You have probably seen the advice: "Choose glasses based on your face shape." Round faces should wear angular frames. Square faces need round frames. Heart-shaped faces look best in certain styles. It all sounds simple until you realize you have no idea what shape your face actually is.
You look in the mirror and think, "Is my face round? Or maybe oval? Could it be square?" The more you stare, the less sure you become. And if you cannot even figure out your face shape, how are you supposed to use it to choose flattering glasses?
In this guide, we will walk you through simple, practical ways to determine your face shape. We will also explain why face shape matters for glasses fit and style, and what to do if your face does not fit neatly into one category.
Most face shape systems use six basic categories. Here is what defines each one:
Face length is slightly longer than face width. Forehead and jawline are roughly the same width. Jawline is gently curved with no sharp angles. Cheekbones are the widest part of the face. Oval is considered the most balanced face shape.
Face length and width are roughly equal. Soft, curved jawline with no angles. Fuller cheeks. Forehead and jawline are similar widths. The face has a circular appearance overall.
Face length and width are roughly equal. Strong, angular jawline. Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all similar widths. The face has a boxy, angular appearance.
Wider at the forehead and cheekbones, narrower at the chin. Pointed or narrow chin. Face tapers from top to bottom. Often has a widow's peak hairline.
Widest at the cheekbones. Narrow forehead and narrow chin. Angular features. Less common than other face shapes.
Face length is noticeably longer than width. Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are all similar widths. Face is long and narrow. Jawline may be either angular or curved.
Reading descriptions is helpful, but the most accurate way to determine your face shape is to measure. Here is a simple method: