Choosing the right eyewear, spectacles, or sunglasses can do more than correct your vision or shield your eyes from the sun. They can enhance your overall look and complement your features. However, with so many styles available, how do you find the perfect pair for your face shape? Wesley Language from Execuspecs shares some tips and considerations to help you make the right choice when it comes to selecting eyewear.
Face shapes
Most importantly, you need to understand and identify the different face shapes. Each face shape has unique characteristics that can guide your eyewear selection. These are the most common categories, and the frames that suit them (or not!).
Round
Characteristics … Full cheeks, rounded chin, and equal width and length.
Best frames … Angular frames, such as rectangular or square, define and contrast the roundness.
Avoid … Round frames, as they can make your face appear fuller.
Sunglasses … Wayfarers
Diamond
Characteristics … Narrow forehead and jawline with broad cheekbones.
Best frames … Oval or cat-eye frames balance the narrow chin and forehead while accentuating the cheekbones.
Avoid … Narrow frames that highlight the widest part of the face.
Sunglasses … Rimless, oval, and cat-eye.
Oval
Characteristics … Balanced proportions with slightly wider cheekbones and a gently curving chin.
Best frames … Most frame shapes work well, but rectangular or walnut-shaped frames (not too deep or narrow) are particularly flattering.
Avoid … Frames that are too large as they can disrupt the natural balance of an oval face.
Sunglasses … Aviators.
Square
Characteristics … Strong jawline, broad forehead, and square chin.
Best frames … Round or oval frames soften the angularity and provide a nice contrast.
Avoid … Angular and boxy frames that emphasise the squareness.
Sunglasses … Aviators.
Heart
Characteristics ... Wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrow chin.
Best frames .. Bottom-heavy frames add width to the lower face. Rimless and light-coloured frames can also be flattering.
Avoid … Top-heavy frames that emphasise the upper part of the face.
Sunglasses … Cat-eye, round, and Aviators.
