Choosing the right glasses isn't just about finding a pair you like the look of; it's about finding frames that work with your natural features. As opticians with over 30 years of experience, we've helped thousands of people find their perfect fit. Here's our practical guide to matching frames to your face shape.
Why Face Shape Matters
The goal is balance. The right frames complement your natural proportions, drawing attention to your best features. The wrong ones can make your face look wider, longer, or unbalanced. Once you know your face shape, choosing becomes much easier.
How to Identify Your Face Shape
Stand in front of a mirror and pull your hair back. Look at the overall outline of your face. Most faces fall into one of five categories:
- Oval – Slightly wider at the cheekbones, gently narrowing at the forehead and jaw. Considered the most versatile shape.
- Round – Full cheeks, a rounded chin, and similar width and length. Soft, curved features throughout.
- Square – Strong, defined jawline with a broad forehead. Width and length are roughly equal with angular features.
- Heart – Wider forehead and cheekbones that taper to a narrow, pointed chin.
- Oblong / Rectangle – Longer than it is wide, with a straight cheek line and similar forehead and jaw width.
Best Frames for Each Face Shape
Oval Face
Lucky you , almost any frame style works well. The key is to avoid anything too oversized that overwhelms your proportions. Classic shapes like rectangles, squares, and wayfarers all look great. Aim for frames that are as wide as the broadest part of your face.
Round Face
Angular frames are your best friend. Rectangular or square frames add definition and make the face appear slimmer and longer. Avoid round or small frames, which can emphasise the roundness. Look for frames with a strong bridge and angular corners.
Square Face
Soften those strong angles with rounder, curved frames. Oval, round, or cat-eye styles work beautifully. Rimless or semi-rimless frames also help to soften the jawline. Avoid boxy, angular frames that mirror your natural features.
Heart Face
Balance a wider forehead with frames that are wider at the bottom — oval, round, or light-coloured frames work well. Aviators are a classic choice for heart-shaped faces. Avoid top-heavy frames or decorative detailing at the temples, which draw attention upward.
Oblong / Rectangle Face
Add width and break up the length with oversized or wide frames. Round, square, or decorative frames with depth work well. Avoid narrow, small frames that emphasise the length of the face.
A Few More Tips from Our Opticians
- Consider your colouring -warm skin tones suit tortoiseshell, gold, and warm browns; cool tones suit black, silver, and blue-tinted frames.
- Think about your lifestyle - lightweight titanium or flexible frames suit active lifestyles; acetate frames offer more colour and style options.
- Don't ignore fit - even the most stylish frames won't look right if they're too wide, too narrow, or sit incorrectly on your nose. Pupillary distance (PD) matters enormously for both comfort and vision quality.
- Try before you commit -if you're unsure, our team is always happy to advise. We take a healthcare-led approach, not a sales-led one.
Need Help Choosing?
At Right Fit Glasses, we believe finding the right frames should be a straightforward, expert-guided experience, not an overwhelming one. Our opticians are here to help you find frames that suit your face, your prescription, and your lifestyle.
Browse our collections or get in touch for personalised advice. We glaze all lenses in England to the highest standards, and we're always happy to help with complex prescriptions.
