How to Choose Frames for Your Face Shape
Finding a pair of glasses you love is one thing. Finding a pair that works beautifully with your face shape can make the decision even easier.
While there are no strict rules when it comes to eyewear, understanding the proportions of your face can help you identify shapes that complement your natural features. A round face may look particularly striking with angular frames, for example, while softer frames can balance stronger jawlines.
Of course, face shape is only one part of the equation. Your personal style, prescription, frame size and how comfortable the glasses feel all matter too.
Not sure what your face shape is? Here's a simple guide to help you work it out, and find frames worth trying.
First, What's Your Face Shape?
Before choosing frames, take a look at the overall proportions of your face.
You don't need to measure everything precisely. Instead, look at your:
- forehead
- cheekbones
- jawline
- face length
Is your face noticeably longer than it is wide? Is your jaw particularly defined? Are your cheekbones the widest part of your face?
These details can help point towards your dominant face shape.
And remember: most people don't fit perfectly into one category. You may have characteristics of two different shapes, which simply means you have even more frames to experiment with.
Round Face
What does a round face look like?
Round faces typically have similar width and length, with softer cheeks and a gently curved jawline.
Which frames work well?
The easiest way to complement a round face is often to introduce a little structure.
Try rectangular or square frames, as well as geometric shapes; they can create contrast against softer facial contours and give the round face a more defined appearance.
Celebrity inspiration
Leonardo DiCaprio wearing DiorBlackSuit S16I. Contact us for enquiries regarding this frame
Selena Gomez wearing DMY Studios
Fashion Eyewear Recommendations For Round Face
Oval Face
What does an oval face look like?
Oval faces are generally longer than they are wide, with balanced proportions and a gently curved jawline.
If this sounds like you, congratulations: oval faces tend to work with a particularly broad range of frame shapes.
Which frames work well?
Your face shape gives you plenty of freedom. You can experiment with all shapes; from rectangular to round shapes, cat-eyes to aviators frames, and even oversized styles.
The main thing to consider is proportion. Avoid frames that are dramatically narrower than the widest part of your face.
Celebrity inspiration
David Beckham wearing David Beckham DB1175/S
Beyoncé wearing Dolce&Gabbana DG4520
Fashion Eyewear Recommendations For Oval Face
Barton Perreira Royale BP40011U
Square Face
What does a square face look like?
Square faces tend to have a stronger jawline, broad forehead and relatively similar face width and length. The overall impression is more angular and defined.
Which frames work well?
You can either complement those angles or soften them with rounded silhouettes. Try oval frames, softly curved acetates, rounded aviators, and Panto shapes.
Softer curves can create an appealing contrast with a stronger jawline.
Celebrity inspiration
Brad Pitt wearing Jacques Marie Mage
Olivia Wilde wearing Chloé CH0278S
Fashion Eyewear Recommendations For Square Face
Heart-Shaped Face
What does a heart-shaped face look like?
A heart-shaped face is typically wider around the forehead and cheekbones before narrowing towards the chin. The result is a naturally tapered shape.
Which frames work well?
Look for frames that balance the proportions of the upper and lower face.
Try rounded frames that are wider towards the bottom, or slim rectangular silhouettes. Very heavy frames around the forehead can sometimes exaggerate the widest part of the face, so lighter or more balanced designs can be particularly flattering.
Celebrity inspiration
Nick Jonas wearing Tom Ford Rosco TF1022
Gemma Chan wearing Chloé CH0286S
Fashion Eyewear Recommendations For Heart-Shaped Face
Oblong Face
What does an oblong face look like?
An oblong face is noticeably longer than it is wide, often with a straighter cheek line and a longer chin-to-forehead measurement.
The goal isn't necessarily to make the face look shorter, but choosing frames with enough depth can help create balanced proportions.
Which frames work well?
Try oversized frames or deeper rectangular frames. Bold and statement sunglasses work wonder, too! Frames with more vertical depth can complement a longer face particularly well.
Celebrity inspiration
Benedict Cumberbatch wearing KHAITE x Oliver Peoples 1978RX
Sarah Jessica Parker wearing Bottega Veneta BV1345S
Fashion Eyewear Recommendations For Oblong Face
Diamond Face
What does a diamond face look like?
Diamond-shaped faces are characterised by prominent cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and jawline.
It's one of the less common face shapes and can create beautifully defined facial proportions.
Which frames work well?
The aim is often to complement those prominent cheekbones while adding balance around the forehead and jaw. Try rimless designs and browline styles (also known as Clubmaster-style).
Upswept or cat-eye frames can also work particularly well because they echo the natural lift of the cheekbones.
Celebrity inspiration
Robert Pattinson wearing Dior DioRibbon S1I
Rihanna wearing Ray-Ban Kai RB3757
Fashion Eyewear Recommendations For Diamond Face
What Else Should You Consider?
Frame Size
Your frame should generally feel proportionate to your face. If the glasses are too small, they can look lost; if they're too large, they may overwhelm your features.
Colour
The colour of your frame can make just as much impact as its shape. Black creates definition, Havana adds warmth, while transparent and softer tones can create a lighter appearance.
Your Personal Style
Are you minimalist? Retro? Fashion-forward? Sporty?
Your ideal frame should feel like you, not simply like the frame your face-shape chart told you to buy.
Your Prescription
Prescription requirements can also influence which frame shapes and sizes are most suitable. If you're choosing prescription glasses, make sure your preferred frame is compatible with your prescription and lens options.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right glasses doesn't have to be complicated.
Start by understanding your face shape, experiment with silhouettes that complement your proportions, and then let your personal style take over.
From round and oval to square, heart, oblong and diamond, there's no shortage of frame shapes to explore... and plenty of inspiration from the celebrities who wear them!
The best frame isn't necessarily the one that follows every rule. It's the one you can't wait to put on.