When shopping for new eyeglasses, finding frames that fit your style and make you look your best should not be overwhelming or difficult… if you know what you are looking for.
This guide is designed to help you feel confident when choosing frames that are just right for you, and will also help you to narrow down your choices when faced with the wide variety frames on display— hopefully saving you lots of time and energy.
The first thing to think about when choosing eyeglass frames is their shape. There are many different shapes to choose from: Oval, round, square, rectangular, cat-eyed, aviator, and more.
But, to save you from trying on every frame that looks attractive on display, this guide will help you to realize that your face shape will determine how well a frame enhances your look.
Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.
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Do you know your face shape?
Your face shape is important when it comes to choosing eyeglass frames.
While your face is definitely not a “perfect” heart or square, knowing which face shape category best suits your facial contours will help you to select a frame that can balance out your features and have you looking your best.
There are five categories of face shapes:
- Square
- Round
- Heart
- Triangular
- Oval
Which of these five shapes best describes your overall look?
Square face
If your face is a square shape, your jawline, cheekbones and forehead are around the same width. Your jawline is also more pronounced with its clear cut, sharp angles.
Square faces are generally balanced out with a round or oval frame because they provide a natural balance for sharp angles. A thinner frame that is slightly wider than your cheekbones can help to soften your natural angles.
Round face
If your face is a round shape, your chin has few angles and your cheekbones are the widest part of your face. The sides of your face are also slightly curved outward, with soft angles and smooth lines.
Round faces can be balanced out with bold, angular frames that rest just above your cheekbones.
There are a variety of shapes to choose from: rectangular, geometric, cat-eye, or D-frames.
- Rectangular frames are known for making round faces appear longer and thinner.
- Geometric or angular frames provide sharp lines to balance out your soft look.
- Cat-eye and D-frames will accentuate your eyes while also highlighting your curved cheeks.
Heart face
If your face is a heart shape, the widest part of your face is at your brow line, your cheekbones are high, and your face narrows down to your chin. Your face may be long or round.
Heart shaped faces are complemented by winged-out frames that protrude out and away from your forehead, such as an aviator or D-frame shape. A frame slightly wider than your forehead with heavier detailing on the bottom can help to balance out your facial features.
More tips:
- Balance a narrow chin by creating more width with a bottom-heavy frame.
- Draw attention away from your forehead with low-set temples that will help to emphasize the lower part of your face.
- Draw attention away from your chin with an oval frame that will help to bring more attention to your eyes.
Triangular face
If you have a triangular shaped face, the widest part of your face is your jawline, which gradually narrows to your forehead.
Triangular faces are best balanced with a bold-top frame that elongates your forehead and draws attention away from your jawline.
There are a variety of round and angular shaped frames to choose from, including cat-eye, aviator, and D-frames.
Oval face
If you have an oval shaped face, your forehead and chin are narrow with soft curves.
Oval faces are the most universal face shape and have the largest variety of frame shapes to choose from. To limit your choices to those that work for you, look for frames that emphasize your strong features and balance your naturally soft angles.
Oval faces are balanced well with square, rectangular, or geometric shaped frames. Oversized frames, or a frame that is widest near your eyes will compliment your face shape well. Cat-eye and aviator frames will provide a bolder statement, while D-frames offer a more classic look.
When shopping for eyeglasses, keep this guide in mind. While these tips are meant to be helpful, they are not hard and fast rules. If you have the time and energy, have fun experimenting with a variety of frames that interest you— regardless of their shape and style!
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Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to discuss how to achieve the best vision possible.
