Frame shopping is one of the most personal parts of getting glasses — and one of the most overwhelming. With hundreds of options, it’s hard to know where to start. The face shape guidelines you’ve probably seen online are a decent starting point, but the real answer is always more nuanced. Here’s a practical approach.
The Face Shape Framework
The idea is simple: frames should contrast with your face shape to create balance. Soft faces benefit from angular frames; sharp faces benefit from rounder ones. Here’s how that plays out:
Oval Face
The most versatile shape. If you have an oval face (forehead slightly wider than the jaw, gentle curves, balanced proportions), nearly any frame style works. Use this as an opportunity to focus on what you’re drawn to — the guidelines aren’t limiting you.
Round Face
Choose angular or rectangular frames. Round faces benefit from width and structure. Frames with strong horizontal lines and defined corners (rectangular, square, geometric) add contrast and make the face appear longer and more angular. Avoid very round or small frames that echo the face’s curves.
Square Face
Choose round or oval frames. A square face has a strong jawline, wide forehead, and defined angles. Softer, rounder frames (classic round, oval, cat-eye) offset those angles and balance the face. Avoid boxy, sharp frames that amplify an already angular structure.
Heart/Inverted Triangle
Wider at the forehead, narrower at the jaw. Frames that are wider at the bottom balance the proportions — aviators and cat-eye frames work particularly well. Avoid top-heavy styles with lots of embellishment on the upper rim.
Oblong/Rectangular Face
Choose wider frames. An oblong face is longer than it is wide, with a balanced but elongated shape. Wide frames, decorative temples, and bold top rims all help add width. Avoid narrow frames that make the face appear even longer.
What Our Opticians Actually Consider
The face shape rule is a starting point, not a final answer. When you come in, our team also considers:
Prescription strength. High prescriptions create lens thickness and distortion that influence which frames look best. We factor this in — a high minus prescription (strong nearsightedness) looks better in small frames; a high plus (strong farsightedness) can cause visual distortion in very large lenses.
Skin tone and coloring. Warm-toned skin (golden, olive, peachy) tends to suit warm frame colors (tortoise, gold, brown, warm red). Cool-toned skin (pink, blue, cool beige) looks great with cool tones (black, silver, blue, rose gold). Neutral skin can go either way.
Your lifestyle. Someone who works outdoors in rough conditions has different needs than someone who primarily wears glasses for reading. Durability, fit, and weight all matter.
Your personal style. We never impose a frame on someone. Our job is to narrow the options and give you an informed perspective — the final call is always yours.
A Few Practical Tips
- Bring a friend or family member whose opinion you trust. It’s genuinely hard to evaluate frames on your own face.
- Try more than you think you will. People often fall in love with shapes they’d have never reached for themselves.
- Trust the fit as much as the look. A beautiful frame that slides down your nose constantly will become your least favorite pair within a week.
- Consider adjustability. Titanium and spring-hinge frames can often be fitted more precisely than cheaper alternatives.
Come See What We Carry
Our optical collection includes independent and designer brands across a wide range of styles and price points — from bold Mediterranean color from Etnia Barcelona to understated Danish minimalism from Ørgreen. Our opticians are here to guide you, not push you.
Explore our frame collection or book an appointment and find your perfect pair.
