Different types of glasses suit different kinds of faces. So, if you have a narrower or smaller face, it is crucial to choose spectacles that are right for you.
For those with small faces, it is also vital to choose modest frames that do not dominate your features. Glasses that are too large can look out of proportion and slide off the nose regularly, which is annoying.
Do you think you have a small face? Are you looking for glasses for small faces? If so, then read on to find out more.
Picking the right glasses for your face shape
Picking the right glasses for your face shape is essential for how you feel and your overall confidence.
The good news is that there is a range of men’s and women’s glasses for small faces now available from most reputable opticians. Thicker-framed glasses are a popular choice for those with high-power prescription lenses because they help to make lenses look smaller.
If you want to know which shapes you should choose, you need to consider the following measurements: the length of your face, your cheeks, jawline and forehead.
Using a bendable tape you can place across your face, do the following:
- Measure the distance between your temples
- Measure the distance down the centre of your face, through the nose from your hairline to your chin
- Measure your jawline at the widest point, usually close to the ears
With these measurements, you can get a pretty good sense of the kind of small frames you need in general.
You may have a small face if:
- The distance between your temple is between 100 and 125 cm
- If the distance from the chin and the hairline is less than 185 mm
- If your jaw is less than 125 mm at the widest point
Just remember, these measurements don’t tell you anything about colouring or style. You’ll need to consider those separately.
Best shaped glasses for your face shape
Your face shape determines the kind of glasses you should choose more than its absolute size. If you have a small face, you’ll need to scale down the sizing when you visit your optician, but beyond that, additional considerations may not be required.
Rectangular face
If you have a rectangular face, characterised by a jaw that is a similar width to the distance between your temples and a wide chin, then it is best to opt for glasses with a strong brow line and complementary square shape. Where possible, try to steer clear of rounded frames as these won’t make the most of your angular features.
Oval face
People with oval faces tend to have softly rounded chins and foreheads. The face is evenly proportioned throughout. Going back to the measurements above, small oval faces are characterised by a face length that is larger than this distance between the temples, and a jawline that is smaller than the forehead. People with this face shape, however, can be more adventurous with their choice of frames than most and generally benefit from styles that are wider than most.
Heart-shaped face
Heart-shaped faces are widest are narrowest at the chin and widest at the forehead. People with this face shape have soft feature, in general. The best styles to choose here are those which de-emphasise the natural wideness at the top of the face. Cat-eye glasses tend to be the best option here, thanks to their exaggerated browline and the fact that they protrude outward from the forehead, helping to both taper and frame it.
Triangle face
People with triangular faces have jaws that are wider than the distance between their temples – the revenese of heart-shaped faces. The aim here should be to choose frames that are wider than the narrowest section of the face, again making cat-eyes the firm favourite. Frames with strong brow-lines are also beneficial here for their ability to emphasise the eyes.
Square face
Square faces are similar to rectangular – with evenly proportioned temple-to-temple and jawline distances – but with shorter hairline to chin distances. If you have this type of face, you have a wide jaw, square chin and a deep, broad forehead.
The goal here should be to create a little extra length in the face and to offset strong features. Most people with this face shape find that semi-angular are the most flattering.
Round face
Round faces have short hairline-to-chin measurements, extra width at the forehead, a rounded chin and a soft jawline. Many people with round faces also have naturally plump cheeks. You can’t always determine whether you have a round face from measurements alone, so you’ll also need to rely on subjective judgement.
The best type of glasses for this face shape are rounder, less angular frames. If you have thicker lenses, you’ll want to choose thicker frames to keep everything in proportion.
Women’s glasses for small faces
If you are a woman with a small face, you may need to consider some additional features of the frames you choose to get the look you want. While choosing specs for the shape of your head is important, a face that is much smaller (according to the measurements outlined above) may require more careful selection.
Women with sharp angular features, pointed noses, or chiselled jaws, for instance, may want to go with softer, rounder styles of glasses. On the contrary, those with soft, round features may need more angular glasses to help emphasise their features.
Those with particularly narrow faces may want to choose frames that flare out at the sides, adding width and giving the illusion of wider cheekbones and forehead.
Women with short faces should focus their attention on glasses with shorter frames. Small reading glasses for women are ideal here. More extended frames will appear to dominate the face, giving you a disproportionate look.
As always, the process centres on trial and error. Sometimes, you’ll find a pair of small women’s glasses you think is perfect for your face, only to discover that they don’t work well with your features.
If you need women’s glasses for small faces, you’ll need to speak with your optician about frame sizing in more depth. For women with long but narrow faces, glasses with extended frames are your best bet. For those with shorter faces from the chin to the hairline, small glasses for women are better. The frame material you choose will depend mainly on space constraints. You may find that thinner women’s frames for narrow faces are better than thicker varieties.
Belson Opticians offer a wide range of glasses for small faces
Finding the right glasses for your face shape is, unfortunately, always a challenge. While we have outlined some rough guidelines here, there’s no substitute for going along to your local optician and having a proper fitting.
At Belson opticians, our experts are here and ready to help you find the perfect glasses for your face shape. We evaluate your facial structure and then find specs that will bring out your features at their best, allowing you to wear them with confidence.
We offer a wide selection of glasses for you to try, from small, narrow frames, all the way up to the most glamorous cat-eye frames. By trying on lots of glasses and getting feedback, you’ll quickly learn which styles suit you the most.
Our fitting experts also take into consideration the unique features of your face when preparing glasses for you to try. We look for frames that will work well for you, whether you have a pointy chin, full cheekbones, eyes placed close together or a narrow forehead. With Belson Opticians by your side, you can find the perfect glasses for you and go home, happy with your selection.
