The On-line Spectacle Buyers Guide.

A complete guide to shopping for spectacles on-line.

Part Three: How do I choose a frame that suits me?

Many people who are already wearing glasses know which shapes suit them and which don't.

Certain face shapes suit certain lens shapes, however there is always exceptions to the rule. My best advice it to go 'window' shopping and try on as many shapes and styles as possible to get a feel for what is right for you. If you are a current spectacle wearer you may wish to play it safe and choose a pair of glasses similar to the one's you have at the moment. If you are new to wearing glasses or trying to find a new look, the following guide may be useful when selecting frame shapes. Looking for a change? Why not go for a rimless or semi-rimless frame with the same lens shape as your current glasses.

As a general guide:-

OVAL FACE The oval face is to be the ideal shape because of its balanced proportions. The chin is slightly narrower than the forehead, and high cheekbones are typically characteristic. Goal Frames should maintain the natural balance of the oval face. Tips Select frames that are as wide or wider than the broadest part of the face Avoid low, swooping temples, which will unbalance the face. People who have a classic oval face usually have small features. The goal is to keep the face in balance. Make sure the frame doesn't overwhelm the features. Keep frames in proportion to the face.
ROUND FACE A round face is just that - full cheeks and round chin, with the width and length in the same proportions and little to no angles. Goal Choose frames that make the face appear longer and thinner. Tips Slightly angular or elongated frames will narrow a round face as long as they are not too shallow. Avoid small round or square styles, which will exaggerate facial roundness. Check frame clearance, especially when smiling, to ensure it does not rest on the cheeks. A clear bridge widens the eyes, and colored temples add width The frames should have good temple width and the lens shape should be wider than the depth. Metal frames with adjustable nosepads will keep lenses from resting on the fuller cheeks.
SQUARE FACE A square face is characterized by a strong jaw line, a broad forehead, and a wide chin and cheekbones. The width and length are normally proportional to one another. Goal Frames should make face look longer. Tips Slightly curved narrow styles will down play a square face and help lengthen it. The frames should be wider than the widest part of the face. Choose frames with lens shapes that have more width than depth. Select frames with weight on top. Frames should sit high on the face to help lengthen it. Try oval shapes with temples in the center. Try to avoid a lens shape that is flat on the bottom, as this will mirror the face shape. Instead, look for a frame that has some curve or uplift to draw attention away from the jawline.
DIAMOND FACE The diamond face is the least common shape. They are narrow at the eye line and jawline, with a small forehead and chin. The cheekbones are often high and dramatic. Goal Choose frames that widen the forehead and jaw and minimize the temples. Tips Choose frames that are heavy on top, but avoid lowered temples as they will emphasise the diamond shape. Rimless or supra frames can be a good choice. Square frames or frames with a straight top and curved bottom will also work.
OBLONG FACE The oblong face is longer than it is wide, and has high, straight cheek line, deep forehead and a strong or chiseled jaw. The nose on this face may be longer and quite large. Because this face shape is longer than it is wide, the oblong face needs a frame that has more depth than width. This will create an illusion that makes the face appear shorter. Goal Choose frames that reduce the length of the face, making the face appear shorter and wider. Tips Choose deep frames. To shorten the face, try round, deep, full frames, or frames with strong horizontal lines. Decorative or contrasting temple rims can add width to the face, as can low temples. To make the face appear shorter and more balanced, try frames that have a deep lens shapes that add width to the face, or a low bridge to shorten the nose. Choose a frame shape that is more rounded or curved in order to add width to the face to neutralize this angular face shape.
TRIANGLE FACE (Base Down) The triangular face has a narrow forehead that widens at the cheek and jaw areas. Goal Frames should add width to the forehead while softening and narrowing the appearance of the jaw, chin, and cheeks. Tips Choose frames that emphasise the eye-line that are wide enough to balance the jaw. Frames with slightly bolder or heavy tops should work well. As will supra, semi-rimless designs. Frames with bold, wide temple edges will help fill in and balance the upper third of this face shape at the eye line. Avoid low-temple styles. Try square, straight-top frames, semi-rimless (no rim on the bottom half), or any eyewear with emphasis on the top half of the frame. Try frames that are heavily accented with color and detailing on the top half, or try cat-eye shapes.
TRIANGLE FACE (Base Up) OR HEART SHAPED This face shape has a very wide forehead; high cheekbones narrow mouth and chin. Goal Minimize the width of the top of the face. Frames should add width below the eye line to offset the narrow chin. Tips Try frames that are wider at the bottom. Low temples will add balance. Frames with thin rims and vertical lines will help balance the lower part of the face. Frames with rounded tops and squared bottoms will also work. Very light colors and rimless styles are also effective. The base up triangle-shaped face is a very difficult face shape to select frames for. Virtually any pair of frames will add emphasis to the face just where you won't need it. Rimless frames are an excellent choice. To highlight the eyes and bring out the cheekbones, try frames that have detailing or distinctive brow lines, or try rimless frames or oval and cat-eye shapes.