How to Choose Eyeglasses for Your Face Shape
With so many options in colors, shapes, and styles, choosing the right frames for your eyeglasses can seem like a daunting task. If you know what to look for, you can quickly rule out what won’t work and zero in on frames that will best fit your features. There are some basic guidelines that will help you in matching eyeglasses to the shape of your face.
Find Your Face Shape
A general rule of thumb is to choose eyeglass frames that will bring balance to your face. But first, you need to determine the shape of your face.
Round Face Shape
People with round faces generally have less defined jawlines and cheekbones. The right frame for a round face will help define the softer angles of this shape. Frames with a strong browline that are slightly narrow will help give the impression of length, but anything that appears too thin or delicate should generally be avoided. Shapes that lean toward being more square or rectangular will add sharpness and definition, while round, soft shapes aren’t the best option for a round face.
Heart-Shaped Face
Heart-shaped faces feature a stronger cheekbone and jaw, but a smaller chin. Frames for this shape should not be top-heavy or draw attention to the upper half of the face, so browline and half-rim frames are probably not the right fit. Unlike round faces, heart-shaped faces will look better in rounder and more oval-shaped frames, so steer clear of anything angular. A frame a little wider than the forehead provides good balance for heart-shapes, and lighter colors and thinner structures are also good choices. Dark, thick frame styles are less flattering for this face shape.
Square Face Shape
Those with square faces usually have stronger, angular features, and the best eyeglass frames will contrast and soften the face. Softer-edged lines, round or oval, work better than angular or geometric shapes. Frames slightly wider than the cheekbone, but not oversized, will help soften the angles of this face shape. Darker colors work well on square faces since they create more contrast than lighter colors, but vintage “nerd”-style glasses with their boxy shape might not be a good fit. Cat-eye and browline styles, though, are good options.
Rectangular Face Shape
Rectangular faces have a longer chin-to-forehead length and overall narrower width. Frame shape is less important for a rectangular face, but the width is a big consideration. A larger, wider frame in a darker color will help balance the narrower width of the face. A decorative hinge or contrast color at the temple will also help add to the appearance of width. Stay away from smaller, narrow frames.
Oval Face Shape
Those with an oval face are in luck. This face shape has balanced features and is complemented by almost any shape of frame. Most colors and styles are flattering to oval faces, too, but extremely oversized frames or round shapes can detract from the natural balance.
Find Eyeglass Frames that are Right for You
Ultimately, the best eyeglass frames are ones that make you feel comfortable and confident. Eyeglasses are a functional accessory, and they should complement not only the shape of your face but your style and personality as well.
For help in selecting your next pair of frames, please contact us for an appointment with Michigan Eye Institute optometrists. You can also call the offices of our eye doctors in Flint, Fenton, Grand Blanc, Lapeer, or Oxford to schedule an appointment!
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