When purchasing a pair of glasses, consumers must take a number of different things into consideration. The price, quality, and durability are all factors to think about when buying new frames. Of course, how the frames will look plays a big role in the decision, especially for those who plan on wearing them often. There’s no denying it feels better to wear frames well suited to one’s appearance. And with so many different shapes and sizes available, finding the right pair can seem like an overwhelming task.

Luckily, figuring out which frames best fit your face isn’t as difficult as it seems. All you need to do is determine what face shape you have and research which types of glasses are suited to it. If you already know your facial structure well, you’re a step ahead. For those who don’t, how can you go about discovering your face shape?

What Face Shape Do You Have?

Many of us look in the mirror every day without knowing what face shape we have. Sure, most people can tell you if their face is wide or long — but pinpointing the exact build isn’t something everyone bothers to do.

If you’re on the hunt for new frames, however, you’ll need to match your face to one of the five shapes outlined by experts. Each is fairly self-explanatory from its name, but here are some features to look for:

·   Round: Those with round faces have softer angles, and the sides of their face are more circular. Their chins are round rather than angled, and their cheeks are likely to take up much of their face.

·   Oval: Those with oval faces tend to have the same soft features as those with round faces. The primary difference is that oval faces are longer than they are wide, resembling, as you’ve likely guessed, an oval.

·   Square: Square faces are like round faces in the sense that they’re both about as wide as they are long. The main difference is that those with square faces have straighter sides and a more angled jawline.

·   Rectangle: Rectangular faces have the same angular structure as square faces. Similar to oval faces, however, those with a rectangular shape have faces that are longer than they are wide. Rectangular faces are also referred to as diamond- or triangle-shaped depending on who you’re speaking to.

·   Heart: Heart-shaped faces are true to their name. With a more pronounced and pointed chin and a wider forehead, those who fall into this category will find their facial structure resembles a heart.

To get a better idea of what each face shape looks like, searching celebrities within each category can help. It’s always useful to have a visual when sizing up your own face. Once you’ve determined which category you fall into, you can start searching for the perfect frames.

Finding Your Frames

When it comes to choosing frames based on your face shape, it’s all about balancing one’s natural features. Here’s what experts in the industry recommend:

·   Glasses for round faces: The best frames for round faces are actually the opposite shape. Since those with round faces have softer features, choosing glasses that add angles is aesthetically pleasing. The frames contrast the wearer’s features, giving them a balanced look.

·   Glasses for square faces: Consumers with square faces should also go with the “opposites attract” adage when choosing frames. Since their faces are all angles, round or oval frames are the best choice. These will make the wearer’s features look softer, with the glasses and angles complementing one another.

·   Glasses for oval faces: Oval faces are among the most common, so most frames work for these wearers. One thing to try, however, is choosing glasses that are as wide as the upper face. This will highlight an oval face’s strengths and give it some curves. Going with square or rectangular frames will add to this effect.

·   Glasses for rectangular faces: With rectangular faces, choosing frames is less about balancing angles and more about complementing shape. Those with this face shape tend to have wider jawlines and slimmer foreheads. To stay symmetrical, those with this shape should choose frames that are the opposite: wider on top and slimmer on the bottom. Cat-eye frames, D-frames, and aviators all fit this description.

·   Glasses for heart-shaped faces: For those with a heart-shaped facial structure, there are plenty of options. Because this structure has features from both rounded and more angled shapes, there are multiple ways to accentuate those features. Once again, it’s all about balance. Those with slimmer chins may choose wider frames, while those with a wider forehead might go with frames that draw attention to the lower face.  

Getting Started

When using your face shape to find new glasses, it’s important to note that everyone is different. While this strategy works for most people, it isn’t foolproof. You may find a pair of glasses that wouldn’t normally fit your face shape but does. You should also keep in mind that most people’s faces don’t fit one shape completely. Having features of, say, a round- and heart-shaped face will mean needing to try frames that complement both.

Even with those things in mind, however, this method of searching for glasses will help narrow your options. Once you’re headed in the right direction, you’ll need to try on a few pairs and see what works best for you.