When it comes to choosing glasses—whether you’re looking for prescription glasses, sunglasses or blue-light-blocking glasses—there are no hard “rules” about what styles are the most flattering. That said, many experts say that picking frames based on your face shape can be helpful. The best glasses for round faces, for example, are those with defined angles and straight lines that contrast with the natural symmetry and fullness of a round face.
The best glasses for round faces have clean, sharp lines and strong angles. Clear Eyewear
Of all the possible face shapes, round is one of the most common, marked by soft curves and full cheeks. “A round face shape is distinguished by its almost equal width and length,” says Dr. Inna Lazar, O.D., a doctor of optometry with Greenwich Eye Care. In general, the most flattering glasses for round faces provide an element of contrast via angular frames with sharp, clean lines. Think: square, rectangular, cat-eye, browline and geometric frames.
To help our fellow bespectacled readers, we researched the best glasses for round faces from eyewear brands we trust, and with advice from Dr. Lazar and fashion stylist Nina Vargas. Here, are our top recommendations:
Turnaround time: 7-10 business days | Return policy: Free return within the first 14 days | Insurance accepted: Yes, and also accepts HSA/FSA payments | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
If you’re looking for a square frame with a hint of cat-eye, these Amelia glasses are worth considering. At only $88—even cheaper with discounts on GlassesUSA—have premium acetate and metal detailing to make them sturdy and long-lasting. Online reviewers love these for their combination of oversized style and light weight.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days | Return policy: 30-day return or exchange | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
Warby Parker’s Winston glasses offer a solid combination of style and sturdiness, in an array of sizes. These glasses can be ordered in medium and extra wide to fit a larger range of face shapes. The Winston is known for its comfortable bridge and acetate nose pads, making for a great combination of retro and modern style.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days with rush 2-day delivery available | Return policy: 14-day free returns with a 365-day guarantee of quality | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No
These vinyl-metal hybrid frames provide a minimalist offering for round faces. Despite appearing slender and thin, these frames are flexible and sturdy enough for significant, intensive use. The $45 price point is also a winner.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days standard shipping with the option of 3 - 5 business days express shipping | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping costs) or 30 days for store credit | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No
Zenni’s full-plastic frame keeps their glasses low-cost and still offers moderate quality; if you’re shopping on a budget, this is a great place to start. Zenni’s frames are known to fit very true to size (with medium and wide sizes available for those with wider faces).
Turnaround time: 7-10 business days | Return policy: Free return within the first 14 days | Insurance accepted: Yes, and also accepts HSA/FSA payments | Virtual try-on: Yes| Virtual RX renewal: Yes
Revel’s Port frames are simple, lightweight and sturdier than similar rectangular acetate designs. These glasses are best described as a no-nonsense, utility-first design: They come in two colors and have a simple angular design best for those who don’t want any extras on their frames. The modest price point is also great.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days | Return policy: 30-day return or exchange| Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes |Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
These stylish Warby Parker frames have a traditional rectangular shape with softer lines than other options. They’re made from fully biodegradable cellulose acetate that’s flexible as well as environmentally friendly. Akulon-coated screws provide extra extension so you can enjoy rough-and-tumble wear at a reasonable price.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days with rush 2-day delivery available | Return policy: 14-day free returns with a 365-day guarantee of quality | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No
These rectangular frames are angular enough for a round face but have a gentle curvature that makes the overall look ultra flattering. The spring hinges helps this pair stretch to fit a variety of face widths and the acetate ensures the frames are lightweight.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days standard shipping with the option of 3 - 5 business days express shipping | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping costs) or 30 days for store credit | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No
Designed for smaller round faces, these frames from Zenni are a great budget option or backup pair of glasses for reading or driving. Still, they’re well-made enough that many reviewers say they use this frame as their primary pair. The quality is average but what’s lost in sturdiness is gained in money saved.
Turnaround time: 7-10 business days | Return policy: Free return within the first 14 days | Insurance accepted: Yes, and also accepts HSA/FSA payments | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
This Amelia Sloe frame works well for larger face profiles who want a cat-eye style. The frames are made of acetate with silver hinges and have pointed sides that harken back to your grandma’s favorite frames but are modern and neutral enough to suit a lot of aesthetics.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days | Return policy: 30-day return or exchange | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA as long as it’s affiliated with a major credit card | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
Warby Parker’s Daisy frames come in not one or two but four different sizes, from extra narrow to wide. This cat-eye has a subtler, smaller lens shape than others out there—the benefit being that these frames won’t overwhelm your face. The clear acetate on the bottom of the lens provide extra sturdiness, too.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days with rush 2-day delivery available | Return policy: 14-day free returns with a 365-day guarantee of quality | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual RX renewal: No
Notting Hill is the truest cat-eye frame style on our list. The classic pointed oval shape of each lens channels Audrey Hepburn and the spring hinges provide a sturdiness that other competitors just don’t have.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days standard shipping with the option of 3 - 5 business days express shipping | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping costs) or 30 days for store credit | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual RX renewal: No
Another contender for the classic cat-eye look, these frames have strong angles that make them look great on rounder, fuller faces. Reviewers praise this pair for being both high quality and true-to-size, with a very modest $13 price tag (note that this only covers the frames, not the lenses).
Turnaround time: 7-10 business days | Return policy: Free return within the first 14 days | Insurance accepted: Yes, and also accepts HSA/FSA payments | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
Muse’s browline frame has a Mad Men style with a thick upper rim and rimless bottom. The combination of vinyl and metal with spring hinges provides flexibility and a kind of durability that’s often lost with a rimless design, meaning the Elliot can take a beating. The large, open nose bridge is great for those with wider brows, too.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days | Return policy: 30-day return or exchange | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
With its straight lines and curved lenses, the Fielder is a combination of a browline frame and a true aviator style. The overall look is minimalist thanks to the monotone colors and single material used throughout the design. The frame is best for wide and broad faces and is made from recycled nylon with Akulon-coated screws.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days with rush 2-day delivery available | Return policy: 14-day free returns with a 365-day guarantee of quality | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No
Ray-Ban’s popular Clubmaster frames flatter almost all face shapes, including round types, with a mix of browline and cat-eye features. The angular frame is made from a blend of acetate and metal, and is reinforced with thin underwire, creating a lightweight yet resilient design. This pair is pricey but the reviews note the cost is worth the quality.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days standard shipping with the option of 3-5 business days express shipping | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping costs) or 30 days for store credit | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No
With its translucent, colorful frames, Zenni brings a decades-old style to the 21st century. This pair is sleeker than other browlines we considered, with a simple wire frame underlying the clear acetate. Thanks to the adjustable nose pads and lightweight arms, this option is also comfortable for all-day wear. Reviewers note the high quality and true-to-size fit, too.
Turnaround time: 7-10 business days | Return policy: Free return within the first 14 days | Insurance accepted: Yes, and also accepts HSA/FSA payments | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
These frames are the definition of minimalist, with slight traces of acetate molding over a simple geometric wire frame that takes up the smallest amount of space on your face. If you’re looking for a distinctive style without the bulk of other frames, this could be your best option. This pair also has softer edges to give the frames less of an angular look, resembling some cat-eye styles.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days | Return policy: 30-day return or exchange | Insurance accepted: Yes, as well as HSA/FSA | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: Yes
With its hexagonal lenses and gold inner rims, Warby Parker’s Esperanza glasses make a stylish statement. The stainless steel frame also makes them one of the hardiest frames on this list. The temple arms taper off to a relatively skinny profile but are kept durable by the steel hinges - brushed to look gold, of course.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days with rush 2-day delivery available | Return policy: 14-day free returns with a 365-day guarantee of quality | Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No
These glasses weigh just 13 grams, making them a good choice for those who don’t want a bulky look. They come in four bold colors and make a statement for an affordable price of $45.
Turnaround time: 7 - 10 business days standard shipping with the option of 3 - 5 business days express shipping | Return policy: 14 days for refund (excluding shipping costs) or 30 days for store credit |Insurance accepted: Yes, with HSA/FSA accepted | Virtual try-on: Yes | Virtual Rx renewal: No
Zenni’s geometric glasses have a hexagonal design similar to others we considered, but the angles on this pair have been smoothed a bit. The wire-only frame also softens the overall look. Reviewers note that for $20, you get a lot of bang for your buck here.
I’m a journalist with a decade of experience reviewing products and reporting on health, wellness and beyond. You can find my bylines in Forbes Vetted, Wirecutter, Slate, the Guardian and beyond. For this guide, I interviewed Dr. Inna Lazar, OD, a doctor of optometry, and Nina Vargas, a stylist who specializes in offering fashion and beauty insights.
If you have a round face, you have soft features with natural symmetry. Your cheekbones are the fullest part of your face, and your forehead and jawline are typically equal in width. According to experts, round faces are typically considered to be the most compatible with the widest variety of glasses shapes. Some pointers to keep in mind when shopping for a pair:
Dr. Lazar recommends looking for glasses with a narrower, angular profile to offset the roundness of your face and veering away from round frames, which will typically exaggerate your facial features. “Dark and bold-colored frames can lend definition to your face and draw attention to your eyes, counterbalancing the soft features of a round face,” she adds.
Frames should be as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of your face, says Dr. Lazar. Otherwise, the arms will squeeze the sides of your head or fan out awkwardly. The bridge of the glasses should also rest on your nose without feeling too loose or tight, and your pupils should align with the center of the lenses. (After all, these are supposed to help you see better!). The arms should reach straight back to your ears without being too snug or too loose. Dr. Lazar also notes that the frames shouldn’t rest on your eyebrows, and your cheeks should not push the glasses up when you smile.
“Your head size determines the size your lenses need to be for sufficient protection,” Vargas says. She notes that there’s a sweet spot for glasses: the width should be as wide as your face and the height should fall between the horizontal center of your eyebrows to about two-thirds down your nose.
Half-Rim Eyeglasses Vargas emphasizes the importance of choosing glasses that match your style and fashion taste, otherwise it’s unlikely you’ll actually enjoy wearing your glasses every day. Your lifestyle and complexion can play a role here: If you’re more active, look for frames that are durable and sturdy rather than thin and slim. If you frequently use screens at night, consider adding blue light-blocking lenses. People with cool-toned complexions tend to look best in blue-based or silver frames while those with warm tones look best in gold and brown shades.