Choosing the perfect frames can feel overwhelming when you need glasses, especially if you have a round face. With so many styles and shapes available, how do you know which frames will complement your features and enhance your look? The shapes of eyeglasses that suit round faces best are often:
- Angular frames
- Cat-eye frames
- Full-rimmed frames
- Browline frames
Picking out your favourite frames is only part of the decision. You’ll also want to pick a colour that goes nicely with your skin tone. Both of these considerations highlight the importance of relying on the expertise of your eye doctor or optician. Not only can we recommend styles and colours to suit you, but we can also suggest filters or lens coatings that you may find beneficial.
What Is a Round Face Shape?
A round face is characterized by soft curves, with an almost equal height and width. Notable features often include rounded jawlines, full cheeks, and a lack of prominent angles. Unlike square or diamond-shaped faces, which have sharp edges, round face shapes exude a softer, youthful appearance.
If you have a round face, the goal when choosing eyeglass frames is to add structure and create a sense of balance for your facial features. Angles, bold lines, and shapes that create contrast often work best.
How to Check Your Face Shape
Still unsure if your face falls into the “round” category? Try our online frames questionnaire to get yourself started in the right direction.
Or here’s a quick way to determine your face shape:
- Measure your face: Grab a measuring tape or ruler, and capture the width of your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, as well as the distance from your forehead to your chin.
- Analyze the proportions: Round faces tend to have similar widths and heights. Cheekbones are generally the widest part of the face. Jawlines are soft and rounded, without sharp angles.
- Use a Mirror: Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and trace the outline of your face with lipstick or a makeup pencil on its surface. You likely have a round face if the result is a circle or slightly oval shape.
Best Eyeglass Frames for Round Faces
You have several frame styles to choose from if you have a round face.
Angular Frames
Angular or geometric-shaped frames are perfect for adding definition to softer facial features. The sharp edges of square or rectangular frames counterbalance the roundness of the face, creating a more structured and elongated appearance.
Cat-Eye Frames
Cat-eye frames offer a sense of playful sophistication. Their upward, winged edges draw attention to the upper half of your face, creating the illusion of lifted facial features and added angles. Fashion-forward people or anyone looking to make a stylish statement are likely to enjoy cat-eye frames.
Full-Rimmed Frames
Full-rimmed frames offer bold lines and complete structure, which can help make your features pop. The added emphasis provided by the rim surrounding the lenses complements the round face’s soft edges. Full-rimmed frames are often durable and tend to make a bold impression.
Browline Frames
Browline glasses have a strong upper edge that mimics the brow line. They draw attention upwards to provide a more defined look and are especially great for balancing facial proportions.
Frames to Avoid for Round Faces
While it’s great to experiment with different styles, some frames may exaggerate your face’s roundness instead of complementing it. Here are a few frames to avoid.
Round & Oval Frames
Round and oval frames tend to mimic the natural shape of a round face, further emphasizing its curves. These styles may not be the best choice if you’re looking for contrast.
Aviator Frames
Although trendy, aviators’ teardrop shape can accentuate the width of your cheeks, making your face appear even rounder.
Undersized Frames
Frames that are too small create an imbalanced look by making your features appear larger. Oversized or appropriately sized options are a better bet.
Tips for Choosing the Right Eyeglass Colour & Size
Colour and size are just as important as the frame style you choose.
Picking the Perfect Hue
Your eyeglasses aren’t just an accessory, but an extension of your personality. Consider these tips when selecting a colour:
- Warm skin undertones: Choose earthy colours like gold, brown, or warm tortoise
- Cool skin undertones: Go for black, silver, or jewel tones like emerald and sapphire
- Neutral skin undertones: Most colours will suit you, so feel free to experiment
Sizing Matters
To ensure your glasses fit comfortably and don’t overpower your face, look for the following:
- The width of the frames should complement your face’s width, without feeling too tight or loose
- The top edge of the frames should align closely with your brow line
- The bridge should rest comfortably on your nose, supporting the frames without slipping
Elevate Your Look with Expert Guidance
Eyeglasses are more than a vision correction tool. They reflect your style and personality. Choosing the right frames can elevate your look and confidence.
Come see us at Red Deer Eye Care today if you’re looking for new frames. We can help you choose glasses tailored to your face shape, preferences, and lifestyle. We can also help with an updated prescription. Book your appointment today.
