For practices offering a range of frames in different shapes, sizes and colors, it can be fun for customers to browse around and try on different looks before they find the perfect pair of frames to go home with. But what happens when your customers aren’t able to find the perfect fitting frames that flatter their face shape? Although it can be fun to shop around and try on different looks, some customers may get overwhelmed at the prospect of finding a stylish pair of frames that are also comfortable.

Some customers come in knowing exactly what they are looking for while others will need more guidance to find their perfect fit. To help your customers pick their perfect pair of frames, follow our easy-to-use guide to help them find the best frame shape to match their face shape.

DETERMINING FACE SHAPE

Before guiding customers on what frames to choose to complement their natural features, it’s important to first figure out what their face shape is. Here are some typical characteristics to help figure it out the face shape:

Round faces are all about curves. With fuller cheeks, wide forehead and a rounded chin, round faces are usually proportional in width and length.

Square faces have minimal curves. Usually with a broad forehead and strong jaw line, square faces are angular and proportional in their width and length.

With a narrow jawline, high cheekbones and narrow chin, oval faces are versatile enough for almost any frame shape

Heart shaped faces have a broad forehead that tapers to a small chin. Cheekbones are generally high and angled following the contour of the face.

Rectangular faces have more length than width. Typical characteristics include a long forehead, high cheekbones, and a longer nose.

Diamond face shapes are the rarest. They are narrow at the eye line and jawline and are broadest at the cheekbones.

WHY IS FACE SHAPE IMPORTANT?

Determining your customers face shape is the first step in finding them a pair of of frames. This determines what style of frames complement their natural features, what will fit comfortably, what will balance their features and what will accentuate them. As a rule of thumb, it’s important to find a style that contrasts the features of their face. For example, someone with a round face will have fuller cheeks and a rounded forehead and chin; in order to soften these features, angular shapes such as a square or rectangular will be their best bet. Matching a round frame with a round face shape will only accentuate the round features.

QUICK TIPS: Choose frames that contrast your clients face shape to find the perfect frames to match their natural features.

KEY FIT INDICATORS

When assisting your customers on how to find the perfect fitting frames for their face shape, here are some easy steps to go through to find the perfect frame:

FRAME WIDTH & PUPIL PLACEMENT

The frame width or the “total width” should only barely extend past your customer’s cheekbones. If they can fit more than one finger between the frame’s temple and their temple, the frame is too wide. On the other hand, if the frame’s temple and their temple touch, the frame is too narrow. Improper frame width will inevitably affect the placement of their pupils within each lens and potentially cause headaches due to pressure.[i]

TEMPLE LENGTH

The temple length should extend straight back to your customers ears and only touch the side of their head just in front of their ears. The temples must not curve too early; if they do, this will push the glasses down on their nose. Not only will that make the glasses feel unusual due to an incorrect fit but it’s also uncomfortable. Extra pressure will be applied to the bridge, which can cause headaches and sinus problems.

Furthermore, their prescription will have been designed for the lenses to sit correctly on the nose. With the temples being too short, they may be pushed too close to their face.[ii]

BRIDGE WIDTH AND HEIGHT

The bridge of your customer’s frame should fit snugly, neither too tight nor too loose. Metal glasses have adjustable nose pads to aid in achieving a proper fit, but acetate ones often don’t. Keep this in mind when measuring your customer’s face shape, as you’ll have to be more precise if they prefer acetate frames. A bridge that is too tight will be uncomfortable and compromise their vision correction by keeping the glasses sitting high on the face. A bridge that is too loose will cause the glasses to fall down on their nose, requiring constant readjustment.[iii]

When a customer comes to your clinic, make sure to go over these simple steps before they begin to browse for frames. Whether they are new to wearing prescription glasses or have been wearing them for years, comfort and proper fit should always be a priority when buying frames.

Remember to be the expert. Customers want product knowledge from the professional service they are there to receive. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions, customers may not know what they’re looking for until you point it out them. Download to share, and/or print the checklist below so your customers can be aware of what to look for when choosing a frame.

PERSONAL STYLE

Once the fit of your customer’s frames is determined, there are other factors to keep in mind when choosing a pair of glasses. Hair color, skin tone, and personal style can also help determine a person’s frame style. When the customer knows what kind of frame shape and fit to look for, you can help them find the perfect style that fits their personality!

IN OFFICE MERCHANDISING

Our guide can be a fun addition to your office or clinic, doubling as an art piece as well as a helpful guide for your patients to figure out what their face shape is. Talk to your local rep today to find out how you can use your co-op dollars to include these portraits at your practice! Here are some examples below: