Heart-shaped faces are widest across the forehead and cheekbones and narrow towards the chin. The frames that tend to work best are light, softly curved and slightly wider at the bottom than the top, such as round, oval and gently rounded cat-eye shapes. Below is how to spot your shape and what to look for.
How to tell if your face is heart-shaped
Pull your hair back and look straight into a mirror. A heart shape usually shows three things together:
- A forehead that is the widest part of the face, often with a visible hairline curve.
- High cheekbones that sit close to forehead width.
- A narrower, sometimes pointed chin and jawline.
If your forehead and jaw are close in width, you are more likely oval. Our face shape guide shows the other shapes side by side.
The goal: add width at the bottom, soften the top
With a broad upper face, the aim is to balance the proportions. Frames that are heavy or very wide across the brow line make the top half look even wider. Frames with some visual weight lower down, or with thin, light top edges, draw the eye gently downwards and keep things even.
Frame shapes that tend to suit heart-shaped faces
| Shape | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Round | Curves echo the soft chin and avoid sharp lines at the temples. |
| Oval | Balanced width, gentle on the cheekbones. |
| Soft cat-eye | A subtle upswept corner lifts the cheekbones without adding brow weight. |
| Clear frames | Light visual weight, so the upper half does not look heavier. |
Many people with this face shape find thin-rimmed or lightweight acetate frames the most comfortable starting point.
What to be careful with
- Very wide top lines. Heavy browline or oversized square tops can exaggerate the forehead.
- Dark, thick upper rims. They add weight where you already have width.
- Frames narrower than your cheekbones. They look pinched and can press at the temples. Check the measurements with our frame size guide.
Hairstyle and brows: small details, big effect
Side-swept fringes and soft waves around the jaw already add width where the face narrows, so they pair easily with light frames. If you wear your hair slicked back, the forehead is more exposed, and a frame with a softer top line will keep things in proportion. Straight, strong brows sit best just above the frame, so check that the top edge does not cover them when you smile.
Eyeglasses or sunglasses: does the advice change?
The principles are the same, but sunglasses are usually larger, so proportion matters more. Choose oversized round or soft oval shapes and avoid wide, flat tops. Our sunglasses collection includes prescription sunglasses if you want your correction in the same frame.
A quick try-on checklist
- The top edge of the frame follows the line of your brows without covering them.
- Your cheekbones are not wider than the frame sides.
- The bridge sits snugly and the glasses do not slip when you look down.
- The bottom of the frame rests just above or on the cheek without touching it when you smile.
Fit details that make a difference
A narrow chin often goes with a smaller nose bridge, so glasses can slide down. Look for a snug bridge fit and temples that sit close to the ear. If you wear a stronger prescription, a round or oval frame with a moderate lens width also keeps the lens edges neat. You can read more about reading your numbers in our prescription guide.
Colour and finish
Lighter colours such as clear, soft tortoiseshell and warm browns keep the look gentle. Bold black is still possible. Choose a shape with a thinner profile and let the colour do the work.
Shop this guide
Frequently asked questions
Do cat-eye glasses suit a heart-shaped face?
Yes, a softly curved cat-eye can work well. Choose a frame where the upswept corner is subtle and the top edge is not heavy.
Are aviator shapes a good choice?
Aviator-style frames are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, which can emphasise a broad forehead. A thinner, more rounded version is usually more flattering.
Should I avoid rimless or semi-rimless frames?
Not at all. Rimless and thin metal frames are light and let the face lead. Semi-rimless frames that carry the weight on the bottom edge can also balance the face.
How do I know the frame width is right?
The frame should be about as wide as your cheekbones, not wider than your temples. Our frame size guide shows how to compare a pair you already own.
Find your frame
Browse all eyeglasses or start with women's eyeglasses to compare shapes. Add your prescription in a few clicks with our lens selector.
