Why do some glasses look good on you and some don’t? Why do some people actually look better with glasses than without them? When choosing frames for your glasses, there can be a dizzying array of choices. How do you know which styles to choose from? It’s all a matter of face shape.
Frames come in many shapes and sizes, but there are only seven face shapes.
Knowing which frames complim
ent your face shape can narrow down your frame choice from the start, saving you time and energy. The seven shapes are:
- Oval
- Round
- Square
- Rectangular
- Point-up triangle
- Point-down triangle (heart-shaped)
- Diamond
You’ll want to choose frames that are in proportion to your face size, but that contrast the shape.
Oval
The oval face has a natural balance. Choosing frames that are at least as wide as your face is, or walnut-shaped frames that aren’t too large is a good idea. Size is the key for oval faces.
Round
Narrow, rectangular frames will lengthen and thin a round face, making it more balanced. A clear bridge piece will also help widen the spacing of the eyes.
Square
The key word for the square face is “narrow”. Narrow rectangular or oval frames will soften the angles of this bold face shape.
Rectangular
The idea for a rectangular face is to shorten it, so choose frames that are deeper than they are wide. Temple pieces in a contrasting color can also help give the appearance of more width.
Point-up Triangle
To add width to the narrower upper part of this face shape, frames that sport bold colors at the top are recommended. Cat-eye frames or frames with heavy detailing are also a good choice.
Point-down Triangle
In order to minimize the upper width of this face shape, frames that are wider at the bottom are a good idea. Even better are rimless or wire frames, which have a lightening effect on this heavy face shape.
Diamond
Oval or cat-eye shaped frames will help soften the cheekbones of a diamond shaped face. To highlight your eyes, go with frames that have a prominent brow lines.
Knowing what shape your face is, and what frames suit that shape will save you a great deal of time and trouble the next time you’re eyeglass shopping. Choose the right frames and you can be one of the people who are better looking in glasses.
