Keyhole Bridge Glasses and Sunglasses

Published on August 1st, 2025

Keyhole bridge glasses and sunglasses are characterised by their distinctive bridges that resemble the shape of a vintage keyhole. This shape is typically round and wider at the top, narrowing down the centre and rests evenly on the sides of the nose. Keyhole bridge glasses are widely available in a variety of colours, patterns and frame styles, and depending on the frame shape, can suit many different face shapes. They provide elegant style and comfort due to their functional design, which helps distribute the weight of the glasses evenly. At Oscar Wylee, you can find prime options for keyhole bridge glasses and sunglasses such as Heba, Zeke, Humphrey, Francis, Luca and Connor, which come in varied styles and colours. Continue reading below to learn more about this unique nose bridge style.

How to Choose the Best Keyhole Bridge Glasses

To choose the best keyhole bridge glasses, think about your visual requirements, consider your nose shape and assess your lifestyle needs. The steps on how to choose the best keyhole bridge glasses are listed below.

Think about your visual requirements: Firstly, think about your visual requirements when choosing the best keyhole bridge glasses. After getting an eye test, the optometrist will be able to help with recommending frames that may be more suitable for your vision.
Consider your nose shape: Consider your nose shape as keyhole bridge glasses may be more suited to certain sizes and structures of noses in terms of comfort and proper fit. Wider noses and low nose bridges may be more suitable for keyhole bridge glasses, as the wider and round top of the keyhole shape naturally creates more space and therefore, more comfort and even weight distribution.
Assess your lifestyle needs: Lastly, assess your lifestyle needs when selecting the best keyhole bridge glasses. If you typically use your glasses during physical activities, you may want to consult with the optometrist to determine if they are the most optimal frames.

How to Choose the Best Keyhole Bridge Glasses According to Skin Tone?

Skin tone does not play a major role in choosing the best keyhole bridge glasses, but can be used if someone wishes to pick a colour of keyhole bridge glasses that suits them best. To choose the best keyhole frame according to skin tone, a person needs first to identify their skin undertone and then pick a complementary colour. A person can determine their skin tone by looking at the veins on the inner wrist. If the veins are blue or purple, this usually indicates a cooler tone. If the veins are more blue-green, then a person may have neutral undertones. If the veins are more yellow or green-looking, this can indicate a warm undertone. For warmer skin undertones, frames in warm and earth colours, such as oranges and browns, will look good. For cooler skin tones, cooler colours such as blues, pinks and purples are suitable.

How to Choose the Best Keyhole Nose Bridge Glasses According to Face Shape?

The ways to choose the best keyhole nose bridge according to face shape involve identifying what face shape you have and what glasses will best complement this face shape. The nose itself is what will help to determine the best nose bridge, with face shape more playing a role in ensuring the glasses are suitable for the overall look of the face. The most common face shapes are round face shapes, square face shapes, pear face shapes, oval face shapes and heart face shapes. The ways to choose the best keyhole nose bridges according to face shape are listed below.

Round face shapes: Round face shapes are characterised by a round, softer look. Round face shapes are well-suited to rectangular or square-shaped frames, as these help to bring structure to the face.
Square face shapes: Square face shapes are generally as wide as they are long and look angular. Glasses that suit this face shape include round, cat-eye, oval and aviator glasses, as the roundness of these frame types helps to soften the angular features of square faces.
Pear face shapes: Pear face shapes are characterised by a narrow forehead and fuller jaw. Rectangular and square glasses are well-suited to pear face shapes, as they add width to the forehead and help balance the face.
Oval face shape: Oval face shapes resemble an oblong shape and have smooth curves. Frames that suit an oval face shape include rectangular and square-shaped frames, as they help to balance the cut how round the face and bring balance to features.
Heart face shape: A heart-shaped face is characterised by a wider forehead and a smaller chin. Frames that suit a heart-shaped face are round and square, as these shapes help to balance out the wider forehead.

How to Choose the Best Keyhole Bridge Glasses According to Eye Colour?

To choose the best keyhole bridge glasses according to eye colour, identify your eye colour, consider frames that complement your eye colour and consider frames that contrast with your eye colour. The steps on how to choose keyhole glasses according to eye colour are listed below.

Identify your eye colour: Firstly, identify your eye colour, whether you have brown, hazel, green or blue eyes. For lighter colours, it may be helpful to look during the day when the room is filled with sunlight, to ensure the most accurate colour under natural lighting.
Consider frames that complement your eye colour: Consider frames that complement your eye colour by trying on different frame colours that may fall in the same palette as your eye colour. For example, if you have brown eyes, you may want to opt for tortoise patterns as they typically include a mixture of browns, amber and gold tones.
Consider frames that contrast with your eye colour: Lastly, consider frames that contrast with your eye colour by trying on frame colours that can make your eye colour pop. For example, if you have blue eyes, try different brown shades, gold frames or tortoise patterns, which can help emphasise the natural colour of your eyes more.

Which Material is Best for Keyhole Bridge Glasses?

The materials that may be best for keyhole bridge glasses can include acetate, TR90 and stainless steel. Acetate is an optimal material for crafting stylish glasses that are lightweight, while stainless steel and titanium are ideal materials for creating strong and lightweight glasses. It is important to note that Oscar Wylee does not sell titanium or stainless steel keyhole bridge glasses.

1. Acetate Keyhole Bridge Glasses

Acetate keyhole bridge glasses are lightweight, durable and made through a special process to ensure a high-quality material. The process involves adding dye to cellulose acetate, rolling this material into a sheet, cutting the frame shapes from it and then finally polishing and constructing. Oscar Wylee acetate frames for keyhole bridge glasses can vary in price depending on your vision requirements and potential add-ons. Acetate is advantageous for creating strong and durable frames while still maintaining its lightweight nature and creating glasses that are rich in colour.

2. TR90 Keyhole Bridge Glasses

TR90 keyhole bridge glasses refer to frames made from TR90 and are a type of thermoplastic material crafted to ensure lightweightness and flexibility. Here at Oscar Wylee, our TR90 frames are placed through conditions ensuring they will maintain their properties in extreme temperatures, including extremely humid or dry climates. TR90's distinctive lightweight nature can vary depending on the particular style and/or when other materials are used. Many TR90 frames at Oscar Wylee can make optimal lightweight glasses options.

What is the Keyhole Bridge in Glasses?

The keyhole bridge in glasses refers to the specific shape of the glasses frame, which resembles the shape of a vintage-style keyhole. A keyhole bridge is characterised by its wide and round-shaped top, which narrows down the centre. The centre of the keyhole bridge sits evenly on the sides of the wearer's nose and can provide a secure fit and comfort. According to the College of Optometrists, keyhole bridge glasses, also known as "Prince-nez" glasses, originated in the 19th century, and the name translates to 'pinching the nose'.

An illustration of a pair of keyhole nose bridge glasses

Why Does the Nose Bridge Matter in Choosing Keyhole Bridge Glasses?

The nose bridge matters in choosing keyhole bridge glasses as it can influence how the glasses will sit on your face, the level of comfort and fit. Keyhole bridge glasses may enhance comfort and help distribute the weight of your prescription glasses more evenly.

Which Colour Pattern is Best for Keyhole Bridge Glasses Frames?

The colour pattern that may be best for keyhole bridge glasses frames can include options such as matte, solid, striped, tortoise, transparent and two-tone. The colour patterns that may be best for keyhole bridge glasses frames are listed below.

Matte: Matte can be an ideal choice for keyhole bridge glasses as it can offer the wearer a subtle elevation in style and may be less prone to fingerprint smudges.

Francis optical glasses in the colour Ice from $169

Solid: A solid colour pattern can be an ideal choice for keyhole bridge glasses as it helps bring more focus to the distinct shape of the keyhole bridge and offers the wearer a classic and clean look.

Winston optical glasses in th eoclour Dark Olive from $169

Billy Sunglasses in the colour Obsidian Black from $169

Winston optical glasses in th eoclour Dark Olive from $169 e

Striped: A striped colour pattern can be an ideal choice for keyhole bridge glasses as it elevates visual interest in addition to the distinct keyhole bridge design.
Tortoise: A tortoise colour pattern can be an ideal choice for keyhole bridge glasses, as the browns, ambers, blacks, and golds can create warmth and depth. Due to its versatile colour palette, a tortoise pattern can suit a range of skin tones.

Kent optical glasses in the colour Indigo Tortoise from $169

Heba optical glasses in the colour Pink Rain from $169

Transparent: A transparent colour pattern can be an ideal choice for keyhole bridge glasses as it offers wearers a smart, modern and minimalist look. Transparent colour patterns can help subtly enhance your facial features without adding too much visual clutter.

Humphrey optical glasses in the colour Clear Crystal from $169

Chamberlain Sunglasses in the colour Clear Crystal from $169

Two-Tone: A two-tone colour pattern can be an ideal choice for keyhole bridge glasses as it offers a unique but modern twist on a classic keyhole bridge frame. A two-tone pattern can be an easy way to achieve a more bold look.

Zeke optical glasses in the colour Sea Snake from $169

Trixie optical glasses in the Colour Latte from $169

What Types of Nose Shapes Work Best with Keyhole Bridge Glasses?

The types of nose bridges that work best with keyhole bridge glasses may include wider noses or a low nose bridge. The keyhole shape of the frame bridge is wider and rounder at the top and therefore, allowing for more space and comfort. Certain types of nose shapes may be more suited to specific types of frame bridge shapes than others, so it can be helpful to visit your local store to try on various frame shapes and styles in person.

Are Keyhole Bridge Glasses Better for Persons with Small Noses?

Keyhole bridge glasses can be better for people with small noses. This is because keyhole bridges distribute weight more evenly across the nose, allowing for a snug fit to accommodate a smaller nose.

What is the Difference Between a Keyhole Bridge and a Low Nose Bridge?

The difference between a keyhole bridge and low nose bridge is that the first is a type of glasses bridge and is designed based, whereas a low nose bridge describes the physical features of a nose. A keyhole bridge refers to an eyewear frame bridge design that resembles the shape of a vintage keyhole. A low nose bridge refers to the midline of the nose called the "bridge", wherein the bridge is closer to the face, often resulting in a flatter profile, less pronounced than the high nose bridge. It should be noted that a keyhole bridge is a glasses frame bridge design, whereas a low nose bridge is used to describe the bridge of the nose on the face.

Do Cat-Eye Frame Glasses Feature Keyhole Bridge Designs?

Yes, cat-eye frame glasses can feature keyhole bridge designs. However, cat-eye frame glasses do not just have keyhole bridges and can also have saddle bridges. You should try the cat-eye glasses on regardless of bridge type before purchasing to see how it suits and fits your face.

Are Keyhole Bridge Glasses Suitable for Sports and Active Use?

No, keyhole bridge glasses are not often found in glasses for sports and active use. Sports and active use glasses often have saddle nose bridges. Most importantly, they should have adjustable or rubber nose pads for strong gripping to ensure the glasses sit securely on the face during physical activity.

What are the Price Factors for Keyhole Bridge Glasses?

The price factors for keyhole bridge glasses may include your prescription requirements and potential lens add-ons. At Oscar Wylee, many of our frames, including our keyhole bridge glasses, have a starting price that can be influenced by the level of prescription you need for vision correction and/or if you require special lens add-ons such as photochromic lenses or multifocal lenses.

What is the Duration of Shipment for Keyhole Bridge Glasses?

The duration of shipment for keyhole bridge glasses is usually within 7-10 business days at Oscar Wylee. Oscar Wylee offers domestic shipping for keyhole bridge glasses ordered on the website. An email will be sent to you confirming the order for your keyhole bridge glasses purchase, alongside an order tracking link.

What is the Warranty Policy for Keyhole Bridge Glasses?

Oscar Wylee has a warranty policy that covers production faults within 12 months of delivery or purchase of your keyhole bridge glasses. This encompasses production faults, such as material issues, defective frames or damage from the product's manufacturing. Oscar Wylee's satisfaction guarantee offers replacement or repair of your purchase, free of charge. Oscar Wylee also offers a repair or replacement for problems experienced with vision during everyday use for claims made within 30 days of delivery or receipt of purchase. Goods damaged in transit also fall under our 12-month guarantee and will allow you to undertake the same actions you can do when you have a faulty product. If you wish to replace a faulty product that has been discontinued or is no longer available, we may offer you an exchange for a similar product or a refund. All customers who purchase Oscar Wylee glasses are able to have lifetime cleaning and adjustment. For more information, please visit our warranty policy page.