How to Choose Glasses That Match Your Face Shape
You wear your glasses every day, all day, right on your face. No pressure. Knowing your face shape is the quickest way to find the best glasses for your face, frames that truly complement you by balancing your features instead of fighting them.
The basic rule for choosing eyeglass frames by face shape is that opposites attract: angular frames for round or oval faces, rounder frames for square or heart-shaped faces with stronger angles. But this is a starting point, not a dress code. Plenty of great looks break the rules on purpose.
Not sure what face shape you have? Read through the five face shapes below (round, oval, square, heart, and oblong), or take our frame quiz to find glasses that suit you. Want a second opinion? Our in-office teams are very good at this. Book an eye exam and try on frames at a MyEyeDr. near you.
Oval Face Shape
How do I know if I have an oval face shape?
- Your face is slightly longer than it is wide.
- You have softer, balanced proportions.
Which frames should I go for if I have an oval face shape?
- Most frame styles will work for you.
- Square, rectangular, and geometric styles work especially well as they help to provide definition and structure.
Round Face Shape
How do I know if I have a round face shape?
- Your cheeks are the widest part of your face.
- You have softer jawline angles.
Which frames should I go for if I have a round face shape?
- Contrast is key!
- Look for angular styles, rectangular frames and cat-eye glasses, because they give definition while also creating a longer, slimmer appearance.
Square Face Shape
How do I know if I have a square face shape?
- You have a strong jawline, broader forehead and sharper facial angles.
Which frames should I go for if I have a square face shape?
- Round and oval frames usually work best because they help balance and soften stronger features and sharp angles.
Heart Face Shape
How do I know if I have a heart face shape?
- You have a wider forehead and a narrower chin.
Which frames should I go for if I have a heart face shape?
- Choose lighter frames, rimless styles with soft, curved shapes. This will help balance out the top portion of your face without adding width.
Diamond Face Shape
How do I know if I have a diamond face shape?
- Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, and your forehead and chin are narrower.
Which frames should I go for if I have a diamond face shape?
- Look for oval shapes, browline glasses, and subtle cat-eye styles which help define eyes without overwhelming cheekbones.
Which Glasses Should I Choose?
Now that you have established your face shape, it is important to consider which glasses to choose. A lot of people choose glasses based on one thing: do I like the frame? But there is so much more that goes into it than that. Here are four tips to guide you through which frames you should choose.
Tip 1: Width Matters
You want your glasses frames to end at about the same width as your cheekbones.
Tip 2: Your Brows Matter, Too
You want to make sure that the top line of your glasses follows the natural flow of your brows, creating instant harmony.
Tip 3: Don’t Forget Your Angles
It’s tempting to check your glasses head-on in the mirror, but people see you from every angle. Before you commit, run through this checklist:
• Side profile
• ¾ angle
• How the arms fit
• Where the glasses sit on the bridge of your nose
Tip 4: Choose Your Color
Color can be make or break, so choose one that fits both your features and your style:
Black Frames: high contrast, bold, dramatic, intellectual
Tortoise Frames: warm, versatile, inviting
Clear Frames: modern, soft, sophisticated, although it can sometimes wash out lighter complexions
Metal Frames: warm undertones suit gold; cooler undertones suit silver
Your glasses communicate something before you even speak; the best glasses not only fit your style, but they fit your identity.
Ready to Find Yours?
Take our frame quiz or browse our frame gallery.
Watch our face shape tutorial by clicking here! A stylist’s guide with help from Jessica, a stylist partnering with MyEyeDr.