Frames

Eyeglasses

Mitchell Family Eye Care

Guidelines for choosing a Frame that's right for you:

Step #1: Choose a frame that compliments your face shape-- by contrasting it.

(ie, round faces look best in frames with sharp edges, and angular faces look better in rounded frames)

GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST-LOOKING FRAME FOR YOUR FACE
Face Shape		Complimentary Frame Shape
Round (Rounded forehead, full cheeks and chin)		Frames with sharp angles. Frames with straight or angular lines can make the face look thinner and longer..
Triangular, Heart-shaped ( Wider forehead and cheekbone area, tapering to a narrow chin. Usually small in size )		Frames slightly wider at the bottom, with straighter top lines and lower side lines. Rimless frames tend to look good on this face shape as well.
Triangular, Pear-shaped (Broad and square at the jaw-line, tapering to a relatively narrow forehead; cheeks and jowls tend to be broader than the forehead)		Frames with detail and/or heavier color at the top-- any frame with a more dramatic top edge than bottom tends to do well on this face shape. Cat eye frames often do well.
Oval (Evenly proportioned face. Medium-wide forehead, high cheekbones, narrow, slightly rounded chin)		Congratulations! You have the luxury of trying out different styles, as many frame shapes are flattering on this facial shape. However, remember to choose a frame size in proportion to face size.
Oblong (Forehead, cheekbones and chin similar width creating long lines from cheekbones to chin; face is longer than it is wide with a rounded jaw-line)		frames which are more deep than wide makes the face appear more balanced. Frames with oval or rounded lower lines, and strong horizontal top lines or emphasis on top outer corners, or contrasting temples do well on this type of face.
Square (Wide forehead. Straight lines from cheekbone to jaw. Square shaped chin)		Frames with oval or rounded lines, at least as wide as the face. Frames with little vertical depth will soften edges and make the face look longer.
Diamond (Widest at high cheekbones and narrow at both the chin and forehead)		A wide variety of frames do well, but frames accentuaing the brow line tend to do best; oval, rimless, and cat-eye shapes all look good on this face shape.

Step #2: Consider your prescription.

If you've got a strong prescription, your lenses will be thicker, which tend to look better in a smaller, more angular frame.

Frames with rounded edges, or frames that are rimless, may cause your lenses to appear larger.

If your prescription is high, one of our trained staff will be happy to help to find the frames that are optimal for the lenses you'll need.

In addition, if you're over 40 and considering a progressive, or "no-line" bifocal (see our "choosing lenses" section), frame size is very important.

Again, our opticians and staff are happy to help you with these factors.

Step #3: Match your coloring, your needs, your personality!

Today's frames come in myriad colors, shapes, and designs. If you're choosing a conservative frame for everyday use, this will probably be easy for you, and you can move on to step 4.. However, we've found that many people are considering a designer or trendy frame. (Sometimes as a second pair).

If you are going for more color, consider your skin tone-- most people have warm (yellow-based) or cool (blue-based) skin tone.

If you are cool-toned, you could try black, grey, blue, tortoise, and darker browns. Warms tend to look better in light brown hues and some reds.

There are a wide variety of styles that can give you a sophisticated, fun-loving, youthful, conservative, or style-conscious look.

Step #4: Choose your material

The first choice iseither plastic (also called zyl) or metal.

Plastic frames tend to be trendier and may be more colorful.

Metal frames come in a variety of materials. Nickel makes up the majority of cheaper metal frames, and some may be hypersensitive to this material. If you have a history of allergies, especially to nickel or other metals, consider a premium material.

Titanium is used in premium frames, as is stainless steel.

In addition, flexible materials may be the best for your active lifestyle. Flex-titanium is available, and flexible memory plastics are even available now.

Step #5: Consider your budget!!!

Okay, maybe this should have been higher on the list.

This is very important, especially if you are considering a premium or higher priced lens. If you are on a budget, consider spending more on the lenses, and less on the frame. Remember, the lenses are what allow you to see your best!!!