Choosing Glasses for Your Face Shape: The Complete Guide

Why is face shape so important when choosing glasses?

The secret to a great pair of glasses lies in harmony and balance. The goal is simple: the shape of your frames should contrast with the shape of your face to complement your features, not to accentuate them. For example, angular frames will add structure to a round face, while rounded frames will soften the features of a square face. Understanding this basic principle is the first step to making an informed choice that not only looks good but also ensures optimal comfort all day long. A well-chosen frame won't slip, pinch, or feel heavy.

Identify your face shape in 3 easy steps

Before you find out which type of glasses will suit you best, you first need to identify your face shape. It’s easier than it looks!

1. Clear your face: Pull your hair back so the outline of your face is clearly visible.
2. Stand in front of a mirror: Look closely at the general outline. Ask yourself these questions:
   • Forehead: Is it wide or narrow?
   • Cheekbones: Are they the widest part of your face?
   • Jawline: Is it angular, rounded, or pointed?
   • Length: Is your face longer than it is wide, or about the same length and width?
3. Compare with the basic shapes: Based on your observations, determine which description below best matches your face shape.

The 6 main face shapes

• Round: Full cheeks, face is almost as wide as it is long, with soft lines and no sharp angles.
• Square: The forehead and jawline are wide and of similar width. Features are strong, and the jaw is well-defined and angular.
• Oval: Considered the "ideal" shape because it's balanced. The face is slightly longer than it is wide, with a chin that is narrower than the forehead.
• Rectangle (or Oblong): Similar to a square face but longer than it is wide. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline have similar widths.
• Heart (or Inverted Triangle): The forehead is wide, cheekbones are high, and the face narrows down to a small, pointed chin.
• Triangle (or Pear): The opposite of the heart shape, the jawline is the widest part and the forehead is narrower.

What type of glasses for which face shape? The complete guide

Now that you know your face shape, it's time for the fun part: choosing the frames! Here are our optical tips for each face shape.

For a round face: Aim for structure

The goal is to "break" the roundness and lengthen the face. Look for frames that add angles and structure.

• Best shapes: Square or rectangular frames are your best friends. Geometric or "Wayfarer" shapes visually lengthen the face and slim the cheeks.
• Shapes to avoid: Small frames and round glasses, which would only accentuate the roundness of your features.

For a square face: Soften the angles

Here, the goal is to soften the strong lines of your jaw and forehead. Rounded shapes will create a flattering contrast.

• Best shapes: Round, oval, or "Pantos" frames are perfect. "Cat-eye" shapes can also be an excellent option to lift your features and add softness.
• Shapes to avoid: Square or rectangular frames that are too sharp, as they would reinforce the angular look of your face.

For an oval face: The choice is (almost) endless!

Congratulations, your balanced proportions allow you to wear almost any style of glasses! Your main consideration will be proportion.

• Best shapes: Be bold! Wayfarer, rectangular, round, cat-eye... Everything suits you. Just make sure the frame is not wider than the widest part of your face.
• Shapes to avoid: Excessively large frames that might unbalance the natural harmony of your face.

For a heart-shaped face: Balance the lower part

The trick is to minimize the width of your forehead and draw attention to the lower part of your face to create a better balance.

• Best shapes: Go for frames that are wider at the bottom than at the top, like "Aviators." Oval or round frames are also excellent. Thin, light-coloured, or rimless frames are ideal.
• Shapes to avoid: Frames that are heavily decorated on the top part or have a very strong browline (like "Clubmaster" style), as they will accentuate the width of your forehead.

Beyond the shape: Other tips for the perfect choice

Choosing your glasses based on your face shape is essential, but other factors come into play to find the perfect pair.

• Frame colour: Think about harmony with your skin tone, eye colour, and hair colour. On dark skin, gold, copper, or brightly coloured frames (yellow, electric blue) create a beautiful contrast. Tortoiseshell frames are a timeless classic that suits all skin tones.
• Positioning: Your eyebrows should ideally appear just above the frame. Your eyes should be well-centered in the lenses. Finally, the bridge of the glasses should rest comfortably on your nose without pinching or slipping.
• Your lifestyle: Are you often in the office, very active, or both? The choice of material (lightweight plastic, durable metal, flexible titanium) will depend on your daily life.

An expert's advice is still your best asset

This guide gives you an excellent starting point to narrow down your search. However, nothing replaces the personalized advice of a professional. A qualified optician doesn't just look at your face shape. They take precise measurements like your pupillary distance, analyze the needs related to your optical prescription, and discuss your lifestyle with you to recommend truly suitable frames.

That's why at Lapaire, present in many African countries like Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Uganda, we emphasize the importance of guided support. Our teams are trained to guide you.

Ultimately, choosing glasses is a marriage of science and style. By knowing your face shape, you now have the keys to select frames that create a harmonious balance. Don't forget to consider colour, size, and your lifestyle. But the most important advice is this: the perfect pair of glasses is the one that makes you feel good, confident, and yourself.

Ready to find the pair that will bring out your best look? Book a free eye test now at one of our Lapaire branches. Our opticians will be happy to help you make the best choice.

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This article is for informational purposes. For a personalized diagnosis, consult a Lapaire optician.