Frame styling advice
Frames & Face Shape
Face-shape rules can be a useful starting point, but they are not strict rules.
You may have heard that certain frame shapes suit certain face shapes. That can be a helpful guide, but most people are not just one face shape. Many of us are a mix of different features.
The most important things are that the frame fits well, works with your lenses, feels comfortable, and suits your personal style.
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A good frame should
- Fit comfortably on your nose and ears
- Stay secure without squeezing
- Suit your prescription and lens type
- Have enough depth for progressives or bifocals if needed
- Reflect your style and personality
- Make you feel confident wearing it
The basic face-shape guide
A common starting point is to choose a frame shape that contrasts with your face shape. For example, curved frames can soften angular features, while more angular frames can add definition to softer features.
But do not let this stop you trying something you like. Sometimes the “wrong” frame on paper is the one that looks and feels best.
Square and round face shapes
These are general style ideas only. The best frame still depends on fit, lens suitability, colour, personality, and how the frame feels on you.
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Square face shape
Square faces often have strong, well-defined angles through the forehead, jaw, and cheeks.
Style guide: Round, oval, or softly curved frames
can help soften angular features.
For a square face, the aim is often to add curves and gently soften the overall look.
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Round face shape
Round faces are usually defined by softer curves, with the width and length of the face being fairly similar.
Style guide: Rectangle, square, or cat-eye frames
can add contrast and definition.
For a round face, the aim is often to add shape and structure.
Oval and heart face shapes
These images and rules are a guide only. Try frames on and see what balances your features while still feeling like you.
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Oval face shape
Oval face shapes often have balanced features, with the chin slightly narrower than the forehead.
Style guide: Rectangle, square, round, or cat-eye
frames can all work well.
Oval faces can often wear a wide range of frame shapes. The main aim is usually choosing a frame that is not too wide, too narrow, or too deep.
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Heart face shape
Heart face shapes are often wider at the forehead and narrower through the chin and jaw.
Style guide: Frames that are wider at the bottom,
or softly balanced styles such as round, oval, or aviator, can help.
The aim is usually to avoid making the top of the face look heavier.
Oblong face shape
Longer face shapes can often suit frames that add width, depth, and balance.
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Oblong face shape
Oblong face shapes are usually longer than they are wide and may benefit from frames that add visual width or depth.
Style guide: Wider frames, deeper frames, and
styles with more presence can help shorten and balance the look.
The aim is usually to avoid making the face appear longer and to create better visual balance.
Not sure what shape your face is?
That is completely normal. Many people are a combination of face shapes, and hair, beard shape, frame colour, bridge fit, and lens size can all change how a frame looks.
The best way to choose frames is to try a few different shapes and see what feels comfortable, balanced, and like you.
Style is only one part of choosing glasses
A frame can suit your face shape but still be unsuitable for your lenses. We also check the physical fit, lens size, pupil position, prescription, and whether there is enough depth for your lens design.
This is especially important for progressive lenses, bifocals, and stronger prescriptions.
Our frame advice is practical
We will happily help you try different shapes, colours, and sizes, but we will also tell you if a frame is likely to cause problems with fit or lens performance.
Fit first
The frame should sit comfortably and securely without slipping, pinching, or putting too much weight on your nose or ears.
Lens suitability
The frame needs to suit your prescription and lens type, especially for progressive, bifocal, or higher prescription lenses.
Your style
The best frame is one you feel good wearing. Face-shape guides help, but your confidence matters too.
Need help choosing frames?
You can book online, phone us, or call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare.
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.