It’s easy to look at our faces and assume they’re all one shape: round. In reality, we all have unique facial features and when put all together, they have the power to shift our facial structure even if ever-so-slightly. From the width of our forehead to the length of our chin, right down to the features that make us quintessentially ourselves, each plays a role in shaping the way our face looks to the trained eye. Knowing your face shape can be incredibly helpful in countless areas of our lives, including knowing what type of glasses we should consider to not only best flatter our faces, but to fit comfortably, too.

Finding your face shape

We have good news for you: finding your face shape can be fairly simple. Each face shape takes into account our forehead, cheekbones, jawline, as well as the general length of our face. When you put them all together and examine them closely, you can nail down which face shape you possess. Keep that information in your back pocket – you’ll need it later!

To begin to examine and assess your face shape, it’s best to pull back all of your hair so you can see an unobstructed view of yourself in the mirror. Taking a photo of your face head-on will do the trick too, whichever method you prefer. Either in the mirror or looking at a photo, examine those four areas of your face for specific characteristics, like a rounded jawline, a thinner chin, or the curve of your hairline. Each of these can correlate to a face shape as a defining factor. When it comes to the width and length of your face, you can use a small measuring tape to jot down the measurements and compare and contrast areas of your face. Voila! Now you have all that you would need to help determine what face shape you are.

What glasses should I try?

Of course, even if our face shapes fit into a specific category, not every type of frame shape is going to work for the next, but that’s the beauty of trying them on. Certain frames flatter specific face-shapes best to help balance out your features or even to highlight areas of your face to pull your attention away from somewhere else.

Diamond

For diamond-shaped faces, the length of your face will be the largest measurement of all. It will be followed by your cheekbones, forehead, and jawline from largest to smallest, and will often be accompanied by a more pointed chin.

What frames should you consider? We recommend semi-rimmed, wayfarer, and cat-eye frames, ideally those with a wider width. This will compliment your face shape by balancing out the face and drawing attention to your browline and temples.

Heart

One focal point you may notice on a heart-shaped face is a narrow, prominent chin, hence the name. Oftentimes, a heart-shaped face will include a wider forehead and cheekbones while the rest of the face tapers down into a sleeker jawline.

What frames should you consider? Geometric frames are going to be the way to go here. Opt for a pair of octagonal, rectangular, or round frames that are wider than your forehead. Depending on which style you choose, it can either help balance out your features or add a layer of softness to your look.

Oval

When you have an oval-shaped face, it’s all about opposites. For instance, the length of your face will be larger than the width of your cheekbones, while your forehead will be larger than your jawline. Typically in oval-shaped faces, the jaw will be slightly rounded, too.

What frames should you consider? Lucky for you, a majority of frames suit an oval-shaped face because of their balanced nature. You should find a pair that are as wide as the broadest part of your face but aren’t too oversized that they hide your features. Think about trying cat-eye, square, rectangle, or aviator (rounded or squared) frames the next time you’re picking out a pair and see how you feel as you test each out.

Round

A common feature for those with round faces is having similar measurements of your face length and cheekbone. Both measurements will often be larger than those of your forehead and jawline, which are also very similar in size. A round face will also be accompanied by a softer, rounded jawline to compliment the rest of your face.

What frames should you consider? You’re going to want to focus on proportional lenses if you have a round shape. Try to find a pair of frames that are as wide as they are tall. An angular or geometric frame, d-frames, or a cat-eye would suit you best, especially in a bold color or pattern to pull some of the attention away from your cheeks and onto the glasses instead.

Square

If your measurements are around the same across the board, your face shape will fall within the square territory. Those who have a square face shape will generally have a sharper jawline as well to help balance your features out.

What shames should you consider? Think of opting for frames with wider rims. These will give the illusion of a more slimmed-down face, especially in an oval, round, or cat-eye frame. Try to find a neutral tone for these frames too to compliment your face.

Triangle

It’s totally common for a triangular face shape to have the smallest measurements on your face be your forehead followed by your cheekbones and a larger jawline.

What frames should you consider? The key is to find a frame that is inverted from your face shape. Look for a style where the frames are wider on the top and more narrow on the bottom. Some options are d-frames, browline, cat-eye, or an aviator style.