How to Find Your Face Shape – The 9 Face Shapes for Men Explained (With Styling Guide)

Understanding your unique face shape is a cornerstone of personal style, grooming expertise, and self-presentation.

In modern society, where visual impressions carry unprecedented significance, mastering the nuances of facial structure can provide an invaluable advantage in personal and professional spheres.

In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll delve into the intricate world of men’s face shapes, providing a deeper understanding of how facial structure influences your hairstyle, eyewear, and accessories selection.

The 9 Main Face Shapes for Men

1. Oval Face Shape

Imagine an egg standing upright—that’s essentially an oval face shape.

This face shape is described in various ways across different sources, such as the egg-shaped face, elliptical face shape, balanced face, medium-long face, proportional face shape, or classical face shape.

The length of an oval-shaped face is about one and a half times its width, and the forehead and jaw are slightly narrower than the cheekbones, but the differences aren’t dramatic.

The sides of the face curve gently rather than having sharp angles.

Think of actors like Idris Elba, George Clooney, Jude Law, or Jake Gyllenhaal—they all have oval faces in various variations.

The oval face shape serves as a baseline for other shapes, as many face shapes are essentially variations of the oval – either stretched, widened, or angular.

That’s why you’ll sometimes hear people say oval is the “ideal” face shape, though this is more about its versatility than actual appearance.

2. Round Face Shape

Picture a circle with softened edges—this represents the round face shape.

This shape is referred to as circular face, soft square, full face, curved face, cherubic face shape, moon face, or compact face shape.

A round face features similar width and length measurements, with soft curves rather than angles dominating the features.

The cheeks are typically the widest part of the face, with a gently curved jawline that lacks sharp angles.

Think of celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Elijah Wood. Notice how their faces appear full without sharp angles.

The roundness doesn’t mean a lack of definition; it’s simply a different facial structure that can look equally masculine and appealing.

Many young men have round faces as this shape often appears more youthful, and the features might become more angular with age.

3. Oblong Face Shape

Picture a rectangular face with softer edges – that’s the essence of the oblong face shape.

This shape is also known as elongated oval, soft rectangular, extended oval face shape, or lengthened face shape.

The key characteristic is sharing similar width measurements across the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, but with significantly greater length than width and softly rounded corners instead of sharp angles.

The face appears longer and narrower overall, with a prominently round chin rather than an angular one.

Think of actors like Adam Driver and Ben Barnes – they demonstrate classic oblong face characteristics.

The main difference between oblong and rectangular faces lies in the edges – where rectangular faces have distinct angles, oblong faces feature softer, more rounded corners.

Many men with oblong faces find that their proportions work particularly well with a wide range of styling options, though they often prefer choices that add width rather than height.

4. Square Face Shape

Think of a strong, evenly proportioned box – that’s the square face shape.

This shape goes by many names: angular face, strong jaw face, muscular face, boxed face, chiselled face, symmetrical square, or masculine face shape.

Square faces feature similar measurements across the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, creating an even, powerful appearance.

The essential characteristic is the presence of sharp angles, particularly at the jaw, distinguishing it from the round face shape.

Look at celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Daniel Radcliffe, Michael B. Jordan, and Simu Liu – their faces showcase clear angles and similar width-to-length proportions.

The square face shape is often considered traditionally masculine due to its strong lines and defined features.

Many men with square faces find that their strong bone structure effectively allows them to carry both clean-shaven and bearded looks.

5. Rectangle Face Shape

Envision a square face stretched vertically—welcome to the rectangle face shape.

You might hear it called oblong face, extended square, long face, linear face shape, stretched face, elongated face, or narrow face shape.

Rectangle faces maintain the angular features of a square shape but with notably greater length than width.

The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline typically share similar width measurements, creating straight, parallel sides.

Consider actors like Henry Cavill, Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe as prime examples of rectangular face shapes.

Some sources use “oblong” and “rectangular” interchangeably, though oblong faces might feature slightly softer corners.

This shape benefits from styles that add width rather than height, helping to create more balanced proportions.

6. Triangle Face Shape

Visualise an upside-down triangle – that’s the essence of the Triangle face shape.

Alternative names include pear face shape, pyramidal face shape, wide jaw face shape, narrow forehead face shape, inverted pyramid face shape, or base-heavy face shape.

The defining feature is a jaw wider than the forehead, with the face gradually narrowing from bottom to top.

Unlike the diamond or heart shape, the widest point sits at the jawline rather than the cheekbones or forehead.

Celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles display triangular face characteristics.

While some guides might combine this with other categories, its distinct features and styling needs warrant separate classification.

Triangle faces can appear particularly masculine due to their strong jaw structure, though many men prefer to balance this feature through styling choices.

7. Heart Face Shape

Visualise an inverted triangle – that’s the essence of the heart-shaped face.

Also known as Valentine face shape, inverted triangle shape, wide forehead shape, or tapering jaw shape.

The defining feature is a forehead wider than the cheekbones, with the face gradually narrowing down to a more pointed chin.

Unlike the diamond shape, where cheekbones dominate, heart shapes show their greatest width at the forehead line.

Bradley Cooper, Nick Jonas, Donald Glover, and Chris Hemsworth exemplify heart-shaped face characteristics.

A widow’s peak hairline is common with heart shapes, though it’s not a required feature.

Heart faces often project a youthful appearance due to their soft tapering features, and many men find this shape particularly versatile for various styling approaches.

8. Pear Face Shape

Think of an inverted heart – that’s the essence of the pear face shape.

Also known as trapezoid face shape, reverse triangle, wide-base face shape, or gradual-width face shape.

The defining feature is a narrow upper forehead that gradually widens through the cheeks to a broader jawline, creating a smooth transition from top to bottom.

Unlike the triangle shape, where the widening can be more dramatic, pear faces show a more gradual progression from the narrower forehead to the wider jaw.

Actors like Ryan Gosling show subtle pear-shaped characteristics, though pure pear shapes are less common among male celebrities.

This shape differs from other angular faces in its smooth transitions rather than dramatic angles, offering unique opportunities for balanced styling approaches.

Many men with pear faces find success in styles that add volume at the crown while keeping the sides proportional to balance their natural features.

9. Diamond Face Shape

Picture a traditional diamond – this shape captures the essence of faces defined by prominent cheekbones.

Diamond faces are also known as angular pointed faces, cheekbone-dominant faces, narrow forehead shapes, or model faces.

The key characteristic lies in the cheekbones being the widest point of the face, with both the forehead and jawline tapering to create narrower points.

The most striking feature is the dramatic angle at the cheekbones, creating clear definition and sculptural quality to the face.

Robert Pattinson, Ezra Miller, Jared Leto, and Zayn Malik demonstrate classic diamond face characteristics.

Diamond faces often appear most angular when viewed from the front, with striking bone structure that’s prized in the modelling industry.

A diamond face shape can appear particularly sophisticated, though many men prefer to soften their angular features through styling choices.

Styling Tips by Face Shape

Oval Faces

Oval face shape works with most styles, but here’s how to maximise your balanced features.

Hairstyles that maintain your natural balance work best—think classic cuts with clean lines and proportionate length.

Keep your face’s natural symmetry by avoiding styles that fall too heavily to one side or add excessive bulk anywhere.

For beards, nearly all styles work well—from stubble to full beards—just maintain clean lines that follow your jaw’s natural curve.

Glasses frames should mirror your balanced proportions. Frames slightly wider than your cheekbones typically look best.

Avoid extremely oversized frames or tiny specs that could disrupt your face’s natural harmony.

Round Faces

If you have a round face, your styling goal is to create definition while maintaining your face’s natural charm.

Hairstyles with height at the crown and shorter sides create the illusion of a longer face shape.

Avoid cuts that end at your cheekbones, as these can emphasise facial roundness.

Beard styles that extend below the jaw add length to your face—try a goatee or an oval-shaped full beard.

Angular glasses frames create definition—rectangular or square shapes work particularly well.

Stay away from round frames that might emphasise your face’s circular shape.

Oblong Faces

If you have an oblong face, your styling approach should focus on creating width whilst maintaining your face’s natural softness.

Hairstyles that add volume at the temples work best—think side-swept cuts and layered styles that create width.

Keep sides fuller to balance face length, and avoid styles that add too much height at the crown.

For beards, opt for rounded styles that complement your softer facial angles—consider a full beard with curved edges or neat stubble that follows your natural contours.

Choose glasses frames that add width to your face—rectangular frames with softened edges typically look best.

Avoid narrow frames or very round shapes that might emphasise your face length.

Square Faces

Your strong features give you plenty of styling options—you can either enhance or soften your angular structure.

Hairstyles can either embrace your angles with clean, sharp cuts or soften them with textured styles.

Short sides with longer, messier tops help maintain masculinity while softening sharp angles.

Beard styles can follow your strong jaw for added definition, or be slightly rounded to soften angles.

Round or oval glasses provide an excellent contrast to your angular features.

Avoid very square frames that might make your face appear too rigid or severe.

Rectangle Faces

Your goal is to maintain your strong structure while creating the illusion of width rather than length.

Hairstyles with volume at the sides work better than styles that add height.

Mid-length cuts that can be styled outward help break up your face’s length.

Fuller beard styles add width—consider a wider, rounded beard rather than one that extends your face length.

Wider glasses frames create the impression of a broader face.

Avoid narrow frames or very small glasses that might emphasise your face’s length.

Triangle Faces

Your styling approach should focus on balancing your stronger jaw with your narrower forehead.

Hairstyles with volume on top and at the temples help create balance with your jaw.

Avoid very short sides that might emphasise your jaw’s width.

Keep beard styles shorter and well-groomed to prevent adding extra width to your jaw.

Glasses should add width to your upper face—try frames that are wider at the top.

Avoid frames that are heavier at the bottom or very narrow at the top.

Heart Faces

Your wide forehead transitioning to a narrower chin creates a naturally balanced appearance that responds well to strategic styling.

Hairstyles should work to reduce width at the forehead whilst adding volume at the chin level.

Take inspiration from Bradley Cooper’s medium-length cut that maintains 3-4 inches on top, with layers strategically cut to add volume at the temples whilst softening the wider forehead.

For beard styles, follow Chris Hemsworth’s approach with fuller growth through the chin and jaw areas, or consider Nick Jonas’s precise 5mm length that adds definition without appearing heavy.

Choose glasses frames that are wider at the bottom or have rounded edges to balance your broader forehead.

Avoid top-heavy frames or styles that add extra width to the forehead area, as these can emphasise your face’s natural proportions.

Pear Faces

Your styling goal is to balance your wider jaw with your narrower forehead whilst maintaining harmonious proportions.

Hairstyles should add volume at the crown and temples to create balance with your jawline.

Consider textured cuts with height at the top, but avoid very short sides that might emphasise jaw width.

Keep beard styles neat and shorter—a light stubble or short, well-groomed beard works well without adding extra width to your jaw.

For glasses, choose frames that are wider at the top to balance your face shape.

Avoid bottom-heavy frames or styles that draw attention to the lower part of your face.

Diamond Faces

Your distinctive cheekbones provide excellent features to work with, creating a naturally sculpted appearance.

Hairstyles that add width at the forehead and temples help balance prominent cheekbones.

Consider styles with textured layers that add width to the forehead area, as demonstrated by Robert Pattinson’s signature tousled look.

For facial hair, follow Zayn Malik’s approach with a well-maintained beard that connects seamlessly with the cheekbones, or take inspiration from Jared Leto’s medium-length styles that add structure without overwhelming the face.

When choosing glasses, select frames that align with your cheekbones but feature softened edges to balance angular features.

Avoid frames that are overly geometric or too narrow at the bottom, as these can emphasise your face’s natural angles.

Understanding Your Face Shape

Finding your face shape doesn’t require complex measurements or professional analysis.

While we’ve created a comprehensive quiz to help you determine your face shape accurately (link to our free face shape quiz for men here), understanding some basics can help you get started.

Your face shape might not perfectly match any category—this is normal and quite common.

Think of face shapes as guidelines rather than rigid categories, helping you make better styling choices rather than limiting them.

Face Shape Analysis Scientific Foundation

The study of facial proportions dates to ancient civilisations, where Greek sculptors employed the golden ratio to create representations of ideal beauty.

During the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man further explored the mathematics of human proportion, establishing principles that continue to influence the modern understanding of facial harmony.

In the Victorian era, physiognomy – an approach that’s nowadays largely discredited – brought facial analysis into mainstream consciousness.

The early 20th century saw the emergence of more scientific approaches, with anthropologists and aesthetic specialists developing systematic methods for categorising facial structures.

This evolution culminated in the modern understanding of face shapes, which combines classical principles with contemporary styling expertise.

Modern facial analysis relies upon anthropometric measurements—the scientific study of human body measurements.

The discipline identifies key facial landmarks and proportions that determine individual face shapes.

Understanding these measurements is essential for medical professionals, aesthetic specialists, and style consultants.

The trichion (hairline) and gnathion (bottom of chin) establish facial length, whilst the zygoma (cheekbones) and gonion (jawline angles) define facial width.

These points are critical in creating the framework for identifying distinct face shapes.

Classical facial analysis divides the face into thirds vertically: forehead to brow, brow to nose base, and nose base to chin.

Horizontally, the ideal proportion suggests the face width should measure approximately two-thirds of its length.

However, these proportions vary naturally, creating the distinctive characteristics of different face shapes.

Importance of Face Shape Analysis

Understanding one’s face shape extends beyond academic interest—it provides practical advantages in numerous aspects of personal grooming and style.

This knowledge influences decisions regarding hairstyles, facial hair, eyewear selection, and clothing choices, particularly necklines and collars.

Professional image consultants and stylists consider face shape analysis fundamental to their craft.

This understanding enables them to make recommendations that enhance their clients’ natural features whilst minimising less desirable characteristics.

In the modern professional landscape, where personal presentation carries significant weight, such knowledge proves invaluable.

Despite its significance, face shape analysis suffers from several persistent misconceptions.

Many gentlemen incorrectly believe they must conform strictly to one category when in reality, combination shapes prove common.

Others mistakenly think face shapes remain static throughout life, overlooking the influence of age, weight fluctuation, and other factors on facial structure.

Perhaps the most pervasive misconception suggests that specific face shapes prove inherently more desirable than others.

Each shape presents unique advantages and styling opportunities, so the aim is not to attempt to alter your natural shape but to understand how to enhance it through informed styling choices.

How Face Shapes Change

Your face shape isn’t permanently fixed—it can change throughout your life for several reasons.

Weight fluctuations often affect face shape first; gaining weight typically makes features rounder, while weight loss can reveal more angular structures.

Age naturally impacts face shape as we lose facial volume over time—this is why some men find their round faces become more angular as they mature.

Facial hair can dramatically alter how your face shape appears to others—a well-groomed beard can reshape a pointed chin, balance a wide forehead, or add width to a narrow jaw.

Even muscle development through activities like chewing, mewing, or facial exercises can subtly alter your face shape over time.

Working with Combination Face Shapes

Many men discover they have characteristics of multiple face shapes—for example, a face might be oval with slightly diamond-like cheekbones.

The most common combinations include oval-diamond, square-rectangle, and round-oval variations.

Instead of trying to fit strictly into one category, identify your strongest characteristics and use these as your primary styling guide.

Consider which features you’d like to enhance or balance rather than worrying about fitting perfectly into one face shape category.

The Role of Proportion

Understanding your face’s proportions matters more than fitting into a specific category.

Consider the relationship between your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline—these proportions guide your styling choices more than any face shape label.

Think about your face’s width-to-length ratio, as this helps determine which styling approaches will work best for you.

Remember that your hairstyle, beard, and accessories can adjust your face proportions and help you create a desired effect.

Styling Recommendations by Face Feature

Rather than following strict face shape rules, consider your specific features:

Strong jaw? You might benefit from styling tips for square and triangle face shapes, regardless of your overall face shape.

High cheekbones? Look at recommendations for diamond face shapes, even if that’s not your primary shape.

Wide forehead? Heart shape styling tips might work well for you, even if the rest of your face follows a different pattern.

Long face? Incorporate advice for rectangle shapes while still considering your other features.

Style Like a True Gentleman

Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.

First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.

Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.

Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:

1. Find Your Body Shape

Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.

To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.

Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.

2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette

Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.

To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.

3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style

By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.

The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.

4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU

And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.

Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.

Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.

Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste – the first styling assessment is on us!