How to Choose Reading Glasses for Your Face Shape
How to Work Out Your Face Shape
You only need a mirror and a minute:
- Pull your hair back and look straight into the mirror.
- Look at the widest part of your face. Is it your forehead, cheekbones or jaw?
- Check your jawline and length. Is your jaw rounded, square or pointed, and is your face longer than it is wide?
Then match what you see to one of the shapes below. Once you know your shape, you can browse our reading glasses and choose the frame that suits you best.
Choosing Your Frame Shape
Round Face
Round faces are similar in width and length, with soft curves and fuller cheeks. Angular frames add definition and can make your face look slightly longer. Try rectangular frames like our blue Finchley, or a cat eye style like the Obsession to lift the cheekbones.
Square Face
Square faces have a strong jawline and a broad forehead. Rounder frames soften those angles. Try oval frames like our Jasper, or a cat eye frame like the Lydia, which draws attention upwards.
Oval Face
Oval faces are slightly longer than they are wide, with balanced features, so most frame styles suit you. This is your chance to have fun with a statement frame, like the bold, vintage-inspired Malmesbury or the classic tortoiseshell Amsterdam.
Heart-Shaped Face
Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin. Lighter frames help balance your features without adding width at the top. Try lightweight rimless frames like our Taylor, or classic metal frames like the gold Victoria.
Long Face
Long faces are noticeably longer than they are wide. Deeper frames help to break up the length, while bolder colours and wider frame fronts add visual width. Try a statement colour like the rich burgundy Rouge, or the blue Finchley.
Choosing a Colour
Your frame colour can be just as important as the shape:
- Black is a timeless choice that goes with everything.
- Tortoiseshell is warm and classic, and suits many different looks.
- Metal frames like gold and gunmetal look smart and lightweight. Try the Bentley in gunmetal.
- Bright colours like burgundy, blue and pink add personality.
Still can't decide? A multipack lets you try a few colours in one go. Our Half Moon 3 Pack comes in black, beige and red, and you can browse all our reading glasses to compare colours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What reading glasses suit a round face?
Angular frames such as rectangular and cat eye styles add definition to a round face. Browse our reading glasses to find a shape you like.
What glasses suit an oval face?
Most frame styles suit oval faces, so it's a great chance to try a bolder colour or a statement frame.
Do face shape rules apply to men's reading glasses too?
Yes, the same principles work for everyone. Many of our frames are unisex, so browse both our reading glasses for women and reading glasses for men.
What if I'm not sure of my strength?
Our free eye chart can help you find the right strength before you order.
Found a style you like? Browse our full range of reading glasses in strengths from +1.00 to +4.00, with free UK delivery when you order 2 or more pairs.