How to choose glasses for your face shape
There’s no equation for this. Anyone who tells you a round face is forbidden from wearing round frames has confused styling guidance with parking regulations. Face shapes are one of the most useful starting points we know of when styling eyewear, but it’s a starting point, not the destination.
If you want a reference to consult on: bookmark this. The right frame and your face work in tandem. Think of it like a good dress: cinches your waist in the right parts, lets your figure out in the others. Something that works well for one person may not for another, and that’s OK too. Similarly, in eyewear, soft faces (i.e. round or oval) can borrow structure from angular frames, while strong jaws can be balanced by curves. Everything below is a derivation of this principle, with some examples of how you can apply it to yourself, right now, in the comfort of your own spaces.
We’re going to mention our own frames, because that’s what we know best, but this principle can apply to any eyewear brand. By the way, we like to do things a bit differently here: every pair we sell is handcrafted from family-owned workshops from deadstock material, and all eyewear is acetate or titanium (or a mix of both). Why? These materials are widely considered the most premium, best quality, strongest and most durable, biodegradable and hypoallergenic, and the colours are just chef’s kiss. We don’t believe in settling for less.
Now, let’s get into it.
Find your frame shape in 60 seconds
You don’t need a tape measure or any app for this part. Tie your hair back, find a mirror you trust, or take a straight, front-on selfie on your phone (neutral expression at chin level) and ask yourself these questions:
- Length vs. Width: Is your face roughly as wide as it is long, or noticeably longer than it is wide?
- Widest Point: Run your eye across your forehead, cheekbones and jaw. Which point is the widest?
- Jaw: Is your jaw soft and curved, or more sharp and angular? Or is it strong and wide? If you’re not sure, default to your initial reaction.
- Forehead: Is your forehead broad or narrow?
Now, match your answers:
- Round: Equal width, soft curves, rounded jaw.
- Square: Equal width, broad forehead, strong angular jaw.
- Oval: A little longer than wide, balanced, gently rounded.
- Diamond: Widest at forehead, narrowing to a pointed chin.
If you’ve landed between two, don’t worry, that’s normal also. Many people do. Read both sections that apply to you, and make a personal taste call.
Which glasses suit a round face?
A round face has soft curves and a few hard angles, so the frame supplies the contrast. Angular and rectangular shapes add definition and structure; a frame slightly wider than it is tall lengthens the look. Sharp corners and clean, horizontal lines do the work for you.
Our picks: Our angular frames are the obvious choice. We love the Farringdon, a strong rectangular shape, the Southwark, a slightly boxier, rectangular shape, and the Newport, a narrower but also rectangular shape for round faces.
Which glasses suit a square face?
A square face is often defined by a strong, angular jaw and a broad brow. Your fantastic architectural lines can be supplemented by soft ovals and circular shapes, which soften. Introduce a curve that balances your natural angles and a frame that sits a touch higher on the nose provides an optically lifting effect.
Our picks: Soft ovals and circles do the work for you. The Montauk, Acadia or the Sloane and Hampstead opticals balance your lines to create beautiful visual harmony. Take the opportunity to implement 90s chic to your look to make a sleek style statement.
Which glasses suit a diamond face?
Diamond faces often are characterised by high cheekbones and a wide forehead, narrowing to a narrow jaw. The flattering move is to continue to widen the brow line with top-heavy shapes that draw attention upward: we love aviators and upswept cat-eyes for this face, highlighting cheekbones rather than competing with them.
Our picks: We love our Ciren or Cadogan Sun sunglasses, or opt for the Langbourne titanium frames or the Cadogan in optical format. An aviator is always a timeless and well loved option.
Which glasses suit an oval face?
Lucky for oval faces most frames will suit them, but, if in doubt, break up the oval shape with something that adds a statement punch. Deeper frames with presence do this really well: contrasting temples, for example, add a point of curiosity.
Our picks: Choose a cool aviator like the Pinewood or a rectangular, boxy shape like Caine. Alternatively the square shaped Windward or the oversized, unique Nantucket all offer great options.
When to break the rules
Use this advice like a tiebreaker, not the rule book. If you’re stuck between two frames you equally like, consider your face shape. However, if you’ve fallen for a frame these rules say aren’t “yours”, don’t let the rules stop you from trying - you never know! Confidence always flatters faces more reliably than any face shape rule, and the most interesting people are always experimenting with unique shapes that may not “naturally” suit them.
That’s why we have made shipping and returns free with Checkout+, so you can try on and return frames at your convenience, and never miss out on your perfect fit.
Start with your shape and trust your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does face shape really matter when choosing glasses?
A: It’s the most useful guide, but never a strict rule. Face shape helps narrow the field quickly, but personal style, fit and comfort matter more. Use it as a tiebreaker, not a verdict.
Q: How do I know my face shape?
A: Tie your hair back and look straight into a mirror, then check three things: whether your face is as wide as it is long or noticeably longer; whether it's widest at the forehead, cheekbones or jaw; and whether your jaw is rounded, angular or pointed. Those three answers place you in one of four shapes: round, oval, square or diamond.
Q: What’s the most versatile, or best, face shape for eyewear?
A: Oval. Because it's balanced top to bottom, an oval face suits nearly every frame shape, from a clean oval to a bold oversized aviator. The main thing to watch is scale.
Q: Can I wear a frame that isn't "recommended" for my face shape?
A: Yes. The guidance balances proportions, but it isn't a rulebook. A frame you love and that fits well will almost always look better than a "correct" frame you feel ordinary in.
Q: What glasses suit round faces?
A: Angular and rectangular frames, which add the structure a soft, curved face doesn't have on its own. Frames slightly wider than they are tall work especially well.
Q: What's better for a square face — round or rectangular frames?
A: Round or oval. A square face already has strong, angular lines, so a curved frame balances them, where a boxy frame tends to echo the jaw.