Diamond face, frame guide
Glasses for a diamond face
A diamond face is widest at the cheekbones and narrower at the forehead, so frames that add width at the top balance it. Cat-eye and browline shapes do that best.
Narrow frames make the cheekbones look wider by comparison. A frame that reaches past the cheekbones gives the face a wider top line.
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What works, and where it sits
The diamond's widest line is at the cheekbone, so every pick adds width at the temple or the brow. The avoids keep the frame narrow, which leaves the cheekbones as the only wide line.
- 1
Cat-eye
The lifted outer corner adds width at the temple, where a diamond face is narrow. Choose a medium cat-eye rather than an extreme one.
- 2
Browline
A strong upper rim draws the eye to the brow and widens the top of the face. It also softens the prominence of the cheekbones.
- 3
Oval frame
An oval frame follows the cheekbone curve without repeating it exactly. Keep the lens a little deeper than a narrow oval so it has presence.
- 4
Wide rectangle
A rectangle that is wider than the cheekbones adds a horizontal line at the top of the face. It is a good option if you want a sharper look.
- 5
Rimless with a strong top bar
A rimless frame with a visible top bar adds width without a heavy outline. It is the lightest way to balance the cheekbones.
Less useful
What works against it
None of these is a rule. They are the choices that tend to undo the balance the rest of the page builds.
Very narrow frames
A frame that sits inside the cheekbones makes the widest part of the face look wider. Check the total width against your cheekbones.
Small round lenses
They concentrate attention on the middle of the face. A larger lens spreads the frame across the cheekbone line.
In practice
Glasses for a diamond face: fit notes
Try frames that are wider at the brow than at the cheek, with detail on the upper rim. Cat-eye, browline and oval frames with a visible top line add width where the face is narrow.
Keep the frame off the widest point of the cheekbone. A slightly higher bridge or a shallower lens often fits better and stops the frame from drawing a line across the cheek.
A rimless or thin metal frame can work if you want the cheekbones to stay the feature. A heavy frame at the cheek adds weight to the part of the face that already draws the eye. If you want a second pair for sport, a wrap frame changes the shape completely, so treat it as a separate purchase rather than an everyday pair. A wrap frame also sits closer to the face, which can press on the cheek, so try it with the pads adjusted.
If you have a strong prescription, a rimless frame can expose the thickness of the lens at the edge, which adds weight to the cheek. A thin rim hides it better. A frame with a little height at the brow keeps the eye upward, which is the direction this shape usually wants. Ask the optician to check the fitting height before the lenses are cut, because it cannot be adjusted later.
Questions
Questions about glasses
Do cat-eye glasses suit a diamond face?
Yes. The lifted corner adds width at the temple, which balances the cheekbones. Keep the lift moderate.
Should a diamond face wear wide frames?
Generally yes, as long as they are not so wide that they overwhelm the face. A frame just past the cheekbones is the target.
Which glasses soften prominent cheekbones?
Browline and oval frames. Both add a horizontal line above the cheekbone, which makes it look less dominant.