How to Know What Glasses Look Good on You

The answer to determining what kind of frame style looks best on you is staring you right in the face…at least when you look into a mirror. Because it is your face – the overall shape of it, that is – that is the best indicator of what styles and eyewear shapes work well or poorly for you.

Finding Which Glasses Look Good On You

Certain frames will compliment your face shape while others can clash with it. The key is determining your basic face shape and finding out which frame style or styles work well with it. For some people, determining the exact contours of the face in a reflected image can be a bit difficult; if you have trouble figuring out your face shape, you might try examining a group photo and comparing your face shape with others in the picture. Or consider asking a friend or family member for a bit of objective advice.

Once you know your basic face shape, a little bit of research will narrow down the framewear choices that fit it. We’re here to help. Below are seven common face shapes and the type of frames we recommend for them.

• Oblong (longer than it is wide, with fairly equal width at the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw line) – Aviator frames or similar wide styles will shorten and widen the face. A low bridge will help to shorten the nose.
• Oval (softly rounded, well balanced with high cheekbones) – Almost any frame will look good on an oval face. Wider frames will preserve the natural oval shape.
• Heart (wider at the forehead, with high cheekbones and a narrow chin) – Frames that are wider at the bottom will work well, or rimless frames in light colors.
• Round (full and curved with few angles) – Rectangular styles work best to slim and lengthen the face. Also look for frames with temple accents or eye-drawing colors.
• Square (forehead and jaw line are equal in width, with an angular jaw) – Round and oval lens shapes, with frames that have a narrow width.
• Triangle (broader forehead that narrows to a sharp chin) – Frames that are wider at the bottom to minimize the forehead. Also rimless and single-color designs.
• Diamond (small forehead, wider at cheekbones, narrowing at the chin) – Cat-eyes, ovals, or top-heavy frames with accents on the brow line will emphasize the cheekbones and highlight the eyes.

Remember that certain factors, such as hair style and commonly-worn hats or scarves, will alter the face’s shape and should be taken into consideration when choosing a frame. When you find the right one, however, you may be surprised at how dramatically eyewear frames can downplay certain features and highlight others. The above information can help you narrow down your choices…but feel free to experiment!