Choosing a new pair of glasses is never just about following a trend. It is above all a question of face shape: the right frame highlights your features, rebalances the proportions of your face and becomes a true signature. At Michils Opticiens in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, we have been helping customers with this search since 1955, with an expert eye and a wide choice of brands.
In this guide, we explain how to recognise your face shape and which frames to favour for each shape, whether you are looking for prescription glasses or sunglasses.
Why is face shape so important when choosing a frame?
Every face has its own proportions, angles and curves. A well-chosen frame creates a harmonious play of contrasts: it softens lines that are too strong, lengthens a short face or softens an angular jaw. Conversely, an unsuitable frame can accentuate an imbalance instead of correcting it.
That is why, in store, our opticians always carry out a face shape assessment before suggesting a selection of frames. This free, no-obligation step saves precious time and avoids random fittings.
How do you identify your face shape?
Before visiting the shop, you can already get a first idea in front of a mirror. Look at the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw, as well as the overall length of your face.
- Round face: full cheeks, rounded chin, width and length almost equal. The goal is to lengthen and structure the features.
- Square face: strong jaw, wide forehead, angular lines. The goal is to soften the angles.
- Oval face: balanced proportions, face slightly longer than it is wide. Almost all frame shapes suit it.
- Rectangular face: long face, high forehead, narrow jaw. The goal is to visually reduce the height.
- Triangular face: narrow forehead, wide jaw. The goal is to balance the top and bottom of the face.
- Heart-shaped face: wide forehead, high cheekbones, fine and pointed chin. The goal is to reduce the width of the upper face.
If you are hesitating between two shapes, which is very common, our opticians will help you decide when you visit the shop.
Which frame should you choose for your face shape?
Round face: go for angular lines
Rectangular or geometric frames effectively structure a round face by creating a lengthening effect. Frames that are too round or too small should be avoided, as they accentuate the natural roundness of the face. Clubmaster-style frames or models with a high frame and strong angles work particularly well.
Square face: soften the angles
To balance a strong jaw and wide forehead, round or oval frames are ideal. Choose fine materials, in light metal or translucent acetate, which counterbalance the strong lines of the face without accentuating them.
Oval face: almost all shapes suit
This is the most versatile face shape. The aim is not to correct but to preserve the natural balance of the face: choose a well-proportioned frame, neither too imposing nor too discreet for the width of your face.
Rectangular face: go for wide frames
A long face benefits from being visually shortened with deep, wide frames with strong temples. Butterfly or oversized shapes add width and break the lengthening effect.
Triangular or heart-shaped face: balance the volumes
Semi-rimless, cat-eye or aviator frames help rebalance a wide forehead and a fine chin. Light colours or gradient lenses at the top of the frame also soften the eye area.
Why choose Michils Opticiens for your new glasses?
Since 1955, Michils Opticiens has been helping residents of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and the surrounding municipalities choose their prescription glasses and sunglasses. Our approach rests on four pillars:
- A free face shape assessment in store by a qualified optician
- A personalised fitting from a wide choice of frames and brands
- Advice tailored to your face shape, your prescription and your lifestyle
- Made-to-measure frame adjustment for optimal everyday comfort
Book your face shape assessment
Want to find the frame that really suits you? Visit our shop in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, rue de l'Église 114, or book your slot online. Your glasses are not just a corrective accessory: they are part of your face and your image every day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my face shape? Stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back and look at the relative width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw, as well as the overall length of your face. You can also trace the outline of your face on a front-facing photo. If in doubt, our opticians carry out this assessment free of charge in store.
Can a frame really change how a face looks? Yes. The shape, colour and position of the frame on the face (particularly in relation to the eyebrows and cheekbones) change the perception of the face's proportions, much like a hairstyle or a pair of earrings would.
Do sunglasses follow the same rules as prescription glasses? The main face shape principles still apply, but sunglasses allow more daring in size and colour, as near vision comfort does not come into play in the same way.
Is there a charge for the face shape assessment at Michils Opticiens? No, this service is completely free and without obligation, whether or not you are already a customer.
Can I try several frames before deciding? Of course. Our opticians support you throughout the fitting and can advise you on the best selection based on your feedback and how each frame feels.