How to Choose the Perfect Frames for Your Glasses
Finding the right pair of glasses can feel overwhelming with so many styles, colours, and shapes to choose from. However, understanding a few key factors can help make the process much easier! Whether you want glasses that blend seamlessly into your look or a statement piece that stands out, the right frames can enhance your features and complement your personal style.
If you’re in the market for new glasses, here are three important things to consider when selecting the perfect frames.
Consider Your Face Shape
The shape of your face is one of the biggest factors in choosing frames that will flatter your features. While fashion rules can always be broken, understanding how different styles interact with your face shape can help you find a pair of glasses that looks and feels great.
- Round Faces – If your face has soft curves, a rounded hairline, and similar width and length, you likely have a round face shape. To create balance, choose square or rectangular frames to add definition and angles to your face. Avoid small, round, or oversized circular frames, as they can make your face appear even rounder.
- Square Faces – If you have a strong jawline, prominent cheekbones, and a forehead that is roughly the same width as your jaw, you likely have a square face. To soften your features, opt for round or oval frames. These shapes help contrast and balance the sharpness of your face. Avoid square frames, as they can make your features appear boxy.
- Heart-Shaped Faces – If you have a wider forehead, high cheekbones, and a narrower jawline that comes to a point at the chin, you likely have a heart-shaped face. Look for bottom-heavy frames to balance the proportions of your face. Styles with round edges or thin metal frames can also work well. Avoid frames with heavy detailing on the top, as they can draw attention to the width of your forehead.
- Oval Faces – If your face is longer than it is wide with balanced features, you have an oval face shape. Consider yourself lucky—almost any frame style suits you! Have fun experimenting with different shapes and colours to find a look that best expresses your personality.
Choose the Right Colour for Your Skin Tone
Once you’ve found a frame shape that flatters your face, consider the colour. The right hue can brighten your complexion and complement your overall style.
- Warm Skin Tones – If your skin has golden, yellow, or peach undertones, you likely have a warm skin tone. Earthy tones like brown, red, gold, or tortoiseshell frames tend to complement warm complexions best. Avoid colours with cool undertones, such as bright white or silver, as they can make your skin look washed out.
- Cool Skin Tones – If your skin has pink or blue undertones, you likely have a cool skin tone. Silver, blue, black, grey, or jewel-toned frames can enhance your natural colouring. Pastel shades can also look great, but try to avoid overly warm hues like gold or orange.
- Neutral Skin Tones – If your skin has a mix of warm and cool undertones, you have a neutral skin tone, meaning you can pull off both warm and cool frame colours. This gives you the freedom to experiment with a wide range of shades, from classic black to fun, vibrant hues.
Consider Your Facial Features
Beyond face shape and colour, the finer details of your facial features can also influence which frames suit you best.
- Nose Shape and Size – If you have a long nose, opt for frames with a lower bridge or a keyhole bridge, which helps balance your proportions. If you have a shorter nose, higher bridge frames can help create the illusion of added length.
- Eye Spacing – If your eyes are set closer together, look for frames with a wider bridge to create the illusion of more balanced spacing. If your eyes are farther apart, frames with a narrow bridge can help bring focus back toward the centre of your face.
- Frame Size – Frames that are too large or too small can throw off the balance of your face. A good rule of thumb is to ensure your eyes are centered within the lenses. Glasses that are too wide or too narrow can also cause discomfort, so be sure to get a proper fit.
Find Eyewear That Matches Your Lifestyle
Beyond aesthetics, consider your lifestyle when choosing frames.
- Do you spend a lot of time outdoors? Look for transition lenses that adjust to different lighting conditions.
- Do you work on a computer all day? Consider blue-light filtering lenses to reduce eye strain.
- Are you active or play sports? Invest in durable, impact-resistant frames or sports goggles for protection.
- Do you want low-maintenance glasses? Choose scratch-resistant coatings to keep your lenses in great condition.
Get Expert Help in Choosing the Right Frames
Finding the perfect pair of glasses is about more than just vision correction—it’s about expressing your style and ensuring all-day comfort. Whether you need everyday glasses, prescription sunglasses, or specialty lenses, consulting with an optometrist or optician can help you make the best choice.
Eyeglasses in Edmonton
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., we carry a wide selection of stylish and functional frames to suit different ages, face shapes, and lifestyles. Our collection includes designer brands, custom lenses, and specialty options like transition lenses, lens coatings, and sports frames. All our frames come with a one- or two-year warranty for added peace of mind.
If you need to update your prescription or find the perfect new pair of glasses, visit one of our five Edmonton locations or contact us today to book an appointment. Let us help you see clearly and look great!
