Choosing your glasses: tips from our opticians and style experts

Whether your aim is to assert your sense of style, to accentuate your features, or quite simply to improve your vision, choosing your glasses is a crucial step.

At Visilab, our style experts will carefully guide you in picking out the glasses that are best suited to the shape of your face.

Check out our tips below to help find your ideal frame! 

Because every face is unique, there are a multitude of different shapes of glasses to meet your requirements and satisfy your personal taste. From retro frames to modern designs, discover the styles that will suit the shape of your face, while accentuating each of your looks, according to your preferences. 

Cat-eye glasses are characterised by their external frame that rises towards the temples, thus reminiscent of the pointed shape of a cat’s eye. This shape extends the face and accentuates the eye, for a glamorous retro touch. 

Square glasses feature a frame with right-angles, for an assertive and structured look. They can soften the features of a round face or provide definition. 

Comparable in many regards to square glasses, rectangular glasses differ in that the angles are less pronounced. They offer a classic look and lend intensity to the eye. 

Pillow glasses are set apart by their rounded shape and the fact that they are slightly thicker at the top of the frame. They create a delicate style and soften the face, adding a vintage touch to your look. 

Butterfly frames are a slightly toned-down version of cat-eye glasses, with a wider and more rounded frame. Their sophisticated and less structured silhouette is favoured by many wearers of glasses. 

The famous “aviator” glasses are recognisable on account of their characteristic water droplet shape, paired with a double bridge. They are synonymous with adventure and casual style. 

Round glasses feature a perfectly circular frame. Depending on the shape of your face, they can add a friendly or quirky touch. These frames are the ideal way to soften the features of more angular faces. 

Similar to round glasses, oval glasses have a slightly prolonged and rounded shape. They suit various face types and offer a timeless look. 

Panto glasses are a variant of round glasses, but with a frame that is slightly flatter at the top. They offer an original retro look. 

Finally, irregular glasses are characterised by their varied shapes, giving free rein to your creativity. They represent an opportunity to define your own unique style and set yourself apart. 

What is your face shape? This is the first question to ask yourself if you want to select glasses that suit you perfectly. In actual fact, for the optimal aesthetic result, the shape of your lenses and frames must be in harmony with the shape of your head.  To simplify all of this, face shapes can be sorted into two main categories: Angular and Rounded shapes. 

Angular faces are characterised by striking lines, a square jawline, and often by a wide forehead. These faces require frames capable of softening their features. 

The square face is characterised by striking symmetrical lines. The jawline is angular, the forehead wide, and the cheekbones are prominent. This shape makes for a structured and assertive look. 

The rectangular face is a variation on the square face but is slightly longer. The jawline remains angular and the same goes for the forehead. Vertical lines dominate the face, creating a slender silhouette. 

The hexagonal face features pronounced angles at the temples and jawline, creating a recognisable geometric shape. The chin is often pointed, and the cheekbones are high. 

The triangular face is characterised by a wide forehead, prominent cheekbones, and a narrow chin. This shape, sometimes referred to as a heart-shaped face, gives an impression of gentleness and depth. 

Faces with rounded contours typically feature a less prominent chin and full cheeks. They are often complemented by frames that elongate the face. 

The round face is recognisable by its curved lines and full cheeks. The length and width of the face are almost equal, giving it a soft and harmonious appearance. 

The oval face is often considered the ideal face shape, as it is balanced and well-proportioned. The forehead and chin are rounded, while the cheekbones are slightly prominent. As for the length, it tends to be slightly greater than the width. 

The elongated face has the distinguishing feature of being longer than it is wide. In most cases, it features a prominent forehead and chin. Vertical lines dominate, making for a slim and sophisticated look. 

In order to identify your dominant face shape, focus on two key elements: 

• Your jawline: is it square, angled, or round? 

• Your chin: is it pronounced, rounded, or receding? 

By paying careful attention to these factors, you will be able to determine if your face is more angular or round.

In practice, an image consultant can conduct an assessment of your face shape and features. They will analyse the shape of the face (oval, round, square…), the position of the eyes, the nose, and the mouth, and also the size of these features. They will also take into account your personality, taste, and preferred colours to determine the most suitable style and colour of frame. 

Your selection of glasses may centre around an attempt to establish harmony between the shape of your frames and that of your face, or, on the contrary, you may favour a bold and unique contrast:  

• Harmony is the more classic option. It involves selecting frames in a shape similar to that of your face. This allows you to create an impression of unity and fluidity. For example, an oval face goes wonderfully well with oval frames. 

• The contrast method entails selecting frames in a shape that differs from the shape of your face. You thus create a surprising and dynamic effect. For example, round glasses on a square face will soften and balance out the angles. 

Both approaches are each perfectly valid: it all depends on the desired effect. You may prefer uniformity, with a soft and discreet approach, as created by choosing frames that are in harmony with the shape of your face. On the other hand, contrast represents an interesting way to create your own style and establish a unique sense of balance. 

The different shapes of frame can be categorised in a similar way to face shapes, with: 

• Angular frames. These elongate the face and refine the features. The term ‘angular frames’ incorporates the cat-eye, square, rectangular, pillow and even the butterfly frame shapes. 

• Rounded frames. These soften the features and open up the eyes. Includes the aviator, round, oval, panto, and irregular frame shapes. 

Round faces are characterised by their soft and harmonious lines and require a very particular choice of frame in order to emphasize their positive attributes. The primary objective is to create the illusion of elongation and structure. 

Angular frames are best for adding definition to your face.  Square and rectangular shapes will produce a striking contrast with your curved features, making your face appear longer. Cat-eye, pillow and butterfly frames, will add a retro touch, while creating structure towards the top of the face. 

The straight lines and pronounced angles of these frames contribute to creating the impression of the elongation of the face, while balancing the proportions. 

If you prefer a softer and more delicate look, round or oval frames are the most appropriate choice. They emphasize the round shape of your face while adding a vintage touch. As for aviator and panto frames, they offer a more assertive style while retaining a certain softness. 

The rounded shape of the frames picks up on the natural curves of the face, creating perfect harmony. 

Angular faces are characterised by striking lines and often have pronounced features. The aim when choosing glasses is to soften these angles and create visual harmony. 

If you want to soften the angles of your face, choose round or oval frames. These soft shapes will create an interesting contrast with the strong lines of your face. Aviator and panto frames can also be an excellent option, especially if you are looking for a more masculine style.  
The curves of the round frames will soften the angles of the face, creating visual harmony. 

To reinforce the angular character of your face, choose similar frame shapes. The square, rectangular, cat-eye and butterfly shapes will emphasize your features, while adding a touch of sophistication. 

Choosing the right glasses involves more than just considering the shape of your face! Finer details, such as the colour of your eyes or your hair also play a crucial role in determining how effective your finished look will be. 

It goes without saying that the colour of your eyes is a key element to consider when selecting the colour of your frames. A distinction can be made between three main colour tones: blue, green and brown. Depending on your preferences, you can play on either contrast or harmony with a view to creating a personalised look. 

To create contrast, tan colours (combinations of browns) will accentuate your eyes. As for grey shades, they play the harmony card, with a soft and more subtle look. 

Shades of pink or red are perfect if you want to grab attention. They create an energising ‘pop’ effect. More conventional shades of brown, on the other hand, will add depth. 

Purple tones are recommended to create original and sophisticated contrast. Shades of green will add freshness and brightness, without disturbing the harmony of the colours. 

More comes into play when choosing glasses than just the shape of your face. Your personal style also plays an essential role. 

The sporty look is characterised by its simplicity, comfort and functionality. Glasses must integrate harmoniously into this aesthetic, but without going completely unnoticed. 

• Lightweight and discreet metal frames are a timeless feature as part of a sporty look. Harmonious shapes and slightly tinted lenses also very much look the part. 

• Acetate frames with unique shapes and vibrant colours can add a welcome modern touch to your sporty look! 

The casual look is synonymous with relaxation and functionality. Your glasses must be comfortable and capable of adapting to any situation. 

• Fine, lightweight frames with subtle decorative features are perfect for a laid back everyday style. Pastel colours and rounded shapes can add a softer touch. 

• Slightly tinted lenses or transparent frames can add an additional dimension to your look. 

An impeccable professional appearance demands elegant and timeless glasses! They must reflect both your dedication and your competence. 

• Metal frames in classic shapes and understated colours (black, grey, brown) are all well-suited for a professional look. 

• Anti-glare lenses and a high-quality finish are also essential elements when trying to create a sense of sophisticated allure. 

An elegant look can take on various shapes depending on the person and the circumstances, but will always retain a certain sophistication, supplemented by a touch of finesse. 

• For women, fine and delicate frames with subtle decorative features (diamanté, beaded…) are perfect for an elegant look. Pastel colours and rounded shapes will lend a touch of romanticism. 

• For men, oversized frames with tinted lenses and original shapes can add a touch of glamour to your look. 

Adventurer or backpacker styles are characterised by a free spirit and a thirst for discovery. These glasses must be both durable and original. 

• Acetate frames with geometric shapes and bold colours are ideal for an adventurer look. Polarised lenses will also come in handy to protect your eyes from the sun. 

• Motifs inspired by nature (wood, stone, camouflage…) and coloured photochromic lenses are perfect ways to stand out in a crowd. 

Choosing a pair of glasses is an important decision, whereby both aesthetic challenges and also everyday comfort must be given due consideration.  The network of Visilab stores have a team of expert consultants who can assist you throughout your selection process. 

 Our image consultants are trained to: 

• Analyse the shape of your face and help you select glasses that will accentuate your best features. 

• Consider your personal style and your tastes, with a view to offering a tailored selection of glasses. 

• Suggest that you try on different frames to find which one suits you best. 

• Advise you in the selection of your lenses based on your vision requirements and your lifestyle. 

Do you want to soften your features, emphasize a particularly attractive facial feature, or simply find a harmonious pair of glasses? We are here to advise you.  
Visilab also offers: 

• A wide range of premium branded frames to suit every budget. 
• Quality lenses, produced by renowned suppliers. 
• A first class aftersales service, meaning you can enjoy your glasses in complete peace of mind. 

Do you require the advice of an expert stylist? Book an appointment now in one of the 77 Visilab  optician’s stores in Switzerland.