Motorcycle Helmets for Riders Who Wear Glasses

Riding with glasses is common, but the wrong helmet can turn it into a daily headache: frames that press into your temples, glasses that slide down your nose, and fog at every stoplight. The good news is that the right helmet and a few habits make riding with glasses easy. Here's what to look for.

Quick answer

Choose a helmet that fits snugly without pressing your glasses into your head, and always test it with your glasses on. Modular (flip-up) and open face helmets are the easiest to use with glasses. Thin, straight-temple frames work best, and a breath deflector plus a slightly open shield helps stop fog.

Which helmet style works best with glasses?

The GDM RAPTOR modular helmet lets you flip the chin bar up to put your glasses on, clean them at a stop, or grab a drink, then close it for full face protection. For a classic open face option, see the GDM RENEGADE. Read Modular vs Full Face Helmets to compare.

How to test a helmet with your glasses

1. Put the helmet on first, without your glasses, and check the fit: snug, even pressure, no wobble.
2. Slide your glasses in through the eye port, guiding the arms between the cheek pads and the liner, above your ears.
3. Check the pressure. The frame arms shouldn't press hard into your temples or the backs of your ears.
4. Look around. Turn your head and look up and down. Your frames shouldn't block your view at the edges of the eye port.
5. Wear it for 20 to 30 minutes. Glasses pressure often shows up as a headache after a while, not right away.

If your glasses are uncomfortable but the helmet fits well, change the glasses before you change the helmet size. A bigger helmet that moves around isn't safe. See our helmet fit guide.

Choosing glasses for riding

• Thin, straight temple arms slide in more easily than thick or curved arms.
• Flexible frames handle being pushed in and out of a helmet every day.
• Shatter-resistant lenses like polycarbonate are a smart choice for riding.
• Anti-fog and anti-reflective coatings help in cold weather and at night.
• Prescription sunglasses or transition lenses save you from swapping shields on sunny days. Still use a clear shield at night.
• Contact lenses avoid the issue entirely if they work for you.

How to put on a helmet with glasses

1. Take your glasses off.
2. Spread the chin straps and pull the helmet on from back to front.
3. Fasten the chin strap.
4. Open the shield and slide your glasses in, one arm at a time if needed.
5. Settle the frames on your nose and close the shield.

To take it off, remove your glasses first, then the helmet. Pulling a helmet off with glasses inside is how frames get bent.

How to stop glasses fogging in a helmet

• Use a breath deflector to send your breath down, away from your glasses and shield. GDM sells a breath deflector for select models.
• Crack the shield open slightly at low speeds and at stops.
• Open the chin vent to move air across the inside of the shield.
• Use anti-fog lens wipes or spray made for eyeglasses.
• Don't pull a balaclava over your nose; it pushes warm breath up into your glasses.

More tips are in How to Stop Your Shield Fogging.

Glasses and helmet FAQ

Can you wear glasses with a full face motorcycle helmet?

Yes. Put the helmet on first, then slide your glasses in through the eye port. Thin, straight-arm frames work best.

Should I size up my helmet to fit glasses?

No. A helmet that's too big can shift in a crash. Choose the right size and adjust your frames instead.

What is the best helmet type for glasses wearers?

Modular helmets are the easiest full-coverage option because you can flip the chin bar up. Open face helmets are also easy.

Can I wear goggles over glasses?

Yes, with OTG (over-the-glasses) goggles, which are made with extra room for frames.

Find your size with our helmet size chart, then shop motorcycle helmets.