How to Help Patients Choose the Right Frame Style for Their Face Shape

Different styles suit different faces

For most people, picking new glasses is not just about clear vision—it’s about how they’ll look wearing them every day.

But with so many frame shapes and styles, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

As an optical professional, you can make this process easier by giving advice that’s both honest and simple to follow.

Here’s how to match frame styles to common face shapes—plus a few extra tips that help patients feel confident in their choice.

Step 1: Know the Common Face Shapes

Most people fall into one of these five categories:

• Round – Full cheeks, soft jawline, equal width and length

• Oval – Slightly longer than wide, balanced proportions

• Square – Strong jawline, wide forehead, angular features

• Heart – Broad forehead, narrow chin

• Diamond – Narrow forehead and chin, wide cheekbones

You don’t have to be exact. Patients appreciate a general guide, not a math equation.

Step 2: Recommend Frames That Balance the Face

Here’s a quick frame-matching guide you can use during consultations:

Face Shape	Recommended Frame Style
Round	Angular frames (square, rectangular) add structure
Oval	Most styles work well; avoid oversized frames
Square	Rounded or oval frames soften sharp features
Heart	Bottom-heavy or cat-eye frames balance the face
Diamond	Rimless or oval styles highlight cheekbones

If a patient tries something that technically "doesn't fit" the rule but they like it—don’t push too hard. Confidence is more important than symmetry.

Step 3: Ask About Lifestyle and Personality

Frame shape isn’t the only thing that matters. Ask patients about how they plan to use the glasses.

Examples:

• Office workers may want subtle, thin metal frames

• Students might prefer colorful or trendy acetate styles

• Outdoor workers may need durable, full-rim TR90 frames

• Patients who want a “signature look” often go for bold shapes or vintage styles

Tip: Show one “safe” style and one “bold” option side by side. It opens up the conversation and lets the patient explore.

Step 4: Match Frame Size to Face Proportion

A common mistake is choosing frames that are too wide or too narrow for the face. Here’s a rule of thumb:

• The frame shouldn’t extend more than 5mm beyond the temples

• The eye should sit near the center of the lens

• For progressive lens users, avoid frames that are too shallow vertically

When in doubt, recommend medium-sized frames—they’re safe for most prescriptions and more likely to fit well.

Step 5: Offer Subtle Guidance Without Pressure

Some patients need help deciding, but don’t want to feel judged. Here are helpful, non-pushy phrases you can use:

“This one follows your natural brow line really well.”“That shape draws attention to your eyes.”“This style works for your face shape, but we can try something bolder if you want.”

Giving patients the language to describe what they like helps them make confident choices.

Final Thought

Style matters—especially when patients are choosing something they’ll wear every day. The right frame doesn’t just match their face, it fits their lifestyle and personality, too.

At TKR Optics, we carry a wide range of durable, well-designed frames—from minimalist to bold—to help every patient find their perfect match. And because we know how important both fit and fashion are, we handpick styles that work well with our Rising Sun lens line.

Let your patients know: looking good and seeing well can—and should—go together.