Glasses are one of those accessories that can completely transform an image – slimming the face, softening features or adding character. The problem is when the frames, which are beautiful on display, do not look the best on our face. The secret is the fit: what suits someone with delicate features does not necessarily suit someone with a strong jawline.
That is why it is important to know your face shape before you choose the spectacles of your dreams. A simple analysis in front of the mirror is enough to determine whether your face is round, square, oval, rectangular or triangular. And once you know this – the choice becomes much easier. Just remember the principle of contrast: look for angular frames for round features, and delicate, rounded forms for sharp lines.
In this guide, we suggest step-by-step how to check your face shape and choose the perfect glasses for it. With these tips, your choice will not only be fashionable, but also perfectly matched to your beauty.
Step 1: How do you check your face shape?
The first step to choosing the perfect glasses is to know your face shape. Sounds trivial, but in practice many people never check this – and it is this detail that determines whether the frames will harmonise with your features or, on the contrary, accentuate unwanted proportions.
How to do it Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit area, clip your hair to reveal your face, and look at the contour of your face. Alternatively, use lipstick or a make-up pencil and outline the shape of your face on the mirror – that way you can see immediately what lines are dominant.
Then compare your contour to the most common types:
- Round – soft features, face length and width are similar.
- Square – strong jawline, pronounced angles at the forehead and cheeks.
- Rectangular (oblong) – face is clearly longer than wider.
- Oval – harmonious, proportionate, with gently rounded lines.
- Triangular/helical – wide forehead and narrower jaw, or vice versa – stronger lower face and subtle forehead.
By knowing the shape of your face, you gain the key to an informed choice of eyewear – and a guarantee that it will accentuate your assets instead of distorting your proportions.
Step 2: How do I choose frames to suit my face shape?
Now that you know your face shape, you can move on to the most enjoyable part – choosing your frames. This is where the principle of contrast comes into play: frames should balance out your features, not duplicate them. This gives your face proportions and a harmonious look.
Round face – slenderise and add character
Rectangular, square or cat-eye frames are best suited to a round face. The sharp angles make the face appear slimmer and more expressive.
- Avoid: round models, which will further emphasise roundness.
Inspiration: Balenciaga ‘s geometric designs are a great contrast to soft lines.
Square face – soften strong features
A strong jawline and wide forehead take on a lightness in round, oval or cat-eye frames. Rounded shapes add softness to the face.
- Avoid: heavily angular models that emphasise the sharpness of the features.
- Inspiration: Subtle frames by Chloe or romantic designs by Valentino perfectly soften the pronounced jawline.
Rectangular face – shorten and widen optically
Here, round or oval glasses are best to balance vertical lines and make the face appear shorter and wider.
- Avoid: overly narrow and elongated models that emphasise the length of the face.
Oval face – complete freedom of choice
Considered to be the most harmonious, the oval face suits almost every frame shape. You can go for classic models as well as extravagant forms.
- Avoid: only overly angular models that could upset the natural balance.
- Inspiration: from the timeless elegance of Tom Ford to the bold, colourful designs of Gucci – the choice is entirely up to your style.
Triangular/heart-shaped face – balance the proportions
Soft, rounded models or cat-eye styles that lift the brow line and draw attention upwards are best. This makes the wide forehead less dominant and gives the lower part of the face a lighter look.
- Avoid: frames that are too wide at the top, which will widen the forehead further.
- Inspiration: the feminine cat-eye from Chloe balances this beauty type perfectly.
Step 3 rules for the perfect fit
Once you know which frame shapes best suit your face, the final step remains – checking proportions and comfort. These are what determine whether your glasses will look natural and whether you will enjoy wearing them rather than feel uncomfortable.
- Contrast is key – frames should balance features, not duplicate them. If your face has sharp angles, choose softer lines, if soft – go for more pronounced shapes.
- Frame size – glasses should be no wider than the widest point of your face. Too big will overwhelm, too small will disrupt proportions.
- Eye position – the eyes should be in the centre of the glasses. This ensures a natural look and comfortable vision.
- Eyebrows – the top edge of the frame can overlap the eyebrow arch slightly, but should not cover it completely. This makes the face look harmonious.
- Frame colour – match it to your skin tone, hair and eyes. Gold accents (such as from Bottega Veneta) will beautifully accentuate a warm complexion, while silver or black minimalist frames (such as from Saint Laurent) are great for cool tones.
- Comfort – glasses need to be lightweight, well-balanced and not put pressure on your nose or temples. This is an accessory you wear every day, so comfort is just as important as style.
With these rules in place, your glasses will become a natural extension of your style – an accessory you won’t want to take off.
Summary
Well-chosen eyewear can transform not only your style, but also the proportions of your face. All it takes is a few steps: knowing your face shape, applying the principle of contrast and following the fitting rules. In this way, frames will not be an accidental accessory, but a conscious style element that emphasises what is most beautiful about your beauty.
Remember that sunglasses are the jewellery of everyday life – they can slenderise, soften or add character. When choosing them, be guided not only by fashion, but also by comfort and consistency with your lifestyle. Because the most beautiful model is the one in which you feel natural and confident – whether you opt for the sophisticated simplicity of Saint Laurent or the geometric boldness of Balenciaga.
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