How to Choose Glasses

by Swing Optical

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Choosing the right pair can be tricky. Get it wrong and your glasses could make your face look too round, too angular, or sometimes, downright silly. Some frames can limit your make-up choices, cramp your facial features, and quickly become dated. So, how do you pick the perfect pair of glasses for your face?

You can start by applying some of these four basic tips:

1. Forget Fashion. Focus on Yourself
Many people wear the wrong frames for their faces because they are influenced by fashion trends rather than their personal features. Some people cannot afford to replace their glasses with every passing trend.  Choose a classic, timeless pair that suits you not simply because they are on trend.

2. Analyse The Shape of Your Face
The shape of your face is the best indication of which frames are right for you.

Round faces
Round faces are generally associated with wide foreheads and round chins. Angular frames are therefore the best option as they add a flattering contrast. Glasses that are deep and wide are also ideal for round face. However, without sufficient width, deep glasses can actually make round faces appear short and should be avoided.

Square faces
Square faces have broad foreheads, wider jaw lines and angular chins. Curved frames will soften the structure of square faces. Therefore, choose round or oval frames and steer clear of harsh lines, as these will accentuate the square silhouette.

Heart-shaped faces
Heart-shaped faces typically have broad foreheads with angular chins, so you should look at both angular and rounded frames to see which complements your face best. The main rule is to avoid styles that are wider at the top than at the bottom as these can make you look top heavy.​

Oblong faces
Wide frames look great on oblong faces because they add structure and distract the eye from the vertical length of the face. However, steer clear of narrow and round styles, as these will exaggerate the length of your face. Oval faces are considered the most fortunate, as they can carry off most styles.

3. Centre The Eyes
You should bear in mind that when the pupils are not in the middle of the lenses, it can give an asymmetrical impression, causing eyewear to dominate the face. For this reason, no matter the shape of your face, you should ensure that your pupils are centred in the lenses.

4.  Exress Yourself with Colour
Eyewear should not dominate the face; it should harmoniously complement it. Anything that can make eyewear overly dominant should be avoided. Frame your eyes perfectly without detracting from their beauty with subtle hints of colour across the bridge and on the arm of the glasses.

Have fun experimenting with what suits you and enjoy the way your new glasses add to your own unique personal style. Come into Swing Optical and we will help you find the perfect pair for you.