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Shape & Form: What is the Perfect Eyeglass Frame for Your Face Shape?

November 10, 2023

Photo: Stock Photo

Read Time: 6 minutes


Selecting the perfect eyewear goes beyond just finding the right prescription – it's also about choosing frames that harmonize with your unique face shape. With the power to accentuate your natural features and create a balanced appearance, the right frames can elevate your style quotient while ensuring optimal visual comfort. Urban Optiks Optometry, the premier optometry shop in San Diego, is here to guide you through the process of choosing complementary eyewear based on your face shape. Let's explore various face shapes, discuss the most suitable frame styles for each, and provide you with some advice on making the perfect choice. Follow along as we unlock the secret to selecting eyewear that not only corrects your vision but also enhances your overall look and confidence.


Identifying Your Face Shape


The first step in selecting the perfect eyewear is identifying your face shape. There are several different common types, each with distinct features:


  • Round: Characterized by full cheeks, a wide forehead, and a rounded chin, a round face has soft, curved lines without angles.
  • Square: A square face features a broad forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a strong jawline with the width and height of the face approximately the same.
  • Oval: With balanced proportions, an oval face is slightly narrower at the jawline than the temple area and has a gently rounded hairline and chin.
  • Heart: The heart-shaped face is widest at the forehead and narrows towards the chin. It often includes a pointed chin and high cheekbones.
  • Diamond: Diamond faces have narrow foreheads and jawlines with prominent cheekbones as the widest part of the face.
  • Triangle: A triangle face is characterized by a narrower forehead and wider jawline, creating a distinct triangular shape.
  • Oblong: Often featuring a high forehead, long nose, and a balanced jaw, an oblong face is longer than they are wide.


Take a good look at your face in the mirror or try measuring its dimensions to identify your face shape.

Drawing of 6 different woman's heads with a shape drawn over them to illustrate the face shape.

Frame Types for Each Face Shape


Eyewear for Round Faces


The goal when choosing frames for a round face is to create balance by adding structure and lengthening the face. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect eyewear:


  1. Angular frames: Opt for rectangular or square-shaped frames with sharp angles, which can create contrast and minimize the overall roundness of your face.
  2. Upswept styles: Cat-eye or semi-rimless frames that curve slightly upwards can enhance your cheekbones and produce a more elongated appearance.
  3. Thin materials: Slimmer frames or those made from lightweight materials like metal or acetate can create a delicate balance between your eyewear and face.


Eyewear for Square Faces


For square faces, the aim is to soften the angular features and create a more balanced look. Consider the following recommendations:


  1. Rounded frames: Choose oval or round-shaped frames that can help soften your jawline and add contrast to your face shape.
  2. Frame width: Opt for frames slightly wider than the broadest part of your face to create balance and harmony.
  3. Thicker frames: Thicker or bolder frames can grab attention, highlighting your eyes, and making your strong facial features appear more delicate.


Eyewear for Oval Faces


Oval faces are considered the most versatile and well-proportioned. Your main focus should be to maintain the natural balance of your features. Here are some suggestions:


  1. Geometric shapes: With their balanced proportions, oval faces can easily sport square, rectangular, or round frames. Feel free to experiment!
  2. Aspect ratio: Choose frames that maintain a balanced proportion with your face. Avoid oversized frames that may overpower your features.
  3. Bold styles: Don't be afraid to explore unique textures, patterns, and colors. An oval face often works well with bolder eyewear choices.


Eyewear for Heart-Shaped Faces


Selecting eyewear for a heart-shaped face involves balancing the proportions by drawing attention away from the wider forehead and towards the narrower jawline. Here are some tips:


  1. Frame styles: Opt for bottom-heavy or low-set temple frames that can counterbalance the width of your forehead.
  2. Round or oval shapes: These frame shapes can add balance and proportion to the narrower lower part of your face.
  3. Light colors and materials: Delicate colors and lightweight materials can help keep your eyewear from being too overwhelming for your face shape.


Eyewear for Diamond Faces


When choosing eyewear for a diamond-shaped face, aim to widen the forehead and jawline while drawing attention away from the cheekbones. Bear in mind these suggestions:


  1. Upswept styles: Cat-eye or semi-rimless frames can draw attention upwards, emphasizing the eyes and enhancing the cheekbones.
  2. Widened browline: Frames with a wider browline can broaden the narrow forehead, creating a more balanced appearance.
  3. Round or oval shapes: These frames can soften the sharp angles of a diamond-shaped face, contributing to a harmonious overall look.


Eyewear for Triangle Faces


When choosing eyewear for this face type, the goal is to balance the proportions and soften the jawline. Consider the following tips:


  1. Top-heavy frames: Frames that are slightly wider on the top can add width to the upper part of the face, balancing out the broader jaw.
  2. Light-colored frames: Opt for lighter-colored frames to draw attention upward and away from the jawline.
  3. Aviator or cat-eye styles: These styles can complement the contours of a triangle face, providing a harmonious and flattering appearance.


Eyewear for Oblong Faces


Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, often featuring a high forehead, long nose, and a balanced jaw. The key to choosing eyewear for oblong faces is to add width and break up the vertical lines. Consider the following recommendations:


  1. Wide frames: Look for frames that are wider horizontally to add balance to the face.
  2. Decorative temples: Frames with embellished or decorative temples can add visual interest and width to the sides of the face.
  3. Square or round shapes: Opt for square or round frames to create the illusion of width and minimize the elongated appearance of the face.


Final Considerations for All Face Shapes


Apart from your face shape, keep these additional factors in mind when selecting eyewear:


  • Skin tone: Consider the color of your eyewear in relation to your skin tone. Warmer skin tones typically pair well with gold, copper, or tortoiseshell frames. Cooler skin tones might look better in silver, black, or blue frames.
  • Lifestyle: Active individuals should consider durable materials like titanium or memory metals. Similarly, if you work in a formal environment, opt for eyewear that complements your professional attire.
  • Personal style: Ultimately, the most important factor is selecting eyewear that you love and feel confident wearing. Stay true to your personal style while exploring new frame options.


Embrace Your Unique Look with the Perfect Eyewear for Your Face Shape


Uncovering the ideal eyewear for your face shape can elevate your style and confidence, as well as providing optimal vision and comfort. By exploring various frame shapes and styles suited to your face shape, you can achieve the perfect balance and harmony in your appearance. With the assistance of Urban Optiks Optometry in San Diego, our expertise and extensive selection of eyewear make it easy for you to discover your ideal frames. Our opticians are dedicated to helping you navigate the world of eyewear and find the perfect pair tailored to your face shape and personal style.


Ready to embrace your unique look and find the perfect luxury designer eyewear for your face shape? Schedule an appointment today and let our experienced optical team guide you toward the frames that make you shine.


For more in-depth information about face sizes, click here

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The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is strongly recommended to consult with an eye care professional for personalized recommendations and guidance regarding your individual needs and eye health concerns.


All of Urban Optiks Optometry's blog posts and articles contain information carefully curated from openly sourced materials available in the public domain. We strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided. For a comprehensive understanding of our practices and to read our full disclosure statement, please click here.

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