How to choose glasses to suit your face

There are four main factors to consider; face shape, hair colour, skin tone and most importantly, how confident you feel in them. We’ve pulled together some hints and tips to bear in mind when you come to select your new glasses.

Oval Oval
Rectangular Rectangular
Square Square
Heart Heart
Round Round
Oval

Oval

Face characteristics

  • Well balanced face
  • Slightly wider cheek bones
  • Gentle narrowing at the forehead and chin

 

Glasses characteristics

This shape suits most styles, so you can afford to be a bit adventurous. Frames that are slightly wider than the broadest part of the face are the best choice.

View frames for your face shape
Rectangular

Rectangular

Face characteristics

  • Slightly longer angular face
  • Strong jaw line
  • High forehead

 

Glasses characteristics

If you have a rectangular shaped face you should consider softer shapes, and deeper frames this will make your face appear wider and shorter.

View frames for your face shape
Square

Square

Face characteristics

  • Angular jaw lines
  • Equally wide cheek bones, forehead and jaw
  • Only slight curves to the face

 

Glasses characteristics

For square face shapes we suggest you consider oval or round frames. These frame shapes will soften the jaw line and balance the rest of the face.

View frames for your face shape
Heart

Heart

Face characteristics

  • Broad forehead and brow
  • Narrows through the jaw line
  • Sometimes referred to as upside down triangle

 

Glasses characteristics

Look for frames with detailing on the lower portion to add width to the lower face. Or light colours and materials, rimless frames work well.

View frames for your face shape
Round

Round

Face characteristics

  • Soft jaw line
  • Equal dimensions through the brow and jaw line
  • Widest point of the face is the cheek bones

 

Glasses characteristics

For round face shapes we suggest you look for angular, narrow frames, which will add definition and help lengthen your face.

View frames for your face shape

Skin tone

A common question we get is, what colours will compliment my skin tone? To help answer this we’ve outlined below which colours will compliment your skin tone, as well as a few tips to help you stand out in the crowd.

Fair skin tone

Try neutral browns, silvers and golds, which will complement your paler complexion. Alternatively, bold dark frames work well for a statement look.

Medium skin tone

Opt for slightly richer and bolder colours such as dark purples and reds, or even blues and greens.

Dark skin tone

If you want to make a statement, metallic or black frames often work well with darker skin tones, or if you fancy something subtler, try burgundy or brown coloured frames.

Happy man in striped t-shirt on a sunny day riding a scooter
Lady with blond curly afro looking at the camera on a sunny day

Hair colour

Hair colour can be a helpful guide when deciding on your perfect pair of glasses. Below are a few things to bear in mind when choosing your frames.

Blonde/light brown

Add warmth with browns and tortoiseshell frames. Or go bold with dark, dramatic frames.

Red/Auburn

Complement your colouring with warm colours such as copper, gold and browns.

Dark brown/Black hair

Count yourself lucky as most colours will complement your dark locks, so if you’re feeling a little daring, dramatic frames will work well.

Grey hair

Opt for something a little brighter, such as red or navy. Try to avoid browns and yellows.