The glasses you wear are a very real part of your identity. Whether you want to appear youthful, conservative, sophisticated or stylish, the right eyewear can help you shape how you are perceived. However, while it’s important to choose glasses that suit your personality, it’s also vital that you select frames that look harmonious and bring a balance to your natural face shape. At Abernethy Owens, we are a proudly WA owned and operated company, specialising in all aspects of Optometry from thorough eye examinations to Myopia control. If you need to wear glasses, you might be wondering which frames will work best for your face shape? The guide below may help you find the best style for you.

Understanding the Shape of Your Face

With so many frame styles to choose from, knowing which style will suit you best can really help to narrow down your options. There are 5 main categories of face shapes – square, round, heart, triangular, and oval. Lets look into the different shapes in more detail and you can learn more about your specific facial structure, but keep in mind that this is a guide only and not a rule book. Don’t be afraid to experiment with shape, style and colour to find the look that works for you.

Square Faces

Square faces have minimal curves. People with square faces often have bold, angular features and the forehead, cheekbones and jaw will all be a similar width.

Rounded and oval-shaped frames that are slightly wider on the side will soften hard angles and bring a sense of balance to square faces. A great way to flatter the facial features of a square face is to bring the attention away from the square shape with bold or coloured frames.

Round Faces

Round faces are typically quite symmetrical and feature soft curves and smooth lines. A round face is roughly the same width from the jaw up through to the brow and rarely features prominent cheekbones.

Selecting frames that add angles is the key for round faces. Bold, angular and geometric frames with clean lines can make a round face appear longer and thinner. Cat-eye or D-frames are ideal for fuller cheeks, as they place attention on and enhance the beauty of the eyes.

Heart Shape Faces

Heart shape faces are similar to round faces, yet have a wider forehead. The jawline is typically slender with the cheekbones and brow the widest part of the face. The heart shape is considered a very versatile facial structure and suits a wide variety frame styles and shapes.

  • Heart shape faces look great in frames that sit out slightly wider than the forehead and have rounded bases to balance out and complement their features.
  • Bottom-heavy frames are great for faces where the chin is especially narrow.
  • Oval-shaped frames help to draw attention upward and away from a pointy chin.
  • Rounded frames can create the perfect contrast against the angles of a heart shape face.

Triangular Faces

Triangular faces are widest on the bottom, narrowest on top – a narrow forehead, wider cheekbones, a broad jawline, and a flat chin. Frames that add definition to the upper third of the face will be the most flattering. 

Opt for frames that are bold on top and lighter on the bottom as these will draw attention away from the jawline and elongate the forehead. Rectangular frames, aviator styles and cat-eye glasses all add balance to wide jawlines.

Oval Faces

People with oval faces have evenly proportioned features, making almost any style of frame suitable. Oval faces have the luxury of experimenting with different styles and being a little more adventurous or creative with their style choices. However, this doesn’t mean a round face can simply wear any glasses, the frame should still be chosen to emphasize and complement the face to give a perfectly balanced aesthetic. One important point to consider for oval faces is to make sure frames are not too big. People with oval faces have evenly placed facial features, and oversized frames may impact the natural balance.

Looking for a Friendly and Experienced Optometrist? Perth Locals Can Rely On Us

The team at Abernethy Owens are here to help. Book in for a thorough eye examination today, one of our experienced optometrists will assess your vision to determine the appropriate lenses for you and help you find the right frames for your face shape, so that you walk away feeling comfortable and confident in your eyewear selection. Book an appointment online now or call us today.