How to Choose the Right Eyeglasses Frames for Your Face Shape

Choosing a new pair of eyeglasses is an exciting process. It’s a chance to redefine your style and find a look that makes you feel confident. But with so many different shapes, colors, and materials to choose from, it can also be overwhelming. The secret to finding the perfect frames is understanding that the goal is to create balance. The right pair of glasses will complement the natural lines of your face, while the wrong pair can create disharmony. By identifying your primary face shape, you can narrow down your options and select a frame that is perfectly suited to you.

Identifying Your Face Shape

Before you start trying on frames, take a look in the mirror and determine your primary face shape. The most common shapes are oval, round, square, and heart.

• Oval: An oval face is considered the most balanced, with high cheekbones and a chin that is slightly narrower than the forehead.
• Round: A round face has soft, curved lines with roughly equal width and length. Cheeks are typically full, and the chin is rounded.
• Square: A square face is characterized by a strong, broad jawline and a similarly broad forehead. The face is proportional in length and width.
• Heart-Shaped (or Base-Up Triangle): This shape is widest at the forehead and gradually narrows down to a smaller, more pointed chin.

Matching Frames to Your Face Shape

The general rule of thumb is to choose a frame shape that contrasts with your face shape. This creates a pleasing balance and highlights your best features.

• For Oval Faces: Because an oval face is so balanced, you can wear almost any frame shape. The key is to maintain this natural balance. Look for frames that are at least as wide as the broadest part of your face. Avoid frames that are overly large or wide, as they can disrupt your natural proportions. Classic rectangular or walnut-shaped frames often look fantastic.
• For Round Faces: The goal is to make your face appear longer and thinner. You want to choose frames that add angles and definition. Look for strong, angular frames like rectangles or squares. Frames with a clear bridge or those that are wider than they are tall can also help to elongate the face. Avoid small, round frames, as they will only accentuate the roundness.
• For Square Faces: To soften the strong angles of a square face, you should choose frames with soft, curved lines. Round and oval frames are excellent choices as they provide a nice contrast to the angular jawline. Thinner frames can also help to soften your features. Avoid sharp, geometric, or boxy frames that will emphasize the angles of your face.
• For Heart-Shaped Faces: The goal here is to minimize the width of the top of your face and add balance to the narrower lower half. Look for frames that are wider at the bottom than they are at the top. Rimless styles, light-colored frames, and round or oval shapes can be very flattering. Aviator styles are often a great fit. Avoid frames with a heavy browline or a lot of decorative detail at the top, as this can draw too much attention upward.

As many style and fashion resources like Vogue or other fashion magazines often explain, these principles apply to both eyeglasses and sunglasses. Ultimately, the most important factor is choosing a pair of glasses that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Your Monrovia Experts for Eyeglasses

Choosing the right frames is a personal journey, and expert guidance can make all the difference. A professional optician can help you find a frame that not only complements your face shape but also works perfectly with your specific lens prescription. For residents of Monrovia, CA, the experienced team at Plaza Vision Optometry offers a wide selection of designer frames and personalized service to help you find the perfect pair of glasses. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.