At a glance
- Face shape
- Oval
- Frames that add contrast
- Most shapes; keep the frame as wide as the widest part of your face
- Frames to skip
- Frames so large they hide the cheekbones
- Why
- Nothing needs balancing, so the frame width is the only rule that matters.
- Fit test
- The frame is as wide as your face at the temples, and the lower edge clears your cheeks when you smile
Choose what you want the frame to emphasise
An oval face runs about one and a half times as long as it is wide. Most styling rules use this proportion as their starting point. You're choosing what to emphasise, rather than trying to fix the outline.
Most frame shapes work for an oval face. Compare different outlines while keeping the width similar, so you can judge the shape itself. The oval face guide explains the softly tapered jaw and wider cheekbones.
Check width before judging lens shape
A frame draws a horizontal line across the middle of your face. Its top edge, width and depth each change how that outline reads. A shape you like can still cover more of your face than you want.
When choosing glasses for an oval face, compare frame width against temple width first. Then look at lens depth against face length. Keep your cheekbones visible instead of letting the frame hide them.
Try the frames with a relaxed face, then smile
Check the whole frame in the mirror before focusing on its details. Use the same test for every pair you try:
- Face forward and check that the frame matches your width at the temples.
- Look at the lower edge and how much of your cheekbones remains visible.
- Smile and check that your cheeks clear the lower rim.
A pair that passes the width check still needs to pass the smile test.
Use your proportions, not someone else's pair
A brand name or a friend's glasses won't tell you how a frame sits on your face. Compare width and depth on yourself before deciding which pair you prefer.
The free face-shape finder names the closest prototype from one selfie, processed on your device. It helps you identify whether the oval guidance here applies to you.
If you're also choosing a haircut, use the hairstyle guides to consider the outline around your glasses.
Questions people ask
- Are round or square glasses better for an oval face?
- Both can work, so neither shape needs to be your default. Compare pairs of similar width and choose the outline you prefer on your face.
- Can an oval face wear oversized glasses?
- Skip frames so large they hide your cheekbones. An oversized label doesn't replace the fit test: match your temple width and check cheek clearance when you smile.
- Does an oval face need deep lenses?
- You don't need deep lenses to balance an oval face. Judge their depth against your face length, while keeping the width right and your cheekbones visible.
Written from the measurements and ingredient facts on this site, then checked for the usual mistakes. Not medical advice.
Related pages
The closest pages in this section, picked by topic rather than by date.
Browse all Hairstyles, beards and glasses by face shape