenni has a printable pupillary distance ruler available here. Find out how to measure your PD here.

3. Use an online glasses shop that let’s you “try on” your glasses before buying.

Now armed with your prescription and P.D., you’re ready to start shopping for glasses! The first thing I do is take a frame-free selfie and upload it to my Zenni Frame Fit virtual mirror. What’s so important about this? Everything! Because you’re not walking into a brick and mortar and able to physically try the frames on, virtual try ons are the next best thing. 

Being able to try on, and see what your favorite online glasses will look like is crucial! I made the mistake the first several times of not using a site that had the ability to virtually try frames on. So when they arrived, they were either HUGE or hilariously too small. But with Zenni’s Frame Fit virtual mirror, it’s like I’m trying them for real. I get a really good idea of the fit before I buy, and I get to see what the sizing is like!

4. Start adding frames to your favorites!

Shop from Women, Men and Kids categories to find frames you like. One thing I LOVE about Zenni is the ability to shop in so many ways, with so many different categories and suggestions! Things like shopping by your face shape help ensure you’ll find a flattering pair no matter if you’re oval, round, heart, or whatever. 

Looking for something super on trend? Zenni has an entire section just with frames of the moment. This is always one of my favorite sections! I love that they’re a bit more on the funky side, and have a ton of personality. Have a petite face? Zenni has an entire category dedicated to you! Low nose bridge? Zenni’s got you covered. Want to see what their best sellers are? Yep! Zenni’s got that too.

Another thing I really love about Zenni is the customer photos. They have a section on their website that features customer shares from social media. Each frame also has an area where customers can submit their photos! Along with the virtual try on, seeing other people in the frames in real life is SO helpful. Again, it’s easier to know what each style will actually look like on you!

5. Pick your final frame(s), and checkout!

Zenni makes checking out easy! And offers even more customizable options when you’re ready to hit order. All glasses include FREE anti-scratch coating, single vision lens, UV protection, hard case, and cleaning cloth. And after you enter your prescription, you’ll have the ability to customize your lenses, tint, and more. All for an extremely inexpensive and reasonable price.

The most recent frames I purchased were the 662819. These Pink Candy Eyeglasses are gorgeous. I love the slight cat-eye shape of these frames! And the pink color is just perfection. They are dainty and feminine, without being overkill. I was confident in choosing 662819 because of the reviews section! There are a ton of real life photos on customers, and they have a 292 reviews 4.5 star rating!

My first order, I bought 3 pairs… And it was still cheaper than HALF of the last frames I bought at the mall. Inside the U.S., your order ships for just $4.95. Impatient? Don’t worry – you have several upgraded shipping options! 

Zenni Optical

In case you can’t tell, Zenni is one of my very favorite affordable online shops for glasses. Their customer service is great, there are so many features that make shopping for glasses online even easier, and their prices can’t be beat! You can get a complete pair of quality glasses, shipped, for under $15. How awesome is that?!

Have you ever shopped Zenni? If so, what frames did you try?!