3 Tips to choosing the best Glasses for your face shape

By Larry Zunde (Optometrist)

Choosing the right pair of glasses is like finding the perfect pair of pants —it can make all the difference in how you feel and look.
With over 30 years as an optometrist,  I’ve seen the magic that happens when someone finds their perfect match of frames for their face shape. Let’s dive into the world of face shapes and discover help you answer the question: What are the best glasses for my face shape?

Lets identifying Your Face Shape

First things first, you need to know your face shape. It’s like knowing your body type before shopping for new clothes. So to sum up , the 5 basic or main face shapes are:

  • Round
  • Oval
  • Square
  • Heart
  • Diamond

Each face shape mentioned above has its own unique features and look, and so finding the right frames can highlight your best features, and this is our main goal at the end of the day along with making you feel comfortable.

Best glasses for Round Faces

Round faces are all about soft curves with similar width and height. Our goal here is to add some definition and elongation, so your frame complements the shape of your face.

Recommended Frames:

Rectangular Frames: These add structure and length to your face. Think of them as a sharp suit that adds instant polish.
Angular Frames: Sharp angles can do a great job to give some contrast to the softness of your face.
Cat-Eye Frames: These types of frames will lift your features and add a touch of vintage chic.

Avoid:
Round Frames: They can make your face look even rounder and this is something we must try to avoid.

Glasses for Oval Faces

Next on our list are oval faces. They are well-proportioned with high cheekbones and a slightly narrower forehead and jawline. This shape is the universal donor of the eyewear world—most styles look great and it’s tough to go wrong if you’re fortunate to have this face type.

Recommended Frames for oval faces:

Wide Frames: They enhance the natural balance of your face.
Geometric Shapes: These add interesting angles and make your features stand out.
Oversized Frames: Ready to make a bold statement? This will work well and without overwhelming your face.

Avoid:
Frames Too Large or Small: They can throw off your natural harmony.

When selecting frames for oval face types, there is no real right or wrong. It’s like having a blank canvas—you can experiment with different styles and shapes until you find something that makes you look and feel great.

Glasses for Square Faces

Square faces have strong jawlines, broad foreheads, and angular features. Our goal here is to soften those angles and add some curves as this will give you that amazing balance to your look.

Prescription eyewear bedfordview

Recommended Frames:

Round Frames: They soften sharp angles and add a gentle contrast.
Oval Frames: These frames create a harmonious look and balance out the angular features.
Cat-Eye Frames: They lift and soften the jawline, adding a touch of playfulness.
Avoid:

Angular Frames: They can make your face look too square and we would want to avoid this.

A patient that came in with a square face found her perfect pair in a round frame that softened her features and made her eyes stand out. The before and after look was something special

Glasses for Heart-Shaped Faces

Heart-shaped faces have a broad forehead, a narrow chin line and high cheekbones. Our objective to make you look awesome is to balance the width of the forehead with your narrow chin.

Recommended Frames:

Bottom-Heavy Frames: These frames work well to add width to the lower part of your face, balancing out the top.
Oval Frames: They balance proportions and soften the overall look.
Light-Colored Frames: These minimize the width of your forehead.
Avoid:
Top-Heavy Frames: They can make your forehead look even wider.

Glasses for diamond face shape

Diamond faces have narrow foreheads and chins with wide cheekbones. So our end goal is to highlight your eyes and soften your cheekbones.

Recommended Frames:

Oval Frames: They balance the cheekbones and may add some curves.
Cat-Eye Frames: These highlight the eyes and soften the cheekbones.
Rimless Frames: A newer look these days and they can emphasize your natural features without adding extra width.
Avoid:
Narrow Frames: They can make your face look longer.

6 Tips for Choosing the Right Glasses and Frames

Now that you have a greater understanding of the best frames for each face type along with what to avoid, the other half of the puzzle is to take a step back and consider outside factors. Below are 5 tips you should also look at and this will help you to nail down your final decision.

Comfort is Key: Frames must be comfortable for long periods. No one wants to adjust their glasses constantly.
What’s Lifestyle like?: Frames should fit your daily activities, whether for work, sports, or casual wear.
Colour is vital as well: Choose colors that complement your skin tone and personal style.
Lens Type and Quality: Prioritize high-quality prescription lenses for specific vision needs such as multifocal and anti glare if you spend a lot of time in front of the screen.
Select the Right Frame Material: Frames come in various materials like plastic, metal, titanium, and acetate. Consider durability, weight, and flexibility when making your final decision
Updated Prescription: Make sure that your new frames can accommodate your latest prescription.

Over to you

Selecting the right glasses can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. With over three decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how the perfect pair of glasses can transform someone’s look.
Knowledge is key and so by understanding your face shape and following some of these tips, you can find frames that not only improve your vision but also complement your style.
At the end of the day always remember that the best glasses are those that make you feel comfortable and confident. Book your eye exam today and let the frame hunting begin!

About the author 

Larry Zunde Optometrists have been serving patients in Bedfordview for over 15 years. His practice is made up of highly skilled medical professionals who deeply value your eye health and well being. Upon arrival, you will find a clean environment, as well as pleasant staff that will assist you in the best way possible. Ensuring you receive top quality eye care in Bedfordview, Johannesburg is non negotiable. Our team of trusty optometrists in Bedfordview are readily available to attend to your eyewear, eye care needs as well as possible eye disease detection. We offer services such as full vision tests , contact lens fittings, eyeglass repairs as well as drivers license screening.

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