One simple way to choose a frame shape and complement the patient's face shape is to consider the recommendations in this table. It's a good starting point.
| FACE SHAPE | KNOWING A FACE SHAPE | SUGGESTED SHAPES | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Proportions are balanced, face is narrower top and bottom, often with high cheekbones. | Easiest to fit, select size appropriate frames, rectangles provide contrast and widen a narrow face. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Width and height are about equal, the jaw line is strong and the overall appearance is angular. | Soften the strong angles with oval or rounded shapes. Upswept frames with a
high temporal corner create interest and contrast nicely with the corners of the face. Try frames that are longer horizontally than tall vertically and use rimless without sharp corners for a great look. |
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Equal length and width but rounded, there are few angles. | Add angles for contrast and interest.
Rectangles, longer horizontally than tall are slimming, making the face look longer. Higher temples lengthen the face. |
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Wider forehead than chin or jaw line. | Upswept frames with a high temporal corner create interest and balance.
Light colors and rounded tops soften a wide forehead. Frames that are wider at the bottom offset a narrow chin line. |
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Lens choices are in some ways easier to recommend than frames; they have a particular science attached. The frame involves fashion, style and looks which makes it harder.The best advice is to provide choice i.e., understand the patient’s wants, brands that they favor, whether they prefer to have the glasses disappear or scream out for attention, all at a range of price points.
Color and shape are the best starting points.With the bold colors in plastics, it’s easy to excite patients. Of course, black is rich and always powerful but the lighter colors can stand out for a distinctive style.
Ask, “What colors do you usually wear?” Start with the opposite or complementary colors for perspective.They create interest and always allow the patient to go back to colors that are in the shades or ranges in which they may be more comfortable. The complementary color wheel provides suggestions – use colors that border each other and they subtlety blend together, use opposites and they make for a very bold look. Use the color wheel to accentuate eye color with similar bordering colors or opposites to make eyes more easily seen.
Face shape is an important decider in the way a frame looks and the way the total patient will look. While there is no real formula for making the “right” choice, here are some ways to start.The patient’s personal style will make the decision, often with some encouragement from you.
