If you have an oval face, you’re in the fortunate position of being able to wear almost any frame shape. The oval face is characterised by balanced proportions — slightly longer than wide, with a gently curved jawline and a forehead that is marginally wider than the chin. Because the face is already well-proportioned, there are no sharp angles or extreme dimensions that frames need to compensate for.
That said, “you can wear anything” isn’t especially useful when you’re standing in front of a hundred frames trying to choose. This guide covers the styles that tend to look best on oval faces, what to consider when choosing, and where to find the right pair at Glasses Store.
Why Oval Faces Are Considered the Most Versatile Face Shape
Opticians and dispensers often describe the oval face as the most versatile shape for glasses because it doesn’t require frames to compensate for any particular asymmetry or extreme proportion. Most frame shapes — round, rectangular, square, aviator, cat-eye, clubmaster — all work, provided the frame is in proportion with the face.
The main thing to avoid is anything that upsets the natural balance of the face. Very large, oversized frames that dominate the face, or very small frames that look lost on the features, tend to be less flattering. Beyond that, personal preference, colouring, and the specific occasions you’ll be wearing the glasses should guide your choice.
Frame Styles That Work Well for Oval Faces
Aviator Frames
Classic aviator frames look particularly good on oval faces. The teardrop shape — wider at the top, narrowing toward the bottom — mirrors the natural narrowing of the oval face toward the chin. The bridge detail and angular top rim add a bit of structure without fighting the face’s natural proportions.
Browse men’s aviator glasses and women’s aviator glasses at Glasses Store to see the range currently in stock.
Round Frames
Round frames complement oval faces very well. The softness of the circular lens echoes the natural curves of the face, while the overall effect is relaxed and characterful. Round frames have been a staple of the eyewear world for over a century and remain one of the most popular choices for oval-faced wearers.
See the women’s round glasses and men’s round glasses collections for options across different sizes and materials.
Cat-Eye Frames
Cat-eye frames work beautifully on oval faces. The upswept outer corners draw attention upward and outward, emphasising the natural width of the cheekbones and creating a flattering, expressive look. These frames are a strong choice for anyone who wants a more distinctive, fashion-forward pair.
Explore the women’s cat-eye glasses range to see current styles.
Rectangular Frames
Rectangular frames introduce some angular structure to the soft lines of an oval face. They work well for people who want a cleaner, more professional look, and they balance the face’s natural curves with horizontal lines. Most rectangular frames suit oval faces as long as the frame is appropriately sized.
Clubmaster Frames
Browline or clubmaster frames, with their prominent upper frame and lighter lower half, create a stylish retro-contemporary look on oval faces. The strong brow line emphasises the upper face and draws attention to the eyes.
Browse men’s clubmaster glasses for current options.
Designer Frames
With oval faces being suited to such a wide range of shapes, designer options open up considerably. Ray-Ban prescription frames include everything from their classic Aviator and Clubmaster to more contemporary rectangular styles. Oakley glasses suit oval-faced wearers particularly well in their more structured, sportier designs.
Frame Proportions: Getting the Size Right
The most important rule for oval faces is proportion. Choose frames that are roughly as wide as the widest part of your face. If your frames are noticeably narrower, they can look lost on the face; if they are significantly wider, they overwhelm the proportions you’re trying to preserve.
Most oval-faced adults find that a lens width of around 50–56mm works well. The frame should sit roughly level with your eyebrows at the top, and the bottom of the lens should sit well clear of the cheeks.
What to Avoid
Although oval faces are versatile, a couple of styles can be less flattering:
- Very heavy, oversized frames — particularly those that are much wider than the face — can overpower the balanced proportions that make an oval face distinctive.
- Very small frames that sit high on the nose and don’t reach the outer corners of the face can look disproportionate.
- Geometric novelty shapes (hexagonal, octagonal, very sharp diamond shapes) can work, but require confidence in the styling — they can clash with the natural softness of an oval face if not worn intentionally.
Ordering Online With Confidence
All frames at Glasses Store can be ordered with your prescription and are glazed in-house. The filter tools on the shop allow you to narrow down by frame shape, lens width, bridge width, and arm length, so you can find frames that suit your face and fit comfortably.
If you haven’t measured your pupillary distance (PD) — the measurement between your pupils that is required when ordering prescription glasses online — our guide on what PD is and why it matters explains how to get this measurement.
Also worth reading: our guide to glasses for smaller faces covers fitting considerations that apply across face shapes.
For professional guidance on frame selection and fitting, the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) maintains a register of qualified dispensing opticians across the UK who can advise on frames suited to your face shape and prescription.
