How to Choose Glasses for Your Face Shape

Don’t just pick frames you like – pick frames that love your face! This guide helps you discover the best glasses styles to flatter your unique features, whether you have a round, oval, square, heart, diamond, or oblong face shape.

Choosing glasses can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about seeing clearly; it’s about finding a frame that complements your natural features and boosts your confidence. The right pair of glasses can balance your proportions, highlight your best assets, and even express your personal style. But the wrong pair? They can throw your whole look off.

This guide breaks down the six most common face shapes and explains which eyeglass styles will enhance each one. Let’s get started!

Understanding Your Face Shape

Before diving into specific frame recommendations, it’s helpful to determine your face shape. Here’s a quick trick:

1. Pull your hair back: Make sure your entire face is visible.
2. Trace your face: Using a washable marker, lipstick, or even a bar of soap, trace the outline of your face directly onto a mirror.
3. Analyze the shape: Step back and look at the shape you’ve created. Which of the following descriptions best fits?

The Best Glasses for Every Face Shape

Oblong Face Shape: Creating Balance

Characteristics: Longer than it is wide, often with a straight cheek line and possibly a longer nose.

Goal: Add width and break up the length.

Best Frames:

• Bold, Square, or Round Shapes: These add width and contrast to the face’s length.
• Frames with Decorative Temples: Details on the temples draw attention outwards, creating the illusion of width.
• Lower Bridge: A lower bridge can make a longer nose appear shorter.

Frames to Avoid:

• Small, narrow frames: These will emphasize the length of the face.
• Rectangle frames if they have sharp lines.

Image suggestion: A collage of celebrities with oblong faces wearing well-fitting glasses (e.g., Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler).

Oval Face Shape: The Versatile Canvas

Characteristics: Balanced proportions; the forehead is slightly wider than the chin, with high cheekbones. Often considered the “ideal” shape.

Goal: Maintain the natural balance.

Best Frames:

• Almost Anything Goes! You’re lucky – oval faces can pull off a wide variety of styles.
• Geometric Shapes: Squares, rectangles, and even aviators can look fantastic.
• Slightly Wider than Widest Part of Face: Ensure the frames aren’t too small.

Frames to Avoid:

• Oversized frames that overwhelm your features.
• Very small frames.

Image suggestion: A variety of frame styles on an oval face model.

Round Face Shape: Adding Definition

Characteristics: Full cheeks, rounded chin, and approximately equal width and length.

Goal: Create definition, add length, and slim the face.

Best Frames:

• Angular Frames: Rectangular, square, or geometric shapes add sharp lines and contrast.
• Upswept Styles: Cat-eye or D-frame glasses can lift the face visually.
• Narrow Bridges: A narrow or clear bridge can make the eyes appear wider.

Frames to Avoid:

• Round frames: These will accentuate the roundness.
• Small frames: Will emphasize face fullness.

Image suggestion: Examples of angular glasses on round faces (e.g., Emma Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio).

Square Face Shape: Softening Strong Lines

Characteristics: Strong jawline, broad forehead, and approximately equal width and length.

Goal: Soften the angles and add length.

Best Frames:

• Round or Oval Frames: These create a softening effect.
• Thin, Metal Frames: Lightweight frames minimize added bulk.
• Neutral colours: Keep the frames subtle.
• Wider Frame: Frame that is wider than your cheekbone can make your face more softly.

Frames to Avoid:

• Sharp, angular frames: These will emphasize the squareness.
• Boxy frames.

Image suggestion: Examples of round and oval glasses on square faces (e.g., Demi Moore, Brad Pitt).

Heart-Shaped Face Shape: Balancing Proportions

Characteristics: Wide forehead, tapering to a narrower chin, often with high cheekbones.

Goal: Draw attention downwards, balancing the wider forehead with the narrower chin.

Best Frames:

• Bottom-Heavy Frames: Styles that are wider at the bottom add weight to the lower part of the face.
• Light Colors or Rimless Styles: These minimize the emphasis on the upper face.
• Round or Oval Shapes: These soften the forehead.

Frames to Avoid:

• Top-heavy frames or embellished temples: These will draw attention to the forehead.
• Cat-eye styles (unless very subtle).

Image suggestion: Examples of suitable frames on heart-shaped faces (e.g., Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson).

Diamond Face Shape: Highlighting the Eyes

Characteristics: Wide cheekbones, narrow forehead and jawline.

Goal: Balance the cheekbones and draw attention to the eyes.

Best Frames:

• Oval and Rimless Frames: These soften the cheekbones.
• Cat-Eye Frames: The upswept shape complements the cheekbones beautifully.
• Top-Rimmed or Browline Styles: These add emphasis to the brow line.

Frames to Avoid:

• Narrow frames: These will make the cheekbones look wider.
• Boxy or square shapes.

Image suggestion: Examples of flattering frames on diamond-shaped faces (e.g., Jennifer Lopez, Tyra Banks).

Beyond Face Shape: Other Considerations

While face shape is a crucial factor, also consider:

• Skin Tone: Choose frame colors that complement your complexion (warm tones with warm colors, cool tones with cool colors).
• Hair Color: Your hair color can influence whether bold or subtle frames look best.
• Lifestyle: Do you need durable frames for sports, or something more stylish for social events?
• Personality: Your glasses should reflect your unique style!

Finding Your Perfect Pair

The best way to find the perfect glasses is to try on a variety of styles. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Visit an optician who can provide personalized advice and help you find frames that fit comfortably and flatter your face.