Have you ever walked into an optical shop and felt totally amazed by the selection of frames? With so many styles and colors to choose from, the process of finding the right frame can be a little overwhelming. Now you can breathe a sigh of relief as you read through these few steps on choosing the best frame for your face.
Although faces do come in all shapes and sizes, there are five basic shapes that are useful as a reference for choosing the proper style of eyewear. These shapes include square, triangle, oblong, oval and round. Since just choosing the right design can enhance each facial feature, it is helpful to be familiar with the different shapes when selecting your new eyewear frame.
Square faces typically have strong features like jaw lines and broad foreheads. The main trick here is to de-emphasize these features by creating soft curves with the eyewear. For example, a narrow frame would lengthen the face and soften the angles. Ovals with temples that are placed in the center of the oval are a good choice. With frames that are more horizontal than vertical, an illusion of length can be achieved.
The triangle or heart shaped face tends to have a wider forehead, while the chin area is narrower. To give the appearance of a fuller chin try drill mount frames. These frames are held together with screws rather than a metal frame and are almost invisible. In addition, frames that are rounded at the top and squared at bottom are also a good choice since they make the face appear more even in width.
The oblong or rectangular face is longer than it is wide. The effect to achieve is width and balance. The frame should break up the length of the oblong face. Frames are ones that are deeper than they are wide. Another good frame to try would be a round frame. In addition, to shorten a long nose, try a frame with a low bridge. The same concept to break up the long face will also break up a long nose.
The oval face is similar to the oblong face although the jaw is less square. The cheekbones are high and the chin is slightly narrower than the forehead. Some consider ovals to be an ideal face shape. This shape lends itself nicely to many frame types. Try frames that are either as wide as or wider than the broadest part of the face like the cheekbones.
Round faces are all curves and no angles. The length and width are similar. Eyewear that consists of angles and are fit somewhat narrower than the face help the face look thinner and longer. Avoid styles that are round since this is will just exaggerate the face’s natural curves. Rectangular frames are a good choice as long as they are not too deep or too narrow.
Once you have determined what type of face you have, the process of finding the perfect shape and style of eyewear becomes easier. An experienced optician can help you make these decisions and guide you in the selection of lens and frame materials that can enhance the functionality and comfort of your stylish new eyewear.
Images are courtesy of Silhouette eyewear
