Styles Of Eyeglasses
While our primary focus is always your eye care, we understand that looking your best is important, too. That’s why we’re here to help you choose the right frames for your personality, appearance, and lifestyle.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to find the perfect pair of prescription glasses for your face type.
Discovering Your Face Shape
Knowing your face shape is key to finding the best prescription glasses for your needs and look. Here’s how to measure and identify your face shape:
- Forehead width: Measure across the widest part of your forehead, usually halfway between your eyebrows and hairline.
- Cheekbone width: Measure across your face from the outer corner of one eye to the outer corner of the other eye.
- Jawline width: Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear at your jaw’s widest point. Multiply this number by two.
- Face length: Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Next, compare the various measurements with the list below to see which best describes you. Then, read on to learn more about the best glasses for your face shape.
Oval face shape:
- Your face length is greater than the width of your cheekbones.
- Your forehead is wider than your jawline.
- The angle of your jaw is rounded.
Pear/triangle face shape:
- Your jawline is wider than your cheekbones and forehead.
- Your face may gradually narrow from the jawline to the forehead.
Heart face shape:
- Your forehead is wider than your cheekbones and jawline.
- Your chin is pointed.
Round face shape:
- Your face length and cheekbone width are similar.
- Your forehead and jawline widths are also similar, with softer, less defined angles.
Diamond face shape:
- Your face length is the highest measurement.
- Your cheekbones are wider than your forehead and jawline.
- You have a pointed chin.
Square face shape:
- All your measurements are fairly similar.
- Your jawline is sharp and square.
Choosing the Right Glasses for Different Types of Face Shapes
Shopping for glasses based on face shape helps you choose a frame that compliments and enhances your best features. Keep in mind that you can have a combination of face shapes, so glasses for multiple face types could work on you.
Start with this simple guide to determine which frames will look the best, but don’t hesitate to try on various styles to find a perfect match that highlights your look and personal style.
Best Glasses for Oval Face Shape
An oval face typically has balanced proportions with a slightly curved jawline that is narrower than the forehead. While this face shape looks good with almost every style of glasses, a frame that is as wide as the broadest part of your face is the most ideal.
Glasses for your face type include:
- Walnut-shaped: Well-balanced and naturally complements an oval face.
- Square: Adds structure and complements the soft curves of an oval face.
- Aviator: Classic and versatile for many face shapes.
- Rectangle: Provides contrast and creates a defined look.
Avoid oversized and geometric styles, which can overwhelm an oval face's balanced proportions and natural symmetry.
Best Glasses for Pear/Triangle Face Shape
A pear or triangle face has a narrow forehead that widens at the cheek and chin area. These faces typically have less prominent cheekbones, so the frames you choose should add width while complimenting the upper part of the face.
The best glasses for this face shape include:
- Cat-eye: Draws attention upwards, away from the wider jawline.
- Browline: Emphasizes the upper part of the face, balancing the broader jawline.
- Oval: Softens the angles of a triangle face.
- Aviator: Complements the broader jawline and adds balance.
Avoid square or round shapes, which won’t provide the structure and balance that pear and triangle faces need.
Best Glasses for Heart Face Shape
A heart-shaped face has a broader forehead, defined cheekbones, and a narrow chin. To help reduce the wide appearance of the forehead, you’ll want to go with thinner frames that are wider at the bottom.
Try these glasses for your face type:
- Rectangle: Adds width to the lower face, balancing a wider forehead.
- Round: Softens the sharper chin while complementing the cheekbones.
- Geometric: Adds structure and balances the varying widths of a heart-shaped face.
On the other hand, oval, browline, and square shapes typically don’t work well with heart-shaped faces.
Best Glasses for Round Face Shape
A round face is typically perfectly circular and is as long as it is wide, without prominent cheekbones.
The best glasses for this face shape help narrow and elongate the face, including:
- Large and bold: Creates a sense of structure and contrast against a round face.
- Rectangle: Adds angles and lengthens the face, balancing the roundness.
- Square: Provides a defined structure that contrasts with the soft curves of a round face.
- Aviator: Adds definition and length, balancing the overall face shape.
Avoid oval and browline glasses, which emphasize the roundness of the face instead of balancing it.
Best Glasses for Diamond Face Shape
A diamond face has a narrow forehead and jawline with enhanced cheekbones.
The ideal glasses for your face type will help balance out your facial features, including:
- Round: Softens the angles of a diamond face.
- Cat-eye: Draws attention to the eyes and compliments the cheekbones.
- Browline: Adds width to the forehead, balancing narrow features.
- Oval: Provides soft curves that harmonize with the sharp angles of a diamond face.
Square and rectangular glasses may not work as well with the diamond shape because they add more angles and can make the face look boxy.
Best Glasses for Square Face Shape
A square face shape has both a wide jawline and a broad forehead.
The best glasses for this face shape should add softness, structure, and balance, like the following styles:
- Cat-eye: Adds curves and draws attention upwards, away from the strong jawline.
- Round: Complements and softens the angular features of a square face.
- Browline: Highlights the upper face, adding balance to the strong jawline.
Like those with a diamond face shape, people with square faces typically want to avoid smaller, rectangular glasses, which make the face look more angular.
Quick Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
The right glasses for your face type make you feel comfortable and confident. Here are some quick tips to help you find the perfect fit:
- Frame width: The frame should be as wide as your face or slightly wider.
- Frame height: Shorter frames suit shorter faces, while taller frames balance out longer faces.
- Hairline: If you have a high forehead, avoid frames that sit too low on your face.
- Eyebrows: Your glasses should not cover your eyebrows; they should sit below them to maintain natural facial proportions and allow for clear emotion expression.
- Comfort: Lightweight materials, well-designed temples, and a snug but not-too-tight nose bridge will prevent discomfort. Try them on and check for any pressure points.
Find the Perfect Pair of Glasses for Your Face Type
From sophisticated and cool to relaxed and casual, your frames should match your personality. At Pearle Vision, you can choose from dozens of designer eyewear brands, fashion collections, and private-label frames to let your own style shine.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first pair of glasses, replace an old pair, or find sunglasses for your face shape, our eye care experts can help you find the right fit. Book an appointment at your local Pearle Vision EyeCare Center, and we’ll help you find the best glasses for your face shape and lifestyle.
Glasses for Your Face Type FAQ
How do I measure my face for glasses?
Measure your face by noting the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, plus the length from hairline to chin. Compare the proportions to determine your face shape, which helps you select the most flattering glasses.
What are key features to consider when choosing glasses for your face type?
Consider frame width, height, and shape to complement your face type. Ensure the nose bridge fits well and that the style enhances your natural features. Match the frame color to your skin tone for the best effect.
Can certain glasses styles make my face appear slimmer?
Yes, angular frames like rectangular or cat-eye styles can make a round or fuller face appear slimmer by adding definition and structure. Cat-eye frames also work well for square face shapes, as do round styles.