8 Types of Glasses Frames & How to Choose a Flattering Style

Whether you’ve worn glasses your entire life and just never found the perfect pair for you or have to buy a pair of glasses for the first time, it can be a daunting task. There are so many different colors, styles, and stores that the possibilities of eyeglass frame types seem endless.

The key to finding the right frames for you is to know what looks best on your face, so you can whittle the decision down a little bit further. Let’s explore the different types of glasses frames available from WMP Eyewear and who they work best on so you can finally score the perfect flattering glasses style to elevate your look at an affordable price.

Types of Glasses Frames You Should Know

Square Glasses

Best for: Round or Oval faces

Square glasses offer a classic studious feel that sets a trendy vibe with every outfit. Anyone with a round or oval face should shop for square glasses. The stark lines will give your balance out your naturally round features, making your face look slimmer and longer.

For an affordable pair of designer-quality prescription glasses, try Abner. These retro frames are made of acetate, so they’re lightweight and comfortable to upgrade your outfit all day long.

Oversized Eyeglasses

Best for: Oval Faces

Oversized eyeglasses offer a full lens so that you can see from every angle while adding a boost of style with a trendy, big look. Oversized glasses look best on people with oval faces. A longer face balances out the larger lenses so that they don’t look comical or clownish.

For a chic 80s look that still looks like it belongs in this century, check out Lennox. These oversized square glasses look great on men and women and can be dressed up for work but also are perfect for a pair of sweats at home.

Oval Frames

Best for: Square, Diamond, or Heart-Shaped Faces

Oval frames aren’t completely round; think of the lenses as halfway between round and rectangular. These frames look best on square, diamond, or heart-shaped faces since the rounded edges balance out people with naturally stronger features.

If you’re in the market for a pair of oval frames, check out Ralph. These high-quality glasses feature a thin composite frame and give you a bookish vibe wherever you go.

Cat-Eye Glasses

Best for: Round or Oval Faces

Cat eye frames are a staple of women’s prescription eyewear, and have been popular since the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn wore them for Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Cat eyes look best on people with round or oval faces because the distinguishable point at the end complements softer face shapes.

That being said, there are lots of different cat-eye glasses out there. If you have a square face and want to wear cat eyes, look for a pair like Esme. These rounded cat eyes offer a subtler point while maintaining their distinct shape, so they’d complement people with square faces as well.

Round Eyeglasses

Best for: Square, Diamond, or Heart-Shaped Faces

Round eyeglasses take you back to the 70s, with thin metal frames allowing you to channel your inner flower child or thicker polycarbonate frames offering a cool, “smart kid” vibe. Just like with oval frames, round eyeglasses soften features, so they look great on anyone with a square, diamond, or heart-shaped face.

For a distinguished pair of round unisex eyeglasses, take a look at Tate. With eye-catching colors and a notched keyhole bridge, these prescription glasses offer an elevated look on a classic style.

Browline Wire Frames

Best for: Diamond, Oval, and Triangle Faces

Browline wire frames can be identified by the strong plastic acetate upper portion of the frame (usually in tortoiseshell) paired with the lower half of the frame in a silver or gold metal. These dual-material frames look the best on diamond, oval, or rare triangle faces, but most face shapes can pull them off.

For a high-quality pair of browline wire frames at a low price, consider purchasing Jaxon. Make a statement in every room you enter with the combo of tortoiseshell acetate and polished gold stainless steel.

Aviator Eyeglasses

Best for: Oval, Square, or Heart-shaped Faces (but anyone can wear them)

Aviators were made for pilots in the armed forces in 1936, but quickly became available to the public and have been in style ever since. Aviators are known for the double-nose bridge and classic teardrop lens shape and are a popular option for men’s prescription glasses.

Anyone can wear aviator eyeglasses, but they especially complement oval, square, or heart-shaped faces due to the blending of lines with the strong upper frame but softened lens shape.

While there’s nothing wrong with the classic aviator, oval or heart-shaped faces should also look at modem aviator eyeglasses like Emerson. These oversized frames feature a single nose bridge and square lenses for a serious take on the beloved classic.

Rectangle Frames

Best for: Round, Oval, Diamond, or Triangle faces

Rectangle frames offer a wider lens than a square frame, making them sit between oversized and square options. Rectangle frames are perfect for anyone with a round, oval, diamond, or triangle face who wants more lens coverage but isn’t trying to make as big of a statement as an oversized look.

If you’re looking for an understated yet unique rectangle frame, Lance may be the perfect option for you. Available in neutral colors with a double nose bridge, Lance offers a one-of-a-kind look without drawing too much attention to itself.

Choosing the Right Eyeglass Frames for You

How Prescription Glasses Should Fit

Look for affordable prescription glasses that are about as wide as the widest part of your face. The eyeglass frames should fit snugly enough that they sit comfortably without sliding down your nose, but not so tight that they give you a headache.

To get a sense of your frame size, grab a pair of glasses or sunglasses you have that fit you well and measure the length from one side to the other at the widest section. When shopping for prescription glasses, choose ones that are 2-3 mm within that length.

Which Frame Types Are Best?

Frames made of stainless steel, acetate, or grade AAA polycarbonate are all built to last while still feeling lightweight on your head. If you want a pair of frames that will never go out of style, you can’t go wrong with aviators or cat-eyes, both of which have been popular for more than 50 years.

If you’re looking for a more understated style, round or rectangle glasses are always in fashion and don’t draw as much attention as aviators or cat-eyes.

Options for Non-Prescription Frames

If you find a pair of non-prescription frames that you love, don’t panic. Purchase them and take them to an optical shop near your house so that a specialist can order your lenses and place them into the frames for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type of Frame Is Best for Glasses?

The best frames for glasses are made out of acetate or stainless steel. Both of these materials are lightweight, so your face won’t feel heavy after wearing them all day. Plus, they’re both durable materials, so the glasses will last you for years to come (unless you run them over with your car).

What Are the Three Main Types of Glasses?

The three main types of glasses are rimless, semi-rimmed, and full-frame. Rimless glasses have no frame around the lens, just a nose bridge and arms that attach directly. Semi-rimmed glasses feature a frame only on the top half of the lens that attaches to the arms and bridge, and full-frame glasses feature a material around the entirety of the lens.

What Are Optical Frame Glasses?

Optical frame glasses are glasses with lenses that correct your vision in some way. It could be a pair of prescription glasses if you’re near or far-sighted, a pair of reading glasses to magnify text, or a pair of progressive lenses to correct multiple issues.