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    Eyeglasses Frame Shape

    Eyeglasses frames come in thousands of subtle differences among frame shapes and frame sizes. The shape and size of the eye glasses frame usually depends on your choice, based on what you think looks good on your face. Only in a few cases does the prescription restrict the shape and size of an eyeglass frame.

    Whether an eyeglass frame is basically rectangular or oval is in the eye of the beholder. There are thousands of gradations and subtleties, and in the end it really doesn’t matter what you call an eyeglasses frame’s shape, what is important is whether you like it on your face or not. Rectangular frames are somewhat squared off in their appearance. Modified rectangles are rectangles with softened corners. Oval frames have curves rather than lines in the outline. Most designer eyeglass frames have either round or oval shapes.
     

    Round

    One of the most classic (but hard to find) frame shapes is the round glasses frame. Round frames are perfectly round. We have created our own line of round titanium eyeglass frames, using German spring hinges, that is a terrific value considering the high quality of the frame.

    Panto

    The “panto” or "P3" frame shape gets its name from the eyewear manufacturers, and it refers to a classic style that falls between oval and round. The top of the frame is round and flattish, and the bottom of the frame is round but slightly pointed.

    Fossil Eyeglasses

     

    Aviator

    The Aviator frame shape is named after WWII aviators who wore eye glasses frames with a distinctive shape. Each eye has a tear drop shape, with a diagonal cut from the nose down to the cheeks.

    Cat Eye

    Cat eye glasses are slightly pointed at the sides by the ears. The eye glasses frame is elongated. They were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

    Half-Eye

    Half-Eye frames are designed to sit lower on the wearer’s nose, allowing the wearer to look over the top of the lens easily. Half eye eyeglasses frames are designed to be used as reading glasses.

    Eyeglass Frames And Your Face Shape

    Facial coloring and face shape are two important factors to consider when choosing appropriate eyeglasses frames. The first step is to determine your face shape (oval, round, rectangular, etc).

    Frame shapes can be used to accentuate or de-accentuate your facial features, depending on how you choose to express your personality. For example, if your face is basically round, round glasses would reinforce that look, and rectangular glasses would reduce the roundness of your face.

    Frame coloring works the same way; you choose the frame color to either match or contrast with skin and hair tone, eye color, jewelry, and clothing colors. The degree to which you match or contrast will contribute to the expression of your personality and your look.




    Author of this article: 

    Mark Agnew, AuthorMark Agnew
    CEO of Eyeglasses.com, which he founded in 1999.  For over twenty years, he has educated consumers, improved their vision choices, and reduced costs in eyewear.  Mark authored The Eyeglasses Buying Guide, the most comprehensive and best-selling glasses buying guide in the world.
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