Retro 396

Retro 396 Prescription Glasses

A softly squared frame is one of the most versatile shapes around. The Retro 396 is a unisex full-rim metal soft square frame, sized 49-15-130, in Black, Brown or Burgundy. You can order it with single vision, varifocal or bifocal lenses made to your prescription. You will find it in our Retro Collection.

Which colour is you?

Black. The Black version is black and grey. Black suits every hair colour and frames the face with confidence.

Brown. In Brown, the frame is striped brown. It warms up the face and sits nicely alongside camel, olive and cream.

Burgundy. Burgundy is a deep wine red. It looks great with neutral outfits and a bold lip.

If you are stuck between two, choose the one closest to the colours you wear most. You can always add a second pair later.

About the Retro 396 design

The softened corners suit round, oval and heart-shaped faces, adding a little shape without looking severe. The fine metal arms keep the weight down and look neat from the side.

The striped finish adds texture that changes as the light catches it. Metal lets the frame stay slim and light while keeping its shape.

If you want a frame you can put on in the morning and forget about, the Retro 396 is a strong choice.

How to wear it

Choose the colour closest to what you wear most and it will go with almost everything.

Size and fit

At 49mm per lens, it is on the smaller side, which is ideal if most frames feel too wide. The 15mm bridge is narrow, so it sits securely on a slimmer nose. The 130mm arms are a little shorter than standard. Across the lenses and bridge it measures about 113mm.

The easiest way to check is against glasses you already love. Most frames show their size inside the arm; if yours are close to these, you are in safe territory.

Lens options for the Retro 396

Your optician’s prescription will usually tell you which of these you need:

• Single vision: one prescription across the whole lens, for distance, reading or the computer.
• Varifocal: near, intermediate and distance in one lens, with no visible line.
• Bifocal: a separate reading segment in the lower part of the lens.
• Ready readers: simple magnification if you just need help with close work.

The 36mm lens depth works with single vision, bifocal and many varifocal lenses. Want lighter lenses? A high-index lens is thinner than standard plastic. Pair it with an anti-reflective coating for less glare when you drive after dark.

Ordering online is simple

You need a valid prescription from your optician and your pupillary distance (PD), the distance between your pupils. Many opticians include your PD on the prescription; if yours does not, just ask for it. Choose your colour, pick your lens type, enter your details and add any lens upgrades. If you are unsure about size, compare the measurements above with a pair you already wear.

How your glasses are made

Every pair is made to order in our own UK lab. Your lenses are cut to your prescription, fitted into your Retro 396 and checked by our technicians before they are sent out.

Keep them looking new

Use lens spray and a soft cloth, fold the arms before putting your glasses down, and store them in a hard case. Our guide to looking after your lenses covers the rest.

Questions we often get

Can I get varifocal lenses in the Retro 396?

Yes. The 36mm lens depth gives varifocal lenses enough height for all three vision zones.

Is the Retro 396 comfortable for all-day wear?

Yes. It is a lightweight frame, and a thinner lens for a stronger prescription keeps the weight down even further.

Is it a small frame?

Yes. With 49mm lenses it suits smaller faces.

Will it suit a narrow nose?

Yes. The 15mm bridge is designed for slimmer noses.

Where are my lenses made?

In our UK optical lab. They are cut to your prescription, fitted into your frame and checked before they are sent out.

Not quite the one? Take a look at our prescription glasses.