Triangle face, frame guide
Glasses for a triangle face
A triangle face is widest at the jaw and narrower at the forehead, so frames should add width at the top. A browline, a cat-eye or a rectangle with a strong upper rim does that.
Bottom-heavy frames make the lower face look wider. So do small, low-set lenses, which leave the jaw as the strongest line in the silhouette.
Measure first
Not sure of your shape? The free detector measures a photo on your device and draws the lines it used.
Check my shapeThe triangle face guideThe shortlist
What works, and where it sits
A triangle face needs weight at the top of the frame. Every pick adds a strong upper rim or a lifted corner, and every avoid adds weight at the bottom or keeps the frame small.
- 1
Browline
A heavy upper rim adds width at the brow and pulls the eye upward. It is the most reliable frame for a triangle face.
- 2
Cat-eye
A cat-eye lifts the outer corner and widens the top of the face. Keep the lift moderate so the frame does not look costume-like.
- 3
Rectangle with a strong top rim
A rectangle with a thicker top than bottom adds weight at the eye line. Choose a width that reaches past the cheekbones.
- 4
Semi-rimless
A semi-rimless frame with the rim on top adds a strong horizontal line without a heavy bottom edge. It keeps the jaw from looking wider.
- 5
Oversized square
A large square frame adds width at the top and a little height. Keep the bottom edge thin so it does not add weight at the jaw.
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.
Bottom-heavy frames
A thick lower rim adds width at the jaw, which is already the widest part of the face.
Small round lenses
They sit in the middle of the face and leave the jaw as the widest line. A wider frame balances the outline better.
In practice
Glasses for a triangle face: fit notes
Try frames that are wider at the top and carry detail there: cat-eye, browline and top-heavy aviators. The width at the brow balances the lower face, which is the widest part.
Keep the bottom light. A heavy lower rim adds weight to the jaw. A thin metal frame with a defined top edge is an easy place to start, and a rimless bottom can work well. If you are between two widths, take the wider one, then ask for the temples to be adjusted so the frame does not slide. A frame that is slightly too wide is easier to fix than one that presses at the sides.
Check the width against the jaw rather than the forehead. A frame that is narrower than the jaw can make the lower face look wider. A frame that matches the widest point of the face is usually the better fit.
A frame that is too narrow at the top makes the jaw look wider by contrast. Check the front width against your cheekbones, not just the brow. If you have a strong prescription, a thicker top rim can carry the weight of the lens and still keep the lower rim light. A frame with a visible top line and a rimless bottom is often the easiest balance to wear every day.
Questions
Questions about glasses
Which glasses balance a wide jaw?
Browline, cat-eye and semi-rimless frames with a strong top rim. They add width at the forehead and draw the eye upward.
Should a triangle face avoid round glasses?
Small round frames, yes. A larger round frame with a strong top bar can work because it adds width at the top.
How wide should the frame be?
At least as wide as the cheekbones, ideally a little wider. A narrow frame makes the jaw look wider by comparison.