Choosing the right glasses frames for your face shape is one of the most useful things you can do to ensure your eyewear looks intentional, flattering and well-chosen. For round faces in particular, the right frame can add definition, create visual length, and make the whole look come together. The wrong choice can do the opposite.
This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting eyewear frames for a round face shape what works, what doesn’t, why the principles hold, and how to apply them when shopping for glasses frames online in Australia.
A round face is characterised by:
Round faces are common and have the advantage of looking naturally youthful. The styling challenge with round face shapes and eyewear is contrast — because the face already has soft, curved lines, frames that echo those curves can make the face look rounder and heavier. The goal is to introduce angular, geometric or horizontally extended elements that create the visual impression of length and definition.
Rectangular frames are the most recommended style for round faces, and for good reason. The strong horizontal lines of a rectangular frame create visual contrast with the curved contours of a round face, making the face appear longer and more defined. The sharper corners add structure that the face shape naturally lacks.
Look for rectangular frames with a wider than tall proportion a lens that is significantly broader than it is high will create the most effective lengthening effect. Full rim rectangular frames in acetate or metal are both excellent choices.
Square frames share the same logic as rectangular strong angles, flat top and bottom edges — but with a more balanced width-to-height ratio. They work well on round faces because the geometric corners provide definition. Slightly oversized square frames can be particularly effective, as they create a broader horizontal line across the face.
The classic wayfarer silhouette with its trapezoidal shape that is wider at the top than the bottom is an excellent choice for round faces. The broader upper edge draws the eye upward and outward, creating the impression of wider, more angular facial structure. Wayfarer shapes work as both optical frames and sunglasses.
Cat-eye frames, with their upswept outer corners, are particularly flattering on round faces. The lift at the outer edge of the frame draws the eye upward and creates the visual effect of a more oval or heart-shaped face. Cat-eye styles work across a broad range of ages and are available in both subtle and dramatic interpretations from a slight flick at the outer corner to an exaggerated 1960s silhouette.
Hexagonal, octagonal and other angular geometric frames have become increasingly popular and work very well on round faces. Any frame shape that introduces flat edges and defined angles will create the visual contrast needed to balance a round face. Geometric frames also signal style awareness, making them a strong choice for fashion-forward buyers.
The most common advice for round faces is to avoid round and oval frames and it’s sound. Circular frames echo and amplify the natural roundness of the face rather than balancing it. This doesn’t mean round frames are unwearable on round faces, but they require careful proportioning and tend to be more challenging to pull off.
Small frames that sit centrally on the face do little to create horizontal or angular contrast. They can make a round face look fuller by leaving a lot of uncovered facial area with no structural interest.
Rimless or very fine wire frames reduce the visible structure of the eyewear to a minimum. On some face shapes this is elegant, but on a round face the absence of a strong frame line means the opportunity to add definition is lost. If you prefer a lighter frame, semi-rimless styles where the upper rim is present but the lower edge is open retain the important upper line of definition.
For round faces, frame width is particularly important. The frame should be at least as wide as the widest point of your face, and ideally slightly wider. This creates a horizontal emphasis that counterbalances the vertical roundness of the face.
Avoid frames that are narrower than the face, as this creates a floating appearance that actually makes the face look rounder by comparison.
The depth of the lens (the vertical measurement) should be moderate. Very deep frames can make a round face look shorter. Shallower frames particularly shallow rectangles help create the impression of vertical length
Strong, defined frames in solid colours black, tortoiseshell, deep navy, burgundy create more visual structure than soft, translucent or pastel frames. If you want your frames to add definition, a bolder colour or finish will contribute to that effect.
That said, colour choice is ultimately personal. The shape and proportion of the frame matters more than the colour in terms of face-shape flattering. A well-chosen rectangular frame in a light acetate will still work better than a round frame in black.
At Last Seasons, our range of eyewear frames includes full rim, semi-rim and rimless options across men’s, women’s and unisex categories. Our previous season optical frames and sunglasses from quality brands are available at significantly reduced prices making it easier to try a new style, own multiple pairs, or upgrade your frames without the premium of buying current season stock.
Every product listing includes full frame specifications lens width, bridge width and temple length so you can shop with confidence regardless of whether you’re buying in store or online. Free shipping applies to every order delivered within Australia.
Browse our full range of glasses frames and find the right pair for your face shape today.
If you’ve ever turned a pair of glasses over and noticed a string of numbers printed on the inside of the arm something like 52 17–140, you’ve seen eyewear frame measurements. For most people, those numbers are a mystery. But once you understand what they mean, choosing the right eyewear frames online becomes significantly easier and you’ll never buy a frame that doesn’t fit your face again.
This guide explains every measurement you need to know, how to find your own measurements, and how to use them when shopping for eyewear frames in Australia.
Every pair of glasses has three core measurements printed on the frame, usually on the inside of one temple arm. They are expressed in millimetres and always appear in the same order:
Together, these three numbers tell you how wide the frame sits, how it spans your nose, and how far the arms extend back toward your ears. Getting all three right is what makes the difference between a frame that fits comfortably all day and one that pinches, slides or sits unevenly.
Lens width, sometimes called eye size, measures the horizontal width of a single lens in millimetres. It typically ranges from around 44mm for smaller frames to 58mm or more for larger or oversized styles. Most adult frames fall between 48mm and 54mm.
This measurement does not tell you the total width of the frame that’s the lens width doubled, plus the bridge width. But lens width is your best starting point because it reflects the overall proportion of the frame on your face.
As a general guide:
If you already own a pair of glasses that fit well, you can read the lens width directly from the inside of the arm and use it as your reference size when shopping for eyewear frames online.
The bridge width measures the distance between the two lenses across the nose piece. It typically ranges from 14mm to 24mm, with most adult frames sitting between 16mm and 20mm.
Getting the bridge width right is crucial for comfort. A bridge that’s too narrow will pinch your nose and sit too high on your face. A bridge that’s too wide will cause the frame to slide down constantly and create pressure points behind the ears as the arms compensate.
To find your ideal bridge width, measure the distance across the bridge of your nose at the point where you want the frame to rest. A ruler or soft tape measure will do the job. Then compare that figure to the bridge width on frames you’re considering.
If you wear glasses for prescription use, the bridge fit also affects lens centration the alignment of the optical centre of the lens with your pupil. An ill-fitting bridge can move the optical centre off-axis and cause visual distortion, headaches or eye strain even with a perfect prescription.
The temple length, sometimes called arm length measures from the front hinge to the tip of the arm, including the bend that hooks behind your ear. It is typically between 130mm and 150mm, with 140mm being the most common adult length.
Temple length affects how securely the frame grips your head. Arms that are too short will create pressure on the sides of your head. Arms that are too long will leave the frame loose and prone to slipping. The bend at the end of the arm, called the temple tip, should begin just behind your ear rather than sitting directly on top of it or extending past the earlobe.
Children’s frames typically have shorter temple lengths of 115mm to 130mm. If you’re buying children’s glasses frames in Australia, checking the temple length is especially important because frames sized for adults will be uncomfortable and sit poorly on a child’s face regardless of lens width.
Taking the example 52 17–140:
The total frame width would be approximately 52 + 52 + 17 = 121mm. This is the span from the outermost edge of one lens to the outermost edge of the other, which should roughly match the width of your face at the temples.
The easiest method is to check a pair of glasses you already own and know fit well. Find the numbers on the inside of the arm and use them as your baseline.
If you’re starting fresh, a few simple measurements at home will get you there:
You can also ask your optometrist at your next appointment they will have your measurements on file from your last fitting.
When you shop for eyewear frames online in Australia, you can’t try the frame on before you buy. That makes measurement knowledge essential. At Last Seasons, every product listing includes the full measurement specifications so you can compare directly against your existing frames before you commit to a purchase.
Understanding frame measurements also helps you take advantage of the savings available on previous season eyewear. Previous season optical frames carry the same specifications, the same materials and the same quality as current season models, the only thing that’s changed is the collection year. Knowing your measurements means you can shop with complete confidence across our full range.
Now that you know how to read eyewear frame measurements, you’re equipped to shop smarter. Browse the full range of optical eyewear frames and sunglasses at Last Seasons — every product includes complete sizing details, and every order ships free across Australia.
There’s a reason fashion insiders, savvy shoppers and smart buyers across Australia have been quietly buying previous season eyewear for years. It’s not a compromise. It’s not second-rate stock. It’s simply a smarter way to buy quality frames — and once you understand how the eyewear industry actually works, it’s the only option that makes sense.
Like fashion clothing, eyewear operates on a seasonal release cycle. Frame manufacturers and brands release new collections each season typically twice a year. When new stock arrives, retailers clear shelf and warehouse space to make room. Previous season frames are retired from active retail sale not because they are defective, discontinued or inferior in any way, but simply because newer models have arrived.
The frames themselves haven’t changed. The materials are identical. The quality is the same. The only thing that has changed is the calendar.
For consumers, this creates an extraordinary opportunity. Previous season eyewear frames can be purchased at significantly reduced prices often 40 to 60 per cent below original retail with zero reduction in quality, durability or style.
When you buy previous season eyewear from a specialist retailer like Last Seasons, you are buying:
What you are not buying is second-quality stock, factory seconds, imitations or frames from unknown manufacturers. Previous season means last season’s release — not last decade’s.
Eyewear retail has significant margin built into its pricing model. Frames that cost a fraction of their retail price to manufacture are routinely marked up to reflect brand positioning, retail overhead, optometrist fitting fees and the cost of being a current season release.
A pair of optical frames at full retail in an Australian optical store might cost $250 to $450 or more. The same quality frame from the previous season’s collection, purchased through a specialist like Last Seasons, might be $70 to $210. The frame sitting on your face is functionally identical. The price difference is almost entirely a function of timing.
For Australians who need prescription frames, particularly those buying multiple pairs, replacing frames that have been damaged, or buying children’s frames that will be outgrown the cumulative saving across even a few purchases is substantial.
For the significant portion of Australians with private health insurance that includes optical extras, previous season eyewear frames make your benefit go further.
Most health funds provide an annual optical benefit that can be applied to prescription frames. The benefit amount is typically fixed meaning you get the same dollar rebate whether you spend $180 or $380 on frames. Buying previous season frames at a lower price point means your rebate covers a greater proportion of the total cost, or in some cases covers the cost in full.
The “use it or lose it” nature of optical benefits most expire at calendar year end — also means October and November represent a prime opportunity to purchase frames before unused benefit lapses. Previous season stock is available year-round, making it a natural fit for benefit-motivated purchases.
This is the misconception worth addressing directly. Eyewear frame design does not change dramatically from season to season. The shapes, materials and construction techniques that define a quality optical frame classic rectangles, ovals, full rim acetate, rimless wire are enduring. They are not subject to the rapid trend cycles of clothing or footwear.
A well-designed frame from last season looks indistinguishable from a well-designed frame from this season on virtually every face, in virtually every setting. The quality brands that Last Seasons stocks including Superflex, MarcVincent, Van Staveren and others are known for classic, wearable designs that hold their relevance across multiple seasons.
The customer who insists on buying only current season releases is paying a significant premium for a distinction that is invisible to everyone around them.
While previous season frames are a smart choice for almost any buyer, they make particular sense for:
Last Seasons was built on a straightforward premise: quality eyewear frames shouldn’t require paying full retail. By specialising in previous season optical frames and sunglasses from quality brands, we’re able to offer Australian buyers a genuine alternative to the standard retail experience.
Our range spans optical frames and sunglasses across men’s, women’s, children’s and unisex categories. Every frame includes complete specifications. Every order ships free anywhere in Australia. And every purchase is backed by the simple logic that previous season frames are not inferior they’re just smarter.
Browse the full range at Last Seasons and find your next pair of quality eyewear frames at the price they should always have been.
