At a glance
- Face shape
- Square
- Frames that add contrast
- Round, oval, aviator and thin rimless frames
- Frames to skip
- Boxy rectangles
- Why
- Curved frames soften the corners of the jaw; a hard rectangle stacks another corner on them.
- Fit test
- The frame is as wide as your face at the temples, and the lower edge clears your cheeks when you smile
Choose curves to soften a sharp jaw
A frame draws a horizontal line across the middle of your face. Its top edge, width and depth each change how the outline looks. For a square face, curved edges add contrast to the jaw instead of repeating its angles.
Round glasses for a square face give you a curved outline to compare against your jaw. Oval frames offer another curved option, while aviators and thin rimless frames also belong on your shortlist. Try these shapes side by side before choosing.
Skip boxy rectangles if you want softer lines
Boxy rectangles stack another set of corners above an already angular jaw. They're the frames to skip when your aim is a softer outline. A hard horizontal line level with the jaw can also make it look wider.
Consider your hair alongside your glasses. Soft texture and a little height take the edge off a square outline. The hairstyles guide helps you consider the full outline when choosing a cut to wear with your frames.
Check width, depth and cheek clearance
A brand name doesn't tell you whether a frame suits your proportions. Neither does seeing it on a friend. Compare frame width against your temple width, then lens depth against your face length.
- Look straight ahead and check that the frame matches your face width at the temples.
- Compare how much of your face each lens shape covers from top to bottom.
- Smile and check that the lower edge stays clear of your cheeks.
Keep the fit test separate from your preference for a shape. If round frames touch your cheeks, that particular pair fails the test.
Check whether the square outline fits
Look for similar width across your forehead, cheekbones and jaw, plus a sharp jaw angle. The square face guide explains that outline.
The free face-shape finder names the closest prototype from one selfie, on your device. That result helps you decide whether this page's square-face advice applies to you.
Questions people ask
- Are round or oval glasses better for a square face?
- Both add curves that soften the look of a sharp jaw. Choose between them by comparing frame width, lens depth and cheek clearance.
- Do aviator glasses suit a square face?
- Yes, aviators are among the frames that add contrast to a square face. Check the actual pair against your temple width and smile before deciding.
- Can I still wear rectangular glasses?
- You can choose a boxy rectangle if you like repeated angles. Skip it if your aim is to soften the corners of your jaw.
Written from the measurements and ingredient facts on this site, then checked for the usual mistakes. Not medical advice.