A heart-shaped face is widest at the forehead, with high cheekbones, and narrows to a smaller chin. Some people call it an inverted triangle. It's a naturally striking shape. The goal with glasses is balance: frames that don't add more width at the top, and that bring a little visual weight to the lower half of your face.
This guide covers how to confirm your face shape, the best frame shapes, what to skip, how to size frames, colors that help, and what to look for whether you're a man or a woman.
How to tell if your face is heart-shaped
Pull your hair back and stand in front of a mirror in good light. Look straight ahead and compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw.
Your face is probably heart-shaped if:
- Your forehead is the widest part of your face
- Your cheekbones are high and your face tapers below them
- Your chin is narrow or slightly pointed
- Your jaw is noticeably narrower than your forehead
Many people with heart-shaped faces also have a widow's peak, a V-shaped point in the hairline. You don't need one to have this face shape, though.
If your forehead and jaw are about the same width, you may be closer to oval. If your jaw is wide and angular, read the square face guide. Our face shape guide compares every shape.
The rule: balance the top and bottom
Because the widest part of a heart-shaped face is at the top, the frames that flatter it most do three things:
- Keep the top light. No heavy browlines or thick top rims that add more width up there.
- Add a little width lower down. Frames that are as strong or wider at the bottom balance a narrow chin.
- Use soft shapes. Rounded lenses soften the point of the chin and the width of the forehead.
The best frame shapes for a heart-shaped face
Oval frames: the easiest win
Oval frames are soft and balanced, and they don't add extra width at the brow. They're the most reliable choice for a heart-shaped face and work for any style, from office to weekend. About is a good example. Shop oval frames.
Round frames: soft and friendly
Round frames soften the angles of a pointed chin and a wide forehead. Choose a size that's no wider than your forehead. Amicable and Beneath are two to try. Shop round frames.
Thin metal frames: light at the top
Fine metal frames keep the top of your face from looking heavy. They're refined and minimal, and they let your cheekbones do the work. Rebecca and Arthur are easy picks. Shop metal frames.
Bottom-heavy frames
Look for frames where the lower rim is as strong as the top, or where the lenses are slightly wider at the bottom than the top. They add width where your face is narrowest, which balances the whole face.
Soft rectangles
If you prefer a more structured look, a slim rectangle with rounded corners works well. Keep the rim thin and the frame no wider than your forehead. Amber is a good example. Shop rectangle frames.
Light or clear frames
Clear and crystal frames are a great trick for heart-shaped faces. They don't add visual weight anywhere, so the frame shape matters less.
What to skip
Heavy browlines
Browline frames have a thick top rim and a thin or rimless bottom. That's the opposite of what a heart-shaped face needs, because it adds weight to the widest part of your face.
Dramatic cat-eyes
Sharp, upswept corners widen the top of the face. A subtle cat-eye with a gentle lift can still look great. Skip the extreme wings.
Oversized frames
Frames much wider than your forehead exaggerate it. Stay close to the width of your face.
Decoration at the top corners
Bright colors, metal accents or details at the upper corners draw the eye to the widest part of your face. Choose frames that keep the details lower or plain.
Size and fit tips
- Width: the frame should be no wider than your forehead at its widest point.
- Brow line: the top of the frame should follow your eyebrows, not sit far above them.
- Bridge: heart-shaped faces often have finer features, so check the bridge number. If glasses tend to slide, a narrower bridge or adjustable nose pads help. See why glasses slide down your nose.
- Small faces: if most frames look too big on you, read our guide to glasses for small and narrow faces.
- Copy what fits: match the lens width of a pair you already like, within 2 mm. Here's how to pick a frame that fits like your current pair.
Colors that work on a heart-shaped face
Lighter and softer colors at the top of the frame keep it from looking heavy.
- Clear and crystal: the lightest option. Great for heart-shaped faces.
- Champagne, rose gold and gold: warm, soft and refined.
- Light tortoise: softer than dark tortoise or black.
- Two-tone with a lighter top: keeps the color lower on the face.
- Black: works best in a thin metal or a rounded shape, not a thick browline.
Picks for men and women
For women with heart-shaped faces
Oval, round and soft rectangle frames in clear, champagne or light tortoise are the easiest wins. Thin metal frames look elegant. Browse women's glasses.
For men with heart-shaped faces
Heart-shaped faces are less often talked about for men, but they're common: a broad forehead and a narrower chin. Thin metal frames, rounded rectangles and aviator-style shapes balance it well. Avoid heavy browlines. Browse men's glasses.
Frequently asked questions
What glasses suit a heart-shaped face?
Oval, round and thin metal frames suit heart-shaped faces best. Frames that are as strong or wider at the bottom also help balance a narrow chin.
Should a heart-shaped face wear cat-eye glasses?
A subtle cat-eye can work. Dramatic, sharply upswept cat-eyes widen the top of the face, which is already its widest part.
Are rimless glasses good for a heart-shaped face?
Yes. Rimless and thin frames keep the top of the face light, which is exactly what a heart-shaped face needs.
What frame color is best for a heart-shaped face?
Light and soft colors such as clear, crystal, champagne and light tortoise. If you want a bold color, choose a frame where the color sits along the bottom.
Find your frames
Everyday frames at Fast Eyeglasses are $79 with single vision prescription lenses included, with free shipping to Michigan, Oregon, Montana and Delaware. Most pairs are made in one business day. Shop oval glasses, metal glasses, women's glasses or men's glasses.
