Choosing the Right Glasses for Your Face Shape – What You Need to Know

Picking the perfect pair of glasses is about more than just fashion—it’s about balance, fit, and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose glasses for your face shape, you’re in the right place.

This guide breaks down frame styles by face shape, explains how to measure your bridge fit and pupillary distance (PD), and includes real-world examples from our Optic Edge stores in Durbanville, Cape Gate, and Tygervalley.

Whether you’re shopping for your first pair or looking for a new look, we’ll help you find frames that suit both your face and your lifestyle.

→ See our full face shape style guide

How to Choose Glasses for Your Face Shape – Short Answer

Your face shape plays a big role in finding flattering glasses. The goal is to balance your features using contrast—not to match shape for shape.

General guide:

• Round face → angular, rectangular frames
• Square face → round, oval frames
• Oval face → most shapes work
• Heart-shaped → bottom-heavy frames or round styles
• Diamond face → cat-eye or rimless frames

Keep in mind: Bridge width and PD matter just as much as shape. We’ll explain how to measure those later.

A smiling individual puts on a new pair of glasses, their expression lighting up with clarity and confidence. The background is softly blurred, symbolizing the contrast between blurred vision and sharp focus. Natural light enhances the crispness of their surroundings—reading a book, using a computer, or enjoying a scenic view becomes effortless. The image captures the transformative power of improved eyesight, highlighting how better vision can enhance daily activities, boost independence, and restore a sense of connection to the world. It’s a quiet yet powerful moment that reflects how clear vision contributes to a fuller, more vibrant quality of life.

Identifying Your Face Shape (South African Selfie Test)

Look in the mirror (or take a selfie). Pull your hair back and trace the outline of your face. Then match your face shape to the options below.

1. Round Face

Traits: Soft lines, equal width and height, full cheeks.
Best frames: Angular, rectangular or geometric frames. These help sharpen features.

Local tip: At Optic Edge Durbanville, round-faced clients often prefer thicker rims in darker colours—they slim the face and add contrast.

2. Square Face

Traits: Strong jawline, wide forehead, broad cheekbones.
Best frames: Round or oval glasses that soften angular features.

Popular in Tygervalley: Rimless or lightly curved frames are a go-to for this shape. The softer lines add balance to defined faces.

3. Oval Face

Traits: Balanced proportions, slightly narrower chin than forehead.
Best frames: Most styles work—especially bold or oversized frames.

Style tip: In Cape Gate, we see many clients with oval faces choose statement frames or colour pops since their face shape offers flexibility.

4. Heart-Shaped Face

Traits: Broad forehead, pointed chin, high cheekbones.
Best frames: Round, bottom-heavy, or light-coloured frames that balance the top.

Frame tip: Avoid very wide or top-heavy styles that accentuate the forehead.

5. Diamond Face

Traits: Narrow forehead and chin, wide cheekbones.
Best frames: Oval, rimless, or cat-eye frames that add balance to the upper part of the face.

At Optic Edge Paarl, diamond-shaped clients often love slightly upswept styles that bring attention to the eyes.

How to Measure Your Bridge Size and Pupillary Distance (PD)

What Is Bridge Size?

The bridge is the part of your glasses that sits on your nose. If it’s too wide or narrow, your glasses won’t stay in place.

• Low bridge: Look for frames with adjustable nose pads
• Wide nose: Seek out bridges 18mm or larger
• Small nose: Choose 14–16mm bridge width

Our optometrists at Optic Edge Cape Gate help clients test this during in-person fittings—especially important for kids and first-time wearers.

What Is Pupillary Distance (PD)?

PD is the distance between your pupils, measured in millimetres. It ensures your lenses align properly with your eyes.

• Most adults: 55–65mm
• Kids: 42–54mm
• You can measure using a ruler in front of a mirror—or get it done professionally at any Optic Edge branch.

→ Book a fitting to measure PD at your nearest store

Frame Materials and Why They Matter

When learning how to choose glasses for your face shape, consider frame material too—it impacts durability, weight, and flexibility.

Common types:

• Acetate: Stylish, strong, available in bold colours
• Metal: Sleek, lightweight, often with adjustable nose pads
• Titanium: Ultra-light and hypoallergenic
• TR90 / Flex: Perfect for active lifestyles or kids—bendable but tough

At Durbanville, athletes often prefer TR90 frames, while fashion-focused clients lean toward bold acetate or mixed materials.

How to Match Frame Colours to Skin Tone and Hair

General tips:

• Warm undertones: Choose tortoiseshell, gold, brown, olive
• Cool undertones: Opt for black, silver, grey, blue
• Bold or neutral skin tones: You can experiment with contrast or monochrome

Want help choosing? Our team in Tygervalley will walk you through colour swatches and lighting tests during your in-store try-on.

A smiling individual puts on a new pair of glasses, their expression lighting up with clarity and confidence. The background is softly blurred, symbolizing the contrast between blurred vision and sharp focus. Natural light enhances the crispness of their surroundings—reading a book, using a computer, or enjoying a scenic view becomes effortless. The image captures the transformative power of improved eyesight, highlighting how better vision can enhance daily activities, boost independence, and restore a sense of connection to the world. It’s a quiet yet powerful moment that reflects how clear vision contributes to a fuller, more vibrant quality of life.

How Long Does It Take to Get Glasses in South Africa?

At Optic Edge, turnaround time varies by prescription and lens type:

• Single vision lenses: 2–5 working days
• Multifocal / progressive lenses: 7–10 working days
• Custom coatings or tints: Up to 10 days

Rush orders and collection alerts are available—just ask when you book.

When to See an Optometrist for Glasses (Not Just Style)

Beyond aesthetics, signs you may need glasses include:

• Headaches or eye strain
• Squinting or blurry vision
• Trouble reading or driving at night
• Eye fatigue from screen use

If you’re noticing any of these, visit Optic Edge Cape Gate for a full eye test and professional fitting.

→ Read more: When Should I Have My Eyes Tested?

Book a Fitting: Find Glasses That Fit Your Face and Your Life

Choosing the right frames isn’t just about measurements—it’s about trying different shapes, seeing how they feel, and finding a style that boosts your confidence.

Durbanville – For Style-First Shoppers

With access to the latest frame collections and in-store styling help, Durbanville is a favourite for fashion-conscious shoppers.

→ Book at Durbanville

Cape Gate – Active, Everyday Solutions

Great for commuters, parents, and students. Optic Edge Cape Gate offers lightweight frames and anti-glare lens packages.

→ Book at Cape Gate

Tygervalley – Fast Turnaround and Designer Options

From designer brands to budget-friendly frames, Tygervalley has the full range. Walk-ins welcome or book online.

→ Book at Tygervalley

FAQ: How to Choose Glasses for Your Face Shape

Do glasses really suit different face shapes?

Yes. The right frame shape balances your features and creates symmetry.

What’s the best frame for a round face?

Angular or rectangular frames help add definition and contrast.

How do I know my face shape?

Look in the mirror and trace your outline. Compare to shape descriptions in this article.

Do bridge size and PD really matter?

Absolutely. Incorrect fit causes discomfort and affects lens performance.

Can I try frames on in-store?

Yes! All Optic Edge stores offer try-ons and styling consultations.

The Smart Way to Choose Glasses for Your Face Shape

Now that you know how to choose glasses for your face shape, it’s time to see them in action. From frame shape to bridge width, colour tones to lifestyle fit, the perfect pair starts with the perfect match—for your features.

Visit your local Optic Edge branch in Durbanville, Cape Gate, or Tygervalley for a fitting, try-on, and personalised advice from our team.

→ Book your fitting now