Choosing the right pair of eyewear can dramatically enhance your appearance, bringing balance, highlighting your best features, and elevating your overall style. Yet, with the vast selection of frames available—especially when searching for the best online glasses—many people feel overwhelmed. The secret to simplifying the selection process lies not in following transient trends, but in mastering one fundamental concept: understanding how to determine face shape for glasses.
This guide will walk you through a simple, four-step process to identify your precise face shape and then provide specific frame recommendations to ensure your next pair of eyewear is the perfect match.
Step One: The Simple Guide to Measuring Your Face
To accurately determine your face shape, you need four key measurements. While you can do this by holding a mirror and using a washable marker to trace your outline, the most precise method involves a soft tape measure. Take the following measurements in millimeters or inches, noting them down as you go.
Forehead Width
Measure the distance across your forehead at the widest point, typically halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline.
Cheekbone Width
Measure the distance across the highest part of your cheekbones, starting and ending at the sharp bump just below the outer corner of each eye.
Jawline Length
Measure from the tip of your chin up to the corner of your jaw (the point where your jaw curves upward). Multiply this number by two to get the total length of your jawline.
Face Length
Measure from the center of your hairline (or where it would be) straight down to the tip of your chin.
Step Two: Analyzing Your Face Shape Results
Once you have your four measurements, compare the values to identify which category your features fall into. Knowing how to determine face shape for glasses hinges on these ratios.
Oval Face
- Characteristics: Face length is the longest measurement. Forehead is slightly wider than the jawline. The jawline and chin are gently rounded, creating a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
- The Goal for Glasses: Maintain the natural balance of the face.
Round Face
- Characteristics: Face length and cheekbone width are nearly equal. The forehead and jawline are also similar in measurement, resulting in soft angles and a curvilinear profile.
- The Goal for Glasses: Add length and sharp angles to create contrast.
Square Face
- Characteristics: All four measurements are fairly similar, though the face length may be slightly longer. The jawline is strong, broad, and squared off. The hairline is also typically straight and broad.
- The Goal for Glasses: Soften the angular features and reduce the appearance of width.
Heart (or Triangle) Face
- Characteristics: The forehead is the widest measurement. The cheekbones are also wide, but the jawline and chin taper significantly down to a narrow or pointed tip.
- The Goal for Glasses: Minimize the width of the forehead while widening the appearance of the lower face.
Diamond Face
- Characteristics: Cheekbones are the widest part of the face. The face length is often the second longest. The forehead and jawline are narrower, and the chin is typically pointed.
- The Goal for Glasses: Draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones while softening the narrower angles.
Step Three: Selecting Frames Based on Shape
The cardinal rule of frame selection is simple: Choose frames that contrast with your face shape. If you have an angular face (square), choose round frames; if you have a rounded face, choose angular frames.
Frame Recommendations for Each Shape
| Face Shape | Recommended Frame Styles | Styles to Avoid |
| Oval | Walnut-shaped, square, rectangular, and oversized frames. Almost any style works! | Frames that are wider than the widest part of your face. |
| Round | Narrow, angular, or rectangular frames. Frames with clear bridges to widen the eyes. | Small, round, or circular frames that emphasize roundness. |
| Square | Round, oval, or cat-eye frames. Frames that are slightly wider than your cheekbones. | Square or boxy shapes that mimic the jawline. |
| Heart | Frames wider at the bottom (like rounded squares) or rimless styles to minimize width. | Top-heavy, wide frames (like heavily decorated cat-eyes). |
| Diamond | Cat-eye, semi-rimless, or oval frames. Frames with detailing on the browline. | Narrow or boxy frames that obscure the cheekbones. |
Step Four: Considering Color and Personal Style
Beyond shape, the right color and detailing transform the eyewear from a necessity into a fashion statement. When looking at glasses for women (or anyone), color choices can complement or contrast your skin tone, hair color, and eye color.
Skin Tone and Hair Color
- Warm Tones: If you have yellow-based skin, golden or copper hair, choose warm colors like gold, beige, coral, or warm tortoiseshell.
- Cool Tones: If you have blue-based skin, platinum blonde, or dark black hair, choose cool colors like silver, black, blue, purple, or dark gray.
Feature Enhancement
To make hazel or green eyes pop, opt for contrasting colors like deep purple or brown frames. For blue eyes, try coppery or neutral brown shades.
By dedicating time to correctly identify how to determine face shape for glasses and applying the principle of contrast, you move from guessing to making an informed decision. This strategic approach ensures the best online glasses you choose will flatter your unique features and become a definitive part of your signature look.
