Selecting the Right Eyeglass Frames for Your Face

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be able to “pull off” certain styles of eyewear better than others? Here’s a secret: it’s all about the face shape. Specifically, choosing eyeglass frames that complement or highlight your own natural facial features is the best way to look and feel your best in your corrective eyewear. Not sure where to begin when it comes to matching your next set of eyeglass frames to your unique face shape? We’ve got you covered.

What’s Your Face Shape?

Most people’s faces fall into one of several categories of face shape, though it’s not too uncommon to be “borderline” between a couple different shapes. If you’re not sure where you stand, read through some of the most common face shape descriptions below to determine which best describes you:

• Round – this one is pretty self-explanatory. People with round face shapes tend to have less defined angles, as well as a face width and height that are roughly equal.
• Oval – those with an oval face shape generally also have less defined angles, though the face will be a bit longer than it is wide.
• Square – people with square-shaped faces are usually described as having a strong jaw line. You may also have a slightly wider forehead, though the length and width of your face are roughly equal in size.
• Diamond – this rare face shape is characterized by its narrow eye line, dramatic cheekbones, and smaller jaw.
• Heart-shaped – people with heart-shaped faces tend to have a wider forehead and a much more narrow jawline.

Choosing Frames to Flatter Your Face

Now that you have a better idea of your face shape, it’s time to begin exploring options for eyeglass frames that will best suit that unique shape. One rule to keep in mind here: opposites attract. This means you usually can’t go wrong selecting a pair of eyeglasses with frames that are opposite in shape to your face. For example, if you have a square-shaped face with lots of sharp angles, selecting a rounded pair of eyeglass frames can help to strike a beautiful balance that is very flattering. On the other hand, those with round or oval faces without lots of defined angles can get away with some more “funky” frame designs (like almond-shaped and cat’s eye) as well as more traditional rectangular options.

Of course, choosing the right glasses for your face shape doesn’t have to mean selecting an opposite shape. If you have a facial feature that you really love, you can always select frames to highlight that distinct feature. For example, if you love your high and prominent cheekbones (and who wouldn’t?!), oval frames or cateye frames are a great choice for accentuating those features in a fun way.

At the same time, avoiding frames that draw attention to facial features you may not want to draw attention to (such as a wider forehead) can also be an effective strategy in choosing your next pair of glasses.

By knowing your face shape and determining which frame styles best complement or accentuate your facial features, you’ll ultimately be able to choose glasses that flatter you and make you feel confident. And if you’re still not completely sure where to start, our optical team at Whylie Eye Care Centers is always happy to help. We have hundreds of men’s, women’s, and children’s styles to chose from and can make recommendations to best suit your needs, lifestyle, budget, face shape, or all of the above!

With 11 locations across the Des Moines and central Iowa area, you’re never far from the personalized optical care you deserve—so be sure to trust our team at Whylie Eye Care Centers with your next pair of glasses!