Type of Glasses Are Best for a Round Face
December 23, 2024

What Type of Glasses Are Best for a Round Face?

If you have a round face—characterized by soft curves and a similar width and height without sharp angles—choosing the right frames is key. The goal is to add contrast and definition so that the glasses enhance your look rather than emphasize the roundness. The perfect pair of glasses can define your facial structure and boost your confidence, so it’s important to find styles that work with your unique features.

What Are the Key Features of a Round Face?

A round face typically features soft, curved lines with similar width and height, lacking prominent angles. This shape often includes fuller cheeks, a rounded chin, and a forehead that smoothly aligns with the rest of the face. 

  • Soft, Curved Lines: A round face is characterized by its gentle curves and absence of sharp angles. The shape typically features a similar width and height, which gives it a balanced, circular appearance. This uniformity often extends to the cheeks, chin, and forehead, all of which blend smoothly together.
  • Symmetrical Proportions: When you measure a round face, you'll find that the width across the cheekbones is almost equal to the length from the forehead to the chin. This symmetry is what predominantly defines the round face, distinguishing it from other shapes that may have longer or more angular dimensions.
  • Common Facial Features: People with round faces generally have fuller cheeks and a soft, rounded jawline. The overall look is smooth and continuous, lacking any sharp edges or pronounced points, which contributes to the face's gentle and youthful appearance.

What Are the Best Frame Shapes for Round Faces?

Rectangle and Square Frames

The ideal frames for round faces are the rectangle and square ones. This is because their sharp corners contrast the soft curves of your face. Such frames allow adding structure and length to complement a round face by making it look longer.

Rectangle and Square Frames

Angular and Geometric Shapes

These are great options for round-faced individuals: frames with angular or geometric shapes. Distinctive lines and edges define the frames, thus allowing the highlighting of one's features and balancing the softness of a round face. They will make your face look leaner and more structured. 

Wayfarer Styles

The Wayfarer style is classic and versatile; hence, they would also suit many face shapes, including round. The slight angularity of these glasses adds width to the temples in the case of round faces, thus balancing the outlook of an individual wearing them. This style is both fashionable and functional to provide a timeless look.

Cat-Eye Frames

Rectangle and Square Frames

Cat-eye frames work wonders for round faces because of their upswept outer edges. This shape draws the eyes upward, giving the illusion of higher cheekbones and a longer face. Cat-eye frames offer a fashionably flattering option that adds character and elegance.

If you want to give your round face some contrast and definition with frames that have angles and sharp edges, then you can check out Lensmart. These forms can frame your features beautifully and balance the look of your eyes. They add not only interest but also raise the level of your style. Lensmart has an amazing collection of trendy frames, and finding a perfect pair to match your personality and enhance your natural charm is a piece of cake.

What Frames Should Be Avoided for Round Faces?

Round Frames

The round-shaped frames enhance the natural curvature of the face, leading to an undefined overall appearance of the face. These frames repeat the shape of the face, thereby making it more rounded and less structured.

Small Circular Shapes

As a general rule, small circular shapes should be avoided in the case of round faces since they create no contrast and definition. This type of frame will increase the width of your face and give an even fuller appearance, concealing every angle or line.

Oversized Round Frames

Additionally, one should also avoid oversized round frames, as these tend to overpower the features of the face. Though larger frames are in style, their size, combined with a rounded shape, tends to further exaggerate the roundness rather than create a balanced look.

How to Choose the Right Frame Thickness for Round Faces

Selecting the right frame thickness is crucial for achieving a balanced look if you have a round face. Here are some tips to guide your choice:

  • Add Contrast with Thicker Frames: To give your face more definition, choose slightly thicker frames. For example, consider frames with bold rims that can add structure and highlight features like your cheekbones and jawline. These frames provide the right amount of thickness to create contrast without overwhelming your face. Think about trying frames with thicker rims made from acetate or similar materials for a substantial yet stylish look.
  • Avoid Overpowering Your Features: Thicker frames look great, but you would not want them to be too chunky. For example, large, oversized frames can make delicate features barely noticeable, making them less suitable if you prefer a subtle appearance. Go for semi-rimless or slimline metal frames instead, which continue to exude elegance without overpowering your features.
  • Strike the Perfect Balance: Medium-thickness frames will enhance your look without overpowering it. Often, classic rectangular styles achieve this balance well with enough presence to define your features while keeping everything sleek. Frames with a simple design, such as those in a soft matte finish, can keep the look refined.

How to Add Contrast with Frames for Round Faces

Using contrast effectively can greatly enhance your style when choosing frames for a round face. Here's how to do it:

  • Choose Frames with Distinct Angles: Use angular or geometric shapes to give contrast to the softness of a round face. For example, square or hexagonal frames will add clean lines to your face that emphasize the eyes and balance out your look. Try using aviator or D-frame styles, which naturally incorporate angles into their design.
  • Contrast with Skin Tone and Features: Choose frame colors that provide a sharp contrast to the skin tone for maximum impact. Warm skin undertones look especially good in cool shades, like deep navy or charcoal gray that make your glasses pop. Conversely, skin with cool undertones often finds earthy tones, like tortoiseshell or rich browns, a stunning pop. Clear or translucent-colored frames can also add unique highlights to your skin while enhancing it subtly.
  • Enhance Sophistication and Style: Add sophistication to your look with frames that have some unique details or are made from unusual materials. Think mixed-material frames, like wood accents with metal temples, or those with intricate patterns etched into the sides. These details add a layer of elegance and interest that makes your glasses a real fashion statement. 

What Style Tips and Tricks Enhance a Round Face with Glasses?

Position Your Glasses Righ

How you position your glasses can really influence how they enhance your features. Make sure the top edge of your frames sits slightly above your eyebrows to help elongate your face. The bottom of the frames should rest comfortably on the bridge of your nose without pushing into your cheeks.

Pro Tip: When adjusting your glasses, aim to keep the temples snug but not too tight behind your ears. This ensures your frames stay in place without causing discomfort or leaving marks, helping maintain the ideal position above your eyebrows. If you wear makeup, consider using a setting spray to prevent smudging where your glasses rest on your nose and cheeks.

Match Frame Size to Face

When picking out frames, think about their size compared to your face. Look for frames that are wider than they are tall to balance out a round face. Avoid frames that are too large, as they can overwhelm your features, or too small, as they won’t create enough contrast.

Pro Tip: To ensure a perfect fit, try smiling while wearing potential frames—the bottom of the frames shouldn’t touch your cheeks. This simple test helps confirm that the frames aren’t too large and won’t move every time you smile. Additionally, consult an optician to measure your pupillary distance accurately; this will help in choosing a frame size that aligns correctly with your eyes, enhancing both comfort and style. 

Use Frames to Balance Features

Use glasses to balance your features by selecting frames with contrasting colors or designs. Bold colors or patterns can draw attention to your eyes and help distract from the width of your face. Frames with details on the temples or along the upper edges can also direct focus upward, enhancing the overall balance of your facial proportions.

Pro Tip: Experiment with frames that have gradient colors or ombre effects. These subtle transitions can soften the look and add interest without overpowering your face. Also, if you prefer metal frames, choose ones with intricate bridge designs or decorative elements on the sides to draw attention upwards and away from the roundness of your face.

Finding Your Perfect Frames

Finding the right glasses for a round face can truly enhance your natural beauty. By choosing frames that provide contrast and definition, like angular or geometric shapes, you can balance the softness of your features while showcasing your personal style. Consider frame colors and materials that complement your skin tone, and ensure they fit well with the right proportion and positioning. With these tips in mind, you're ready to find glasses that not only suit your face shape but also boost your confidence. Explore different styles, whether at your local eyewear store or through online virtual try-on tools, and discover the perfect pair that highlights your unique charm today!

Our Style Guide

Capsule wardrobe ebook