Matching Eyeglasses and Sunglasses: One Frame, Two Pairs
How to match eyeglasses and sunglasses in the same frame: colour pairings, fit checks, lens choices and round models that come in both versions.
5 min di letturaDi IGIOO Optical
In questa storia
Matching eyeglasses and sunglasses means picking one frame model you like and owning it twice: once with clear prescription lenses for everyday wear, and once with tinted or polarized lenses for the sun. You already know the fit, so the second pair is an easy decision, and your look stays consistent from the office to the terrace.
Below we explain when a matched set makes sense, how to choose the colour of each pair, what to check before ordering, and which models in our range come in both versions.
Why a matched set works
Most people spend a while finding a frame that sits right on the nose, clears the cheeks and holds behind the ears without pressure. Once you have that, a second shape is a gamble. Ordering the same model as sunglasses removes the guesswork.
- Known fit: the bridge, temple length and front width are the ones you already wear every day.
- A signature look: friends and colleagues recognise the outline, whether the lenses are clear or dark.
- Easier switching: the same weight and balance on your face means no adjustment period when you swap pairs at the door.
- Simpler shopping: you compare colours and lenses, not dozens of new shapes.
Same frame, different colour: three ways to pair them
Owning one model twice does not mean owning two identical pairs. The colour you choose for each version changes how the set feels.
| Approach | Eyeglasses | Sunglasses | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exact match | Tortoise | Tortoise | A single recognisable look all year |
| Light and dark | Clear or soft tortoise | Black | A softer day face and a sharper outdoor pair |
| Classic and playful | Black | Tortoise or a colour | Work-appropriate glasses, relaxed weekend shades |
Tortoise is the most forgiving starting point because it reads warm with clear lenses and rich with dark lenses. Black works the other way round: crisp with clear lenses, very graphic once the lenses are dark.
Models that come in both versions
Round acetate frames are the natural choice for a matched set, because the shape suits a wide range of faces and looks good with both clear and tinted lenses. Two of our models are made this way.
Dublin is a round acetate frame. The eyeglasses versions such as Dublin-FC04 come in tortoiseshell with metal rivets and gold-tone temple accents. The sunglasses version Dublin-C14 pairs brown tortoise acetate with gold filigree wire-core temples, a keyhole bridge and HD polarized lenses that block UVA and UVB up to 400 nm.
Concord is a round, full-rim acetate model with a keyhole bridge. The Concord-FL24 eyeglasses measure 50 mm lens width, 22 mm bridge and 145 mm temples, with spring hinges for a little give. Concord sunglasses such as Tortoise Charm use polarized UV400 lenses in a hand-crafted acetate frame.
What to check before you order the second pair
A matched set only works if both pairs fit the way you expect. Spend two minutes on these points:
- Compare the measurements. Sunglasses versions can differ slightly from the optical version of the same model. Check lens width, bridge and temple length on each product page against our frame size guide.
- Have your prescription and PD ready. If your sunglasses need correction too, use the same prescription as your clear pair. Our guides on reading a prescription and measuring PD help if anything is unclear.
- Decide on the lens. Polarized lenses are designed to cut reflected glare from water, roads and wet pavements. Plain tinted lenses suit city use if you often read screens outdoors.
- Think about frame colour against lens colour. Grey lenses keep colours neutral; brown or amber lenses warm up a tortoise frame.
When two different shapes make more sense
A matched set is not the right answer for everyone. If your everyday glasses are small and narrow, you may want sunglasses with deeper lenses for more coverage from the side and above. People who spend long days on water or in the mountains often prefer a wrap shape for outdoor use. And if you enjoy switching styles, a second shape can be part of the fun. Our face shape guide is a good place to start if you go that way.
For most city wearers, though, the round, medium-sized frames above cover both roles comfortably.
Caring for two pairs
Give each pair its own case and keep the sunglasses in the bag or car only when they are in that case, as heat on a dashboard is hard on acetate and lens coatings. Clean both with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap, then dry with a microfibre cloth. Because the frames are the same model, an adjustment that helps one pair, such as a small tweak to the temple bend, usually suits the other too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the sunglasses version with my prescription?
Yes. Prescription lenses are made to order. Choose the sunglasses frame, add your prescription in the lens selector and pick your lens options.
Will the sunglasses fit exactly like my eyeglasses?
The shape and character are the same, but sizes can vary slightly between versions. Compare the measurements on both product pages before ordering.
Should both pairs be the same colour?
It is a matter of taste. An exact match gives one signature look; a light eyeglasses frame with dark sunglasses gives more variety from the same shape.
What if the second pair does not suit me?
You have 14 days to check the fit and style. See our returns page for details.
Shop this guide
Build your matched set
Start with a frame you love in our round collection, then find its outdoor twin among our prescription sunglasses or polarized sunglasses. Shipping is free on orders over €99. Add your prescription in a few clicks with our lens selector.
