Your glasses are one of the first things people notice about you, so they should make you feel confident every time you put them on. Choosing the best glasses for your face shape is a great starting point, but your personal style matters just as much.
At Vision Works, you’ll find a wide range of prescription glasses to suit every face shape and budget, plus in-store experts who can help you choose the perfect pair.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
Before choosing frames, it helps to understand your face shape. It doesn’t have to be exact, this is just a guide.
Try this simple method:
- Pull your hair back from your face
- Look straight into a mirror
- Observe the width of your forehead, your cheekbones (usually the widest part), the shape of your jawline, and the length of your face
Most people don’t fit neatly into one category, and that’s completely normal.
Common face shapes include:
- Round
- Oval
- Square
- Heart
- Diamond
- Triangle
Use these as guidelines, not strict rules. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, finding the right frames comes down to a combination of fit, comfort, and features that suit your daily life.
Best Glasses for a Round Face Shape
A round face shape typically has full cheeks and soft curves, with a rounded chin. The width and length of the face are usually similar.
To balance this, choose frames that add structure and definition.
Best frames for round faces:
- Rectangular frames
- Angular frames
- Geometric shapes
- Bold browline styles
Avoid: Small, round, or circular frames.
The goal is to introduce sharp angles that contrast with softer facial features.
Best Glasses for an Oval Face Shape
An oval face shape is considered the most versatile, with balanced proportions and a gently rounded jawline.
If you have this shape, you have the freedom to experiment.
Best frames for oval faces:
- Oversized frames
- Wide frames
- Bold colours and statement styles
- Most frame shapes
Avoid: Very narrow frames that can throw off your natural balance.
This is your chance to explore different styles and express your personality.
Best Glasses for a Square Face Shape
A square face shape features a strong jawline and broad forehead, with angular features.
The key here is to soften those strong lines.
Best frames for square faces:
- Round frames
- Oval frames
- Cat eye styles
- Semi-rimless or thin metal frames
Avoid: Boxy or overly angular frames.
Look for soft curves that create contrast and balance.
Best Glasses for a Heart Shaped Face
A heart shaped face has a broader forehead and high cheekbones, with a narrower chin.
The aim is to balance the upper and lower parts of the face.
Best frames for heart shaped faces:
- Frames wider at the bottom
- Round or oval frames
- Rimless or semi-rimless styles
- Light-coloured frames
Avoid: Heavy, top-heavy frames.
Choose frames that draw attention downward and create harmony.
Best Glasses for a Diamond Face Shape
A diamond face shape is one of the rarest, with wide cheekbones and a narrower forehead and chin.
The goal is to soften angles and add width where needed.
Best frames for diamond faces:
- Oval frames
- Cat eye styles
- Rimless frames
- Frames with distinctive brow lines
Avoid: Narrow or very angular frames.
These styles help balance your features and highlight your cheekbones.
Best Glasses for a Triangle Face Shape
A triangle face shape (also called base-down triangle) has a narrower forehead and a wider jawline.
The goal is to add width to the upper part of your face.
Best frames for triangle faces:
- Cat eye frames
- Bold browline styles
- Wide frames
Avoid: Frames that are narrower than your jawline.
Focus on drawing attention upward to create visual balance.
Beyond Face Shape: Choosing the Right Glasses
While face shape is helpful, it’s not the only factor when choosing the perfect glasses.
Consider your skin tone
- Warm tones: Gold, brown, or tortoiseshell frames
- Cool tones: Black, silver, or clear frames
Think about your lifestyle
How you spend your day should shape the lenses you choose. If you work on a computer, blue light glasses can help reduce digital eye strain. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, prescription sunglasses offer both UV protection and clear vision. Readers who split time between screens and print may also benefit from reading glasses with anti-reflective coatings. Not sure whether glasses or contact lenses are right for you? Our guide breaks down the pros and cons.
Check the fit
Your frames should align with the widest part of your face, not too tight and not too loose. A proper fit makes a big difference to both comfort and how your glasses look.
Trust your personal style
The best glasses for your face shape are ultimately the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable. The team at Vision Works can help you find frames that tick all these boxes.
Book an eye test
Don’t wait, secure your appointment now and see the world in a whole new way. Book your eye test today!
Find Your Perfect Frames at Vision Works
Use this guide as a starting point, but remember, the perfect pair of glasses is the one that feels like you. At Vision Works, you’ll find a wide selection of frames for every face shape, styles to match every personality and budget, and friendly expert advice in-store to help you narrow down your options.
Visit your nearest store in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, or Gqeberha to try on frames with the help of our team. An updated prescription is the first step to finding glasses that truly work for you, so it’s worth pairing your frame search with a proper check-up.
Book an eye test today and let our team help you find your perfect glasses.
