Which Glasses Suit My Face Shape? A Simple Guide
By McDaves Optical · Updated
Quick answer
Most people look best in frames that contrast with their face: angular frames for round faces, rounder frames for square faces, and almost anything for oval faces. Find your shape in a mirror by comparing your forehead, cheekbones and jaw, then make sure the frame is the right size, which matters more than shape.
How to find your face shape
Pull your hair back and look straight into a mirror, or take a front-facing selfie. Compare four things: the width of your forehead, the width across your cheekbones, the width of your jaw, and the length of your face from hairline to chin.
- Round: about as wide as it is long, with soft cheeks and a rounded chin.
- Oval: longer than it is wide, with a slightly narrower jaw than forehead.
- Square: forehead, cheekbones and jaw about the same width, with a strong jawline.
- Heart: wider forehead and cheekbones, narrowing to a pointed chin.
- Diamond: widest at the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and chin.
Round faces
Angular frames add definition: square, rectangular and geometric shapes, and frames slightly wider than your face. Very small round frames tend to make a round face look rounder.
Oval faces
Most shapes suit an oval face. Keep the frame about as wide as the widest part of your face, and choose by style: cat-eye for a lift, square for structure, round for a softer look.
Square faces
Round, oval and cat-eye frames soften a strong jaw. Thin or lighter-coloured rims keep the look balanced; very boxy frames repeat the angles of the face.
Heart-shaped faces
Frames that are lighter on top and a little wider at the bottom balance a wider forehead: oval, round and soft cat-eye shapes, or light and clear colours. Heavy brow lines add weight where you have the most width.
Diamond faces
Cat-eye, oval and browline frames soften the cheekbones and add width at the forehead. Frames narrower than your cheekbones can make them look wider.
Size matters more than shape
A frame in the "right" shape still looks wrong if it is too wide or too narrow. Your eyes should sit near the centre of each lens, and the frame should be about as wide as your face. Use the numbers inside your current glasses to compare sizes.
Common questions
- What if my face is between two shapes?
- That is common. Pick the shape that matches your widest feature, or try frames suggested for both shapes.
- Can I only wear frames for my face shape?
- No. These are guidelines, not rules. Wear what you like; the shape advice just helps when you are unsure where to start.
- Can you help me choose a frame?
- Yes. Message us on WhatsApp with what you are looking for, or try frames on at our Lagos Island shop.
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