Beauty in frames

Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash

EYE FOR STYLE But make sure your spectacles fit well too

We all know that when choosing frames we should look at aspects such as comfort and fit. We have our preferences in terms of the material and colour of the frame. But how many of us know which frames suit our face’s structure. The usual way of selecting is by trial and error — after trying out dozens of frames and getting thoroughly confused and finally picking one out of sheer frustration. But is there a scientific way of selecting the right frame that fits our face and personality? Yes there is. And it is fairly simple. First things first. The frame has to be comfortable. It should not be too heavy, or too tight or loose and should sit well-balanced behind the ears and on the nose.

As the lenses and the frame are a unit, they should go well together. For example, some lenses are thick and heavy depending on the power. In such cases, the frame should be thick enough to hold them. Also if the lenses are bifocal, the frame should be wide enough to fit both distance and near powers.

The material of a frame should be flexible, durable and strong, yet light weight.

When selecting a metal frame, one should make sure it is properly soldered at the bridge and temple and no metal part touches the skin.

The colour of the frame should compliment skin and age. Generally, men should have their frame’s shape such that it just covers their eyebrows while women’s frames should go much higher than their eyebrows.

Now, coming to selecting the right shape and size of frame that not only complements one’s face but also one’s your personality. The key factors to bear in mind are: the frame should always contrast the shape of your face, it should be in proportion to your face size; it should compliment your face structure; and help highlight your face’s best features.

The first step then would be to understand the shape of your face. Some of the most common face shapes and the frame type that best suits each one are listed below. Find out which one best describes you.

Round: A round shape has more or less the same height and width. It does not have any hard angles but has smooth curves on the periphery. Round-faced people should choose frames that make their face appear longer and thinner. One should go for narrow or geometric-shaped frames but avoid round varieties as they only accentuate the roundness of the face.

Square: A square face has more or less the same height and width. But it also has a strong jaw line and a broad forehead. Choose frames that make the face look longer and soften the angles. Go for soft oval shapes or gently curved narrow frames. Avoid thin, angular frames as they only accentuate the square-ness of the face.

Oval: An oval face is longer in terms of height and but not proportional in width.

The oval face is also sometime characterized by high cheek bones and long nose. Frames should keep the oval face’s natural balance. Many different frames suit this face shape. One should avoid frames with low, swooping temples.

Triangular or heart shaped: Faces that have a broad forehead and a narrow or small chin, classify as triangular or heart-shaped. Frames should widen the forehead and jaw and minimise the temples. Oval and cat-shaped frames that highlight the eyes and bring out the cheekbones best suit this type.

Diamond: A diamond-shaped face is narrow at the eye level and the jaw line. This face is also characterised by high and dramatic cheek bones. The aim will be to minimise the width of the top of the face. Frames should add width below the eyeline to offset the narrow chin. This is a very difficult face to fit. Try round or square-shaped frames that are narrow for the face. Rimless also suits this face type.

Apart from the face shape, the way one’s eyes and nose are set setting of one’s eyes must be considered before frames are selected.

Eyes: For wide-set eyes, that is, if your eyes are well spaced, choose a darker bridge to make them appear closer together. Similarly for close-set eyes, go for a lighter coloured bridge to make the eyes look more wide-set.

Nose: For long noses, the bridge should be darker and heavier, but short or wide noses look better with medium or lighter bridges.

Lastly, irrespective of what frame you buy, you should feel good about them and like wearing them. Your glasses will become a part of you more than any other thing you wear, so make sure they fit well and are comfortable.

REVATHI KANT

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