Choosing the Right Glasses Frame for Your Face Shape
Finding a pair of glasses that looks like YOU
Choosing a new pair of glasses should be exciting. But with so many shapes, colours, sizes and styles available, it can sometimes feel like there is almost too much choice.
At PB Eyecare, one of the questions we hear regularly is:
“What glasses suit my face?”
The truth is, there isn’t one simple answer.
Your face shape can be a really useful starting point when choosing a frame, but we don’t believe in strict rules. The right glasses are the ones that fit you properly, suit your features, work with your prescription and, most importantly, make you feel good when you look in the mirror.
First things first – what is your face shape?
Most faces aren’t perfectly oval, round or square. In reality, we’re all a mixture of different shapes and proportions.
However, looking at your face can help give you an idea of which frame styles might create balance.
Oval faces
If your face is slightly longer than it is wide, with gently curved features, you may have an oval-shaped face.
- The good news? You have plenty of choice.
- Oval faces tend to work well with a wide range of frame shapes, including rectangular, geometric, round and more distinctive designs.
- This is where we often encourage patients to have a little fun. If you’ve always played it safe, perhaps this is the opportunity to try something a little more adventurous.
Round faces
Tend to have softer curves and less pronounced angles.
- Angular or slightly more rectangular frames can add definition and create contrast.
- Geometric shapes can also work particularly well but don’t think that means you can’t wear round glasses.
- If you love a round frame, wear it. Our job at PB Eyecare isn’t to tell you what you can’t wear, it’s to help you find a version that works with your features and fits properly.
Square faces
Have a stronger jawline and more defined angles.
- Softer shapes, such as oval or round frames, can complement these features beautifully by creating a little contrast.
- If you love the strong look of an angular frame, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with emphasising those features.
- Sometimes the glasses that suit you best aren’t the ones that follow the traditional rules, they’re the ones that suit your personality.
Heart-shaped / Triangle-shaped faces
Generally wider around the forehead and cheekbones before narrowing towards the chin.
- Lighter frames, softer shapes or frames that add a little more visual balance towards the lower part of the face can work particularly well.
- Aviator, oval and softer cat-eye styles can all be worth trying.
- Don’t feel restricted by the label. Your individual features matter much more than fitting neatly into a particular category.
A frame can look fantastic on the shelf, but completely different once you put it on.
That’s why trying different frames is such an important part of finding the right pair.
And this is where frame width can make a real difference.
It’s Not Just About Your Face Shape
This is probably one of the most important things to consider.
When we help someone choose glasses at PB Eyecare, we don’t simply look at their face shape and pick a frame that supposedly “matches”. We look at the bigger picture, including your face shape, proportions, features, colouring, personal style and, importantly, how the frame actually sits on your face. Because the right frame isn’t just one that looks good on the shelf. It’s the one that feels right, fits comfortably and looks like it belongs on you.
Your frame needs to fit properly
A beautiful frame isn’t much use if it’s constantly sliding down your nose, sitting too wide or pressing against your temples. The bridge, frame width, temple length and overall proportions all matter.
Your glasses should feel comfortable and sit correctly on your face. A professional fitting and adjustment can make a huge difference.
Your prescription matters too
Your prescription can influence which frames are most suitable.
For example, stronger prescriptions may benefit from certain frame sizes and shapes to help manage lens thickness and weight. This is one of the reasons we don’t recommend choosing your frame purely because you saw something you liked online.
The frame and the lenses need to work together.
Your personality matters
This is the bit we love most.
Choosing glasses isn’t just about your prescription, your face shape or the measurements of a frame, it’s also about you. Are you someone who prefers a classic, understated look, or would you rather have something colourful and a little different? Most importantly, how do you feel when you put them on? If you try on a pair of glasses and immediately smile at yourself in the mirror, that’s usually a pretty good sign! Our advice at PB Eyecare is simple: don’t come in thinking you already know exactly what you need. Try things. Try the frame you wouldn’t normally choose, something slightly bigger, a different colour or even a completely different shape. We’ll help you narrow things down based on your prescription, measurements, fit, features and personal style. Because choosing glasses shouldn’t be about following a set of rules, it’s about finding the frame that feels like you. At PB Eyecare in Potters Bar, we believe choosing your glasses should be a personal experience, not simply a case of picking a frame from a display. Whether you’re looking for something classic, colourful, understated or completely different, we’re always happy to help you find a frame you love and make sure it fits properly. Pop in and let’s find your next pair of glasses.
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