There’s something important you need to remember any time you’re picking new glasses, whether they’re normal prescription glasses or sunglasses: the best glasses for your face are the ones you like the most.
Picking glasses you like is important because if you don’t like them, it’s not going to matter what shape they are—you probably won’t want to wear them. That being said, your glasses can have an effect on how the natural features of your face look. For example, large round, square, and oval glasses tend to compliment long faces because they help draw attention up toward the eyes and away from the length of the face.
But there are so many options for glasses—beyond what you may even be familiar with—from subtle geometric shapes to bold 2-tone frames. It’s important to explore all your options and find glasses that fit your personality—not just your face shape.
What Is a Long Face Shape?
The beauty of a long face comes from the distinct extra length at the top or bottom. Someone with a longer pointed chin might have a long face. So could someone with a taller forehead. Someone who is bald or has a receding hairline may also appear to have a longer face.
In general, longer faces are characterized by the following features:
- A tall, broad forehead
- A longer, narrower chin
- Narrow overall width
- Distinct, high cheekbones
Not every long face is the same, and face shapes tend to blur together, so you might not have all these features or your face shape might fall into multiple categories.
How to Measure Your Face Shape
This is something fun you can do with a friend by looking in a mirror and having them trace your face with a dry-erase marker. You can also take a photo of your face from the front and print it out. The goal is to have something you can draw lines on and measure.
Draw 2 straight lines on the outline or image of your face: 1 horizontal line across the length of your cheeks at the widest point, and 1 vertical line from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin, right down the middle of your face. Measure these lines and compare.
If the vertical line is about twice as long as the horizontal line, you have a generally longer face.
Glasses Styles for Long Faces
Keep in mind that these glasses styles and shapes are recommended for longer faces, but that doesn’t mean you’re always going to like them. These recommendations can be a great place to start, but you can go beyond them to find a look you truly love.
Oversized Frames
Oversized frames can be a great option for long faces because they completely fill the width of your face while taking up more vertical space. For longer faces, you should generally lean toward oversized frames that take up more space below your eyes than above them, such as aviator frames.
Round, Square, & Oval Lenses
Round lenses are a classic choice that can work well for long faces as long as they’re not too small. It’s important for them to completely fill the width of your face so they can add a sense of consistency and balance without making your face seem bigger than it is.
Square lenses can have the effect of visually shortening your face by creating a focal point. They’re a slightly more bold, prominent choice than round lenses, but they can still be a great option for many different styles.
Oval lenses can bring a blend of both the balance offered by round lenses and the shortening effect of square lenses. Cat-eye glasses offer a similar look to oval glasses with a shape that draws slightly more attention upward, and they can look particularly complimentary on long faces.
2-Tone Frames
2-tone frames can refer to 2 different styles. The first style has a distinct upper bridge with little or no lower frame around the lenses. The second style is often an acetate (plastic) frame with separate colors on the top and bottom.
Both of these styles can be ideal choices for long faces because they draw attention toward the top of your face.
Distinct Frames That You Love
You should never limit yourself to the standard recommendations for your face shape. When you visit CHROMA modern Eyewear Eyecare for new glasses, we encourage you to find something as iconic, sophisticated, or quirky as you are.
Your wide range of options goes beyond the basics and includes everything from subtle black and white frames to unique geometric frames and chic frames with distinct details.
Which Size of Glasses Is Best?
The size of your glasses is important for more than just how they look. Glasses that are too big or small can also be uncomfortable.
Even when you love how your glasses look, you might not reach for them if they don’t feel comfortable. Your frames should be wide enough that they fit your head without squeezing the sides, and the bridge should fit comfortably on your nose without slipping.
How to Find the Right Glasses for Your Face
Finding new glasses often starts with trying on a few different pairs. Of course, you can also try glasses on virtually, but eventually, you’ll want to try them on in person and get a professional fitting from an optician.
At CHROMA modern Eyewear Eyecare, we’ll spend all the time you need helping you find a pair of glasses that fits and feels just right. Contact us or book an appointment to update your prescription and get personalized help with finding new glasses.
