How to Pick your Specs with your Face Shape

Getting the right pair of specs is no mean feat, given the plethora of different styles and silhouettes out there. Keeping your peepers supported with top quality lenses that hold the perfect prescription for you is vital for long term, consistent eye care whatever the season, as well as being an accessory for your look, whatever your personal style.

First things first though, working out your face shape to determine what frame will work for you is vital when choosing a pair of glasses, so check out our guide on determining your face shapes and picking the perfect pair of glasses, whatever your lifestyle.

How to determine your face shape

The first step is to decide if your face is round, oblong, oval, square, or heart-shaped. Take a photo of yourself directly facing the camera and use a piece of tracing paper to outline the edge of your face to work out your face shape. No camera? Then look in the mirror and with either your lippy (or your girlfriends) or an erasable pen, trace the outline of your face on the mirror- Whatever you do, just make sure you can wipe it off afterwards!

And yes, we know that this sounds a bit odd but it works! We promise!

Now you have your face shape sorted, check out our definitive guide on each face shape and what will work for you.

Square face shape

A strong jaw line with wide cheekbones looks great with a more rounded or aviator-shaped glasses frame. With such a strongly shaped face, curvy styles also work well, whilst acetates in neutral tones such as creams and camels help to soften and subtly frame the face.

THE SQUARE RULES

• Aviators are a great shape for a square face. If you have strong features then go big. Delicate features are better suited to the small to medium sized option.
• Larger specs with strong detailing will complement your own defined framework.
• Oval and round frames look great edged with a solid acetate rim. For a more masculine approach, metal framework also looks great on square faces, accentuating your chiselled features.
• Rectangular shaped frames with soft edges are a classic, unisex option. Stay away from too much detail on the outer edges and arms. This shape needs to be kept soft on a defined shaped face.
• To soften a really strong jaw, go for the butterfly frame, ladies. Over sized and glam, and most importantly, ultra feminine.
• Stay away from heavy brow detailing if you want to soften your face shape. A double brow bar will only mimic a strong jaw so if you want to play it down, lay off any angular brown detailing.

Round face shape

With such a soft shape, definition is key so slim your cheeks with a glasses frame slightly wider than the broadest part of your face. Soft but angular styles will pull your temple higher, lengthening your face and breaking up the roundness. A strong detailed brow area on your specs will also pull the eye area away from the mouth, giving you a more defined face-shape overall.

THE ROUND RULES

• Go for a frame that is wider than you face. This will give your silhouette that little bit more definition.
• Stay away from round frames and opt for angular silhouettes instead. Square and rectangular glasses fit the bill.
• Embellished and branded arms will accent a frame, giving a round face more definition.
• For guys, solid acetate framework in dark colours and prints will keep things masculine and create a defined outline.
• Wayfarer frames hold a unisex appeal with bold prints and colours packing a punch and complimenting a round face.

Oblong face shape

To balance out your face and give it width, choose glasses that don't extend beyond the widest part of your head. Opt for round or square shapes. You don't want the pea head effect here, so ensure that you opt for a substantial circumference. Keep away from anything too angular that might jut out at the edges.

THE OBLONG RULES

• Oval and sturdy-sized specs are perfect for the gal-about-town, with acetate framework keeping things contemporary. Make sure that the outer corners run parallel with your temples and cheek bones. Too large and this will 'shrink' your head, too small and your teetering towards egg-head territory.
• Aviators are a timeless, unisex option with metal framework keeping things casual. The tear drop shape helps to accentuate those cheekbones as well as chisel features.
• Make sure you pick a spectacle with good girth. Anything too small just won’t do.
• For guys, solid acetate framework in dark colours and prints will keep things masculine and create a defined outline.
• Square glasses with blunt edges compliment an oblong face, just make sure that the arms sit in the middle when it comes to the design. Low arms will create a 'dragging' effect on your features.

Diamond face shape

A defined, pointed chin with wide cheek bones and forehead look great with a more quirky, retro shaped pair of specs, such as rectangular or 'cat-eyed' glasses. Choose a pair which angle outwards towards the top corner, widening out the face to balance the jaw line. Coloured frames and arms with strong detailing will soften the lower portion of your face shape by accentuating the eye area.

THE DIAMOND RULES

• Cat-eyed frames look great in classic tortoise and black and creams for a feminine option.
• Wrap-around frames work well in balancing out a diamond face shape. A great masculine option for a sporty lifestyle.
• Keep your choice of frame small and neat.
• Rectangular frames will sit neatly on a heart shaped face, balancing out a pointed chin.
• The wayfarer is unisex and offers an array of colour options as well as working in perfect synergy with small features.

Oval face shape

Count yourself lucky, as pretty much any style works on an oval face. You should experiment with the latest looks such as the resurge of the wayfarer, now updated with an array of colours and printed frames. For pure celebrity status and a pair that screams 'look at me', go for a heavily detailed arm. Solid and dark lenses add status; whilst metal frames are a good way of create a definitive silhouette.

THE OVAL RULES

• Check out our hair style and colour guide, in order to choose what colour and print you should accessorise with the classic unisex wayfarer. Go for a good, medium-to large size with this frame as anything too small will squash your face shape.
• A large frame is best for the oval face as this will accentuate and chisel cheekbones.
• Details on the arms will pull your temples out, adding definition to your face shape. Branding, embellishment and colour blocking will add an edgy accent to your shades.
• Dark lenses work well on cat-eyed frames and visors for oval faces. Just make sure you go for a large style.
• Metal framework will soften an angular shaped shade if you prefer a more subtle, everyday design.
• Make sure that the arms don't sit too low on your face if you are going for a square frame as this has the potential to elongated the face- an unnecessary factor for an oval face shape.

Still not quite sure? Then drop us a line at ask@glassesdirect.co.uk and one of our style experts will be able to help you find the perfect pair.