How can I use a person’s face shape to get better at advising on frame style selection?

Frame style selection is important. People who are unhappy with the frame style of their new spectacles are likely to complain. Worse still they may not come back to your practice…ever.

Here are some tips on using a person’s face shape to help you make a good frame style selection.

Oval face, rounded forehead, and chin, with balanced proportions. Most frame shapes will look good. Go for a frame that is a little wider than the widest part of the person’s face.

Heart-shaped face, widest at the forehead, gently narrowing down towards the chin. Frames that are a little wider than the forehead or have an exaggerated brow line will look best.

Round face, short, with a wider forehead, full cheeks, rounded chin, and soft jawline. Opt for round frames.

Square face, face width, and length are proportionate, broad forehead and a strong jaw. Narrow frame styles that are angular in shape to complement the face will look good.

Rectangular face, deeper forehead, longer nose, with a strong jawline. Frames with a strong brow line in a deep, square shape will best suit this type of face.

Triangle faces, widest at the jaw, narrowing up to the forehead. Add a little width to the narrow part of the face, using frames with a strong brow line or cat-eye shapes to emphasise the eyes.

Take into account the person’s complexion (natural colour, texture, and appearance of a person’s facial skin) and hair colour to help choose the frame colour.

Keep a chart close by that reminds you about which frame styles suit which type of face to help you make a start with frame selection.