The short answer: For hooded eyes, choose frames that sit slightly away from the brow with enough lens height, so the top rim does not press into or hide the lid. Cat-eye and upswept shapes lift the eye, and lighter or rimless top edges keep the look open. Avoid heavy, low-sitting brow bars that draw attention to the hood.

What hooded eyes are

Hooded eyes have a fold of skin from the brow bone that partly covers the crease, so the upper lid looks smaller. It is a very common feature and nothing to correct. The aim with glasses is simply to keep the frame off the lid and draw the eye upward, so the frame flatters rather than crowds.

What to look for

• Enough lens height. A taller lens keeps the top rim above the hood instead of cutting across it.
• An upswept or lifted top line. Cat-eye and browline shapes raise the visual line and open the eye.
• A lighter top edge. Rimless or thin-topped frames keep weight off the lid.
• Frames that sit forward. Adjustable nose pads let the frame sit a touch off the face so lashes and lids clear the lens.

Flattering shapes

Cat-eye frames are the classic pick, lifting the outer eye. Round and oval shapes soften and open the area, and browline frames add structure up top without weight below. Explore who cat-eye suits in cat-eye who suits, and match against your face shape in how to choose glasses frames.

What to avoid

Skip heavy, dark frames with a thick, low brow bar, which sits on the hood and closes the eye. Very deep lenses that push lashes into the lens are uncomfortable too. If lashes brush the lens, a small forward tilt or nose-pad adjustment fixes it.

Fit tips

Because the frame needs to sit just off the lid, adjustable nose pads help most; see nose pad types. Check the frame sits level and clears your lashes using the four points in how glasses should fit.

From our test bench. With hooded eyes, lens height and where the frame sits matter more than the exact shape. We look for a top rim that clears the lid and a slight forward tilt so lashes do not touch the lens. Get those right and a cat-eye or browline frame does the flattering on its own.

FAQ

What glasses are best for hooded eyes?

Frames that sit off the brow with enough lens height, and an upswept or lighter top line such as cat-eye, browline, round or rimless. These lift the eye and keep the top rim above the hood.

What glasses should hooded eyes avoid?

Heavy frames with a thick, low brow bar that rests on the lid, and very deep lenses that push lashes into the lens. Both crowd the eye and emphasise the hood.

Why do my lashes touch my lenses?

The frame is sitting too close or too low. A small forward tilt at the temples, or adjusting the nose pads so the frame sits slightly off the face, gives your lashes room.

Part of How to Choose Glasses Frames · Related: who cat-eye suits · Browse eyeglasses · Last updated: August 9, 2026