How to Pick Glasses for Your Face Shape

The oldest rule in eyewear still holds: choose frames that contrast your face shape. Round faces want structure; angular faces want curves. Get the match right and glasses stop being a compromise and start being the best part of your look.

The rule of opposites

Your face already has a dominant line—round, square, or elongated. The frame should introduce the line you lack. This creates balance instead of repeating what is already there.

Round faces

• Rectangular and square frames to add angles
• Slightly wider-than-tall lenses
• Avoid small round frames that echo the circle

Square faces

• Round or oval frames to soften the jaw
• Thin rims that do not double the angles
• Avoid hard-edged rectangles

Oval faces

• Most shapes work—balanced proportions are forgiving
• Keep frames in scale with the face
• Avoid oversized frames that overwhelm

Heart faces

• Bottom-heavy or round frames to widen the chin area
• Narrow bridges that fit a smaller lower face
• Avoid top-heavy cat-eyes that widen the forehead