How to Choose Glasses for Your Face Shape: A Complete Guide
Choosing the right pair of glasses is about more than just your prescription. The shape of your frames can flatter your features, balance your proportions, and reflect your personal style. This guide walks you through how to identify your face shape and which frames tend to suit it best — so you can shop with confidence, whether online or in one of our Dubai stores.
First, Identify Your Face Shape
Stand in front of a mirror and look at the overall outline of your face. Most people fall into one of six common shapes: oval, round, square, heart, diamond, or oblong. A quick way to check is to note the widest part of your face and how your jawline is shaped — soft and curved, or more angular.
The general principle opticians use is contrast and balance: frames that contrast with your face shape tend to be the most flattering. Angular faces are softened by rounded frames, and softer faces are defined by more angular frames.
Round Faces
Round faces have soft curves with similar width and length. To add definition and the illusion of length, look for angular and rectangular frames. Wider-than-tall styles, such as classic rectangular eyeglasses or square sunglasses, work beautifully. Avoid small round frames, which can emphasise roundness.
Square Faces
Square faces feature a strong jawline and broad forehead with roughly equal width and length. Round or oval frames soften those angles and add balance. Rimless and curved styles also work well. Steer clear of boxy, sharp-cornered frames that echo the jawline.
Oval Faces
Considered the most versatile shape, oval faces are balanced and slightly longer than they are wide. Most frame styles suit an oval face, so this is a chance to experiment. Frames that are as wide as the broadest part of the face keep the natural balance. Browse our eyeglasses collection to explore options.
Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin. Frames that are wider at the bottom, light-coloured, or rimless help balance the proportions. Round and oval styles, and aviator sunglasses, are particularly flattering. Avoid heavy, top-decorated frames that add width up top.
Diamond Faces
Diamond faces have narrow foreheads and jawlines with wider cheekbones. Frames with detailing or distinctive brow lines, such as cat-eye or oval shapes, highlight the eyes and soften the cheekbones. Rimless styles also suit this less common shape well.
Oblong Faces
Oblong faces are longer than they are wide. Frames with more depth than width, decorative or contrasting temples, and bolder styles help shorten the appearance of the face and add balance.
Don't Forget Fit and Lifestyle
Beyond shape, consider how the frames fit across your nose bridge and ears, and how they suit your daily life. If you spend long hours on screens, ask about computer lenses. For driving and outdoor wear, explore polarised options in our sunglasses collection.
Try Before You Commit
The best way to be sure is to try frames on. At Optics Souq, you can order online and visit either our Al Barsha or Gold & Diamond Park store in Dubai for a professional fitting. Our opticians will help fine-tune the fit and confirm your frames flatter your features. Book a free eye exam while you're there.