How to Wear a Monocle

Posted on August 29, 2014 by James Berry

If you can't quite get the hang of your monocle don't worry! "How do I wear a monocle?" is the most common question we get from customers. We've put together the guide below to help you figure things out.

We recommend practicing in front of a mirror; it should only take a few minutes before you're a monocle pro.

If you're having trouble please give us a call - we're happy to help!

(We've also included this in our FAQ Page - check there for helpful answers to other questions, too!)

Step #1: Hold the monocle by the loop, with the galleries pointing up

The galleries on the back on the monocle allow you to wear it hands-free, comfortably and securely. The galleries keep the lens away from your eye, so you avoid the unsightly "squinty look" that many people incorrectly associate with well-fitting monocles.

Step #2: Raise your eyebrow (or make a "Wow!" face)

The galleries on the monocle rest horizontally between your cheekbone and your eyebrow, and the monocle is held in place by the natural tension in your skin when you relax. Raising your eyebrow makes it easier to fit the galleries in place.

Step #3: Fit the monocle in, bottom gallery first

Rest the bottom gallery on top of your cheekbone, and then fit the top gallery in just below your eyebrow. Be sure to keep the monocle close to your nose! It's much easier to wear your monocle when it is close to your nose.

Step #4: Relax

Your monocle will fit comfortably and securely between your cheekbone and your eyebrow.

How to tell if your monocle is too large or too small

The galleries on our monocles are designed to fit comfortably between your cheekbone and your eyebrow. If the bottom gallery is resting on your cheekbone, and the top gallery is above your eyebrow, then your monocle is too large.

Of if you feel like your eye is "stretched" or you can see the pink skin around your eye, then your monocle is too large - we call this "the maniac look".