Choosing a new pair of glasses is an exciting way to update your look and express your personality. But with so many styles available, it can be a challenge to find the frames that suit you best. Understanding your face shape is the first step toward finding glasses that you’ll love to wear.
If you have a round face, you’re in luck, because many different styles can complement your features. The key is to select frames with angular shapes—like square or rectangular—to add definition and contrast to the soft curves of your features. These contrasting shapes help create a sense of balance for a flattering and comfortable fit.
How to Know You Have a Round Face Shape
You can identify a round face by its soft, curved lines and lack of sharp angles. The width and length of your face are nearly equal, giving it a circular appearance. Your cheekbones are often the widest part of your face, contributing to a full, gentle look.
Frame Shapes that Complement Round Faces
When you’re choosing frames, the goal is to create contrast with your natural facial features. Angular and structured frames can introduce definition and balance. This contrast helps to highlight your eyes and flatter your overall appearance.
Square & Rectangular Frames
These classic shapes offer a direct contrast to round features. The sharp angles of square or rectangular glasses help to create the appearance of a longer and more defined facial structure. They add a strong, clean line that balances the roundness of your cheeks and jawline.
Cat-Eye Frames
Cat-eye glasses have an upswept shape at the outer edges that’s both stylish and functional for a round face. This distinct design draws attention upward and can accentuate your cheekbones. The lift it provides adds definition to your face and brings focus to your eyes.
Geometric Frames
Frames with distinct angles, like hexagons or octagons, provide sharp lines that help to balance your face’s soft curves. They offer a modern and fashionable option that adds an element of interest. These shapes create structure and contrast without being overpowering.
Can Glasses Make a Round Face Look Thinner?
The right pair of glasses can certainly help create balance and add definition to your features. It’s all about creating the appearance of length and structure.
Frame Size & Proportions
Frames that are wider than your face can help it appear slimmer and more elongated. Oversized frames can work well, but it’s important that they remain in proportion to your overall face size. You should reconsider frames that are too narrow or small, as they may make your face look wider.
The Role of Colour & Detail
Dark or bold colours can add definition and make a statement. Details on the temples—the arms of the glasses—can also draw attention outward, and you can further customize your look with different types of lens coatings. This helps to create a sense of width that balances your facial proportions and adds visual interest.
Styles to Try & Styles to Reconsider
When you’re looking for new frames, it helps to know what elements to look for and which ones might be less complementary for a round face. This can help you narrow down your choices and find a pair you feel great in.
Frame Features to Look For
- Angular shapes like square, rectangle, or geometric
- Frames that are wider than they are tall
- A clear or thin bridge to make your eyes appear wider apart
- Bold colours and patterns to add definition
Frame Features to Reconsider
- Round or small oval frames that can emphasize facial roundness
- Small frames that may look out of proportion
- Frames with minimal angles or very soft lines
Frame Options for Different Life Stages
Finding the right glasses is important for everyone, from children to seniors. Different ages have unique needs when it comes to vision, comfort, and frame selection. We can help every member of your family find suitable and comfortable eyewear.
Frames for Children
For kids with round faces, it’s a good idea to focus on frames that are durable, flexible, and lightweight. Regular children’s eye exams are crucial for keeping their prescription current and their eyes healthy. We have a variety of options to suit an active child’s lifestyle.
Frames for Older Faces
As you get older, comfort becomes even more important in your frame choice. Lightweight materials like titanium or flexible plastics can be a good choice for all-day wear. Certain styles, such as a subtle cat-eye, can offer a lifting effect, and it’s important to select frames that can accommodate multifocal lenses like progressives if needed.
Get Help with a Professional Frame Fitting
Choosing the right frames is about more than just style—it’s also about comfort, fit, and clear vision. A proper fitting from an optical professional helps make sure your lenses are correctly positioned. This also helps you avoid frames that slip down your nose or cause discomfort behind your ears.
At Maple Ridge Eye Care, we can help you with both your prescription and your frame selection. We take the time to provide personalized attention, guiding you toward options that suit your face shape, lifestyle, and visual needs.
We look forward to helping you find your next pair of glasses, so book an appointment today or just come in to have a look at our frames.
