Shopping for new glasses can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of frame styles, colors, and materials to choose from, it’s easy to spend an hour in front of the mirror and still walk away unsure. But here’s the secret most people don’t know: the best starting point isn’t the trend wall or your favorite celebrity — it’s your face shape.
The right frames can balance your features, highlight your best attributes, and make your glasses feel like a natural extension of who you are. The wrong pair? Even the most expensive frames can look off if they clash with your facial structure.
At Valley Eyecare Center, our optical team helps Phoenix patients find frames they love every day. In this guide, we’re breaking down the six main face shapes, which frame styles work best for each, and a few pro tips to make your next eyewear decision a whole lot easier.
Step One: How to Identify Your Face Shape
Before you start browsing frames, you need to know your face shape. Here’s a simple way to figure it out:
- Pull your hair back so your full face is visible.
- Stand in front of a mirror and trace the outline of your face with a dry-erase marker or lip liner.
- Step back and look at the shape you’ve drawn.
Most people fall into one of six categories: oval, round, square, heart, oblong (also called rectangular), or diamond. Not sure which one you are? Read on — we describe each one below.
The Six Face Shapes and the Best Frames for Each
1. Oval Face Shape
The oval face is considered the most versatile face shape for eyewear. It’s slightly longer than it is wide, with a forehead that’s marginally broader than the jawline and gently rounded edges.
What it looks like: Balanced proportions, softly curved jawline, no prominent angles.
Best frames: Lucky you — almost any frame style looks great on an oval face. Rectangular, square, round, cat-eye, aviator, and geometric frames all work well.
Tips: The only thing to avoid is frames that are too oversized or too narrow, which can throw off your natural balance. Aim for frames that are as wide as the widest part of your face.
Styles to try: Wayfarers, aviators, square frames, and bold rectangular shapes.
2. Round Face Shape
A round face has soft, curved lines with a width and length that are roughly equal. The cheeks are full, the chin is rounded, and there are no sharp angles.
What it looks like: Full cheeks, a rounded chin, and a soft, circular overall appearance.
Best frames: Angular and geometric frames are your best friend. Rectangular and square frames add definition and make the face appear longer and more structured.
Tips: Avoid round or small frames, which can accentuate the roundness of your face. Look for frames with sharp corners and a strong bridge to create contrast.
Styles to try: Rectangle frames, square frames, wayfarer-style frames, and angular cat-eye shapes.
3. Square Face Shape
A square face has a strong, defined jawline that is roughly the same width as the forehead. The angles are more pronounced, giving the face a bold and structured appearance.
What it looks like: Wide forehead, angular jaw, and a strong chin — the width and length of the face are similar.
Best frames: Round, oval, and curved frames help soften the strong angles of a square face. Rimless or semi-rimless frames also work well as they draw less attention to the face’s structure.
Tips: Avoid boxy or heavily angular frames, which can make your features look even more rigid. Look for frames that are slightly wider than the jaw to create proportion.
Styles to try: Round frames, oval frames, browline frames, and soft cat-eye shapes.
4. Heart Face Shape
A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and tapers down to a narrow, pointed chin. The cheekbones are often high and prominent.
What it looks like: Broad forehead, high cheekbones, and a small, delicate chin.
Best frames: Frames that are wider at the bottom help balance a wider forehead. Aviators, round frames, and light-colored or rimless frames are particularly flattering.
Tips: Avoid heavy top frames or decorative detail at the temples, which draw more attention to an already wide forehead. Butterfly and bottom-heavy frames are great choices.
Styles to try: Aviators, round frames, light rimless frames, and oval styles.
5. Oblong (Rectangular) Face Shape
An oblong face is longer than it is wide, with a straight cheek line and a long, narrow appearance. The forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are all similar in width.
What it looks like: Long, narrow face with minimal curves. Sometimes described as rectangular.
Best frames: Wide frames that add width to the face are ideal. Look for frames with deep lenses and decorative temples to shorten the appearance of the face.
Tips: Avoid narrow or small frames, which can make the face appear even longer. Frames with low bridges can help create the appearance of a shorter nose.
Styles to try: Wide rectangular frames, round frames, oversized styles, and frames with embellished temples.
6. Diamond Face Shape
The diamond face shape has narrow forehead and jawline with wide, high cheekbones as the broadest point of the face. It’s one of the rarest face shapes.
What it looks like: High, wide cheekbones with a narrow forehead and a small chin.
Best frames: Cat-eye and oval frames that emphasize the eyes and draw attention upward are ideal. Rimless and semi-rimless frames also help keep the focus on the eyes without competing with prominent cheekbones.
Tips: Avoid narrow frames or geometric styles, which can make the cheekbones appear even wider. Look for frames with detailing on the brow line.
Styles to try: Cat-eye frames, oval frames, rimless styles, and frames with brow-line detail.
Beyond Face Shape: Other Factors to Consider
While face shape is a great starting point, it’s not the only thing that should influence your frame choice. Here are a few other important factors:
Skin Tone
Warm skin tones (golden, olive, or darker complexions) tend to look best in earth tones like brown, tortoiseshell, gold, and warm reds. Cool skin tones (fair or pink undertones) look great in silver, black, blue, and jewel tones. If you’re not sure of your undertone, hold a piece of gold and silver fabric next to your face — whichever makes your skin glow more indicates your tone.
Lifestyle and Daily Use
Think about how and where you’ll wear your glasses most. If you’re active or work outdoors, lightweight and durable materials like titanium or memory metal may be a better fit than acetate. If you’re in a professional office environment, classic and understated frames may serve you better than bold statement pieces.
Prescription Strength
High prescriptions can cause lenses to be thick at the edges, which affects how certain frames look and feel. Our opticians can advise on which frame shapes and lens types will minimize lens thickness and keep your glasses looking great. High-index lenses are often recommended for strong prescriptions. You can learn more about our lens options here.
Personal Style
Rules are a starting point — not a law. If you love a bold cat-eye frame and have a round face, wear it with confidence. The best glasses are the ones you’ll actually put on every morning. Our optical team at Valley Eyecare Center will always work with your personal style, not against it.
Frame Materials: What’s the Difference?
Frames come in several materials, each with their own benefits:
- Acetate — Lightweight, available in a huge range of colors and patterns. Great for bold, fashion-forward looks.
- Metal — Sleek and durable. Titanium and stainless steel are lightweight and resistant to corrosion.
- Memory Metal (Flexon) — Extremely flexible and returns to its original shape after bending. Ideal for active lifestyles.
- Plastic — Affordable and available in many styles, though generally less durable than acetate or metal.
Our team can walk you through the pros and cons of each material based on your lifestyle, prescription, and budget when you visit either of our Phoenix locations.
How to Measure for the Right Fit
Even the most stylish frames won’t look great if they don’t fit properly. Here’s what to check:
- Eye size — The width of each lens. Standard sizes range from 40mm to 60mm.
- Bridge width — The distance between the two lenses. A proper fit means the bridge sits comfortably on your nose without pinching or sliding.
- Temple length — The length of the arms that go over your ears. Standard sizes range from 120mm to 150mm.
These three measurements are usually printed on the inside of your frames (e.g., 52-18-140). If your current frames fit well, bring them to your appointment — our opticians can use them as a reference to find you the perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Glasses Frames
Q: What if my face doesn’t clearly fit into one shape category?
A: That’s completely normal! Most people are a blend of two shapes. If you’re between round and oval, for example, you’ll have even more flexibility when choosing frames. When in doubt, bring a trusted friend or ask one of our opticians for their honest opinion.
Q: Can I wear trendy frames if they don’t suit my face shape?
A: Absolutely. Face shape guidelines are just that — guidelines. If you love a trend and feel confident wearing it, that confidence is what people will notice most. Our team is happy to help you make any frame work as well as possible for your features.
Q: How do I know if frames are too big or too small for my face?
A: A few quick checks: your eyes should be centered in the lens (not sitting too high or too low), the frames should not extend beyond the sides of your face, and they should sit comfortably on your nose without sliding down. The top of the frames should follow your brow line rather than covering or sitting below it.
Q: Does my hairstyle affect which frames look best?
A: Yes, it can! Short hairstyles or updos expose more of your face and features, so frame choice has a bigger visual impact. Longer hair can soften angles and balance out bold frames. It’s always a good idea to try on frames with your typical hairstyle in mind.
Q: How many pairs of glasses should I have?
A: Many patients benefit from having at least two pairs: a primary pair for everyday use and a backup pair in case of loss or damage. Some people also like a dedicated pair of prescription sunglasses for outdoor use. Talk to our team about your lifestyle and we’ll help you decide what makes sense for you.
Q: How often should I update my frames?
A: Most people update their frames every one to two years, often in line with their annual comprehensive eye exam. However, if your prescription changes significantly or your frames become damaged, it may be time to update sooner.
Find Your Perfect Pair at Valley Eyecare Center
Choosing the right frames is part science, part art — and our experienced optical team is here to make the process fun and stress-free. Whether you’re a first-time glasses wearer or looking to update your look, we’ll help you find frames that suit your face shape, lifestyle, and personal style perfectly.
We carry a wide selection of designer and independent eyewear brands at both of our Phoenix locations. Stop in anytime during business hours or schedule an appointment online to get started.
Call our Northern Ave. office at 602-242-6888 or our 44th Street office at 602-955-2700. You can also visit us at valleyeyecareaz.com to learn more about our services and book your visit. We look forward to helping you see — and look — your best.
