Face Shape
Face shape is the strongest indicator of what frames will look best. Below we have described the four most common face shapes and the frames that usually match best with them. However, it is important to keep in mind that most people have a combination of these face shapes, and so a combination of features in your frames will work best. Everyone is absolutely unique, not only in face shape but in personal preference and style. That’s why Mather Vision Group encourages everyone to come in and try on a few different pairs – you never know what you’ll fall in love with!

So, how do you determine what shape your face is? You could ask a friend or look in a mirror to see if it’s obvious. One way to see a face shape is to mentally trace the outline of your face on the mirror (please don’t actually draw on your mirrors) and see what shape it most closely corresponds to. The most common shapes are round, oval, square and heart.

Round Faces
Round faces have very few or no angles. They are often described as being “soft” or “friendly”. Round chins and wide foreheads are common traits of a round face. People with round faces often want to make their face appear thinner, or want glasses to make their face look more “interesting”. This can be accomplished by choosing wider frames that have sharp angles. Rectangular frames are a popular choice, and a pair of frames that has further geometric design is even better. This type of frame will give your face definition and will relieve the impression of softness.

Oval Faces
Oval faces are similar to round ones in that they have very balanced proportions. The softness so often associated with the round face, though, is countered by the length of the typical oval face. Common traits of an oval face include a narrow forehead and jaw line coupled with high cheekbones. Many people think that having an oval face means having an easy time of choosing frames, but in our experience oval faces take the longest to fit. This is because you can wear practically anything, and it’s hard to choose! Sizing is the biggest concern for the oval face shape. Be sure to find frames that are at least as wide as the broadest part of your face – but at the same time, beware dominating frames that may overpower your subtler facial features.

Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-Shaped faces, sometimes known as inverted triangles, are notable for their sometimes sharp angles. A large forehead and narrow jaw, with varying degrees of angularity between, are common traits of a heart-shaped face. The heart-shaped face can be difficult to fit because of the many combinations of angles and rounded shapes found in different heart-shaped faces: some look better in rounded glasses, some in angular ones. Try focusing on rim weight to start. Lighter rims will take emphasis off of a wider forehead, while heavy rims or rims that are wider at the top will draw attention to it.

Square Faces
Square faces are typically noted for their angles. Like the round face, the square face is as wide as it is long. However, as would be expected, the angles formed from a wide jaw and broad forehead are harsher. Rounded frames will work best to counter strong angles and create pleasing contrast. Narrow frames will lengthen the face and deemphasize the jaw line. To further downplay this feature, choose glasses that sit high on the bridge of your nose. Glasses with nosepieces are easier to adjust in this way, but plastic frames with molded nosepieces may also suit.
 

Frame Shape
Frame shape is only a starting point. You should also consider color – your skin tone, hair color and the color of the frames can make a big difference in the statement your glasses make. For example, consider a blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman with very pale skin who chooses black glasses. Her glasses are probably the first thing people notice about her, and are very memorable because they contrast so strongly with her physical features. Depending on her style, her environment (business professional? student? artist?) and other factors, these may have been a fantastic choice for her but not something that another person with similar coloring would choose. Other options, such as a light blue frame or a neutral color would make a completely different impression. You may even want the same frame in different colors for different occasions!