Eyewear guide
Eyeglass Frame Styles: A Glossary
From cat-eye to browline to rimless, here’s what each frame style looks like, who it tends to suit, and the impression it gives, so you can shop with the right words.
Classic shapes
Most frames start from one of a few basic shapes. These are the everyday workhorses.
- Rectangle: Wider than tall, with straight lines. It reads as polished and professional, and it adds definition to round and oval faces.
- Square: Close to equal height and width, with stronger corners than a rectangle. It gives a bold, confident look and suits round and oval faces.
- Round: Circular lenses with a soft, creative or vintage feel. Round frames balance square and angular faces.
- Panto: A round lens with a slightly flattened top, often paired with a keyhole bridge. It’s a classic, slightly academic look that works on many faces.
- Oval: Rounded but wider than tall. It’s understated and versatile, and it softens strong, angular features.
Statement shapes
- Cat-eye: The upper outer corners sweep up and out. It adds lift and a touch of glamour, and it suits diamond, heart, oval and round faces.
- Aviator: A teardrop shape, usually in thin metal with a double bridge. Originally a pilot’s style, it’s now a relaxed classic for glasses and sunglasses alike, and it suits oval, heart and square faces.
- Browline: A bold upper rim with a thin metal lower rim. It has a mid-century feel and a sharp, defined brow, and it suits oval, diamond and round faces.
- Geometric: Hexagons, octagons and other angular shapes. They look modern and design-minded and work well on oval and round faces.
- Oversized: Large lenses that cover more of the face. They’re dramatic and fashion-forward and can balance long or strong features.
Statement shapes are easiest to wear when the size is right. Start near your usual frame width and let the shape do the talking, so your eyes still sit near the center of each lens.
Rim styles: full-rim, semi-rimless and rimless
Rim style is separate from shape. Most shapes come in more than one rim style.
- Full-rim: The rim surrounds the whole lens. It’s the sturdiest option, hides the lens edges, and offers the widest range of colors and thicknesses.
- Semi-rimless (half-rim): The rim runs along the top, and a thin nylon cord holds the bottom of the lens. It looks lighter than a full rim but keeps a defined brow line.
- Rimless: The lenses are drilled and attached directly to the bridge and temples. It’s the lightest, most minimal look, for people who want their glasses to almost disappear. Rimless frames need careful handling.
Not every lens works in every rim style. Your eye doctor and optician can tell you which lens options suit your prescription.
Wrap and sport frames
Wrap frames curve around the face to follow its contour. You see them most in sport and active eyewear and in sunglasses, where the curve gives wider coverage and the frame stays put while you run, ride or hike the hills around town.
Strongly curved frames can limit some lens options, so ask your optician whether a wrap style works with your lenses before you set your heart on one.
Try styles on with our team
Style names help you describe what you like, but trying on a few is the fastest way to know. Bring a photo of a look you like, or your current glasses, and start from there.
At Aesthetic Eye Care in San Luis Obispo, our selection includes designer frames, sport and active eyewear, children’s eyewear and eco-friendly frames, plus prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. Our eye care team can help you choose frames that best fit the size and shape of your face. Call (805) 439-1010 or request an appointment online.
What is the difference between semi-rimless and rimless glasses?
Semi-rimless frames have a rim along the top and a thin cord holding the bottom of the lens. Rimless frames have no rim at all; the lenses attach directly to the bridge and temples.
Which frame styles are the most timeless?
Rectangles, softly rounded squares, panto shapes and tortoiseshell or black full-rim frames have stayed popular for decades and rarely look dated.
What is a browline frame?
A browline frame has a bold upper rim, usually plastic, with a thinner metal lower rim. It emphasizes the brow and has a mid-century feel.
Which frame style is best for everyday wear?
Full-rim rectangles, ovals and panto shapes are easy everyday choices because they’re durable and work with most outfits. If you want something lighter, semi-rimless is a good middle ground.
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