Whether this is your first search for specs or you've worn many different frames in your lifetime, finding the perfect eyewear often comes down to the shape and size of your facial features. If you have a wide face, it's normal to find standard glasses uncomfortable.
What Is a Wide Face?
It helps to start by finding out if your features meet the criteria for a wide-shaped face. Every face is unique, and many people have a mixture of face shapes.
If your face is wide, you'll likely have some or all of the following:
- A head that's as wide as it is long.
- Cheekbones that are the widest part of your face.
- Soft and full cheeks.
- A rounded chin.
- Smooth curves and features.
While round and oval face shapes are the most common for people with a wide face, this is not always the case. Many oblong and heart-shaped faces are also broad since they're wider at the forehead and cheekbones.
Signs You May Need a Wider Fit
All face shapes have specific qualities that make them more or less compatible with certain frame styles. Eyewear that doesn't fit correctly can cause your lenses to sit too far or off-center from your pupil, ultimately impacting your vision.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you might be wearing specs that aren't wide enough:
- Discomfort at the temples: Tightness, pinching or irritation at the temples could indicate that your current frames are stretched too far. Arms that sit straight back, without splaying, and extend just past the ear before curving are signs of well-fitting frames for a wide face.
- Splayed arms: If the arms of your specs look splayed out at the sides — or if the arms on previous eyewear often broke or required adjustment — it's time to upgrade to a wider pair that offers just enough slack to sit securely and comfortably.
- Pressure or red marks: Pressure or red marks and indentations behind your eyes mean your frames are too tight. Frames should hug your face but not pinch the skin or create pressure points.
- Noticeable contrast: If your frames just look “off” or in too much contrast with your features when you look directly into the mirror, it's likely because they are too narrow.
The Best Glasses for a Wide Face
To find the best glasses for a wider face, consider your options carefully. Each of a frame's components — including its shape, material and weight — can help highlight your favorite features and soften others. They also affect which types of glasses you will find most comfortable.
Frame Size
Frames that align with the width of your face are more likely to fit securely and comfortably. If your face is widest at the forehead or temples rather than your cheekbones, specs that are just slightly wider than your face are one way to achieve a bolder look.
Frame Shape
You also need to consider the shape of your specs. Rectangular and cat-eye frames are two of the best options for those with wider faces who want to add extra angles and dimension or emphasize the cheekbones. If you want to showcase your rounder features, oval and round specs are a great way to highlight their softness.
Materials
People with wide faces often prefer thicker acetate frames and fuller rims for the visual structure they provide, especially those seeking a bold look that stands out from the crowd. If you prefer a less rigid material, you could explore patterned frames instead of solid color options to make your specs more of a statement piece.
Hinge Type
Standard hinges create a fixed opening angle for frames, but this rigidity can feel snug or stretched on wider faces. Look for frames that have spring hinges — these specs can accommodate a broader surface area while reducing pressure at the temples. This level of flexibility and movement also makes frames less likely to break or wear prematurely from over extension.
Choosing Frames for Round Cheeks
Many people with broad faces, prominent cheekbones or fuller cheeks find that mass-market frames graze the tops of their cheeks when they smile. This is often the result of a poor fit across the width of the face, nose bridge or both.
Perfectly crafted to address common problems that people with fuller cheeks or a low bridge nose encounter from standard fitting eyewear, Covry's line of Elevated Fit® eyewear has longer nose pads, reduced frame curvature and a narrowed nose bridge. Less frame curvature decreases contact with cheeks, while longer nose pads and narrower bridge add stability to keep your specs secure and reduce slippage.
These features make the Elevated Fit® line some of the best glasses for wide or rounded faces. The frames sit snugly and just far enough from the face to minimize or eliminate cheek-to-frame contact and fogging.
Tips for Finding the Right Specs for Your Face
With so many different types of specs, it's normal to feel unsure about the best pick for you! These tips may help:
- Use our frame finder: Our frame finder quiz will offer personalized suggestions based on what you like and problems you might experience with your current specs.
- Try them on virtually: Many of our specs have the option to try them on virtually through our website so you can explore various new looks easily.
- Send a selfie: To get a stylist's opinion, send a selfie to hello@shopcovry.com and receive personalized recommendations for your unique style and face shape.
- Ask for a second opinion: Whichever of our services you use to ease your search, it's helpful to ask friends and family for their opinion if you're having trouble choosing between a few different pairs you love.
Wide-Framed Glasses That You'll Love
The quest for the perfect specs isn't always fast or easy, but Covry is on a mission to change that. We specially design our Elevated Fit® specs and sunwear with real faces of all types in mind. Featuring longer nose pads, reduced frame curvature and a narrowed nose bridge, our collection offers an excellent solution for people with a wide face and beyond, with the added convenience of virtual or home try-on services to easily explore your options.
Whatever shape or style you want in your new specs, we're confident that you'll love them. Discover our range of wide fit glasses today.
