How to Match Eyeglass Frames to Face Shapes

When choosing sunglasses based on your face shape, according to the Vision Council, there are three points to consider. Your eyewear should focus on your face’s best feature. For example, if you have beautiful blue eyes, you should choose a blue frame. The shape of the frame should contrast the shape of your face. The size of the frame should be on scale with the size of your face.

There are seven basic face shapes, although most faces are a combination of shapes and angles. The common face shapes are oval, oblong, base-up triangle, base-down triangle, round, square, and diamond.

According to Shade Station who sell Ray Ban sunglasses among others, there are certain types of frames that work best with each type of face. Your optician can help guide you to the best eyeglasses, using these guidelines.

Which Face Shape Is Yours?

Oval

If the proportions of your face are balanced, then you have an oval face. In order maintain that balance, choose eyeglass frames that are as broad as the widest part of your face. Walnut shaped frames also work well, as long as they are not too narrow or deep.

Base-Up Triangle

If your face is very wide, at the top third and small at the bottom third, then you have a base-up triangle shaped face. Your goal in selecting a frame is to minimise the width of the top of your face. Select frames that are wide at the bottom in light colours and materials. Rimless frame styles, glasses that do not have surrounding frame material, work well for this face shape.

Oblong

If your face is longer than it is wide and you have long straight cheeks and a longish nose, then your face is oblong. Your goal is to make your face appear shorter and to achieve more a balanced look. Select frames that add depth. Decorative temples can add width to the face. And, a low bridge on the frame can appear to shorten your nose.

Square

If your face has a strong jaw, broad forehead and the width and length are in proportion, then your face is square. Your goal is to make your face look longer and soften sharp angles. Use narrow frames or frames that have more width than depth. You can also choose narrow oval frames.

Diamond

If your face is narrow at your eye and jaw line, but you have broad, high, dramatic cheekbones, then your face is a diamond. This is a rare face shape. Your goal is to highlight your eyes while softening your cheekbones. This can be achieved by choosing a frame with detailing at the brow line. Rimless frames, ovals, and cat-eye shaped frames also work well for this face shape.

Round

If your face has curved lines with a proportional length and width and no angles, then you have a round face. Your goal is to make your face appear longer and thinner. Narrow angular frames can lengthen your face. A clear bridge will make your eyes appear wider. Choose frames that are wider than they are deep, this includes rectangular shaped frames.

Base-Down Triangle

If your face is narrow at the forehead and grows wider at your cheek and chin, then your face has a base-down triangle shape. Your goal is to add width to your face and accentuate the slim upper part of your face. Use glasses that have a heavy accent of colour and details on the top half of the frame. Cat-eye shaped glasses work well for this face shape.

Avery Parker