How to choose frames for your face shape
How many times have you tried on a pair of glasses you loved on the display, only to look in the mirror and not be fully convinced? It is not a matter of luck: there is a logic behind which frames suit each face. At Òptica Florit we have been helping our customers find the glasses that suit them best for more than 100 years, and today we are sharing the same advice we give in store.
First things first: what is your face shape?
Before choosing a frame, identify the shape of your face. These are the six most common:
A simple trick: tie your hair back, look straight into the mirror and mentally trace the outline of your face. Which of the shapes above does it match most closely?
Which frames suit each face shape
Oval face: almost everything suits you
The oval face is the most versatile. Its balanced proportions mean you can wear practically any type of frame: square, round, cat eye, aviator... The only recommendation is to avoid frames that are too large and hide your facial features.
Suits you: square, rectangular, round, cat eye and pilot frames.
Round face: lengthen and slim
The aim is to add angles and make the face look longer. Angular and rectangular frames are your best allies. Avoid round or small frames, which accentuate the roundness of the face.
Suits you: rectangular, square, cat eye and butterfly frames.
Avoid: round, oval or very small frames.
Square face: soften the angles
Here we are looking for the opposite effect: softening the jawline and strong angles. Rounded frames, or frames with slightly curved corners, balance this face type very well.
Suits you: round, oval, cat eye and pilot frames.
Avoid: very square or rectangular frames.
Rectangular or long face: add width
The aim is to make the face look wider and shorter. Large frames with a low bridge and wide lenses achieve this effect. Aviator and butterfly styles are ideal.
Suits you: large, wide frames with a low bridge, aviator, butterfly.
Avoid: small or very narrow frames that make the face look even longer.
Triangular or heart-shaped face: balance the forehead
With a wide forehead and narrow chin, the ideal is to balance the upper and lower parts. Rimless or semi-rimless frames have little visual weight at the top and balance the whole look perfectly.
Suits you: rimless or semi-rimless frames, with a low base, round or oval.
Avoid: cat eye frames or frames that are very wide at the top and emphasise the forehead.
Diamond face: highlight the cheekbones
A diamond-shaped face has prominent cheekbones and a narrow forehead and chin. Cat eye frames, with their upswept angle, add width at the top and balance the whole look.
Suits you: cat eye, rimless, and oval frames with a detailed top.
Avoid: frames that emphasise the cheekbone area.
Other factors to consider
Face shape is important, but it is not the only factor. Our opticians also consider:
- Skin tone: warm tones go well with frames in browns, golds and beiges; cool tones look better with black, grey, blue and silver.
- Eye and hair colour: a frame that contrasts with or complements your natural colouring always helps.
- Lifestyle: a frame for working all day at the computer is not the same as one for leisure time or sport.
- Your prescription: high prescriptions affect lens thickness, which can influence your choice of frame. Your optician will advise you on this.
The best way to choose: come and try them on
No article or augmented reality app can replace trying glasses on in person. The perfect frame is the one that makes you feel good when you put it on, and you can only discover that in front of the mirror.
At Òptica Florit, in Barcelona's Eixample, we help you find that frame. Our team of opticians will take all the time you need, with no rush, so you leave with glasses that truly suit you and fit your life.