Choosing the right pair of glasses can be a little overwhelming, given the variety of styles and manufacturers to choose from.
Don’t know where to start? The Vision Council suggests you consider three main points: eyewear should reflect your best feature (e.g. brown frames for brown eyes); the frame shape should contrast with your facial shape; and the frame should in scale with the size of your face.
There are seven different facial shapes: round, oval, oblong, base-down triangle, base-up triangle, diamond and square. If you don’t know which facial shape you have, here are basic descriptions.
Round: This face has no angles, curving lines and is as wide as it is long. Angular, slim frames will make your face appear slimmer and longer. Rectangular frames that are wider than they are deep are a good choice.
Oval: This face shape has balanced proportions and you want to keep that balance. Try walnut-shaped frames that aren’t too deep or narrow or frames that are as wide as the broadest part of the face.
Oblong: Oblong faces are longer than they are wide with a long, straight cheek line and often long nose. Shorten the appearance of the face with frames that are deeper than they are wide and choose decorative temples to add width and a low bridge.
Base-down triangle: With this type of face with its narrow forehead and wider cheek and chin areas, add width and emphasize the upper part of the face with cat’s eye frames or color-accented frames.
Base-up triangle: For faces that are wider at the top and smaller on the bottom, the best frames are wider at the bottom and light in colour. Rimless glasses are a good choice.
Diamond: Diamond-shaped faces tend to feature high, dramatic cheekbones and narrow at the eye line and jaw. To play up the eyes and play down the cheekbones, choose frames with decorative details, distinctive brow lines and rimless or oval frames.
Square: These faces with their strong jaw lines and broad foreheads need glasses that will make the face look longer and soften angles. Narrow frames work well, as do narrow ovals and frames that are wider than they are deep.
IMAX Optical in Hespeler/Cambridge, can help you select the right frame for your facial shape. It carries the finest selection of eyewear, incorporating premium collections from Europe and Asia, for you to choose from. Their trained, professional staff is committed to delivering value and impeccable service. Call 519-658-4000 or visit www.imaxoptical.com.