Kids' sunglasses size by age: the complete fit guide
A pair that doesn't fit ends in the bag. Always. Protection only works on a face, and a face that's uncomfortable will quietly take the sunglasses off. So before colour, before shape, before the inevitable child-led negotiation about the cool one, there's a quieter question: are they the right size?
Here's a working guide, age by age, with the points that matter when you check at home.
The three measurements that decide everything
Sunglasses fit is built on three numbers. You don't need to memorise them. You do need to know what they describe.
- Lens width (in millimetres). The horizontal size of each lens. Determines coverage and visual feel.
- Bridge width (in millimetres). The distance between the two lenses, resting on the nose. The most underestimated dimension, and the one that decides whether the sunglasses slide or sit.
- Temple length (in millimetres). The arm from hinge to ear tip. Too short and the frame pinches. Too long and it sways.
Adult frames are not simply scaled down for children. The proportions are different, and a poorly proportioned frame fails in three places at once. Every Olivio & Co range is designed from the morphology up, not scaled down.
Age-by-age sizing
Baby (0-12 months)
Soft, light, flexible. The frame is round, the temples either flex generously or are replaced by an elastic strap for the youngest months. The lenses cover the full eye and the brow. Bridges are very narrow.
Typical Olivio measurements: lens width 38-40 mm, bridge 12-14 mm, temple 100-105 mm.
What to check: the sunglasses sit without slipping when baby tilts their head. The strap is snug, not tight.
Explore the Baby range.
Toddler (1-3 years)
The frame still has soft curves and a forgiving fit, but the build gets sturdier. Lenses are slightly wider; temples become rigid enough to hold their shape during play.
Typical Olivio measurements: lens width 42-45 mm, bridge 14-16 mm, temple 110-115 mm.
What to check: lenses cover the eye and a bit beyond, no light leaking from the sides. No red marks at the bridge or temples after 10 minutes.
Explore the Toddler range.
Kids (4-8 years)
The growth-spurt years. Frames here are full-rim, robust, and start to allow real shape variety (round, oval, classic). This is also the age children start choosing their own pair. That's not a problem. That's the point.
Typical Olivio measurements: lens width 46-48 mm, bridge 14-16 mm, temple 120-125 mm.
What to check: the frame stays put when the child runs three steps and stops. The temples don't dig in behind the ears. The nose pads rest without pressing.
Explore the Kids range.
Junior (9-14 years)
Pre-teen sizing. Frames look closer to adult proportions, but bridge widths and curvatures are still adapted to a younger face. The bridge between kid sizes and full adult.
Typical Olivio measurements: lens width 49-52 mm, bridge 16-18 mm, temple 130-140 mm.
What to check: the frame can be pushed up against the brow without lenses touching the eyelashes. Comfortable for a full afternoon outdoors.
Explore the Junior range.
Each Olivio & Co product page lists the exact measurements for that model. The ranges above are working averages by age band.
The 3 home tests, after purchase
Order online, frame arrives. You want to know in the first ten minutes whether to keep them. Three tests, in order.
- Ten minutes of continuous wear without complaint. A child will tell you within the first quarter hour if a fit is wrong. Believe them.
- No red marks at removal. Check the bridge and the temple tips. A faint indent is normal. A red mark that lingers is a sizing issue.
- Stay-put test. Ask the child to tilt their head forward as if looking at their shoes. The sunglasses should remain on the face without help.
If any of the three fails, the size isn't right. We have a free exchange process for exactly that reason: a first pair is rarely the perfect pair on the first try.
When to upgrade
Kids' faces change faster than wardrobes. A few signals that it's time for a new pair, even if the current ones aren't broken.
- The frame leaves marks where it didn't before.
- The lenses no longer cover the brow line.
- The child pulls them off with one hand instead of lifting them by the temples (too loose at the bridge).
- They simply stop wearing them. Often the silent signal.
Plan for a new size every 12 to 18 months between ages 1 and 8. After 8, every 2 to 3 years is usually enough, depending on growth.
Quick reference table
| Age | Olivio range | Lens width | Bridge | Temple | Key fit signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-12 m | Baby | 38-40 mm | 12-14 mm | 100-105 mm | Sits when baby tilts head |
| 1-3 yrs | Toddler | 42-45 mm | 14-16 mm | 110-115 mm | No light from the sides |
| 4-8 yrs | Kids | 46-48 mm | 14-16 mm | 120-125 mm | Stays put after three running steps |
| 9-14 yrs | Junior | 49-52 mm | 16-18 mm | 130-140 mm | No lashes touching the lens |
Measurements [À VÉRIFIER] against the actual product catalogue before publication.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure my child's face for sunglasses?
The single most important number is the bridge width: measure the distance across the top of the nose where sunglasses will rest, in millimetres. Match that to the bridge column in the table above.
Should I size up to make the pair last longer?
No. Oversized frames slide, leak light from the sides, and end up off the face. Better to size to fit now, replace when needed.
What if my child loses or breaks them?
Replacement parts (temple, nose pads) are available for most Olivio models. For full replacement, our customer service team can help find a same-fit alternative.
Where to go from here
If you're shopping a first pair, our parent guides cover the rest. Read how to choose the right sunglasses for your child for the buying criteria, and at what age can a baby wear sunglasses if your child is under 3.
Four ranges, one fit philosophy. Built from the morphology up.