Blog Hero

How to Choose the Right Glasses for Your Face Shape?

Book Appointment
A smiling woman with long wavy red hair wearing round, clear prescription eyeglasses outdoors in natural light.

Stepping into an optical shop can feel a bit overwhelming. With walls of frames in every shape, size, and colour, how do you begin to choose the right pair? Our team at iSight Optometry has been helping people choose frames that suit them for years, and we’d love to work with you to find the next pair you’ll love.

Choosing frames that complement the natural shape of your face can help you feel comfortable and confident in your new eyewear. Whether you’re looking for something bold or something lightweight, we have a wide selection of new eyewear to choose from.

Glasses for a Round Face Shape

If you have a round face, your features are soft with similar width and length. To add definition and contrast, look for frames with strong, angular lines. These shapes can help your face appear longer and more defined, which aligns well with current fashion trends.

Frames to Try

Rectangular and square frames add structure that beautifully contrasts with soft facial features. The sharp angles of geometric styles also provide a clear, balancing effect.

Our top recommendation: Recently, we’ve been loving a bold, rectangular frame like the Woow ‘Be Funky 1’, which adds instant definition. Its clean lines and sophisticated design can help create a flattering focal point.

Frames for a Square Face Shape

A square face is defined by a strong jawline and a broad forehead. To soften these angular features, you can choose frames with gentle curves.

Frames to Try

Round and oval frames are excellent choices, as their soft curves can offer a pleasant contrast to your facial structure. You may also find that thinner, lighter frames are a good fit, as they add softness without overpowering your features.

Our top recommendation: The classic round shape of the Etnia Barcelona ‘Salo’ is a frame we can’t stop thinking about. It can soften a strong jawline and, with its lightweight feel and timeless look, provide both comfort and style.

Options for an Oval Face Shape

An oval face is naturally balanced, with high cheekbones and a chin that is slightly narrower than the forehead. This symmetry means a wide variety of frame styles can work for you. The main goal is to maintain that natural balance.

Frames to Try

Look for frames that are about as wide as the broadest part of your face. Walnut-shaped frames and classic cat-eye styles can be particularly flattering.

Our top recommendation: A subtle cat-eye frame, such as the Kate Spade ‘Norina,’ adds a touch of elegance. We’re loving the gentle upward sweep at the temples, which beautifully highlights your cheekbones.

A man with a graying beard wearing a yellow beanie and dark aviator-style sunglasses while sitting in the driver's seat of a car.

Styles for a Heart-Shaped Face

If you have a heart-shaped face, it’s wider at the forehead and tapers down to a narrower chin. Your goal is to find frames that add a bit of width to the lower half of your face, creating a more balanced look.

Frames to Try

Frames that are wider at the bottom, such as aviator or bottom-heavy styles, draw attention downward. You might also consider rimless or light-coloured frames, made possible by modern lens technology, which create an airy effect without adding extra weight to your brow.

Our top recommendation: A light, delicate frame like the Silhouette ‘Titan Dynamics’ is a great option. Our favourite parts about it are its minimalist, rimless design, which keeps the focus on your features while providing a balanced silhouette. 

Find Your Face Shape and Personal Style

Discover Your Face Shape

Discovering your face shape should be simple. Look into a mirror and trace the outline of your face on the glass with a dry-erase marker. Now, step back and compare the outline you drew to the 4 main shapes. You’ll likely notice that it resembles a round, square, oval, or heart shape, and you’ll be able to get started.

Think About Colour and Material

Frame colour can do more than just make a statement: It can complement your skin tone, eye colour, and hair. The material also plays a role in your look and comfort, from sleek, lightweight metals to bold, colourful acetates.

Get a Professional Opinion

A personalized fitting can make all the difference. Our process often begins with a comprehensive eye exam to get your prescription and support your overall eye health.

Find the Pair You’ll Love

Our team at iSight Optometry is here to help you explore unique frames that fit your prescription and lifestyle. From our eye doctors to our opticians, everyone here is happy to help you find frames you’ll love to wear. If you’re ready to find a pair that looks and feels amazing, schedule a consultation today.

Written by Dr Stephanie Gautier

Dr. Stephanie Gautier was born and raised in Kelowna. She completed her BSc in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia. During this time, she worked at the BC Cancer Agency conducting research and publishing several articles. In 2009, Dr. Gautier completed her Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo, graduating as the top academic student in her class.

Dr. Gautier joined iSight Optometry as an associate in 2013. During this time, she also worked at Vivid Laser Centre in Kelowna, doing pre- and post-LASIK and clear lens replacement surgery consults. Dr. Gautier became a practice partner at iSight Optometry in 2020. In addition to private practice, Dr. Gautier travelled numerous times to Haida Gwaii performing eye examinations for the local First Nations community. She is currently serving as a Peer Assessor with the College of Optometrists of British Columbia. 

Together with her husband, Dave Gautier, they have a two beautiful children. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and running.

More Articles By Dr Stephanie Gautier
instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax