How to choose glasses for your face shape

How do you work out your face shape?

You can work out your face shape by looking in a mirror at the widest part of your face and the outline of your forehead and jaw. Pull your hair back, face forward, and notice whether your face looks more curved or more angular, and whether it is roughly as wide as it is long or clearly longer.

Most faces fall near one of five shapes. A round face is about as wide as it is long, with soft, full cheeks. An oval face is balanced and a little longer than it is wide. A square face has a strong jaw and a broad forehead with straighter sides. A heart face is wider at the forehead and narrows to the chin. An oblong (or long) face is noticeably longer than it is wide, with fairly straight sides. Many people are a mix, so treat this as a starting point rather than a strict label.

Which frame shapes suit each face shape?

As a rule of thumb, choose a frame shape that contrasts with your face shape to add balance. This is guidance, not a rule, so it is fine to break it if a pair simply feels right.

Round faces are flattered by angular or rectangular frames, which add definition. Square faces are softened by round or oval frames that ease strong angles. Oval faces suit most shapes, so the main thing is to keep the frame width in line with your face. Heart faces are balanced by frames that are lighter or a touch wider at the bottom, or by thin, rimless styles that draw attention away from a narrower chin. Oblong faces benefit from deeper frames with a bit of detail on the temples, which add width and break up the length.

How should a pair of glasses fit?

A good pair of glasses should sit level and feel secure without pinching, and fit is worth as much attention as shape. Three things guide a comfortable fit: frame width, the bridge, and the temple length.

The frame front should line up with the width of your face, so the hinges sit roughly at the edges rather than squeezing in or sticking out past your face. The bridge should rest evenly across your nose without sliding down or leaving red marks; if frames tend to slip, styles with adjustable nose pads often sit better. The temples, or arms, should reach your ears comfortably and curve gently behind them without digging in. If any of these feels off, the frame can usually be adjusted by an optician rather than ruled out.

How do you choose frame colour for your skin tone?

Choose a frame colour that complements your skin tone, hair and eye colour, and suits how you plan to wear the glasses. A helpful shortcut is to think about your undertone.

If your skin has warm, golden or olive undertones, warmer colours such as tortoiseshell, brown, gold and warm reds tend to be flattering. If your undertones are cooler, with a pink or bluish tint, cooler shades like black, grey, blue and silver often work well. Neutral undertones can carry both. Beyond colour theory, think about intent: subtle, neutral frames blend into everyday wear, while bolder colours make more of a statement. There is no wrong answer here, so choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Which frames suit your lifestyle?

Match your frames to how you actually spend your day, not just how they look on the shelf. Your daily routine often decides which frame and lens combination will serve you best.

If you spend long hours on screens, the biggest helpers are lighter, comfortable frames and an accurate, up-to-date prescription, while an anti-reflective coating can cut distracting glare and reflections. Some people also prefer blue-light filtering lenses, though the evidence that they ease eye strain is limited; regular screen breaks and a correct prescription usually make more difference. If you are active or often outdoors, sturdier frames and good sunglasses are worth it, especially given the strong, year-round sun across Sabah and Sarawak, so look for proper UV protection. Drivers often find an anti-reflective coating helps with glare, and children need frames that can take knocks. If you wear or are moving to progressive lenses, choose a frame with enough depth so the different viewing zones have room to work. Our team can talk you through the lens options that fit your day, and an eye test is the place to start if you are noticing ongoing strain or blur.

Why is trying frames on in-store still best?

Trying frames on in person is the most reliable way to choose, because photos and measurements can only tell you so much. Weight, balance and how a frame sits with your actual prescription lenses are hard to judge until they are on your face.

In store, you can see how frames look when you move, talk and glance down, and an optician can fine-tune the nose pads and temples so they sit just right. It also helps to bring an up-to-date prescription, as your lens choice can affect which frames are practical. If it has been a while since your last check, booking an eye test is a good first step, and you are always welcome to drop into any Goodrich Optical store to try a few on with no pressure to decide.

Frequently asked questions