At a glance
- Face shape
- Oblong
- Frames that add contrast
- Tall, deep frames and oversized squares
- Frames to skip
- Narrow, shallow lenses
- Why
- A deep lens breaks the length of the face; a narrow one draws a thin line across a long outline.
- Fit test
- The frame is as wide as your face at the temples, and the lower edge clears your cheeks when you smile
Look for lens depth, not extra width
Deep lenses give a long face a taller horizontal band across its middle. That's why tall frames and oversized squares add contrast to an oblong outline.
A frame's top edge, width and depth all affect the outline you see. When choosing frames for an oblong face, start with depth while keeping the width matched to your temples. Oversized doesn't mean wider than your face.
Compare deep and shallow frames on your face
Narrow, shallow lenses draw a thin line across a long outline. They offer less of the contrast you're looking for if your aim is to break up face length.
Try a shallow pair beside a deeper pair with a similar overall width. Look at how much space each lens takes up from top to bottom. For glasses that suit a long face, that comparison tells you more than the brand name.
Keep deep frames clear of your cheeks
More depth only works within the space your face allows. The lower rim still needs to clear your cheeks when you smile.
- Look straight ahead and compare the frame's outer width with your temple width.
- Check the lens depth against your face length.
- Smile and watch whether your cheeks touch the lower rim.
Don't choose a pair just because it looks good on a friend. Check those proportions on yourself.
Check the face outline and the hair around it
The oblong face guide describes a clearly long outline with fairly straight sides. The free face-shape finder names your closest prototype from one selfie, processed on your device. It helps you identify whether this page's oblong guidance applies.
Your hair also changes the outline around your frames. Width at the sides and a fringe make it look shorter. Height on top and long, straight lengths make it look longer. Use the hairstyle guides if you're choosing a cut alongside your glasses.
Questions people ask
- Are oversized square glasses good for an oblong face?
- Yes, their depth helps break up the face's length. Choose a pair that matches your temple width and clears your cheeks when you smile.
- Should glasses for a long face be wider?
- Match the frame to your face's width at the temples. Look for more lens depth rather than choosing a frame that extends beyond your face.
- Can I wear shallow lenses with an oblong face?
- You can choose them if you prefer their look. They draw a thin line across the face, so skip them if you want to break up its length.
Written from the measurements and ingredient facts on this site, then checked for the usual mistakes. Not medical advice.
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