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A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Glasses Online in the UK

Posted on by Omer Saleem

Let’s face it—finding the right glasses isn’t always straightforward. It’s not just about what looks trendy or what’s on sale this week. The right pair can highlight your best features, balance your face, and honestly, make you feel more like yourself. If you’re in the UK and looking to upgrade your frames, this guide will help you pick a pair that suits your face shape—and your style.

Step One: Figuring Out Your Face Shape

Before diving into frames and styles, take a good look in the mirror. Knowing your face shape makes a big difference when you’re choosing glasses that actually look good on you, not just in the display case.

Here’s a quick guide to help you figure it out:

  • Round Face: Soft angles, full cheeks, and about the same width and height. The jawline usually has a gentle curve. 
  • Square Face: Strong, defined features. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are fairly equal in width. 
  • Oval Face: Slightly longer than it is wide. The chin tends to be narrower than the forehead, and the cheekbones are often the widest part. 
  • Heart-Shaped Face: Broader at the forehead, narrower at the chin, with prominent cheekbones. 

Once you’ve got your shape pinned down, you’re in a better position to pick glasses that suit you.

Got a Long Face? Here’s What Works

If your face is on the longer side, you’ll want frames that make it appear a bit wider and more balanced. Think horizontal lines rather than vertical ones.

Here’s what to look for:

  • Thicker, bold frames – These add width and stop your face from looking overly stretched. 
  • Rectangular or square styles – Clean edges help break up the length visually. 
  • Skip tall frames – Taller lenses can make a long face look even longer. 
  • A bit of flair helps – Patterns, colours, or details on the temples can draw the eye outward. 

Need some ideas? Have a look at this collection of best eyeglasses for long face—you might just find your next favourite pair.

Oval Face? You’ve Got Options

People with oval faces are lucky in the glasses department—most frame styles will work just fine. But that doesn’t mean every frame will bring out your best features.

Some options worth trying:

  • Square or rectangular frames – These give a bit of contrast to your natural curves. 
  • Geometric styles – If you like to stand out, go for something angular or edgy. 
  • Avoid overly round frames – They can blend in too much with your face shape. Aim for a bit of contrast instead.

For the Gents: Why Oval Frames Might Be Your Best Bet

If you’re shopping around and want something with a refined but relaxed vibe, oval eyeglasses frames for men are worth a look.

  • Classic oval frames – Easy to wear, easy to pair with a suit or jeans. 
  • Metal designs – Sleek, minimal, and lightweight without feeling flimsy. 

They’re a good match if you’ve got strong features but don’t want anything too sharp or boxy.

Square Face? Soften Things Up

Strong jawlines and sharp angles can be powerful features, but if you want to soften the look a bit, go for rounded or curved frames.

Try these:

  • Round frames – A classic choice that softens up your look. 
  • Oval frames – Great for balance without going too bold. 
  • Browline glasses – These have a bit of character and help draw the eye upward, giving the face more dimension. 

Round Face? Add Some Edge

A round face usually has soft contours and wider cheeks. To sharpen things up, look for angular frames that give your face more structure.

Solid options:

Heart-Shaped Face? Focus on Balance

A heart-shaped face typically has a wider forehead and a slimmer chin. The goal is to balance those proportions with frames that add some weight to the lower half of the face.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Oval or round styles – These soften both the forehead and chin. 
  • Bottom-heavy frames – Adds width to the jawline and keeps things balanced. 
  • Avoid top-heavy styles – They’ll draw attention to the forehead, which you don’t need.

A Few Extra Tips Before You Buy

  • Think about how you live – If you’re always on the move or need glasses for work, pick something sturdy and lightweight like acetate or titanium. 
  • Frame colour matters – Light tones can soften your features, while darker ones bring contrast. 
  • Fit is key – No matter how trendy they are, glasses need to sit comfortably. They shouldn’t pinch your nose or slide down every five minutes.

FAQs

  1. How do I know what glasses suit my face?
     Start by figuring out your face shape. Once you know whether it’s round, square, oval, or heart-shaped, you can pick frames that balance or enhance your features.
  2. What glasses work well for long faces?
     Frames that are wide, bold, or rectangular tend to work best. They add horizontal lines to break up the length of your face.
  3. Can people with square faces wear round glasses?
     Definitely. Round frames can help soften the angles of a square face and create a more balanced look.
  4. Are oval glasses a safe bet for men?
     Yes. Oval glasses are a classic choice for men and suit a wide range of facial features. They’re especially flattering if your face has sharper lines.
  5. What if I still can’t figure out my face shape?
     Take a selfie, trace your face outline on the screen (gently!), and compare it to shape guides online. Or pop into a local optician for help—they’re usually happy to advise.

The perfect pair of glasses isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about feeling good when you look in the mirror. Whether you’re checking out oval eyeglasses frames for men or narrowing down options for the best eyeglasses for long face, choose something that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.

Omer Saleem