Glasses for Oblong Face Shape
By Anna Barden
Eyewear styles can have a different look on individual faces. Some may find oversized frames look best on them, while others may favor cat-eye shapes. One way to determine what will look best is to find your face shape and the styles that complement its angles and curves.
If you have a long (or oblong) face, you will have many flattering frame options thanks to your facial symmetry. But there are still some styles that you may want to avoid adding to your collection.
Read on for more information about this face shape, the best glasses for oblong faces, and the looks you should stay away from to achieve the most flattering results.
What Is an Oblong-Shaped Face?
Oblong faces are characterized by their long length. They’re sometimes just called “long faces” because they’re twice as long as they are wide.
The width of the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead are all about the same width on an oblong face. These features tend to create the shape of a vertical rectangle when put together.
Key features of this longer face shape include:
- Long, narrow face
- High cheekbones
- Long nose
- High forehead
What’s the Difference Between Oval and Oblong Faces?
It’s easy to confuse these face shapes, but there are some subtle differences between the two.
The main distinction is the width of the forehead in relation to the jawline:
- Oval faces have a slightly wider forehead and a more rounded jaw.
- On oblong faces, the forehead and jawline are relatively equal.
What Shape Glasses Look Best on Oblong Faces?
Oblong faces have equal curves and angles from top to bottom. This symmetry is flattered by nearly any shape and style of eyewear. Now this may make shopping for your next pair of glasses or sunglasses a little difficult, because of the many options you have to choose from.
So, what glasses best suit long faces? To help point you in the right direction, we’ve made a list of the frame styles that are most flattering for oblong faces.
In general, the best glasses and sunglasses for your face shape include:
- Tall frames
- Thick frames
Frames that feature accents, patterns, and vibrant colors are also great options to consider in these shapes. A sparkly embellishment or bold pop of color can add balance to your look by bringing a sense of width or weight to the center of your long face. Thicker frames and styles with sharp angles can create a similar effect.
Glasses to Avoid
What glasses should you avoid with an oblong face?
Frame shapes that are too big or too small can distract from your face’s natural symmetry or make it look longer than you would like. Try to find a style that draws attention toward your eyes while seeming to add a bit of width.
That being said, you may want to steer clear of the following:
- Narrow frame shapes
- Extra-large frames
- Super-round frames
However, if you love the look of a certain shape and feel good wearing it, that’s what’s most important. It’s all about your personal style and preference.
What About Oblong Face Shape Glasses for Men vs. Women?
Both men and women with oblong faces can find satisfaction with square, browline, and aviator styles, among numerous other frame shapes. Many of the frames in these face-flattering styles are considered unisex, but some elements can give them a more feminine or masculine feel.
For example, the following attributes may seem more masculine:
- Way-style and square frame shapes
- Black, brown, and metallic tones
- Browline (club-style) glasses
- Thick frames
- Larger dimensions
Meanwhile, these eyewear options may seem more feminine:
- Cat-eye frames
- Pink, purple, and pastel tones
- Frames with floral or animal prints
- Embellished temples
- Smaller dimensions
At the end of the day, if you like the look and fit of your frames, it doesn’t matter if they were labeled unisex, men’s, or women’s.
Sunglasses for Oblong Face Shape
Like glasses for oblong faces, sunglasses should also balance your proportions and complement the angles of your face. Both classic and trendy sunglass styles can work well with long faces. Bright colors and bold shapes are other options to consider because they draw attention to your eyes.
The following sunglasses styles are typically very flattering for your longer face shape:
- Cat-eyes
- Frames with thick rims
Colorful and patterned frames are another great way to add contrast to your look.
Celebrities with Oblong Faces
If you’re looking for additional sources of eyewear inspiration, consider the many celebrities with long faces. A few of them are even known for their face shape. Look at the glasses and sunglasses they wear the next time you need help deciding on new eyewear.
Some celebrities with oblong faces include:
- Adam Sandler
- Adam Levine
- Ben Affleck
- Ricky Martin
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Carrie Underwood
- Meryl Streep
- Angelina Jolie
In addition to their thoughtfully chosen eyewear, these A-listers also use other tricks to balance their elongated features. Some men sport facial hair or wear hats to balance the length of their face, while women may style their hair and/or makeup to complement their features.
There’s a lot to keep in mind when seeking new glasses for your oblong face. Whether you pull inspiration from your favorite long-faced celebrity or choose to browse on your own, there are dozens of flattering options out there.
If it’s been more than a year or two since your last eye exam, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They’ll check your vision and eye health and give you an updated glasses prescription if needed.
Sources
- The best glasses for oblong face shapes. All About Vision. March 2021.*
- What are the best glasses for my face shape? FramesDirect. Accessed December 2024.*
- Men's eyeglasses trends: Hot, popular frame styles. All About Vision. February 2019.*
- Women's eyeglasses: Pick from these trendy frame styles. All About Vision. February 2019.*
- Men’s sunglasses: Which are best for your face shape? All About Vision. September 2019.*
The sources listed here have been provided for informational purposes only. The citation of a particular source does not constitute an endorsement or approval of EssilorLuxottica products, services, or opinions by such source.
*Like Foster Grant, All About Vision, FramesDirect, and AAV Media, LLC are affiliates of EssilorLuxottica.
