How to choose a frame for your face type

It’s easy to fall in love with a pair of frames seen on a celebrity or model. But if you don’t share a similar face type and shape, you may be disappointed if they aren’t as flattering on you. When picking out a pair of frames that compliment you, you’ll need to first determine your face type. If you’re unsure, have one or more friends or trusted individuals (optometrist) give their opinion for an accurate assessment.

Here are some key suggestions to keep in mind

Oval – Consider yourself lucky if you’re an oval. The easiest to fit since most all frame styles work well with this face type. The exception would be oversized frames or shapes – which can still work in certain instances.

Round – Youthful with rounded chin, full cheeks, and broad forehead, angular styles work best as they provide contrast. Round and smaller sized frames should be avoided as they don’t compliment your features.

Heart – This common face type features a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and narrow chin. Heart shaped peeps benefit from frames that are oval or round-shaped and are lightly colored and/or thin frame. The goal here is to broaden the chin and take attention away from the top of the face. Styles to avoid would be thick, dark-colored and top heavy (clubmaster or semi-rimless)

Square – Defined by a proportional forehead and defined jawline, round and oval frames contrast well, in addition to darker or bold-colored frames. Most geometric frames won’t provide enough contrast and lighter colored frames can be avoided as well.

Diamond – Probably the least common, diamond can be described as a narrow forehead with a narrow chin. Curved brow lines and wider glasses compliment this shape. Best styles include narrow cat eye, aviator and clubmaster/top-heavy frames. Best to avoid narrow, thin-rimmed and round styles.

Square/Soft Square – This classic shape trail blazed by the Ray-Ban Wayfarer compliments oval, round and heart-shaped faces.

Round/Oval – Works best with people with defined angular features or square-shaped faces.

Cat eye – This feminine retro look works well with oval and round faces. More angular faces like heart and square can pull off cat eye but should choose models that are less “winged” and feature a more rounded or oval frame to help soften their features.

Top heavy – Considered the nerdy-chic or punk/indie hipster aesthetic. Also described as Clubmaster after the classic Ray-Ban style. The frame usually features a thicker browline and is semi-rimless or a very thin rim on the bottom half of the lens. These work great with heart, square and diamond-shaped faces.

Rectangle – Works well with oval faces and also with round and smaller faces.

To Conclude…

Other points to consider in your choice are color, thickness, and frame material. Depending on your skin tone and hair color/style, your choice should factor in these aesthetics. With all that, keep in mind these are just suggestions and guidelines – there are always exceptions to the rule. Your personal taste and “voice” should be the decider at the end of the day.