How to Choose Glasses Based on Face Shape (Without Overthinking It)

Let’s get one thing out of the way: you don’t have to follow strict rules when choosing glasses. Face shape guides can be helpful, yes—but they’re not the be-all and end-all. If you love a particular pair, wear them. Confidence trumps geometry every time. That said, knowing what tends to work for your face can make the selection process a lot less overwhelming. Think of it as a starting point—not a rigid formula.

First: Figure Out Your Face Shape (Roughly)

Most people don’t have a perfectly square or heart-shaped face, and that’s fine. These categories are just tools. Stand in front of a mirror, pull your hair back, and look at the overall outline of your face. Focus on your jawline, cheekbones and forehead.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Round: Soft angles, full cheeks, similar width and length.
Oval: Balanced proportions, slightly narrower chin than forehead.
Square: Strong jawline, broad forehead, wide cheekbones.
Heart: Wider forehead, narrower chin.
Long (or rectangular): Face is longer than it is wide, often with a strong cheekbone line.

Now you’ve got a rough idea, here’s how to work with it—without spiralling into analysis paralysis.

Round Faces: Add Some Angles

If you’ve got a round face, you can create contrast with more angular frames. Think rectangular or square shapes—they’ll help sharpen your features and add definition. A thicker frame can also help balance softer contours.

For a smart but striking option, Tom Ford prescription glasses often lean into bolder lines that sit well on rounder faces. The brand’s signature aesthetic adds structure without looking too heavy.

Avoid anything too circular or rimless unless that’s a look you really love. These can blend into the face a bit too much, making everything feel overly soft.

Square Faces: Soften the Edges

Strong jaw? Broad forehead? You might benefit from a bit of curve. Round or oval frames can soften sharper angles and give a more relaxed, balanced feel to your look.

Ray-Ban glasses, especially in classic round or clubmaster styles, often work beautifully here. They introduce a gentler line while still keeping that timeless, wearable quality Ray-Ban is known for.

Don’t feel like you need to go full Harry Potter—subtle curves can go a long way. And if you’re feeling brave, oversized styles can look fantastic on square faces, especially when paired with softer colours or translucent acetate.

Oval Faces: Pretty Much Anything Goes

If your face is fairly balanced, congratulations—you’ve won the eyewear jackpot. Most frame shapes will suit you, which means you can focus more on personal style than geometry.

This is a good chance to try something more daring. Angular cat-eyes, geometric metal frames, or chunkier options like Prada prescription glasses are all fair game.

The only thing to watch out for is size. Even with a balanced face shape, frames that are too wide or too narrow can throw things off. Use your temples as a rough guide—the arms of your glasses should sit comfortably without stretching or squeezing.

Heart-Shaped Faces: Balance the Width

A broader forehead and narrower chin can sometimes create a “top-heavy” look with certain frames. The goal here is to balance the proportions—so steer toward styles that are a bit wider at the bottom or have a more rounded base.

Lightweight frames—especially in metal or softer tones—tend to work well. Aviators can be flattering, as can oval or teardrop shapes. If you like a designer feel, something from the Oliver Peoples glasses range could work nicely; their wire frames are elegant without overwhelming the face.

Cat-eyes can be a bit hit-and-miss with heart shapes, depending on how extreme the angle is. If you’re tempted, go for a subtler version.

Long or Rectangular Faces: Add Some Depth

If your face is longer than it is wide, try frames that break up the length and add width. Deeper lenses, taller frames and styles with detailing on the arms can help create a more balanced silhouette.

Oversized glasses can look great here, and you might also find that sports or performance frames (like Oakley prescription glasses) suit you well—even for day-to-day wear. Their bold shapes and lens height can complement longer faces, and they come with the bonus of being genuinely practical.

Avoid anything too narrow or overly rectangular, as it can make your face look even longer.

A Word on Prescription Lenses

If you’re after something quickly, look for next day glasses—handy if you’ve broken your go-to pair or just don’t want to wait a fortnight for your new look.

Take Your Time—But Not Too Much

It’s easy to get caught up in trying on every pair under the sun and second-guessing yourself. A good tip is to take a photo of yourself in a few different styles and compare them side-by-side. Often, the right choice becomes clearer when you step back from the mirror.

And remember: the best glasses for your face shape are the ones you feel good in. Start with shape if you like, but let personal style lead the way.