Everyone says oval faces can wear any glasses style. While that's partially true, I learned that oval face glasses frame size still matters tremendously. Having the "ideal" face shape doesn't mean every size will work.
My face has these balanced characteristics:
This balance means I have more flexibility with frame shapes than other face types. But I still made sizing mistakes.
I assumed "any style works" meant I didn't need to think about size. Wrong. I bought frames based purely on aesthetics and ended up with several problems:
Mistake 1: Oversized frames. Just because I can wear large frames doesn't mean I should. 56mm lens width overwhelmed my face despite its balanced shape.
Mistake 2: Too-small frames. Tiny 46mm frames made my face look disproportionately large, even though oval faces are supposed to handle any size.
Mistake 3: Ignoring my actual measurements. I have an oval face, but it's a small oval. Standard sizing still didn't fit properly.
Through trial and error, I discovered my optimal measurements:
Even with a versatile face shape, staying within these parameters ensures the best look and fit.
What I learned is that oval faces need frames that maintain the natural balance. This means:
Frame width should match face width. My face is 135mm wide, so frames around 135-138mm look most proportional.
Frame height should complement face length. Since oval faces are longer, I can wear taller frames without making my face look too long.
Overall size should feel balanced. Neither too bold nor too subtle.
Yes, oval faces can wear most styles, but size changes how each style works:
Round frames: Work well in medium sizes (50-52mm). Too large and they overwhelm, too small and they look out of place.
Rectangular frames: I can go slightly larger (52-54mm) because the angular shape balances my curved face.
Cat-eye frames: Medium sizes work best. Oversized cat-eyes look costume-like on me.
Aviators: I need the right size to avoid looking like I'm wearing sunglasses indoors. 52-54mm lens width is my sweet spot.
Reading online discussions, I found that many oval-faced people make the same mistake I did - assuming shape flexibility means size doesn't matter.
One person shared that they bought oversized trendy frames thinking their oval face could handle it. The frames looked ridiculous, teaching them that proportion still matters.
Another user mentioned that they have a small oval face and struggled for years because they were buying standard sizes. Once they sized down, everything improved.
This was a revelation: not all oval faces are the same size. I have a small oval face, which means:
Understanding that oval is a shape, not a size, changed my entire approach to glasses shopping.
Even with an oval face, bridge fit matters. I need 17-18mm bridges. Too wide and glasses slide down. Too narrow and they pinch.
The balanced proportions of an oval face don't automatically mean a balanced nose bridge. I still had to find my specific measurement.
My oval face is average width, so standard 140mm temples work well. But I learned that temple fit affects how frames sit on my face.
Too-short temples cause frames to sit too far forward, disrupting the balanced look that oval faces naturally have. Proper temple length maintains that balance.
Once I understood my correct size range, I discovered the real advantage of an oval face: I can experiment with different styles within that size range.
In 52mm lens width, I can wear:
The key is keeping the size consistent while varying the shape.
With proper sizing, I found I have freedom with colors and materials too:
But this freedom only exists when the size is right. Wrong-sized frames make even the best colors and materials look off.
Here's my current approach:
Having an oval face is an advantage, but it's not a free pass to ignore sizing. I still need to know my measurements, understand my proportions, and choose frames accordingly.
The difference is that once I get the size right, I have more style options than other face shapes. But that first step - getting the size right - is just as critical for oval faces as any other shape.
If you have an oval face, don't assume everything will work. Measure your face, find your ideal size range, and then enjoy the versatility your face shape provides within those parameters.