Glasses for Your Face Shape: Get Fitted at Bolt Eye Group
Fit first · Style always
Great glasses start with a great fit.
Face shape gives you a starting point. A fitting with our opticians finishes the job. Here is how we match frames to your face, what we check at a fitting, and how to tell when your glasses are not fitting right.
Get fitted in person at five offices
At your appointment
What our opticians check at a fitting
A frame that looks great in the mirror still needs to be measured and adjusted for you. Here is what happens at a fitting.
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1
Pupillary distance
We measure the distance between your pupils so the optical center of each lens lines up with your eyes.
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2
Fitting height
For progressives, bifocals and many single-vision lenses, we mark where your pupil sits in the chosen frame. Lens depth matters here.
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3
Bridge and nose pads
We check that the frame rests on your nose without pinching, gaps or sliding, and set adjustable pads to the right angle.
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4
Frame width
The front should line up with the sides of your face. We look for even spacing at the temples on both sides.
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5
Temple length and bend
The arms should reach past your ears with a gentle curve. We shape the bend so the frame stays put without sore spots.
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6
Tilt and wrap
A slight forward tilt and a little curve around the face keep your view clear. We fine-tune both once your lenses are in.
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7
Lens and frame together
With your prescription in hand, we suggest frame sizes and lens materials that keep lenses thinner and lighter.
Face shape cheat sheet
Which frames suit your face shape?
To find your shape, pull your hair back and compare your forehead, cheekbones and jaw in a mirror, then compare width with length. Choose frames that contrast with your face: curves for angles, angles for curves.
Oval face
Longer than wide, gently rounded jaw
- Reach for
- Wayfarers, pilots, geometric shapes, bold acetate
- Go easy on
- Frames wider than your face
Fitter’s note Most styles work, so we focus on getting the width right.
Round face
Similar width and length, full cheeks
- Reach for
- Rectangles, browlines, upswept cat-eyes
- Go easy on
- Small round frames
Fitter’s note A straight top line and some corner lift add shape.
Square face
Strong jaw, broad forehead
- Reach for
- Rounds, ovals, thin metal, semi-rimless
- Go easy on
- Boxy, heavy rectangles
Fitter’s note We set the frame a touch higher on the nose to balance a strong jaw.
Heart face
Wide forehead, narrow chin
- Reach for
- Rimless, ovals, pilots, light colors
- Go easy on
- Heavy or decorated top bars
Fitter’s note Lighter frames keep the focus on your eyes.
Diamond face
Widest at the cheekbones
- Reach for
- Cat-eyes, ovals, browlines
- Go easy on
- Narrow frames inside the cheekbones
Fitter’s note We check that the lenses clear your cheekbones when you smile.
Long / Oblong face
Clearly longer than wide
- Reach for
- Deeper lenses, oversized squares, bold temples
- Go easy on
- Shallow, narrow frames
Fitter’s note Deeper lenses also leave room for progressive lenses.
Triangle face
Narrow forehead, wider jaw
- Reach for
- Browlines, cat-eyes, color up top
- Go easy on
- Bottom-heavy frames
Fitter’s note A bold upper rim balances a wide jaw.
Try frames on with an optician beside you.
Book an exam or a frame fitting at the Bolt Eye Group office closest to you. We will measure, style and adjust your glasses in person.
Quick check
Signs your glasses do not fit
If any of these sound familiar, your frame may need an adjustment or a different size.
- You push your glasses up your nose all day.
- The arms leave red marks or press above your ears.
- The lenses touch your cheeks when you smile.
- One side sits higher than the other.
- You find yourself looking over or around the frame.
- Your eyelashes brush the lenses.
Decoder
Reading the numbers on your frame
54 Eye size: the width of one lens, in millimeters.
17 Bridge: the gap between the lenses that rests on your nose.
145 Temple: arm length from the hinge to the tip.
These numbers are usually printed on the inside of an arm. If you love the fit of a pair you own, bring it to your fitting. We use its sizes as a starting point, then measure your pupillary distance and fitting height for your new lenses.
Fit notes
Special fit situations
Wide faces
Ask about larger sizes with longer arms. A frame that is too narrow pinches at the temples and pushes outward.
Petite faces
Smaller eye sizes and short arms keep the frame from sliding. Many brands make petite fits.
Low nose bridge
Frames with adjustable nose pads or a low-bridge fit keep the glasses off your cheeks.
High cheekbones
We lift the frame with pads or choose a shape with a softer lower rim, so lenses clear your cheeks.
Progressive lens wearers
Choose a frame with enough lens depth for the reading area. We measure your fitting height in the frame you pick.
Kids
Kids need frames that sit level and stay put through play. Spring hinges and a good bridge fit help.
More from Bolt Eye Group
Related reading
- Why Buy Your Glasses Where You Get Your Eye Exam?Measurements, adjustments and follow-up in one place
- How Your Glasses Change How You FeelStyle, confidence and first impressions
- Why Is My Vision Blurry Up Close After 40?Progressives, readers and other choices
- Eyewear SpecialistsMeet our optical team
- Custom Lens ChoicesLens materials, coatings and tints
- Custom Luxury LensesTinting, engraving and premium lenses
- Custom 3D EyewearFrames made from a scan of your face
- Patient QuestionsReal questions, answered by our team
Prefer to browse first? Shop frames online with our sister practice, Reimbold Eye Group.
FAQ
Fitting questions we hear every day
What happens at a glasses fitting appointment?
An optician measures your pupillary distance and, for many lenses, your fitting height. Then they help you try frames that suit your face shape and prescription and adjust the bridge, nose pads and arms. When your glasses are ready, we fit them again so they sit level and feel comfortable.
Do I need to know my face shape before I come in?
No. It helps to have a few styles in mind, but our opticians can tell your face shape at a glance and pull frames for you to try.
Which frame shape flatters a round face most?
Frames with straight lines and a little lift at the corners, such as rectangles, browlines and soft cat-eyes, add definition to a round face. Choose a width that matches your cheeks.
Why does pupillary distance matter for new glasses?
Pupillary distance tells the lab where to place the optical center of each lens. When it lines up with your eyes, your lenses feel natural and clear.
What is fitting height, and why do progressive lenses need it?
Fitting height is the distance from your pupil to the bottom of the lens in your chosen frame. Progressive lenses use it to place the distance, middle and reading zones in the right spots.
How can I tell if my frames are too wide?
If the frame extends well past the sides of your face, your eyes sit toward the inner edge of the lenses, or the glasses keep slipping down, they are probably too wide.
Can I bring my current glasses to be checked?
Yes. Bring them with you. Our opticians can look at how they sit and tell you whether an adjustment or a new frame makes more sense.
What should I bring to my frame fitting?
Bring your current glasses, your prescription if it came from another office, your vision insurance card, and photos of styles you like.
Do large frames make strong prescriptions look thicker?
They can. Larger lenses have thicker edges with nearsighted prescriptions. A slightly smaller frame and a high-index lens keep lenses thinner. We will show you your options.
Which frame styles are popular right now?
Thin metal, rimless styles, soft ovals, updated pilots, sculpted cat-eyes and deep colors like plum and chocolate are all popular this year.
Book your fitting today
Choose the office closest to you: Canton, East Cobb, Lawrenceville, Riverdale, Johnson City.