Choosing the Right Glasses for Your Face Shape

Why Face Shape Matters When Choosing Glasses

When it comes to selecting the perfect pair of glasses, style and comfort are absolutely essential – but there’s another key element that often gets overlooked: your face shape. Glasses are more than just a tool to help you see clearly; they’re a fashion statement, a reflection of your personality, and something you’ll likely wear every day. That’s why choosing a frame that not only suits your prescription but also complements your natural features can make a real difference in how you look and feel.

At Farmilo Opticians, we believe that the right pair of glasses should enhance both your vision and your confidence. By understanding your face shape and how different frame styles interact with your features, you can find glasses that bring out the best in your appearance – whether you’re aiming for subtle and sophisticated or bold and expressive.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a simple guide on how to match your face shape with frames that flatter and balance your look.

1. Round Face Shape

If you have a round face, your features are typically soft and curved, with full cheeks, a rounded chin, and equal width and length. The aim with frame selection is to add definition and a sense of structure to the face. Angular or geometric styles are ideal for this, as they contrast nicely with the soft contours. Rectangular and square frames can create the illusion of a longer, more slender face, helping to break up the roundness and provide balance.

Avoid frames that mimic the natural shape of your face – such as circular or overly rounded styles – as these can emphasise the roundness rather than offset it.

Best choices: Rectangle, square, cat-eye
Avoid: Circular or oval frames

2. Oval Face Shape

An oval face is often considered the most balanced and versatile face shape. It typically features a slightly narrower forehead and chin, with gently curved lines and high cheekbones. This well-proportioned shape means you can experiment with a wide variety of frame styles.

The main objective is to maintain that natural harmony. Look for frames that are as wide as, or slightly wider than, the broadest part of your face – usually the cheekbones. Steer clear of frames that are too oversized or deep vertically, as they could disrupt your facial balance.

Best choices: Wayfarer, cat-eye, browline, most classic shapes
Avoid: Oversized frames or frames that dominate the face

3. Square Face Shape

Square faces are characterised by a strong, angular jawline, a broad forehead, and a face length and width that are roughly equal. With this bold and structured shape, the goal is to soften the sharper lines and add a touch of roundness.

Rounded or oval frames are ideal, as they introduce contrast and help create a more balanced, harmonious look. Choosing thinner or lightweight frames can also reduce any sense of heaviness around the face. Avoid square or angular frames, which can make the face appear boxy or rigid.

Best choices: Round, oval, thin metal or lightweight acetate
Avoid: Square or thick angular frames

4. Heart Face Shape

A heart-shaped face tends to be broader at the forehead and cheekbones, narrowing down to a smaller, more delicate chin. The aim when choosing frames is to create visual balance by drawing attention away from the top of the face and adding width lower down.

Frames that are wider at the bottom or lighter in design – such as rimless or semi-rimless styles – work beautifully to soften the upper half of the face. Delicate materials and subtle curves help maintain an elegant silhouette. Avoid styles with a heavy top rim or bold browline that can exaggerate the forehead.

Best choices: Rimless, oval, bottom-heavy frames, light metals
Avoid: Top-heavy or wide browline frames

5. Diamond Face Shape

Diamond-shaped faces feature high, often dramatic cheekbones with a narrow forehead and jawline. This rare and striking face shape benefits from frames that accentuate the eyes while softening the angles of the cheekbones.

Styles that sweep upward, like cat-eye or browline glasses, can help broaden the upper part of the face and draw attention to the eyes. Oval frames are also flattering, as they smooth out angular features. Avoid narrow or boxy styles, which may make your face appear too sharp or wide at the cheeks.

Best choices: Cat-eye, oval, browline
Avoid: Narrow, rectangular, or boxy frames

Personalised Advice at Farmilo Opticians

While these guidelines provide a helpful foundation, there’s no substitute for expert, in-person advice. At Farmilo Opticians, we understand that choosing glasses isn’t just about shape – it’s about lifestyle, personality, and comfort too. Our experienced team takes the time to get to know you, offering thoughtful recommendations based on your face shape, style preferences, and everyday needs.

Whether you’re shopping for something bold and fashion-forward, or sleek and subtle, we offer a wide selection of both designer and affordable frames to suit every taste and budget.

Pop in for a complimentary style consultation, try on as many pairs as you like, and let us help you discover the glasses that make you look – and feel – your best.