The best glasses for your face shape
By See Better · Updated · 5 min read
The short answer
Choose frames that contrast with your face shape. Round faces suit angular frames such as rectangles and squares. Square faces suit round and oval frames. Oval faces suit most styles. Heart-shaped faces suit frames that are lighter at the top or wider at the bottom, and oblong faces suit deep, bold frames.
Key points
- The basic rule is contrast: soft faces suit angular frames and angular faces suit curved frames.
- Frame width should roughly match the width of your face.
- Fit and comfort matter as much as style, especially with stronger lenses.
- See Better's virtual try-on estimates your face shape from a selfie and suggests frames.
Work out your face shape
Pull your hair back and look straight into a mirror, or take a selfie from the front. Compare three widths (forehead, cheekbones and jaw) and the length of your face from hairline to chin.
- Oval: a little longer than it is wide, with a softly rounded jaw.
- Round: width and length are close to equal, with soft curves and full cheeks.
- Square: forehead, cheekbones and jaw are close in width, with a strong jawline.
- Heart: wider at the forehead and cheekbones, narrowing to the chin.
- Oblong: noticeably longer than it is wide, with fairly straight sides.
If you would rather not guess, the virtual try-on on our home page estimates your face shape from a selfie and shows recommended frames on your own photo. The photo stays on your device and is never uploaded.
The best frames for each face shape
| Face shape | Frames that suit it | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Oval | Square, aviator, geometric, cat-eye | Balanced features can carry almost any style, including bold ones |
| Round | Rectangle, square, browline, geometric | Straight lines and corners add definition and make the face look longer |
| Square | Round, oval, aviator, cat-eye | Curves soften a strong jaw and a broad forehead |
| Heart | Aviator, oval, round, slim rectangle | Shapes that are light on top or wider below balance a narrower chin |
| Oblong | Aviator, square, browline, round | Deep, bold frames add width and break up length |
Oval faces
An oval face is the easiest to fit because its proportions are already balanced. Square and geometric frames add definition, aviators follow your natural lines, and a cat-eye adds a little lift. The main thing to watch is size: choose a frame about as wide as the widest part of your face.
Round faces
Round faces have soft curves, so look for the opposite. Rectangular and square frames add structure and make the face look longer and leaner. A browline frame, with its strong top bar, draws the eye upwards. Small round frames tend to repeat the shape of the face, so they are usually the ones to skip.
Square faces
With a strong jaw and broad forehead, a square face is flattered by curves. Round and oval frames take the edge off angular features. Aviators and cat-eye frames work too, because their curved or upswept lines soften the jawline.
Heart-shaped faces
A heart-shaped face is widest at the top. Frames that are light, rimless at the bottom or slightly wider below, such as aviators, balance a narrower chin. Soft ovals and rounds work for the same reason. Avoid heavy, decorated top bars that add weight to the forehead.
Oblong faces
Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, so the aim is to add width and shorten the look of the face. Deep lenses, bold square frames, a strong browline or large round frames all do this. Narrow, small frames make a long face look longer.
Beyond face shape: what else matters
- Fit. The frame should not slide down your nose, press on your temples or rest on your cheeks when you smile.
- Your prescription. Stronger lenses are thicker at the edge or the centre. A smaller, rounder frame keeps them thinner and lighter. Multifocals need enough lens depth to fit all the zones.
- Skin tone and hair. Warm tones such as tortoiseshell, gold and brown suit warm complexions. Black, silver, blue and grey suit cooler ones. This is a guide, not a rule.
- Your day. A light, sturdy frame for work and sport, something bolder if glasses are part of your look.
- How you feel in them. The best frame is the one you are happy to put on every morning.
Try before you choose
See Better's glasses packages include the eye test, a frame and lenses from R1199. Use the virtual try-on to preview frame styles, then tell us on WhatsApp which one you liked when you book. If you are still deciding on lenses, see single vision, bifocal and multifocal lenses compared.
Frequently asked questions
What glasses suit a round face?
Angular frames. Rectangular, square, browline and geometric frames add definition and make a round face look longer. Avoid small round frames, which repeat the shape of the face.
How do I know my face shape?
Look at a front-on photo with your hair pulled back. Compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw with the length of your face. See Better's virtual try-on can also estimate your face shape from a selfie.
What is the most flattering frame shape for most people?
Softly squared and classic rectangular frames suit the widest range of faces. If you have an oval face, almost any style will work.
Do glasses have to match my face shape?
No. The guidelines help you narrow the choice, but comfort, fit and your own taste matter more. If you love a frame and it fits well, wear it.
This article is general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an eye examination. If you are worried about your eyes or your sight, see an optometrist or a doctor. Sudden loss of vision, eye injuries and severe eye pain are emergencies.
