Your Guide To Picking Frames That Complement Your Face Shape
- BY Dr. Steven Liem
- IN Frames
Choosing the right glasses involves more than just prescription; it’s also about style and how well they fit your face. Just like how certain hairstyles suit particular face shapes, the same goes for eyeglass frames. The perfect pair can enhance your best features and boost your confidence. Here’s how you can find the best glasses for your unique face shape, from heart and oval to diamond and more.
Identify Your Face Shape
The first step in the process of choosing the right frames is to identify your face shape. Everyone’s face is unique, but they generally fall into one of these categories:
- Oval: Considered the most versatile face shape, it’s characterized by balanced features and a chin slightly narrower than the forehead.
- Square: Features strong, well-defined angles in the forehead, cheeks, and jawline.
- Round: Main attributes are full cheeks, a rounded chin and few angles.
- Heart: The face is widest at the forehead and narrows through to the jawline with high cheekbones.
- Diamond: Distinguished by a narrow forehead and jawline with cheekbones as the widest part of the face.
Look in the mirror or take a selfie to determine your face shape. Then, try on different glasses designed for your face shape to find the most flattering frames.
Choosing Frames for Your Face Shape
Once you have identified your face shape, you can start exploring frame styles that will accentuate your best features. Here are some tips for each face shape:
- Oval: With the most balanced proportions, an oval face can rock almost any frame style. Try out a variety of shapes that suit your personal style.
- Square: To soften the angles, opt for round or oval frames. They will add balance to your strong facial features.
- Round: Add definition with angular and geometric frames. They will create a slimming effect and make your face appear longer and thinner.
- Heart: To balance the width of your forehead, choose wider frames with a broader bottom. Avoid frames that are heavily embellished or top-heavy.
- Diamond: Opt for frames that highlight the cheekbones. Oval and rimless frames can add balance and softness to the face.
Also consider your skin tone, eye color, and lifestyle when choosing a frame. For instance, black or dark-colored frames can contrast beautifully with light colored eyes, while delicate metal frames may not be the best choice for active individuals.
Ensuring A Correct Fit
Beyond style and face shape, a proper fit is critical for comfort and functionality. The frames should sit nicely on your nose, they shouldn’t slip off when you move, or pinch your skin. Also, the size of the frame should be in scale with your face size. You can check the fit by noting where your eyes are in relation to the lenses: they should be near the center.
Another important measurement is the pupillary distance (PD), which is the distance between the centers of your pupils. This measurement ensures that your lenses are correctly positioned in your frames for clear vision. Learn more about how to measure your PD and why it’s a vital part of your glasses prescription.
Remember, the ultimate goal is to feel confident and comfortable in your glasses. Take your time in choosing frames that suit your face shape, complement your features, and fit well. Try on multiple styles, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and colors.
