Are you looking for a new pair of glasses but not sure what the best glasses shape is for you? Then look no further with this guide on how to choose glasses that not only feel comfortable but also look great.

Did you know that the first sunglasses were made by the Inuit and Yupik tribes?

These early snow goggles were made from natural materials with two slits carved into them, to protect them from harsh weather conditions and snow blindness. They could almost look like something out of Star Trek!

Of course, today there is a huge range of glasses to choose from for all types of face shapes, but it’s not the only thing to think about.

Your facial features and personal style also play an important part when choosing the best glasses shapes for you.

If you want to look sharp and turn heads with your next pair of frames, then read on to find out how to choose a glasses shape, style, and what you need to think about when shopping.

1. Types of Frames

When it comes to the types of frames, there are generally four styles that are the most common. These are full-rimmed, rimless, semi-rimless, and wireframes, which typically describe how the frame connects with the lens.

Full-Rimmed

This style of frame surrounds the whole lens which makes them stronger and generally allows for a wider range of lens designs.

Additionally, full-rimmed frames come in a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, wood, and even diamond-encrusted. Therefore, this style is the most versatile and offers the widest range of shapes and colors.

Rimless

For a minimalist look, rimless styles are not only ideal but have the advantage of being lighter, because there is no frame around the lens.

However, this does mean that there are fewer shapes and styles available when it comes to rimless glasses.

Semi-Rimless

As the name suggests, semi-rimless frames cover half of the lens. Normally that would be the top half covered, with the bottom half of the lens left open.

If you’re looking for something subtle then this is not the style for you, as semi-rimless glasses are a bit more bold and edgy.

Wired

Wire-framed glasses are one of the most classic styles and are very thin and light. Think of aviators and John Lennon’s iconic circular glasses – wire-framed glasses are lightweight, popular, and also come in many different shapes.

2. Types of Glasses Shapes

Glasses shapes are defined by the shape of the lens and the frame. Although the range of shapes is close to unlimited, you should try to find one that compliments your face and facial features.

Here are the most common shapes available:

• Rectangle
• Square
• Round
• Wayfare
• Oval
• Aviator
• Browline
• Cat-Eye
• Oversized
• Geometric

As you can see, glasses don’t have to look nerdy and with so many to choose from, there’s bound to be a shape that’s stylish and practical.

3. Face Shape

Face shapes play an important part when it comes to finding your perfect pair of frames because the wrong shape can draw attention to areas that you might not like.

Deciding on your face shape is not an exact science, since you might be a mix of two shapes or more. But here is a rough idea of what glasses you should be looking for when it comes to face shapes:

Square Face

Is your face in equal proportions with the forehead and the jawline being the longest? Then you likely have a square face. The best shapes for square faces are round, oval, wayfarer, and aviators because they soften the angular features of a square face.

Round Face

Round faces have softer features, the chin is round and both the length and the width of the face are equal. Balance the roundness of the face with angular glasses such as rectangular, square, aviators, and geometric shapes. Avoid any round shapes as they can accentuate the roundness and width of the face.

Heart Face

With heart-shaped faces, the forehead is the widest part with strong cheekbones that taper to a pointed chin. If you have a heart-shaped face, opt for more delicate frames that are oval, wayfarer, browline, and rectangular shapes.

Oval Face

If you have an oval face, then you’re in luck as most styles will suit this type of face shape. Oval faces are balanced with a narrow forehead and chin, and prominent cheekbones.

However, avoid glasses that have very narrow frames as they can make your face appear longer.

4. Nose Bridge

Often overlooked, your nose bridge will affect the shape of glasses that are available to you.

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than glasses that keep sliding down if you have a low nose bridge or a high bridge causing your frames to hit the brim of your hat.

Look for adjustable nose pads if you need some flexibility or a saddle bridge design for more comfort.

The keyhole bridge is also a good option as it spreads the weight on the nose, but it has more width to cater to people with wider noses.

If you hate the feeling of glasses sliding down, then comfort fit or silicone nose pads are the best option. They are soft and fit comfortably on the nose to allow for long-term wear.

5. Large Noses

There’s nothing worse than wearing a pair of glasses that make your nose look even bigger. But fortunately, there are glasses that will flatter your nose and balance out the whole face.

The best shapes for large noses are rectangle, square, and aviators.

This applies to all face shapes, but make sure that the width of the glasses finishes right outside of your cheekbones. This keeps your eyes in the center of the frames so that you appear more proportional.

6. Personal Style and Lifestyle

Don’t forget to consider your personal style. Whether you prefer a clean and minimalist look or something more eye-catching and playful – go for styles that you naturally gravitate towards.

There’s no point in buying glasses that tick all of the boxes above, but you don’t like wearing them because it’s not your style.

Are you into your sports? Then getting well-fitted glasses that are more sports-focused, can help protect your eyes from the environment, allow for longer wear, and improve performance.

Still Not Sure?

When it comes to glasses shapes, these general tips are a good starting point but you don’t have to follow them too strictly.

If you’ve found your perfect pair of glasses, but the shape is against all of the guidelines – then go with it! Because if you feel great and you love your new glasses then that’s what counts.

Looking for some help? Then why not check out our services page for more information on expert frame styling, custom lens shaping, and more.