Introduction
When choosing new frames, one of the most commonly asked questions is, "Which glasses and sunglasses will suit my face shape?" This topic has been extensively discussed for years, with countless experts trying to add their spin on it. The result is often overly complicated advice, with recommendations for numerous obscure face shapes, suggestions to measure your face with a tape measure, and strict rules on what frame shapes suit each face type. This can leave many glasses wearers feeling overwhelmed and confused.
At Bespectacled, we believe selecting eyewear shouldn't be so complex. Most existing advice essentially boils down to how angular or rounded your face is. So, we've simplified the guidance to focus on this fundamental principle and identified four main face shapes that most people fit into. Whether you're shopping for prescription glasses or the latest sunglasses, this guide has you covered.
Identifying Your Face Shape: The Four Main Types
The four primary face shapes are round, square, oval, and V-shaped. Many people struggle to identify their face shape, so here are some tips to help you:
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Use a Mirror or Take a Selfie: Look into a mirror straight on or take a selfie on your phone.
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Focus on Your Face Outline: Pay particular attention to the shape of your chin, jaw, cheeks, and hairline.
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Imagine Your Original Hairline: If your hairline has receded, imagine where it was originally.
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Assess Width and Proportion: Determine if your chin and forehead areas are the same width as the midsection of your face, or if they taper inward.
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Length vs. Width: Consider if your face is longer than it is wide, or if it is roughly as long as it is wide.
Now that you have a clearer idea about your face shape, read through the following descriptions of each face type and decide which one most closely aligns with yours.
Round Face Shape
Key Features:
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Equal Length and Width: A round face is almost as wide as it is long, creating a circular appearance.
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Full Cheeks: The cheeks are typically fuller and may be the widest part of the face, giving it a soft, rounded look.
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Soft Jawline and Hairline: The jawline and hairline are rounded with no sharp angles.
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Shorter Chin: The chin is often shorter and less pronounced.
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Wide Forehead: The forehead can be broad but blends into the rounded shape of the face.
If you have most of these features but your face is longer than it is wide, you may still fall into the round category. What is most important are the soft, round qualities of your features.
Square Face Shape
Key Features:
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Equal Length and Width: Similar to the round face, the length and width are proportional, but with a more angular appearance.
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Strong Jawline: The jawline is prominent and square, giving the face a strong, defined look.
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Broad Forehead: The forehead is wide and typically about the same width as the jawline.
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Straight Hairline: The hairline is often straight and matches the angular features of the face.
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Angular Cheekbones: The cheekbones are pronounced but do not taper as much, maintaining the square shape.
Again, if you have most of these features but your face is longer than it is wide, you may still fall into the square category. What is most important is the angularity of your facial features.
Oval Face Shape
Key Features:
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Length Greater than Width: An oval face is typically longer than it is wide, giving it an elongated appearance.
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Symmetrical Contours: The forehead and jawline are usually about the same width, creating a balanced and harmonious look.
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Rounded Hairline and Jawline: The edges of the face, including the hairline and jawline, are softly rounded without sharp angles.
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Narrow Forehead and Jawline: Although the forehead and jawline are of similar width, they are often narrower than the cheekbones, which are the widest part of the face.
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Prominent Cheekbones: The cheekbones are a defining feature of an oval face, often high and well-defined, contributing to the balanced look.
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Proportional Features: Facial features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth are generally well-proportioned and evenly spaced.
V-Shaped Face Shape
Key Features:
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Distinctive Jawline: The jawline resembles the letter "V," tapering towards the chin.
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Pointed Chin: The chin is narrow and defined, often culminating in a pointed tip.
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Encompasses Other Face Shapes: The V-shape includes what in other guides might be called inverted triangle, diamond, and heart-shaped faces.
Conclusion
Understanding your face shape is the first step in finding the perfect glasses or sunglasses that complement your facial features. Now that you have identified your face shape, check out our specialised guides for tailored frame recommendations: