If you have an oval face, I’ve got good news for you: finding the right pair of frames for an oval face is refreshingly simple. Pretty much any style is on the table! Because your features are so naturally balanced, your main goal is to pick frames that don’t disrupt that beautiful harmony, while ensuring they also support your eye health and safety.
The golden rule is to choose frames that are as wide as or just a touch wider than the broadest part of your face. This keeps everything in proportion. Want to add a little definition? Angular shapes like square and rectangular frames are a fantastic choice, as they introduce a sharp, sophisticated contrast to your softer curves.
Finding Your Perfect Match: A Guide to Oval Faces
So, you're asking yourself, "what glasses suit me?" You’ve come to the right place. An oval face is defined by its beautifully balanced proportions. Think of it this way: it's slightly longer than it is wide, with a jawline and chin that curve gently. This symmetry makes your face the perfect canvas for experimenting with all sorts of frame styles.
The whole game is about celebrating and maintaining that natural balance. While you can pull off almost anything, a few shapes are particularly flattering and will really make your features pop.
Key Characteristics of an Oval Face
Getting to know your face shape is the first step to finding frames you’ll absolutely love. An oval face usually has:
- Balanced Proportions: The length of your face is just a bit greater than the width.
- High Cheekbones: They’re often the widest part of your face but still have a soft, gentle curve.
- Rounded Jawline: Your jaw and chin are softly rounded, with no harsh angles in sight.
- Forehead Width: The forehead is typically a little wider than the chin, tapering downwards gracefully.
This versatile face shape is actually quite common, and the latest eyewear trends in Australia are leaning right into it. Oval frames are now the fastest-growing shape for women, even overtaking the previously dominant cat-eye. We're seeing a rise in narrow metal ovals for a Gen-Z vibe, alongside bolder, colourful ‘60s-inspired designs. If you want to dive deeper, check out what The Eye Practice has to say about the latest eyewear trends.
Quick Guide to Frames for an Oval Face
To give you a head start, here’s a quick summary of the best frame styles to complement the natural balance of an oval face and which ones to be mindful of.
| Frame Style | Why It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Square/Rectangular | Adds sharp angles to contrast soft features, creating structure. | A bold, professional, or academic look. |
| Cat-Eye/Upswept | Lifts the face and highlights cheekbones for a stylish flair. | Adding a touch of retro or modern elegance. |
| Geometric (Hexagon) | Introduces interesting lines and a contemporary, edgy feel. | Making a unique and fashionable statement. |
Basically, you can't go wrong with frames that add a bit of structure or a playful lift. The key is simply to ensure they’re wide enough to maintain your face's lovely symmetry.
Flattering Frame Shapes for Your Oval Face
Alright, you've figured out you have an oval face shape. Now for the fun part: picking frames that don't just help you see better, but make you look fantastic. The real goal here is to go beyond the generic "any frame suits you" advice and get into why certain styles highlight your best features. It's all about playing with contrast to maintain your face's natural symmetry.
Think of it like this: your face's soft curves are the perfect canvas for frames with strong, defined lines. This contrast creates a really pleasing visual balance, much like pairing a structured blazer with a soft silk shirt. Angular frames add that little bit of definition right where you need it.
Architectural Styles: Square and Rectangular Frames
For a sharp, sophisticated look, you really can't go wrong with square or rectangular frames. These angular shapes introduce a clean, structured contrast to the gentle curves of an oval face. They give off an impression of strength and confidence, making them a brilliant choice for the office or for anyone wanting a classic, polished look.
A practical example would be a project manager choosing a pair of thin-rimmed rectangular frames in a timeless tortoiseshell pattern. It's a choice that's both stylish and professional, adding just the right amount of definition without being overpowering. To see more options, take a look at our guide on what glasses suit my face for a broader look at different face shapes and frame pairings.
Elegant Lifts: Cat-Eye and Upswept Frames
Cat-eye frames are a classic for a reason—they work absolute wonders for an oval face. That signature upswept corner naturally draws the eye upward, giving your features a subtle lift while beautifully accentuating your cheekbones. It creates an elegant, slightly retro vibe that’s both fun and incredibly refined.
Other upswept styles have the same brilliant effect. For instance, a graphic designer might opt for a modern cat-eye with a bold colour to express their creativity while accentuating their features. They add a touch of personality and draw attention to the upper part of your face, helping maintain that gorgeous balance you were born with.
The principles behind choosing eyewear are surprisingly similar to picking out clothes. You can find more tips on creating a flattering look by understanding how to dress for your body type. Just as certain cuts enhance a silhouette, specific frames amplify your best facial features.
A Quick Word on Trends and Proportions
While most styles are your friend, it pays to be a little cautious with frames that might throw off your face's natural harmony. For example, extremely oversized frames can sometimes overwhelm your balanced proportions, hiding your features rather than complementing them. The key is to make sure the frames aren't significantly wider than the broadest part of your face.
Interestingly, one of the latest trends we're seeing in Australia is a move away from those massive looks. Narrow oval frames are having a real moment, making up 26% of all customer searches for smaller frames. These curved, slightly uplifted styles offer a minimalist-yet-statement look that beautifully elongates the soft features of an oval face. It just goes to show that sometimes, less really is more.
Mastering Frame Size and Proportions
Finding the perfect frames for an oval face goes way beyond just picking a flattering shape—it's all about getting a flawless fit. The right size is what makes your glasses comfortable, secure, and a perfect complement to your features, rather than overpowering them. Think of it like a well-fitted blazer: the frame width should line up perfectly with the width of your face for a sharp, balanced look.
Nailing these proportions means your glasses won't be constantly slipping down your nose, pinching your ears, or just feeling... off. To get it right, there are three key measurements you need to know: frame width, lens height, and bridge width. Each one plays a crucial part in making sure your glasses feel as good as they look.
Decoding Your Frame Measurements
Let's break down what these numbers actually mean and why they're so important for your comfort and vision.
- Frame Width: This is the total horizontal measurement of your frames, from one temple to the other. Ideally, it should be about the same as the widest part of your face. A frame that's too narrow can make your face seem wider, while one that’s too wide can throw off your naturally balanced proportions.
- Lens Height: This is the vertical height of the lenses. For an oval face, you want to avoid frames that are so tall they rest on your cheeks, or so short that they cut off your field of view. It’s all about proportion.
- Bridge Width: This is the distance between the two lenses, right where they sit on your nose. The right fit here is non-negotiable—it's what stops the glasses from pinching or sliding down.
To give you a better idea, a more petite oval face might feel most comfortable in a frame width of 125–130mm, which provides a snug, secure fit. On the other hand, someone with a larger facial structure might find that frames around 140mm or more maintain that perfect sense of scale and balance.
This visual guide walks you through some of the most flattering styles for an oval face.
As the chart shows, you can move from structured square frames to elegant cat-eye styles and even bold geometric shapes to define and enhance your natural features.
The Importance of Pupillary Distance
Now, let's talk about one of the most critical measurements for any pair of prescription glasses: your pupillary distance (PD). This is simply the distance, measured in millimetres, between the centres of your pupils. An accurate PD is absolutely essential because it ensures the optical centre of your lenses aligns perfectly with your eyes, giving you the clearest, sharpest vision possible.
Get the PD wrong, and you could be looking at eye strain, headaches, and distorted vision—not exactly what you want from your new glasses. While your optometrist will measure this during an eye exam, it's also something you can do at home. To make sure you get it spot on, check out our simple guide on how to measure your PD. We know that getting the right fit is everything, which is why we can customize an eye wear package to suit your requirements.
Choosing Colours and Materials to Express Your Style
Let's be honest, your glasses are so much more than just a tool to see clearly. They’re a core part of your personal brand, a powerful fashion accessory you wear every single day. The right material and colour can completely transform your look, but it's crucial to select materials that also prioritise your eye health and safety.
From sleek, modern metals to vibrant, creative acetates, the material you choose really sets the tone for your whole style. When you've got an oval face, picking the right frames means thinking about aesthetics, but also practical things like durability and all-day comfort. Your eye health, of course, is always the top priority.
Finding Your Perfect Material
The material of your frames has a massive impact on everything, from how they feel on your face to the style statement they make. Each option offers a distinct look and feel, letting you perfectly match your eyewear to your lifestyle.
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Metal Frames (Titanium/Stainless Steel): These are your go-to for a minimalist, professional vibe. Titanium is a fantastic choice because it’s incredibly lightweight, super durable, and hypoallergenic – a perfect example of prioritising eye safety and comfort, especially for those with sensitive skin. For a look that’s both modern and understated, you might want to check out the sleek designs of semi-rimless glasses frames.
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Acetate Frames: If you’re looking to make a statement, acetate is where it's at. This plant-based plastic allows for rich, layered colours and bold patterns you just can't get with metal, like the classic tortoiseshell. Acetate is the perfect canvas for expressing your creativity and injecting a pop of personality into your look.
Matching Colours to Your Features
Choosing a frame colour that works with your natural features is a game-changer. It can make your glasses look like they were made just for you. A simple place to start is by figuring out your skin's undertone.
If you have a warm skin tone (think greenish veins and golden or peachy undertones), rich, earthy tones will look amazing on you.
- Practical Example: A student with warm undertones could rock a pair of classic tortoiseshell frames for a studious yet stylish look that never goes out of fashion. Colours like gold, olive green, and honey will beautifully enhance your complexion.
For those with a cool skin tone (you’ll see bluish veins and have pink or blue undertones), frames in crisp, cool shades are wonderfully flattering.
- Practical Example: A professional with cool undertones might go for sleek silver or deep blue frames for a sharp, sophisticated look in the office. Black, grey, and jewel tones like sapphire or amethyst also work brilliantly.
Your eyewear is part of your daily life, so loving the style you choose is everything. We get that everyone's needs are different, which is why we can customize an eye wear package to suit your requirements, making sure you get the perfect mix of style, comfort, and lens technology.
Choosing Lenses for Your Health and Lifestyle
Finding the perfect frames for your oval face is a fantastic first step, but let's be honest—it’s the lenses that do the heavy lifting for your eye health and safety. Think of your frames as the style, but the lenses as the substance. Modern lens technology is all about matching your eyewear to your life, turning a simple pair of glasses into a high-performance tool for your eyes.
So, what does your day-to-day look like? Are you glued to a screen, constantly driving, or always ducking in and out of the sun? Each of these scenarios puts different demands on your eyes, and that’s where specialised lenses come in. Getting this right is the key to protecting your vision and ditching annoying issues like eye strain for good.
Lenses for the Digital Age
If your day is dominated by screens—and whose isn't?—then blue light filtering lenses are non-negotiable for eye safety. Whether you're a student grinding out assignments, a professional in back-to-back video calls, or a gamer locked in for a session, these lenses are your best friend. They're built to block a slice of the high-energy blue light that pours out of our devices, which is often the culprit behind digital eye strain, headaches, and even messed-up sleep.
- Practical Example: Picture an office worker juggling spreadsheets and video meetings all day. Choosing blue light filtering lenses can be a game-changer, helping to minimise that tired, gritty-eyed feeling and keep them sharp and protected from 9 to 5.
Lenses That Adapt to You
For anyone who’s constantly on the move, photochromic lenses (you might know them as transition lenses) are a godsend. These clever lenses darken automatically when you step into the sunlight and turn clear again once you're back inside. It’s like having your prescription glasses and sunnies in one seamless package, so your eyes are always shielded from harsh UV rays without you even thinking about it.
Along the same lines, polarised lenses are a must for drivers and anyone who spends time outdoors. They're specifically engineered to slash the blinding glare that bounces off surfaces like wet roads, water, or snow. By filtering out all that horizontal light, they make your world look sharper and more defined, which is a massive safety boost and a relief for your eyes.
The demand for eyewear that’s both protective and stylish is booming, especially here in Australia. It's no surprise that frames for oval faces are leading the charge, with feminine oval styles even overtaking cat-eyes as the top pick for women. This is a perfect fit, considering 42% of Australian women have oval faces, and these frames keep everything beautifully balanced. But with our intense sun, it's crucial to pair those trendy frames with advanced lenses offering proper UV protection. You can read more about the trends shaping the Australian eyewear market.
Your eyes deserve the best protection, no matter your lifestyle. The right lenses not only improve your vision but actively shield your eyes from environmental stressors, from digital screens to the sun's powerful rays.
We know that everyone’s vision and lifestyle are different. That’s why we can customize an eye wear package to suit your requirements, making sure you get the perfect combination of a frame you love and lenses that work as hard as you do.
Alright, you've done the hard part. You've figured out your face shape, pinpointed the perfect frame styles, and know which lenses fit your lifestyle. Now for the fun bit: putting it all together. We make this final step as simple as possible, so you can go from browsing to checkout with confidence.
It all starts with your prescription. Just upload a current script from your optometrist, and our system will walk you through the rest. This is the blueprint for crafting lenses that give you that crystal-clear vision you're after.
Your Personalised Selections
Next up, you get to choose the lens features that really matter for your day-to-day. Think about what your eyes go through and how you can give them the best support. Every single choice here helps build a pair of glasses that feel like they were made just for you.
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For the Student or Professional: A great combo is pairing classic rectangular frames for an oval face with our BlueRay lenses. You get that sharp, put-together look while actively shielding your eyes from screen glare during those long study sessions or workdays.
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For the All-Rounder: Why not try some stylish cat-eye frames with our advanced Bluecromic lenses? It’s the ultimate do-it-all solution. You get blue light filtering when you’re indoors and they automatically turn into sunglasses the moment you step outside. Seamless.
Picking out your new glasses should feel empowering, not like a chore. Our job is to give you the tools and guidance you need to make a choice you'll be happy with.
Once you're done, you can review all your selections on one page – your chosen frames, lens type, and any extra coatings. We believe in being completely upfront, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Because everyone’s needs are different, we can customize an eye wear package to suit your requirements. Our team is always here to help you create a personalised solution that hits that sweet spot between fashion, function, and protection.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.
Choosing the right pair of glasses always brings up a few questions. We get it. To help you feel confident you're making the right choice, here are some of the most common things people ask about frames for an oval face.
Can I Wear Round Frames with an Oval Face?
You absolutely can. While the usual advice is to go for contrasting shapes, the real secret with round or even oval frames is getting the proportions just right.
The trick is to find a style that’s just a touch wider than the broadest part of your face. This little bit of extra width helps maintain your face's natural, beautiful balance. Look for round frames with interesting details like a keyhole bridge or delicate metal rims—these add a bit of structure so the frames stand out nicely against your features.
What Are the Worst Glasses for an Oval Face?
Honestly, there's no single "worst" style, but some choices are definitely less flattering than others. For example, frames that are really narrow can sometimes make your face seem longer than it is.
On the flip side, extremely oversized frames can overwhelm your balanced proportions, hiding your best features instead of highlighting them. The goal is always to complement your face, not cover it up. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the top of your frames sits just below your eyebrows and the total width doesn't stick out too far from the sides of your face.
How Do I Know for Sure I Have an Oval Face?
Here’s a simple mirror trick that works every time. Grab a dry-erase marker and trace the outline of your face on a mirror. If you have an oval face, you’ll notice it’s longer than it is wide, with a softly rounded jawline and chin.
Typically, your forehead will be a little wider than your jaw, and your cheekbones are often the widest point—but they'll still have a gentle curve. If the shape you’ve drawn looks balanced and softly rounded all around, chances are you have an oval face.
At Prescript Glasses, we know that finding the perfect pair is about more than just style; it’s about getting the substance right, too. We can help you put together a custom eyewear package, making sure your frames and lenses are a perfect match for you and your lifestyle.
Build your custom eyewear package today at Prescript Glasses.