A Frame for Every Face
Certain frame shapes will balance and complement your facial features. But others can result in an unattractive, awkward look. The following guidelines will help you choose the most flattering frame shape for your facial features.
General Frame Selection Guidelines
Though frame styles frequently change, these general guidelines for selecting frames always apply:
Eye position
Regardless of the shape of the frame, your eyes should be centered within the lens openings of the frame.
Width
The frame should be wide enough so there is just a slight clearance between the frame temples and the sides of your head.
Brow
The top of the frame should follow (but not cross) your brow line and should not be noticeably higher or lower than the brow line. If you have thick eyebrows, consider a thicker, darker frame for balance.
Proportion
The size and weight of your eyeglasses should be in proportion to your body size and weight. If you have a slim or petite build, choose thinner, more delicate frames for a balanced look.
Lenses
Thinner, lighter, and reflection-free lenses are always the best choice. Choose high-index plastic lenses with an anti-reflective (AR) coating for the most flattering appearance. If you have a bifocal prescription, choose Progressive lenses to avoid old-fashioned bifocal lines.
Determining Your Face Shape
There are seven basic face shapes: oval, diamond, round, square, triangle, inverted triangle, and oblong.
Follow these simple steps to determine your face shape:
1. Have someone take a passport-style photograph of you.
2. Draw six dots on the outline of your face in the picture.
- Two on each side of your forehead
- Two at your cheekbones (near your eyes)
- Two at your jaw line (at the level of your mouth)
3. Analyze the width of each pair of dots to determine your face shape.
Possible Face Shapes
Oval
- Dots on cheekbones are farthest apart.
- Dots on the forehead and jaw are about equally spaced, slightly closer together.
- The face is longer than it is wide.
Diamond
- Similar to an oval, but dots on the forehead and jaw are closer together.
- The face is more angular, with a smaller forehead and chin than an oval face.
Round
- Dots on cheekbones are farthest apart.
- Dots on the forehead and jaw are slightly closer together.
- Width and height are nearly equal.
- The face has a full appearance with few angles.
Square
- The distance between all three pairs of dots is roughly equal.
- The width and height of the face are nearly equal.
- The jaw line has an angular or square appearance.
Triangle
- Dots on the jaw are farthest apart.
- Dots on the forehead are closest together.
- The face has a narrow forehead and is wider at the cheeks and jaw line.
Inverted triangle
- Dots on the forehead are farthest apart.
- Dots on the jaw are closest together.
- Cheekbones are high.
- The face has a broad forehead that gradually narrows to the chin.
Oblong
- The distances between all three pairs of dots are roughly equal.
- Similar to a square, but the face is noticeably longer than it is wide.
Once you have determined your face shape, continue below to learn which frame shapes will best complement your facial features.
Best Frame Shapes For Your Face
In general, the most attractive frames gently counterbalance your face shape and features.
For example, if you have a round face, frames with angular shapes will counterbalance the roundness of your face for a more attractive look. Round frames will do the opposite; they will exaggerate the roundness of your face (and possibly make your head look like a basketball, sorry).
For an Oval Face
- An oval face gives you the greatest freedom in selecting a frame shape – you can wear nearly any frame style.
- Select a frame that is just slightly wider than the broadest part of your face.
- Keep the size and weight of the frame proportional to your body size and weight.
For a Diamond-Shaped Face
- The goal is to add width to your forehead and jaw and make your cheekbones appear narrower.
- Choose softly curved frames that are no wider than your cheekbones.
- Square frames or frames with a straight top and rounded bottom are also good choices.
- Avoid decorative temples, which will exaggerate the width of your cheekbones.
For a Round Face
- The goal is to make your face appear longer and thinner.
- Choose low, wide rectangles and other short geometric shapes.
- Frames with hinges located above eye level can help lengthen the face.
- A bridge located near the top of the frame can also add length.
For a Square Face
- The goal is to make your face appear longer with softer curves.
- Choose oval or slightly angular frame styles with curved corners.
- Frames with hinges located above eye level can help lengthen the face.
- A bridge located near the top of the frame can also add length.
For a Triangle-Shaped Face
- The goal is to add width to your forehead and make your jaw line appear softer and narrower.
- Choose frame styles that angle up and outward at the top corners.
- For women, cat’s-eye shapes are flattering.
- For men, square frames are attractive.
- Frames with rimless bottoms are also good for both men and women.
- Frames with temples and bridges located near the top of the frame are best.
For an Inverted Triangle Face
- The goal is to make your forehead look narrower and add width to your jaw line.
- Choose frame styles that angle outward at the bottom.
- Aviator and “bow tie” shapes are good choices.
- Rectangular styles are also good.
- Frames with temples and bridges located near the middle of the frame help balance facial features.
For an Oblong-Shaped Face
- The goal is to make your face appear wider and shorter.
- Choose round styles or geometric shapes with generous vertical dimensions.
- Decorative temples or temples with contrasting colors can help add width.
- Frames with temples and bridges located near the middle of the frame are best.
Conclusion
Choosing the right eyeglass frames can significantly complement your facial features. It’s essential to follow general guidelines like centering your eyes in the frame and matching the frame’s width to your head. Determine your face shape—be it oval, diamond, round, square, triangle, inverted triangle, or oblong—and select frames that counterbalance and enhance your features. The right frame choice accentuates your natural beauty and boosts your style.
