How to Pick your Specs with your Face Shape

Given the number of different styles and silhouettes out there (we have over 800 alone), picking the right pair of specs is no easy task. Throw in passing seasonal trends and personal style, and the whole process can feel a little overwhelming. However, it’s vital your eyes are supported with top quality lenses for long-term, consistent eye care.

But before you begin sifting through frames, you need to work out your face shape. This will help better determine which style will work for you. Check out our guide below for how to find your face shape as well as how to pick glasses for your face.

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 square, round, oblong, diamond, or oval 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 use your lippy (or your girlfriend’s) or an erasable pen – whatever you use, just make sure you can wipe it off afterwards – to trace the outline of your face on the mirror. We know this sounds a bit odd but it works, trust us!

Now you have your face shape sorted, check out our guide on each face shape and what will best suit you.

Square face shape

Your strong jaw line with wide cheekbones looks great with a more rounded or pilot-shaped glasses frame. Other curvy styles like cat-eye frames will also work well to soften and subtly frame your face.

The square rules

• A pilot frame is a great shape for a square face. If you have strong features then go big.
• Larger glasses 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 frames also look 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 strong jaw, go for the butterfly frame, ladies. This style is oversized, glam and ultra feminine.

Round face shape

Soft but angular styles that are frame slightly wider than the broadest part of your face, will accentuate and define your cheeks. Alternatively, a strong detailed brow area on your specs will help define your face shape overall.

The round rules

• Go for a frame that is wider than your face. This will give your silhouette a bit more definition.
• Look to angular styles like square and rectangular glasses.
• Embellished and branded arms will accent a frame, giving your round face more definition.
• For guys, solid acetate framework in dark colours and prints will keep things masculine and create a defined outline.
• Rectangular frames hold a unisex appeal with bold prints and colours packing a punch and complimenting a round face.

Oblong face shape

Round or square shapes will give width to your face and balance it out. Anything too angular may jut out at the edges, so try to stay away from these. Also, try to choose glasses that don’t extend beyond the widest part of your head.

The oblong rules

• Oval acetate glasses are contemporary and perfect for the gal-about-town. Make sure that the outer corners run parallel with your temples and cheekbones. Too large and this will ‘shrink’ your head, too small and your teetering towards egg-head territory.
• Pilot shapes are a timeless, unisex option. Their metal framework keeps things casual while the teardrop shape helps to accentuate those cheekbones as well as chisel features.
• For guys, solid acetate frames will keep things masculine and create a defined outline.
• Square glasses with blunt edges compliment an oblong face – but make sure that the arms sit in the middle when it comes to the design.

Diamond face shape

Your defined, pointed chin with wide cheekbones and forehead look great with rectangular or cat-eye glasses. Choose a pair which angles outwards towards the top corner, widening out the face to balance the jawline. Additionally, strong detailing will soften the lower portion of your face shape by accentuating the eye area.

The diamond rules

• Cat-eyed frames are a great feminine option. For men, you can’t go wrong with a wrap-around frame that’ll balance out your diamond face shape.
• Keep your choice of frame small and neat.
• Rectangular frames will sit neatly on a diamond-shaped face, balancing out a pointed chin.
• For a unisex option, a rectangular shape offers perfect synergy with small features.

Oval face shape

Experiment with styles such as rectangular frames and shapes with heavily detailed arms. Solid frames and dark lenses are great to try, as are metal frames.

The oval rules

• Go for a good medium-to-large size unisex rectangular frame as anything too small will squash your face shape.
• A large frame is best for your oval face as this will accentuate and chisel your cheekbones.
• Details on the arms will pull your temples out, adding definition to your face shape.
• Metal frames will soften an angularly shaped style if you prefer a more subtle, everyday design.
• Make sure the arms don’t sit too low on your face if you are going for a square frame as this has the potential to elongate the face – an unnecessary factor for an oval face shape.

Still not quite sure?Email our friendly customer service team for style advice at ask@glassesdirect.co.uk and one of our style experts will help you find the perfect pair.