Walk into any optical shop and the wall of frames can feel like too much. It helps to know the main shapes of frames. There are only about ten, and each gives a different feel. Here they are in plain words.
The ten shapes
| Shape | What it looks like | The feel |
|---|
| Round | Circle lenses | Soft, creative, a bit retro |
| Oval | Gently curved, wider than tall | Easy and friendly |
| Square | Straight sides, sharp corners | Strong and confident |
| Rectangle | Wider than tall, straight lines | Neat, work-ready |
| Cat-eye | Corners swept up at the outer edge | Stylish, a little bold |
| Aviator | Teardrop, thin metal, double bridge | Classic and cool |
| Wayfarer | Thick top, slightly angled | Classic and casual |
| Clubmaster | Heavy brow line, thin lower rim | Smart with a retro touch |
| Geometric | Hexagon or other many-sided shapes | Modern and different |
| Rimless | No rim, lenses held by screws | Light, almost invisible |
A simple rule for choosing
Pick a shape that contrasts with your face, so the frame balances your features:
- Round face: try rectangle, square or wayfarer.
- Square face: try round, oval or cat-eye.
- Oval face: most shapes work.
- Long face: try frames that are taller, or round and oval frames.
Treat this as a styling idea. If you love a frame and it is comfortable, it works. Our full face shape guide and the men and women guide by face shape go deeper, and the free face shape finder finds your shape in a minute.
Shape is only half the story
Two frames with the same shape can fit very differently. Check three things:
- Size numbers. Lens width, bridge and temple. See the frame size guide.
- Material. Metal, acetate and TR90 feel different. See which lasts longest.
- Your lenses. A strong prescription can look thick in a big or rimless frame. Ask us before you pick.
See them in real life
Browse our eyeglass frames by shape, or try them at the shop. In Aligarh we can also bring 10 to 15 frames to your home for ₹100. See how to try on glasses before you buy.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For persistent symptoms or any sudden change in your vision, see an eye-care professional.
Want to see a frame before you buy?
Tell us which frame you are looking at and we will answer your questions. In Aligarh you can try frames in the shop, or have 10 to 15 brought to your home for ₹100.
Ask Deepak Optical about a frame.
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