When it comes to eyewear, finding the perfect pair of glasses that not only enhances your vision but also complements your facial features can make a world of difference.
Understanding your face shape and how it influences your choice of eyeglasses is key to achieving a stylish and flattering look. In this guide, we will explore different face shapes and provide valuable tips on how to choose the best eyeglasses for your unique features.
At Azimuth Eyewear, we understand the importance of accenting your facial features to get the most perfect fit of eyeglasses possible. We offer a wide range of eyewear options and list suitable face shapes on each individual product page.
We are a non-profit organization and donate 100% of profits to U.S. individuals in need of prescription glasses. See our designer line of eyewear below.
Remember that while face shape can be a helpful guide, individual features and proportions vary. Ultimately, the goal is to find eyewear that enhances your natural beauty and suits your personal style, regardless of strict adherence to face shape guidelines.
Identifying Your Face Shape:
Before diving into eyeglasses styles, it's essential to determine your face shape. There are generally considered to be seven primary face shapes, each with its own distinct characteristics and proportions. These face shapes serve as guidelines to help individuals choose many different things such as hairstyles, eyewear, and makeup that complement their unique features.
To identify your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and look at the contours of your face. Pay attention to the angles and proportions of your forehead, cheeks, jawline, and chin. Look at images of different face shapes and compare them to your own features to find the closest match. It may be helpful to take a straight-on picture when making comparisons online to face shape examples.
If you're still unsure, consider consulting an eyewear professional or stylist. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your face shape and features.
1. Oval Face Shape
The oval face shape is longer than it is wide, with a forehead that is slightly wider than the jawline and the cheekbones are typically the widest part of the face. Oval faces are known for their symmetry, with balanced proportions that allow for a variety of hairstyles and eyewear styles.
Glasses for Oval Face Shape:
Considered the most versatile face shape, those with an oval face can pull off a wide range of eyeglass styles. Experiment with bold frames, oversized shapes, and trendy designs like cat-eye or geometric frames. Square frames are considered the most trendy choice for the oval shaped face individuals.
While almost any frame shape can work for oval faces, it may be best to avoid frames that are too wide or cover too much of your face, as they may disrupt your facial symmetry.
2. Round Face Shape
The width and length of a round face shape are nearly equal, creating a circular or spherical appearance. The forehead of a round face shape is typically as wide as the cheekbones. It lacks strong angles and usually has a gentle curve with the chin usually rounded, mirroring the softness of the other facial features.
Glasses for Round Face Shape:
To add angles and definition to a round face, opt for eyeglasses with sharp lines and angles. Rectangular or square frames can help elongate the face and create a more balanced appearance. Avoid round or overly curved frames, as they can accentuate the roundness of your face.
3. Square Face Shape
A square face shape is defined by its strong angles and straight lines, creating a more angular appearance. The width of a square face is almost equal to its length, resulting in a more boxy and symmetrical look. The forehead is typically straight across and has minimal curves with the jawline being characterized by its strong, well-defined angles.
Glasses for Square Face Shape:
For square-shaped faces, choose glasses that soften your features and add curves. Round or oval frames work well to balance the strong jawline and angular features. Look for frames with thinner rims to avoid overwhelming your face. Consider styles with slightly upswept corners to enhance the natural contours of your face.
4. Heart-Shaped Face
The forehead of a heart-shaped face is often wider and broader, creating a distinctive contrast with the narrower jawline. The cheekbones are typically high and well-defined, contributing to the heart shape by being the widest part of the face. The chin of a heart-shaped face is usually more delicate and can appear slightly pointed.
Glasses for Heart-Shaped Face:
To create balance, opt for eyeglasses that are wider at the bottom or have a bottom-heavy frame. Cat-eye or aviator-style frames can complement your features nicely. Rectangular frames are also a great choice here but be sure to steer clear of oversized or top-heavy frames that may accentuate the width of your forehead.
5. Diamond Face Shape
The most distinctive feature of a diamond face shape is high and well-defined cheekbones, often the widest part of the face. Diamond faces are neither too long nor too wide, with the chin slightly pointed, contributing to the overall diamond shape.
Glasses for Diamond Face Shape:
For a heart-shaped face, the goal is to balance out the proportions and soften the forehead while highlighting the cheekbones and eyes. Cat-eye frames can accentuate the cheekbones and draw attention upward, which helps balance the face's proportions. The upswept corners of the frames add a touch of drama to the eyes.
Another good option for heart-shaped faces is the classic round frames because they can soften the angles of the forehead and jawline, creating a more balanced look.
6. Oblong Face Shape
An oblong face shape, also called the rectangular face shape, is longer than it is wide, with a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline of relatively similar widths. The forehead is often straight and may appear slightly taller due to the elongated shape.
Cheekbones are typically not very prominent with the jawline straight and extended gently downwards. The chin may be slightly rounded or have a gentle curve, complementing the overall straight lines of the face.
Glasses for Oblong Face Shape:
Frames with depth, width, and decorative accents on the temples can help break up the oblong face's length. Browline frames with a thicker upper rim that draws attention to the upper half of the face, effectively reducing the emphasis on the length. Round frames remains the favorite choice for this face shape and can easily contrast with the straight contours of an oblong face and add a soft touch. The curves of round frames help balance out the face's angles.
Frames to avoid for the rectangular face include extremely narrow frames which can further elongate the appearance of the face. Opt for frames that have enough width to provide balance.
7. Triangular Face Shape
Also known as 'pear-shaped', the triangular shaped face is characterized by a typically narrower and more petite forehead and less prominent cheekbones compared to the jawline. The chin can be slightly rounded or squared, and it's usually broader than the forehead.
Triangular faces are wider at the jawline and narrower at the forehead, creating an overall triangle shape.
Glasses for Triangular Face Shape:
Frames that are slightly narrower than the widest part of the jawline can create a visual illusion of width and balance. Another great option for triangular faces is frames with detailing on the upper part, such as decorative temples or embellishments which can draw attention away from the jawline.
Ultimately, frames that add width to the forehead and balance the face's proportions can be flattering. Cat-eye or oval frames are typically the best choice and can complement the narrower forehead.
Consider Your Skin Tone and Hair Color:
While face shape is crucial, it's also important to consider your skin tone and hair color when choosing eyeglasses. Certain colors and finishes can enhance your overall appearance. Warm skin tones often pair well with frames in earthy tones, tortoiseshell, or gold accents.
Cooler skin tones may find silver, black, or jewel-toned frames more flattering. Experiment with different colors to find the ones that complement your complexion and hair color.
Comfort and Fit:
Regardless of your face shape or personal style, comfort and fit should be a priority when selecting eyeglasses. Frames that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and detract from your overall experience. Make sure the frames sit comfortably on your nose and ears without sliding down or pinching.
Additionally, ensure that the size of the frames is proportionate to your face, so they do not overwhelm or underserve your features. Consider the bridge of your nose and whether you might benefit from a low-nose bridge fit style of glasses.
Conclusion:
Choosing the best eyeglasses for your face shape is an art that combines style, functionality, and personal preference. Using our glasses virtual try on feature is a great way to see what style of glasses look best on your face.
By understanding your face shape and considering factors such as skin tone and hair color, you can find the perfect frames to enhance your natural beauty.
Azimuth Eyewear offers a wide selection of high-quality eyeglasses that caters to various face shapes and styles, ensuring that you can find the perfect pair that not only fits well but also showcases your unique personality. Embrace the transformative power of well-chosen eyeglasses!