How to Choose Reading Glasses for Your Face Shape

Finding the right pair of reading glasses can seem daunting, especially if you have a unique face shape. With so many styles to choose from, how do you know which frames will complement your features instead of competing with them? Luckily, the solution is simpler than you may think. By understanding what flatters your face shape and opting for glasses within those guidelines, you can easily narrow down the options and find your perfect pair. Whether your face is round, square, oval, heart-shaped, or diamond, there are frame shapes and styles that will balance and bring out your best features. Read on to discover what readers are most flattering for your unique face shape. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll approach your next reading glasses purchase with confidence, excited to reveal your fabulous new look.

Best Reading Glasses for Round Faces

If you have a round face, angular frames are your best choice. Square or rectangular frames will offset the roundness of your face and create balance. Frames that are wider than they are deep also help make a round face appear more oval. Look for frames that are slightly wider than the widest part of your face.

Reading Glasses to Flatter Square Faces

Those with a square face should choose frames that are rounded or oval. Round frames soften the angles of a square face. Frames that are as wide as the widest part of your face also work well for square faces. Cat eye frames are another flattering choice, as they draw attention upward. Avoid boxy shapes that emphasize the squareness.

Oval Faces Look Great in These Reading Glasses

Oval faces are versatile and complement many frame shapes. However, frames that are as wide as or wider than the broadest part of your face tend to be most flattering. Round, square and cat eye shapes all work beautifully for oval faces. Rimless frames are another lovely choice. Avoid frames that are too narrow or deep, as they can make an oval face appear longer.

Complement Your Heart-Shaped Face With These Readers

For a heart-shaped face, frames that are wider at the bottom help create balance. Cat eye, round and oval frames are all excellent choices. Frames that are rimless or have minimal rim along the bottom edge help minimize a pointed chin. Avoid frames that are narrow at the bottom, which can emphasize a pointy chin. Frames that are wider than the widest part of your face also help offset width at the forehead.

Reading Glasses for Diamond-Shaped Faces

Like those with heart-shaped faces, people with diamond-shaped faces should choose frames that are wider at the bottom. Cat eye, oval and round frames help soften the angles of the face and create symmetry. Frames that are as wide as or wider than the widest part of your face are also flattering. Avoid narrow frames, which emphasize the width of the forehead and narrowness of the chin. Rimless frames are another option, as they do not emphasize any part of the face.

Reading Glasses Frame Materials and Styles to Consider

When choosing reading glasses, the frame material and style are important factors to consider for comfort and aesthetics.

Metal Frames

Metal frames, like aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, are durable, lightweight, and stylish. Aluminum frames are budget-friendly, while titanium offers the most comfort and flexibility. Metal frames work well for most face shapes, but can appear harsh on round faces.

Plastic Frames

Plastic frames come in a variety of colors and patterns and tend to be more affordable. Plastic frames, like acrylic and polycarbonate, are lightweight but less durable than metal. Plastic frames with rounded edges, like oval or cat eye frames, soften round faces. Square faces benefit from frames with curved lines, like rounded square or oval frames.

Combination Frames

For the best of both worlds, choose combination frames with metal and plastic parts. The metal provides structure while the plastic offers color and style options. These frames are versatile and work for most face shapes.

When selecting reading glasses, consider your personal style and face shape to choose frames that are both functional and flattering. The frame material and shape can enhance or distract from your natural features. With the range of options available, you can find reading glasses to complement your unique look.

To determine the best frame for your face shape:

• Round faces: Angular frames, like rectangles, help create balance. Frames that are wider than they are deep also work well.
• Square faces: Rounded frames, like ovals or cat eyes, soften square angles. Frames wider at the top also help offset a square face.
• Oval faces: Most frame shapes work, but frames that are wider at the top, like cat eyes or rounds, help create balance.
• Heart-shaped faces: Wider frames that are larger at the bottom, such as rounds or squares, help offset a narrow chin.
• Diamond-shaped faces: Oval or rimless frames help highlight your eyes without emphasizing the angles of your face.

With the range of stylish and functional options, you can find reading glasses perfectly suited to your needs and personal style.

Where to Shop for Reading Glasses Online

When searching for reading glasses online, you have many options to choose from. Some of the most popular retailers that offer reading glasses include:

Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical provides high-quality reading glasses at affordable prices. They offer glasses for every face shape and style. With prices starting at $6.95, they are an excellent budget-friendly option.

Warby Parker

Warby Parker is a popular eyewear brand that offers stylish reading glasses for both men and women. They have a wide selection of frames in different colors and materials. While a bit pricier than Zenni Optical, they still offer high-quality glasses at lower prices than traditional retailers.

EyeBuyDirect

EyeBuyDirect specializes in affordable prescription glasses and reading glasses. They have a selection of over 2,000 frames to choose from for every face shape and personal style. Their reading glasses start at just $6.

GlassesUSA

GlassesUSA has one of the largest selections of reading glasses available online with over 4,000 styles to choose from. They frequently run sales offering up to 50-70% off frames. They offer name brand as well as affordable generic frames so you can find reading glasses in your budget.

EyeMed Vision Care

EyeMed Vision Care provides access to a wide range of stylish reading glasses from various designers and brands. While EyeMed itself is not an online retailer, you can use your vision benefits to purchase reading glasses from them through participating retailers like LensCrafters, Target Optical, and Costco Optical. Pricing will depend on the frames and lens options you choose.

When shopping for reading glasses online, be sure to determine your lens power by getting an eye exam from your optometrist. Know your pupillary distance (PD) measurement, lens material preference (polycarbonate, Trivex, etc.), and frame measurements to ensure a good fit. Reading glasses purchased online typically start around $10-$30 for a basic pair of frames and lenses. More stylish, name brand options may cost $50-$200 or more, depending on the lens and frame features.