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.

  1. 1

    Pupillary distance

    We measure the distance between your pupils so the optical center of each lens lines up with your eyes.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

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.