What do 140, 145 and 150 mm temple lengths mean?

01 · TEMPLE LENGTH

The number is a nominal reference for temple length

Numbers such as 140, 145 and 150 printed inside the frame generally refer to the manufacturer’s stated temple length.

A larger number usually means a longer temple, but measuring conventions and temple curvature can vary somewhat by manufacturer and design.

So the numerical difference does not translate directly into the same amount of extra length behind every wearer’s ear.

A 140, 145 or 150 mm marking is a useful nominal comparison, but it does not tell you exactly how much usable length reaches the wearer’s ear. Hinge position, temple curvature and the location of any preformed bend can make two temples with the same number feel different in practice.

02 · HINGE POSITION

The same 145 can start from a different place on the face

Front width, endpiece length and hinge position change where the temple begins along the side of the head.

That is why two 145 temples can reach the ear differently when one starts farther outward or inward.

03 · EAR POSITION

Ear position differs from person to person

Distance from the front of the face to the ear, ear height and front-back ear position vary among wearers.

The same temple length will not bend at the same place for everyone.

04 · BEND POINT

There should be enough length to form a natural bend

If a temple bends sharply before it properly reaches the ear, or if a useful rear curve cannot be formed even after it extends well past the ear, evaluate both temple length and the existing bend point.

A suitable temple provides enough length to create a natural curve around the wearer’s ear.

In basic fitting, the temple should not turn sharply downward before it reaches the top of the ear. The bend generally begins just behind the top of the ear and then follows the posterior contour, with the exact location adjusted to the wearer’s ear position, height and the temple material.

05 · NUMBER IS NOT EVERYTHING

The number is not the whole story

Tip thickness, temple curvature and end shape also change behind-ear comfort.

The number on an existing pair is a good reference, but on a new frame it should be compared together with hinge position and overall frame geometry.

A slightly long temple may offer room to relocate the bend when the construction allows it, while a temple that is too short may simply lack enough length to form a comfortable posterior curve. Excessive length can also leave the tip floating or overlapping behind the ear, so the finished curve matters more than the printed number.

SOLUTION GUIDE

Solutions at a glance

GLANOS FITTING CHECK

GLANOS fitting check order

1. Front
   Check the overall frame structure.
2. Nose pads / bridge
   Stabilize the wearing position first.
3. Width
   Make sure the temples run naturally toward the ears.
4. Temple bend
   Confirm that the nominal length allows an appropriate curve at the actual ear.

CAUTION

Do not select a frame by temple number alone

GLANOS EYEWEAR

There is a reason glasses feel uncomfortable.