How to Find Glasses for Your Face Shape in London

Glasses sit right at the centre of your look, so choosing them deserves more thought than matching a frame to a chart. Finding glasses for your face shape is a useful starting point, but the most flattering pair should also work with your features, colouring, prescription, wardrobe and personality. At OPTIX, 100 Liverpool Street, we look at the whole picture: how a frame sits, feels and complements your style. 

How to identify your face shape

Start with four details: the width of your forehead, the prominence of your cheekbones, the shape of your jawline and the overall length of your face. 

Round faces tend to have softer curves and similar width and length. Square faces usually have a broader forehead and stronger jaw. Oval faces are longer than they are wide, with balanced proportions. Heart-shaped faces are wider through the forehead and narrower at the chin, while diamond faces tend to be widest at the cheekbones. 

Many people sit between categories, so treat any face shape glasses guide as inspiration rather than a rulebook. 

Best glasses shapes for round faces and square faces

 

For round faces, angular, rectangular or upswept frames can introduce definition. A sculptural cat-eye or geometric frame can work particularly well, provided the width suits your face. 

For glasses for square face shape, round, oval and softly curved frames can balance a strong jawline and angular features. In either case, the frame should feel proportionate rather than too narrow or dramatically oversized. UK face-shape guidance follows the same broad principle: sharper frames can define softer faces, while curves can soften stronger angles. 

Glasses for oval, heart and diamond faces

Glasses for an oval face shape can span geometric acetate, oversized silhouettes, fine metal frames and cat-eyes, as long as the proportions are right. 

For glasses for heart face shape, styles that balance a wider forehead with a narrower jaw can be especially flattering. Diamond-shaped faces often suit oval, cat-eye or distinctive browline frames that work with prominent cheekbones. 

This is also the moment to experiment. OPTIX’s eyewear trends guide highlights architectural cat-eyes, oversized statement frames and slim ovals, showing how much personality a silhouette can bring. 

Look beyond shape: proportion, bridge and browline

Fit matters as much as silhouette. A well-chosen frame should sit securely without pinching the nose, sliding down or touching the cheeks. The width should complement your temples, the bridge should suit your nose, and the browline should sit in harmony with your natural brows. 

These individual details are often more useful than relying on face shape alone. 

Choose colours that suit your style and wardrobe

Colour can whisper or make an entrance. Tortoiseshell and warm amber bring depth, while translucent neutrals feel polished and understated. Rich jewel tones can pick up eye colour beautifully, while a bold contrasting shade can make your glasses the focal point. 

When choosing glasses, consider your complexion, hair colour and the clothes you wear most. Decide whether your frames should blend elegantly into your wardrobe or change the mood of it. 

Consider your prescription when choosing frames

Your prescription can affect which frame sizes, lens depths and materials work best. Stronger prescriptions may benefit from carefully considered proportions that help manage lens thickness and weight. Varifocal lenses generally need enough lens depth for their different vision zones. 

That is why prescription frames should be chosen with optical performance in mind as well as style. Expert buying guidance also recommends taking prescription strength into account when selecting a frame. 

Try your frames with expert guidance

The right glasses should suit your face, prescription, lifestyle and personality. Face shape can narrow the field, but trying different widths, bridges, colours and designer silhouettes is where the real decision happens. 

Have a chat with our team at at OPTIX Opticians in London to compare shapes, colours and designer styles in person. You can also browse our eyewear catalogue before your visit, then come to 100 Liverpool Street ready to experiment.