Soft rectangular frames
A defined horizontal edge adds a little structure to a gently curved outline.
Glasses for Face Shapes
Compare frames for six facial outlines, then check the width, bridge and arms before you choose a pair.
Frames to explore for oval faces
A gentle taper from the cheekbones to the jaw gives you room to try both curved and angular rims. Put a round pair beside a soft rectangle of similar width and color so you can compare the outlines without the size doing most of the work. From the front, check that the outer corners sit near your temples and that your eyes have comfortable room within the lenses.
Round frames
Rounded lenses echo softer contours; choose a width that fits comfortably at the temples.
Geometric frames
A subtle hexagonal or angular rim can make the glasses the focal point of your look.
Frames to explore for round faces
A straight top edge or a slight upsweep creates contrast with the curve from the cheeks to the chin. Try a shallow rectangle beside a slightly taller geometric frame to see which line you prefer. Smile while wearing each pair and check whether the lower rims touch your cheeks or lift the frame off the bridge.
Rectangular frames
Straighter edges create contrast with a rounded facial outline.
Angular geometric frames
A defined bridge and angled rims introduce structure without needing a heavy frame.
Subtle upswept frames
A gentle lift at the outer corners gives a directional line across the upper face.
Frames to explore for square faces
Round metal rims and soft ovals add a curve alongside a defined jaw, while an aviator gives the lower part of the lens more presence. Compare a slim rim with a thicker one to see how much contrast you want. Check that the temples rest comfortably along the sides of your head without flaring outward or pressing inward.
Round metal frames
Curved rims offer a clear contrast to defined jaw angles.
Oval frames
A gently elongated oval introduces softness without adding much frame depth.
Soft aviator frames
A thin rim and curved lower lens can balance a more structured lower face.
Frames to explore for heart faces
A light upper rim draws less attention to the temples, and a curved lower rim adds some visual weight nearer the chin. Try an oval and a fine-rim aviator of similar overall width and compare how the bottom edge sits. Look down and back up to check whether the bridge holds the glasses in place without relying on tight temples.
Light oval frames
A light rim and curved lenses create a gentle transition from the upper face.
Rounded lower rims
A frame with a rounded, slightly deeper lower half can echo and balance the chin taper.
Fine-rim aviators
A thin teardrop silhouette adds shape lower down without a heavy top line.
Frames to explore for diamond faces
A small upsweep or a light browline shifts attention upward from prominent cheekbones, while an oval follows their curve more closely. Try both from the front and from a slight angle, since the outer corners can look wider in a straight-on photo. Check that the lower outer rim clears your cheekbones when you smile and that the frame stays level as you move.
Gentle cat-eye frames
An upswept upper rim can bring emphasis to the brow and temples.
Oval frames
Soft oval lenses follow the cheekbone area without adding more sharp angles.
Light browline frames
An emphasized top edge shifts attention toward the upper face. Check that the fit clears your cheeks.
Frames to explore for oblong faces
A deeper lens occupies more of the space between the brow and the cheek, and a defined top edge gives a long outline a horizontal line. Compare a deeper round frame and a rectangle at a similar overall width so you can judge lens height separately. Look straight ahead and smile to check whether the larger lens still leaves clearance above your cheeks.
Deeper round frames
More lens depth brings a horizontal visual break across a longer face.
Deep rectangular frames
Choose a frame with comfortable depth rather than a very narrow lens.
Defined browline frames
A visible top rim draws a horizontal line across the upper face.
How to match frame size to your face width
Start with a pair that fits you comfortably. Look inside one arm for a marking such as 52–18–145. The numbers refer to lens width, bridge width and temple length in millimeters. Check the overall front width separately when you compare two frames.
- 52 mm lens width
- The horizontal width of one lens. A wider lens usually takes up more room across the front. Compare where your eyes sit within the lenses and how much space there is between the outer rims and the sides of your face.
- 18 mm bridge width
- The gap between the lenses at the bridge. Try the frame on to see where it rests on your nose. The bridge shape and nose pads affect fit, so two pairs with the same number can sit differently.
- 145 mm temple length
- The length of each arm from the hinge to the tip. Check from the side that the bend sits comfortably around your ear and that the tips do not dig in or stick far out behind it.
Compare overall width first
Measure the front of your current pair from outer edge to outer edge, or use the manufacturer’s overall width if it is listed. Compare that number with a new frame’s front width and check how both pairs sit at your temples. For the example above, two 52 mm lenses plus the 18 mm gap span 122 mm. The actual front can be wider because the rims and end pieces also take up space.
Check fit as you move
Look down to see whether the bridge slides, smile to check cheek clearance, and turn sideways to see how the arms sit behind your ears. If a shape looks right but the frame pinches, try a different width or bridge design. For prescription lenses, ask an optician to check lens depth and centering, especially if you wear progressives. Specsavers frame size guide ↗