How to Put on a Monocle So It Stays on Your Face

Everything you need to know about rocking a monocle comfortably

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: January 15, 2023 References

Putting a Monocle On

|

How does a monocle stay on?

|

When should you wear a monocle?

|

Tips

Are you looking for a unique alternative to glasses when you’re having trouble reading fine print? Then a monocle is a perfect addition to an outfit to help you see and instantly make you look fancier. Monocles comfortably fit between your cheekbone and your brow bone, and you can easily make one stay in place with a few helpful tips. Keep reading our guide for everything you need to know so you can wear your monocle any day of the week.

Things You Should Know

Raise your eyebrows up by making a surprised face.
Fit the raised rim on the bottom of the monocle just above your cheekbone.
Position the rim at the top of the monocle right below your brow bone.
Lower your eyebrows so your monocle stays in place.

Section 1 of 3:

Putting a Monocle On

1
Raise your eyebrows. Make a surprised face and lift your eyebrows as high as you can so your monocle fits more comfortably on your face. Keep holding the expression the entire time you’re putting on your monocle.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Practice putting your monocle on in front of a mirror the first few times so you can easily see what you’re doing.
2
Fit the monocle between your brow and your cheekbone. Hold the monocle by one of the galleries, which are the extended rims on the top and bottom of the lens. Set the bottom gallery on your skin just above your cheekbone. Push the top gallery back so it sits underneath your brow.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If your eyelashes brush up against your monocle, reposition it so you aren’t touching the lens.
- Position the monocle closer to your nose to help it stay in place easier.
Advertisement
3
Relax your eyebrows to secure the monocle. Let your eyebrows drop back down so they can pinch the top of the monocle. Try slowly moving your head around to see if the monocle stays in position or if it falls away from your eye. Just reposition it until it sits comfortably without falling out.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If your monocle extends past the bottom of your eyebrow or makes you see the pinks of your eyes, then your monocle is too large.
- If you’re actively squinting to keep your monocle in place or if it keeps falling out, then it’s too small for you.

Section 2 of 3:

How does a monocle stay on?

The top and bottom galleries hold the monocle in place. The natural tension of your skin holds onto the extended rims on each of the galleries. As long as your monocle is the proper size and fits properly between your cheek and brow, then it’ll stay secure as long as you don’t raise your eyebrows.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Most monocles come on a chain or string that you can clip onto your shirt or jacket so they don’t fall to the floor if you accidentally drop them.

Section 3 of 3:

When should you wear a monocle?

1
Wear your monocle whenever you’d normally use reading glasses. If you want something a little more portable and quicker to put on than reading glasses, just keep a monocle with you. You can easily slip the lens into a pocket to use wherever you go. Monocle lenses magnify what you’re looking at so just put one on when you need a little help reading small print or getting a better look at something.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Pair your monocle with a classy outfit when you’re dressing up. Even though the Monopoly Man doesn’t wear one, a monocle is a symbol of class and wealth. Wear a suit and accessorize with a monocle for a ritzy, old-fashioned style.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you want an exaggerated classy look, wear a top hat and bow tie to complete your look.
3
Accessorize a steampunk outfit with a monocle. Steampunk is a style based on the Victorian era with some sci-fi mechanical flair. Start making a steampunk costume with old clothes, like Victorian dresses, corsets, and tweed vests. Complete your look with a monocle, top hat, bowtie, and other steampunk costume accessories.^{[7]
X
Research source}