Eyewear selection goes far beyond personal style, and your face shape plays a key role in how frames look on you. You probably already know this if you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror trying on frames, but something doesn’t look quite right. The glasses might be stylish on the display, but they don’t seem to work with your features.
The key to choosing flattering eyewear lies in understanding your face shape and selecting frames that create balance with your natural features. Glasses are an accessory as much as they are for vision correction. When you match the right frame style to your facial structure, your glasses enhance rather than hide your appearance.
Why Face Shape Matters for Eyewear
Your facial structure determines how different frame shapes interact with your features. Think of it like choosing the right picture frame for artwork. The frame should complement, not compete with, what it surrounds.
The relationship between your facial proportions and eyewear creates visual balance. When frames work harmoniously with your bone structure, they draw attention to your eyes and enhance your overall appearance. When the proportions clash, the glasses can overwhelm delicate features or get lost on stronger ones.
The 5 Main Face Shapes
Oval Face Shape
- Slightly wider cheekbones with gentle narrowing at forehead and jaw
- Most versatile shape for frame styles
- Proportionally balanced features
Round Face Shape
- Soft angles with equally wide forehead and jaw
- Wider cheekbones create circular appearance
- Benefits from angular frame styles
Square Face Shape
- Angular lines with equally wide cheekbones, forehead and jaw
- Strong jawline and defined features
- Works well with softer frame shapes
Heart Face Shape
- Widest at forehead, gradually narrows to jaw
- Prominent forehead with narrow chin
- Benefits from frames that balance upper face width
Diamond Face Shape
- Wide cheekbones with narrow forehead and jaw
- Angular features with prominent cheekbones
- Enhanced by frames that soften angles
How to Determine Your Face Shape at Home
Stand in front of a mirror and pull your hair back completely. Use a washable marker to trace your face outline directly on the mirror, following your hairline, temples, cheekbones, and jawline.
Step back and examine the shape you’ve traced. Compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline to identify which of the five main shapes matches your proportions. Take measurements with a soft measuring tape if you need more precise comparisons.
If you’re still unsure, one of our eyewear specialists can help determine your face shape and assess whether you need glasses.
Frame Styles That Complement Each Face Shape
Frames for Oval Faces
Your balanced proportions give you the most flexibility in frame selection. Rectangle frames create a polished, professional appearance that works in business settings. Round frames offer a relaxed, approachable look for casual wear.
Aviator styles provide versatility that transitions from work to weekend. You can experiment with different sizes and colours since your facial structure supports various frame types.
Frames for Round Faces
Rectangle and geometric frames add definition to soft facial curves. These angular styles create structure and make your face appear longer and more defined.
Choose frames that extend slightly beyond your face width to create visual length. Cat-eye shapes add a feminine touch while providing the angular contrast your features need.
Frames for Square Faces
Round and oval glasses add gentle curves that balance your strong jawline. These softer frame shapes reduce the angular appearance of your facial structure.
Curved styles complement rather than compete with your defined features. You’ll want to avoid overly geometric frames that emphasize the angles you already have.
Frames for Heart Faces
Square and aviator glasses bring visual weight to your lower face, creating better proportion with your wider forehead. Bottom-heavy frames draw attention downward and balance your narrow chin.
Rimless or semi-rimless options work well because they don’t add bulk to your upper face. Look for frames with wider lower portions to create harmony with your facial structure.
Frames for Diamond Faces
Round, oval, and cat-eye styles add softness to your angular cheekbones. These curved shapes balance your prominent features while highlighting your eyes.
Focus on frames that draw attention to your eye area rather than emphasizing the width of your cheekbones. Avoid narrow or geometric styles that can make your face appear more angular.
Style Is Just the Beginning
While knowing face shapes provides a helpful starting point, you still need to consider factors beyond facial structure. Your prescription strength, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences all influence the ideal frame selection, and that’s where a comprehensive eye exam comes in.
Strong prescriptions can affect how frames look and feel. Our experienced opticians can evaluate how different frame sizes and shapes work with your specific prescription requirements.Nothing beats seeing it for yourself. Our extensive selection at Sage Eyecare means that you can find frames that look great and feel comfortable throughout your day. Explore our comprehensive eyewear collection in The Vault and receive personalized fitting guidance so you can be confident that your glasses are made for you.
