If you have an oval face, you've probably been told you can wear anything. That's mostly true. An oval face is a little longer than it is wide, with a gently rounded jaw and cheekbones that are the widest point. Because it's already balanced, you don't need frames to correct anything the way a round or square face sometimes does.
But "anything works" isn't much help when you're staring at hundreds of frames. In practice, the people with oval faces who love their glasses get two things right: the size and the personality of the frame. This guide covers both, plus how to confirm your face shape, the best shapes to try, colors, and specific picks for men and women.
How to tell if your face is oval
Face shape is easier to judge than most people think. You need a mirror, good light and about a minute.
- Pull your hair back so your hairline, temples and jaw are all visible.
- Look straight ahead, not tilted up or down. Tilting changes how long your face looks.
- Compare three widths: your forehead, your cheekbones and your jaw.
- Compare length to width: from hairline to chin versus across the cheekbones.
Your face is probably oval if:
- It's about one and a half times as long as it is wide
- Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face
- Your forehead is slightly wider than your jaw
- Your jawline is rounded, without sharp corners or a pointed chin
If your face is about as long as it is wide, you're closer to round. If your jaw has defined corners, look at the square face guide. If your forehead is clearly wider than a narrow chin, read the heart-shaped face guide. Still unsure? Our face shape guide covers every shape side by side.
Many faces are a mix. If yours is mostly oval with a slightly stronger jaw, for example, the advice below still applies. You'll just lean a little toward the softer shapes.
The best frame shapes for an oval face
Because your proportions are balanced, the frame shape is mostly about the look you want. Here's what each shape does on an oval face.
Square frames: sharp and confident
Square frames add strong lines and corners to soft features. On an oval face that contrast reads as confident and modern. Square frames are a great choice if you want your glasses to be noticed, and they're popular with men and women alike. A bold frame like Advocate is a good example. Shop square frames.
Rectangle frames: the easy everyday pick
A rectangle frame is wider than it is tall, with straight lines and softer corners than a square. It's the most versatile shape for an oval face: professional at work, relaxed on the weekend. Try a thicker rectangle like Affiliate for more presence, or a slimmer one like Amber for a lighter look. Shop rectangle frames.
Cat-eye frames: lift and personality
Cat-eye frames sweep up at the outer corners. That upward line draws the eye toward your cheekbones and gives the face a lifted look. On an oval face you can wear anything from a subtle flick to a dramatic wing. After and Aimee are two favorites. Shop cat-eye frames.
Round frames: yes, they work
Round frames are often off-limits for round faces, but oval faces carry them well. The key is width. A round frame that's too small can make your face look longer and your features smaller. Pick one with enough width to reach your cheekbones, like Amicable or Beneath. Shop round frames.
Oval frames: understated
An oval frame on an oval face is the quietest option. It won't add contrast, so it's the best choice if you want glasses that blend in rather than make a statement. About is a good place to start. Shop oval frames.
Aviators and thin metal frames: light and clean
Thin metal frames keep the look minimal and let your face do the talking. Aviators add a bit of attitude. Arthur and Rebecca are two easy metal picks. Shop metal frames.
The one rule: get the size right
On an oval face, size matters more than shape. A frame that's the wrong width undoes the balance your face already has.
- Width: aim for frames about as wide as the widest part of your face, usually your cheekbones. Your temples shouldn't stick out past the frame, and the frame shouldn't stick out far past your temples.
- Too wide: the frames overwhelm your face, slide down your nose and make your eyes look close-set.
- Too narrow: your face looks wider than it is, and the temple arms may pinch.
- Height: the top of the frame should sit close to your eyebrows, roughly following them. Frames that sit far below the brows look droopy. Frames far above them look surprised.
- Cheeks: the bottom of the frame shouldn't rest on your cheeks, especially when you smile.
How to find your size
The easiest way to get it right is to copy a pair you already like. Look inside the temple arm for three numbers, like 52□18-140:
- 52 is the lens width in millimeters. It matters most for fit. Match it within about 2 mm.
- 18 is the bridge, the gap between the lenses over your nose.
- 140 is the temple arm length.
Every frame on our site lists all three numbers, so you can compare directly. For a full walkthrough, read how to find your glasses size and what the numbers on your glasses mean.
Colors that work on an oval face
Because the shape is balanced, color is where you can have fun. Think about your skin tone, hair and wardrobe rather than face shape.
- Black: the classic. Sharp, high-contrast and goes with everything.
- Tortoise: warmer and softer than black, and flattering on almost everyone.
- Crystal and clear: modern and light. They let your features show through.
- Navy, plum, burgundy and teal: bolder colors work well on oval faces because they don't have to do any balancing.
- Gold, silver and gunmetal metals: gold suits warm skin tones, silver and gunmetal suit cool ones.
A simple test: hold the frame color next to your face in daylight. If it makes your skin look brighter, it's a good match. If it makes you look tired or washed out, try another.
Picks for men and women
For men with oval faces
Rectangle and square frames in black, tortoise or navy are the safest bets. A thicker plastic frame looks confident. A thin metal frame looks polished. Aviators and round metal frames are good options if you want something more distinctive. Browse men's glasses.
For women with oval faces
Cat-eye frames are the standout, followed by rectangles and soft squares. Crystal and two-tone colors look fresh, and oversized frames work as long as the width still matches your face. Browse women's glasses.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing by photo alone. A frame that looks great on a model may be a size too big or small for you. Always check the numbers.
- Going too small. Tiny frames on an oval face make it look longer. Match the width of your cheekbones.
- Ignoring the bridge. If glasses always slide down your nose, the bridge is probably too wide. See why glasses slide down your nose.
- Playing it too safe. You have the most flexible face shape there is. It's worth trying a color or shape you'd normally skip.
Frequently asked questions
What glasses look best on an oval face?
Almost all shapes do. Square, rectangle and cat-eye frames add the most definition. Round and oval frames are softer and more understated. The most important thing is choosing a frame about as wide as your cheekbones.
Can I wear oversized glasses with an oval face?
Yes, as long as the frame isn't much wider than your face. Oversized lenses that are taller rather than wider usually look better than frames that stick out past your temples.
Should my glasses cover my eyebrows?
No. The top of the frame should sit just under or along your brow line. Covering your brows hides your expressions.
Do oval faces suit rimless or thin frames?
Yes. Thin metal frames are a great choice if you want glasses that feel barely there.
Find your frames
Everyday frames at Fast Eyeglasses are $79 with single vision prescription lenses included, with no add-on lens fees and free shipping to Michigan, Oregon, Montana and Delaware. Most pairs are made in one business day. Pick a frame, type or upload your prescription and PD, and check out with PayPal. Shop women's glasses, men's glasses or all frames.
