Shopping for glasses can be tricky at the best of times, especially if you don’t know what your face shape is. Glasses, whether they’re for reading or keeping your eyes protected from the sun’s harsh rays, can really make or break a look. Reading glasses and women’s designer glasses, in particular, are often investment pieces so you should do a lot of trying before you make your decision. Lucky for you, we’ve put together some information to help you out with just that! In this article, we’ll tell you how to figure out if your face shape really is round, and if it is, we’ll give you a few handy tips and tricks and drop a little knowledge about what kind of glasses you should be reaching for.
Is My Face Actually Round?
Since choosing glasses can often take a long time (though who doesn’t love shopping?) and, in the case of reading or corrective glasses, will have a big impact on how your face looks and how your outfits all come together, it’s wise to make sure that you have all the correct information before embarking on a glasses shopping mission. The first thing you need to figure out is what face shape you actually have.
Often we see one aspect of our faces and make a judgement on that when really there’s much more to take into consideration. The best way to figure out what your face shape actually is is to look at your most prominent facial features and make a judgement of them. Check out your jaw, forehead, and cheekbones to start with. If you do actually have a round face, you’re likely to see one or more of the following features:
- Full, convex cheeks
- Wide cheekbones
- A soft face with few harsh lines
- A rounded chin
- Similar width from your forehead down to your jaw
While square face shapes have similar proportions, you can distinguish between the two by the lack of angular features in round faces.
Best Frames for A Round Face
Square or Rectangular Frames
Since your face is already beautifully soft and round, you’ll want to offset that softness with a more rigid frame; like a square or rectangular option. These shapes work by adding angular features to a soft, round face and adding a little length making you appear more slender. Square or rectangular doesn’t mean boring though! Where you can inject some of your own [personality will be when you decide on the colour or print that your frames will be. If you prefer a more neutral or natural look, go with clear or neutral-coloured frames. If your style is a bit more eye-catching, try out a bold colour or print for an exciting look.
Cat Eye Frames
This stunning vintage style is an option for those who like a little more pizazz. A Cateye frame is a sultry addition to any look and offers people with round faces a bit of a lift, thanks to the upswept corners of the frames. If your style is already retro, these will compliment it beautifully. The pointed corners of the frames bring a missing angular element to your face while the rounded bottoms keep things looking soft and simple; the perfect balance.
Wayfarer Frames
There are two options with these trendy, slightly indie frames. You could go for something a little finer and more traditional or something bold and thick, a la Andy Warhol. These frames have been with us for a long time, but have seen a serious resurgence in popularity over the last decade. These are a great choice for your round face if you have slightly elongated temples or a minimal curve on your browline.
Aviators
Another shape resurrected from the seventies and eighties, and perfect for round faces, is the aviator or navigator frame. For round faces, we recommend opting for the more angular version of the frames and staying away from the traditional, almost completely round shape. They’re a great choice if you have a vintage or retro style or need to add a little flair to your look.
Geometric Frames
You can have a lot of fun with geometric glasses as some are pretty out there, while others are pleasantly minimal and unobtrusive. These often work particularly well on men, or on ladies, or have an androgynous or more masculine style, because of all the hard lines in the frames.
Oversized Frames
If you’re a round-faced person with a flair for the dramatic, then your choice is already made. Oversized frames create bold, memorable looks. Beware, however, that you choose a colour or print that will mix in well with the rest of your wardrobe since so much of it will be on display all of the time.
Final Word
Shopping for glasses with a round face isn’t nearly as difficult as you thought! With this list of frame options at your disposal, you’ll have a wonderful time trying things on until you find the perfect fit.
