Shopping for new eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses? There are a host of factors that go into finding glasses that you’ll love and want to wear day after day. One of those factors is your face shape.  

“We’re all different shapes and sizes,” says Natalie Martin, a Tampa, Florida–based optician and regional learning specialist for National Vision. “Those different shapes and sizes play a role in the way glasses look on you.” 

But the first step is to figure out what your face shape is. That’s where this four-step guide comes in. Who knows, you could just find your perfect pair by the time you’re done! 

Step 1: Get to Know the Main Face Shapes 

No one has a face that’s perfectly round or square, of course. But we all have a predominant shape that matches one of these six main shapes.  

• Oval: Your face is longer than the width of your face, with a rounded hairline and chin. Martin says this is one of the most versatile face shapes for dressing up with eyeglasses. 
• Round: Your face is about the same length as the width, and your jawline tends to be more rounded. 
• Square: With forehead and cheekbones that are as wide as your jawline, your face tends to be more angular. 
• Heart: Your forehead is the widest part of your face, which tapers down to a (perhaps) pointy chin. Your cheekbones are high and full. 
• Diamond: Your forehead and chin are narrow, with your cheekbones being the widest part of your face. 
• Triangle: You have a narrow hairline and forehead with a wider jawline. 

Looking for a stylish bargain? See how much you can save when you buy two pairs of glasses. Browse our new collections here. 

Step 2: Take Stock of Four Main Features 

Find a mirror and note these four features: 

• Forehead width and hairline 
• Cheekbone height and fullness 
• Jawline  
• Chin shape 

As a general rule of thumb, “the widest part of your face determines your dominant face shape,” says Martin.  

Do you have a couple of areas that could be considered the widest part? That’s common, she adds. “There are many face shapes where two parts of your face are the same width.” 

That’s where it helps to take note of the lines and angles of your face. When you look at your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and chin, is everything softer and rounded or is it more angular? Oval, round, and heart face shapes lean more toward curves, while the other three are more linear.  

 

Step 4: Use Technology to Identify Your Face Shape 

By now, you probably have a pretty good idea of your dominant face shape. Technology can help confirm your decision.  

There are two tools that can help:   

• Take a photo. Turn off any filters and use your smartphone to take a selfie face-forward. Look at the photo objectively and mentally draw lines around your features to get a shape. If it helps, print out your photo and literally draw lines on it. 
• Download an app. “There are many free apps out there that will help determine your face shape,” says Martin. Once you download the app, you’ll take a picture of your face, and it will let you know right away where yours falls.  

How Your Face Shape Can Help You Find Frames 

Let’s say you’ve ruled out five of the shapes and determined you’re a diamond. What’s next? After all, frames aren’t organized by face shape.  

Now’s a good time to brush up on the frame shapes that complement your face shape. Our frame guides can help: 

• Best Glasses for an Oval Face Shape
• Best Glasses for a Round Face Shape
• Best Glasses for a Square Face Shape
• Best Glasses for a Heart Face Shape
• Best Glasses for a Diamond Face Shape
• Best Glasses for a Triangle Face Shape

How to Find Your Best Frames at America’s Best 

“When shopping for glasses, you don’t need to come into the store armed with every bit of knowledge,” says Martin. “It’s okay to know that face shape might factor into finding flattering frames, but not know what face shape you have.  

“Your optician will ask you questions about your eyewear preferences, look at your prescription, and also check out your face shape.” 

In addition, there are other details, which are difficult to determine on your own, that make a difference in the frame style and shape that’s suited to you.  

Pupillary distance is one such factor. This is the distance between the pupils of your eyes. Whether your eyes are set narrow or wide makes a difference in the frame size that’s best for you and your visual clarity, says Martin. 

Shopping online? Take advantage of our Virtual Try-On Tool. When you see a style you like, click the “create a virtual try on” button to see how the frames look on you. It’s a great way to experiment with different styles of frames to see what fits your face the best — even those you’re curious but unsure about. 

“Frames come in multiple sizes, and we can identify the frame you like and get it in the best size for you,” she says. Your optician can then help you choose a selection of frames to try on.  

“A lot of this process is done by having a conversation about what you liked and didn’t like in the past about your glasses and what you’re looking for now,” Martin says. “We aim to learn as much about your tastes and lifestyle as possible to get the right frame, so you walk out of here happy.  

Face shape can be a good guide — but it’s not the only thing to consider. 

Recommended reading: 5 Tips to Find the Best Glasses for Your Face Shape

Recommended video: How to Find the Best Glasses for Your Face