Key Takeaways
- Your frames should fit comfortably without sliding down, pinching, or obstructing your vision.
- Use the outline of your face shape as a starting point for trying on frames.
- Try to balance your natural features with contrasting frames.
- Pick frame colors that highlight your hair and skin undertones.
- See a local eye doctor for preventive care and proper frame fittings.
Find Your Frames
It’s common to spend a lot of time trying on different frames at the store, but still feel unsure about what looks right on you. Our team at Total Vision Terra Nova understands that staring at rows of options can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Using your face as a guide gives you a starting point for what to try on, rather than getting distracted by what’s currently trending.
You can pick the right frames for your face by identifying your face shape, balancing your natural features with contrasting frame styles, and selecting colors that flatter your skin tone.
Discover Your Face Shape
Starting with the shape of your face can be helpful because it can give you an idea of what might balance your features well. Try looking in a mirror and considering your face: Does your jawline curve softly or have sharp angles? Does your face look long from top to bottom or wide from side to side?
Common Face Shapes to Identify
Everyone is unique, but here are some of the most common face shapes:
- Oval faces usually feature wide cheekbones, are longer in length than width, and have a gently curved jawline.
- Square faces generally have equal width at the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw.
- Round faces display soft angles with similar length and width across the entire face.
- Heart faces are usually wider at the top and narrower at the chin.
Pair Frame Styles with Your Face
You can create a flattering look by contrasting your face shape with the shape of your frames. For example, balance soft facial features with sharp rectangular frames, or soften sharp jawlines with round or curved frames.
Frames for Round and Oval Faces
If you have a round face, try to pick rectangular frames to add sharp lines. These straight edges help your face look a little longer and more defined.
If you have an oval face, your features are already naturally balanced. Because of this, you have a lot of flexibility to try many shapes that could work for you.
Frames for Square and Heart Faces
If you have a square face, select round frames to soften and balance your naturally strong jawline. Many people with square faces prefer rounder styles that soften angular features, though frame selection comes down to personal preference.
If you have a heart-shaped face, consider trying styles that add volume to the lower half of your face. The goal is to draw the eye downward to create balance, so consider a style like aviators.
Choose Colors That Flatter Your Features
You can coordinate your glasses with your natural colors. For example, you can match your frames to your hair color, but contrast them with your eye color. This can help your features stand out and look highlighted. This guideline works well if you’re looking for prescription sunglasses, too.
Match Your Skin Undertones
Cool skin undertones can look great in blue, silver, or gray frames, as they help your skin look clear and bright. Warm skin undertones tend to shine in brown, gold, or olive green styles.
Check Frame Fit and Face Proportions
A stylish pair of glasses also needs to fit well because you usually wear them all day, every day. That’s why it’s so important that your frames fit your face well. A poorly fitting frame can cause a lot of discomfort, including headaches, extra tension, or constantly needing to push them up your nose.
Check Frame Width and Temple Alignment
In general, frames should look proportionate to your face and sit comfortably without feeling too wide or too narrow. This proportion keeps the glasses from looking too heavy. The arms should sit flat against the sides of your head, without pinching behind your ears, to help keep everything in place comfortably.
Test the Nose Bridge
Your glasses will rest gently on your nose all day, so it’s important they feel good. Watch out for a few signs of a poor nose bridge fit:
- Red marks on your skin after wearing glasses for a few minutes.
- Tight pressure spots on the sides of your nose.
- Frames that constantly slip down toward the tip of your nose.
You can look for frames with adjustable nose pads to get a precise fit.
Visit an Eye Doctor
The first step to a well-fitting pair of glasses is to get a comprehensive eye exam. But an eye exam does so much more than just detect changes in your vision: It’s also key for detecting early signs of eye issues and other health conditions.
After your eye doctor determines your prescription, our eye care team can help you choose a pair of glasses that looks stylish on you and professionally fit you in them, so you feel comfortable in your brand-new frames.
Book Your Next Visit
Whether you’re looking for a new pair of glasses, a stylish pair of prescription sunglasses, or an adjustment to your frames, our team at Total Vision Terra Nova is here to help. We’d love to help you find eyewear that you’re excited about. Book your next appointment today.
