There is a moment most of us recognise. You pick up a pair of frames that look absolutely brilliant on the display stand, try them on, and something just does not feel right. Then you try a pair you would never have picked yourself, and suddenly everyone around you says "yes, those are the ones." Choosing glasses is more personal than most people expect, and face shape is one of the most useful starting points for getting it right.
The good news is that there are no rigid rules here. Face shape is a guide, not a verdict. At LG Optical in St Leonards-on-Sea, you are welcome to take your time, try on as many frames as you like, and find what genuinely suits you. No pressure, no clock watching.
Understanding Your Face Shape
Most faces fall into one of five broad categories: oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or oblong. A quick way to get a sense of yours is to pull your hair back and look straight into a mirror, noting where your face is widest and whether your jawline is angular or soft.
Oval faces are well-balanced and tend to suit a wide range of frame styles. If this sounds like you, consider yourself lucky and have some fun with bolder choices.
Round faces have soft, curved features with similar width and length. Angular or rectangular frames help add definition and structure, making the face appear a little longer.
Square faces have a strong jaw and a broad forehead. Rounder or oval frames soften those angles beautifully, while cat-eye shapes can add a touch of elegance.
Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin. Frames that are slightly wider at the bottom, or softer oval shapes, help bring balance to the overall look.
Oblong or rectangular faces benefit from frames with a bit more depth, and wider styles that add width rather than length.
That said, most faces do not fit neatly into one box. You might have a square jaw but softer cheekbones, or a rounded forehead with a more defined chin. This is exactly why trying frames on in person, in a relaxed environment with no time pressure, is so much more useful than any online guide.
How Your Prescription and Lenses Affect Your Choice
Face shape is only part of the picture. Your prescription matters too, and it is worth thinking about before you fall in love with an ultra-thin titanium frame.
Stronger prescriptions tend to produce thicker lenses, so a frame with a little more depth and substance will hold them better and look more balanced. Very small or very fine frames can struggle with higher prescriptions, both practically and aesthetically.
If you wear varifocals, the height of the lens becomes important. Varifocal lenses need a certain amount of vertical depth to work properly, which means deep, narrow frames are not always the best fit. A deeper lens gives the progression zones room to do their job comfortably.
For anyone who splits their time between reading and distance glasses, it is worth thinking about how your frames suit both purposes and whether a single pair with the right lens type could simplify things considerably.
At LG Optical, the team supply single vision, varifocal, bifocal, and Transitions lenses, and they can help you understand which lens type fits your lifestyle before you commit to a frame. Bring your current prescription along and they will talk you through the options.
The showroom in Hastings carries a wide range of branded frames across plenty of styles and price points, and appointments are not always necessary. Just call ahead on 01424 851878 and come in ready to explore at your own pace.
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