Tired of constantly pushing your glasses back up your nose? You’re not alone. We’ve all experienced that annoying moment when glasses slip and fall off our face at the gym or when bending down to grab something. Glasses sliding down is one of the most common annoyances for glasses wearers. Fortunately, you don’t need to suffer, there are several quick fixes and long-term solutions to keep your frames snug and secure. Here’s how to stop your glasses from slipping down your nose, whether it’s due to sweating, poor fit, wear and tear, or frame style.
Adjust the nose pads (if your glasses have them)
Most metal frames come with adjustable nose pads which are designed to rest gently on your nose and support the glasses. To adjust the nose pads on glasses, use your thumb and forefinger to gently pinch them closer together. This will help to tighten the fit on your nose, thus preventing slippage and stopping your glasses from sitting too low on your face.
Important reminder: Glasses that sit too low are not only uncomfortable but can also disrupt your vision, especially if you’re a multifocal wearer. This is because the lenses will not align properly with your eyes which can cause blurry vision and headaches.
Step-by-step on how to adjust glasses nose pads:
- Grip the glasses securely in one hand, with the front facing towards you.
- Using your other hand, take one pad between your thumb and forefinger.
- Adjust the nose pad gradually by pushing it inward. Repeat the process on the opposite side with the other hand. This will move the nose pads closer together for a tighter, more secure fit. You can also push the nose pads out for a wider fit if your glasses sit to high or you need more wiggle room to stop the nose pads digging into your nose.
- Try the glasses on for a day or so to make sure they’re sitting comfortably.
- Follow the same process again if the glasses still aren’t fitting well. Remember to only make slight alterations each time.
Visit our helpful guide to adjusting your glasses for a more detailed explanation and watch the video demonstration on how to adjust nose pads on glasses.
Top tip: If you’re unsure, most opticians will adjust the pads on your glasses for free in just a few minutes.
Use anti-slip wax or glasses wax
Products like Nerdwax (or generic beeswax-based alternatives, even hair wax) can be applied to the flat part of your glasses which rests on your nose, otherwise known as the nose bridge. These products create friction between your frames and your skin, helping keep everything securely in place. If you don’t have any wax to hand, face primer works just as well.
Just be aware that the wax may need to be reapplied, especially if you have oily skin or sweat a lot, so be sure to carry it with you if you’re going out for the day.
Clean the nose bridge and your skin
Oil and sweat can build up on both your skin and your glasses, reducing friction. Clean your glasses on a regular basis with lens cleaner or use washing up liquid and water. You should also wipe down the bridge of your nose throughout the day which can become greasy and lead to glasses slipping down your nose. If you have oily skin, make sure you’re using oil-free cleanser or a light moisturiser and avoid heavy or greasy skin care products and cosmetics.
Top tip: If you’re out and about, it’s helpful to have a glasses cleaning kit handy, with a lens spray and a suitable glasses cloth. Lens wipes are also a good alternative for keeping your glasses clean when you’re on the move.
Add silicone nose pads to your glasses
If you’re having trouble with slipping glasses, silicone nose pads are an easy and affordable solution. Stick-on silicone nose pads are inexpensive and help create more grip, especially for cheaper plastic frames without built-in or sculpted nose pads. They also provide enhanced comfort if your prescription glasses are pressing too hard and creating pressure on your nose.
Don’t forget to clean your glasses before attaching the non-slip nose pads. This will help get rid of any dirt or oil on the frames.
Tighten the arms of your glasses
You may find that your new or even your old glasses are a little loose-fitting. This probably means you need to adjust them.
Over time, the arms (or temples) at the side of your glasses can widen. Frames that are too wide will constantly slide forward, especially with motion or sweat. If your glasses feel loose at the sides, try adjusting them so they’re a little shorter and they sit more securely behind your ears.
A guide to adjusting the arms of your glasses:
- Apply heat to the lower curved part of the arms of your glasses for 20–30 seconds using a hairdryer or by dipping the glasses in a mug or bowl of warm water—just take care not to burn yourself.
- Once warm, gently but firmly make the arm straight.
- Put on your glasses and while looking in a mirror, hold the top of your ear down and find the point where the bend should begin over your ear, use a marker to mark this area on your glasses.
- Reheat the area of your glasses for a further 20 seconds.
- Then, using your thumb, carefully bend the arm into a smooth curve at the marked spot.
- Try the glasses on to check the fit. If they’re not quite right, repeat the process until you’re satisfied.
Use an eyewear band, ear hooks or ear grips
Soft silicone ear hooks slide onto the ends of glasses frames and wrap around your ears to create friction during physical activity and in hot weather. There’s also the option of eyewear bands or retainers which hold eyeglasses or sunglasses securely around your head or neck. For a quick, temporary solution hair ties or rubber bands can also be wrapped around the arms of your glasses near your ears. However, some people find ear hooks, ties and bands uncomfortable and not aesthetically pleasing.
Why sports eyewear is a better option for you?
We would always recommend sports eyewear from top brands like Oakley and Champion and our dynamic Harrington Sport glasses. These designs have practical built-in features. For instance, Oakley’s Unobtanium® ear and nose pads, a key part of many of their frames, are engineered to enhance grip when you sweat, preventing slippage. The quality materials they use are also light and durable so in the rare case that you drop them or they experience impact, you can rest assured the frames will be ok. Champion glasses, meanwhile, feature flexible spring hinges and specialised temple tips which can be adjusted to stop the frame from slipping. As for our Harrington Sport glasses, they have integrated rubber nose pads and a functional shape for a secure fit when you’re exercising or carrying out daily tasks.
Get your existing pair of glasses fixed
If you’ve had your glasses for a while, there’s a chance they may need some small fixes due to loose screws. Simple repairs to restore them to their original comfort and functionality can be carried out easily from home. For example, if you’re constantly having to push the glasses back up on your face, this could be a sign the screws need a little tightening. If you’re up for a bit of DIY, you can patch up your glasses yourself using a glasses repair kit. This should contain everything you need, including a small screwdriver and replacement hinge screws. For tips on aftercare, visit our handy guides.
If you’d prefer, there are plenty of online services available for you to seek professional eyewear repairs. Your local optician can also help refurbish your glasses and may even give you advice about other options that are available.
Get frames that fit your face
It’s possible that your glasses simply don’t fit your face properly. If adjustments and add-ons don’t help, it might be time to get a better-fitting pair. At Glasses Direct, we have a variety of different frame sizes for you to choose from.
To find a suitable glasses fit, you’ll first need to use a ruler to measure your face in millimetres. The key measurements you’re looking for are face width, bridge width and temple length. Compare these measurements to the frame info on our website, located on the product page below the glasses you’re thinking about purchasing. This will help you find your ideal size.
How to measure your face for glasses:
- Face width: Measure the width between each of your temples. This will give you an idea of how wide the frames need to be to fit your face well.
- Nose bridge width: While looking in a mirror, measure the space between your eyes just above your nose. This is where the bridge of the glasses will sit, so you’ll want to make sure you get an accurate measurement.
- Temple length: Measure from the outer corner of your eye to the top of your ear. This will give you an indication of a suitable arm or temple length for your glasses.
For more information on how to measure your face, head to our comprehensive guide to sunglasses for small faces which explains this in more detail.
Consider the design features of your new glasses
Glasses are made up of several key parts. When shopping for a new pair, choose designs made of lightweight, hard-wearing materials like acetate and metal. Did you know that you can also find the weight of our frames below each product in the ‘frame info’ section?
Look out for key features like built-in, rubber or adjustable nose pads and flexible spring hinges for a bespoke fit on your face. If you have a bigger nose, a keyhole bridge will provide you with that little bit more space compared to the standard saddle bridge design which distributes the weight of the glasses differently. Also, glasses with hooked arms shaped like a hockey stick are much better at tucking behind your ears for a secure fit. Straight arms, meanwhile, allow more room for those wearing glasses with sports helmets, headphones, or hearing aids to prevent pressure. Don’t forget to consider your face shape and which styles suit your unique personality.
Top tip: Our Best Fit Machine is useful if you already have a favourite pair that you love. This tool will help you find glasses that fit just as well as your existing pair do.
As you can see, there are a variety of common reasons why glasses slip down your nose – but there also plenty of quick solutions and hacks to prevent this problem. Whether you have a low nose bridge, a small face, or ears that are lower down, you can find the best glasses that fit you just right. Maximise your comfort without compromising on style.
