How To Pick Glasses for Your Face Shape: A Complete Guide
October 3, 2024 • 2:20 PM
When you set out to buy a new pair of glasses, the options available can make it hard to narrow down your choice. Although it’s not a strict science, you can use your face shape to guide your decision.
In this article, we’ll break down all the frame styles we recommend for different-shaped faces so that you can find a pair that feels like they were made with you in mind. We’ll also walk you through how to determine your face shape and other factors you can use to select the glasses of your dreams.
How To Determine Your Face Shape
Before we dive into the different styles we recommend for different face shapes, we should take a step back and explain how to determine your face shape in the first place.
At its most basic level, there are six different face shapes: round, oval, heart, square, diamond, and triangle. Remember, these aren’t scientific categories, so your face may be a blend of two or even three — and that’s okay!
Facial Width
To determine your face shape, start by pulling your hair away from your face and taking off your glasses. Find the widest part of your face (to make it more precise, you can use a tape measure).
If the widest part of your face is around your forehead, you have an oval-shaped face. For those who are widest around their cheekbones, their face is either round, heart-shaped, or diamond-shaped. If it feels like your face is evenly proportioned, you likely have a square face.
Jaw
Next, take a look at your jawline. People whose jaws are pointy and narrow usually have heart-shaped faces or diamond-shaped faces, while a strong, angular jaw is usually proof of a square-shaped face.
Double Check
You can double-check your findings by measuring the length of your face and comparing it to the width. First, measure from the center of your hairline all the way down to your chin. Then, measure from the middle of one ear to the other.
Faces that are longer than they are wide are oval-shaped, and faces that are wider than they are long are round or heart-shaped. If your face is as long as it is wide, it’s diamond or square-shaped.
What Types of Glasses Work With Different Face Shapes?
Now that we’ve explained how to figure out your unique face shape, it’s time to discuss the best glasses for each.
As always, don’t forget that the only rule is that there are no rules. Use this section as a starting point for your search, and let your personal preference and style lead the way from there.
Round Face Shape
The general rule of thumb when it comes to glasses (and sometimes, love!) is that opposites attract. For example, if you have a round face with smooth lines and gentle curves, square frames that add sharp angles and straight lines to your face are what you want.
Remember, round faces are defined by full cheeks and a roughly similar width all the way up and down. That’s why angular frames are a great choice. Rectangular frames add some structure to your facial features and elongate them. Angular, geometric frames are sure to add sharp and distinct lines.
Another great choice for people with round faces and full cheeks is a cat-eye frame. A cat-eye will draw attention to your cheeks (one of your standout facial features) and your eyes.
Oval Face Shape
If you have an oval face shape, we have good news for you. You’ll likely suit almost any frame shape thanks to your versatile facial features.
Your wider cheekbones and longer face structure mean that most frames can provide some kind of balance. Oversized and wide frames will look especially good because of your longer, rounded facial structure.
The only thing to keep in mind if you’re looking for glasses with an oval face shape is that narrow, heavy-feeling frames might add some unnecessary length. Other than that, the eyeglasses world is your oyster.
Heart Face Shape
As a refresher, if you have a heart-shaped face, that means you have a broad forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrow chin. If that rings true for you, you’ll look great in wider, winged-out frames.
Since your chin is likely more pronounced, rounded frames can also be ideal. Look for glasses that are more angular at the top and rounded at the bottom. Another great option is rimless or semi-rimless frames, which will let your distinct face shape shine.
Square Face Shape
Considering the “opposites attract” rule, people with square-shaped faces tend to look best in glasses with curves. The curvature of your glasses will add an extra dimension to your angular features.
Look for glasses that are wider than the middle of your face and sit high on your nose. This will add a bit of length to your face. Rimless and semi-rimless glasses are also excellent for people with square-shaped faces because they can add a subtle contrast to the angular lines of your jaw.
Diamond Face Shape
Diamond-shaped faces are defined by a slightly narrow forehead, defined cheekbones, full cheeks, and an angular jaw. As the rarest face shape, you’ll want to go for glasses with a strong browline that complements your individuality.
Think along the lines of rimless or oval frames. You’ll also look amazing in more delicate or clear frames that don’t overtake or overwhelm your face.
Triangle Face Shape
If you have a triangle face shape, you likely have a wide, square jawline and a more narrow forehead (the width of your forehead differentiates triangle face shapes from square face shapes).
You have the kind of face that’s made for wider frames, as the width of these frames will broaden your face. If you find a Top Frame with colors and patterns that draw your eyes to the top, that can also work for you. Aviators, cat-eye frames, and round glasses are great choices for people with triangle face shapes.
What Other Factors Should You Consider When Buying Glasses?
When buying eyewear of any type, there are other factors you should keep in mind along with your face shape. This section will examine two of the most important considerations: fit and personal preference.
Fit
Making sure your glasses fit well is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, if your glasses fit well, they’ll be comfortable to wear. Beyond that, it’s hard to see well out of prescription glasses that are falling down your face or pinching your temples. If your frames get in the way of your vision correction, what’s the point of a prescription in the first place?
Personal Preference
Undoubtedly, the best frames for you are the ones you feel best in. Yes, you can use the shape of your face and your natural coloring as a guide to narrow down your selection, but at the end of the day, the choice is yours.
Let your personal style and preferences determine what glasses suit you so that you can use them as a form of self-expression.
Of course, with Pair, you don’t have to worry about being stuck with the same frame every day. Our Top Frames make it easy to switch up your glasses style to match your mood, the season, and so much more.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, searching for new glasses should be a fun, stress-free experience. If you’d find it helpful to determine the shape of your face and make your choice based on that, then go for it.
At Pair, we believe that no matter what you do, the right frames are the ones that truly fit and make you feel like a million bucks.
Sources:
(PDF) Human Face Shape Classification with Machine Learning | ResearchGate
Science reveals genetic reasons behind different face shapes | Open Access Government
What is self-expression and why is it so important? | Counselling Directory