How to Choose the Best Eyeglasses for Your Face Shape

Have you ever tried on a pair of glasses that looked amazing on someone else but looked a little bit off on you? The problem wasn't your face, don't worry; those glasses didn't suit your features.

The truth is, glasses aren’t one-size-fits-all, and unlike a pair of jeans you can fix with the right belt or jacket, the wrong glasses will always look a little out of place. The shape of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline all affect how frames fit and flatter your face. Once you know your features, finding the right pair becomes much easier and more enjoyable.

If you’re not sure where to start, that’s precisely why we’re here. In this article, we’ll help you figure out your face shape and show you how to pick eyeglass frames that perfectly fit your look, comfort, and personality.

Understanding Your Face Shape

Understanding your face shape is the first step to finding frames that flatter, rather than fight, your features. Here are five quick steps to figure out your face shape from the comfort of your home:

1. Find good lighting: Stand in your bathroom or bedroom where there’s enough light to see your face clearly.
2. Pull your hair away from your face: Use a hair tie or headband to keep your hair out of your face, so that your face is visible.
3. Take a selfie: Hold your phone straight in front of you and snap a clear, front-facing picture.
4. Trace your outline: Open the photo in your gallery or notes app, then use the draw tool to trace the outline of your face.
5. Look for your prominent features: Which of your main features (forehead, cheekbones, and jawline) stand out the most?

Now, let’s see what your results might mean:

1. Round Face: If your face looks soft with similar width and length, and your cheeks are the fullest part, you’ve got a round face.
2. Oval Face: If your face is slightly longer than it is wide, with balanced proportions and a gently rounded jaw, it’s oval.
3. Square Face: If your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are almost the same width and your jaw is strong or angular, you have a square face.
4. Heart-Shaped Face: If your forehead is broader than your jawline and your chin comes to a soft or narrow point, that’s a heart shape.

Also, most people aren’t just one shape. Your face could be somewhere between oval and heart-shaped, or round with a bit of square definition. It's perfectly normal to have different face shapes, and it just means you have more frame types to choose from.

The Best Eyeglasses for Each Face Type

Now that you’ve figured out your face shape, the next step is choosing frames that work with your features, not against them. Below are the best eyeglasses for each face type.

1. Round Face

Source: Unsplash

The best eyeglasses for round faces are those that add structure and define the features.

Try this: Rectangular, square, or cat-eye frames. These types of frames add angles and bring attention to your cheekbones.

Avoid this: round or rimless frames, as they can make your face appear fuller.

2. Oval Face

If you have an oval face, you’ve just won the eyewear jackpot. Oval face shapes are naturally balanced, so most frame styles will suit you easily.

Try this: Geometric frames, aviators, or slightly oversized styles are perfect for your face. These will add personality to your look without overwhelming your features.

Avoid this: Extra-wide frames that stretch past your cheekbones, as they disrupt your face’s natural proportions and take away from that symmetrical look that makes oval faces so versatile.

3. Square Face

With a square face, your firm jawline and broad forehead already make a statement, so you want frames with soft edges to help balance those lines.

Try this: Round or oval frames to add a touch of curve and contrast.

Avoid this: Boxy or angular frames that mirror your face's shape too closely.

4. Heart-Shaped Face

If you have a heart-shaped face, your frames should balance both your forehead and cheekbones.

Try this: Round or oval frames, light-colored rims, or designs with details near the bottom. These draw the eye downward and even things out.

Avoid this: Thick or heavily detailed frames at the top, as they add extra width and make the upper part of your face appear larger than it is.

5. Combination or In-Between Shapes

If your face shape falls between two categories, that’s great and actually an advantage. You get to experiment more.

Try this: Mix features from both shapes and focus on what feels best on you. For example, if your face is between square and round, choose softly angular frames. The goal isn’t to fit into one box but to find balance.

Avoid this: Overthinking. The best pair is the one that feels as natural as possible and complements your features

The Bottom Line: Confidence Starts with the Right Frames

Glasses aren’t one-size-fits-all, and every face shape has frames that work best for it. Knowing your face shape is the first step to finding eyewear that looks good and feels right. With this knowledge, choosing glasses becomes less of a guess and more about finding what suits you.

Even small details, like the width of your forehead or the shape of your jaw, can change how glasses look on you. The most important thing is to pick a style that feels comfortable and suits you.

Trust these tips and your own sense of style, and you’ll find glasses that help you feel confident every day. When you’re ready for your next pair, Carmen Optics is here to help you find the perfect match.