Quick Answer
You have an oblong face shape if your face shows similar width measurements across the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, but with significantly greater length. Think of your face as a soft rectangular shape – the key difference lies in the corners, which are gently rounded rather than angular, creating a more elongated oval appearance.
Key Identifying Features
Your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline maintain similar width measurements.
Your face length is notably greater than its width.
Your face shows softly rounded corners rather than sharp angles.
Your features create gentle transitions rather than defined angles.
Finding your face shape shouldn’t require complex measurements or scientific tools.
This guide will help you easily identify whether you have an oblong face shape through simple observations you can make using just your mirror and everyday objects as reference points.
How to Identify Your Oblong Face Shape (Easy Guide)
Looking straight in the mirror, your oblong face shape shows consistent width from forehead to jaw, but appears distinctly longer than wide.
Your face maintains similar proportions throughout its length, creating an elongated appearance with softly rounded corners.
The sides of your face create smooth lines rather than sharp angles or dramatic tapering.
When you trace your face with your finger, you’ll notice similar width measurements at your forehead, cheekbones, and jaw, but with gentle transitions between features.
From the side view, your features show smooth transitions rather than dramatic angles.
When you smile, your face maintains its elongated proportions with softly curved corners.
Your jawline creates gentle transitions similar to an oval face, but within a longer overall structure.
The transitions between your features maintain consistent width whilst emphasising vertical length through smooth contours.
Front View Test
Stand in front of your mirror and use your fingers to check three simple points on your face.
Place your index fingers at your temples – this measurement should align closely with your jaw and cheekbone width.
Move your fingers to your cheekbones – notice they maintain similar width to your forehead.
Finally, place your fingers at the corners of your jaw – this should measure similar to both your forehead and cheekbone width, with gentle transitions between points.
Profile View Test
Look at your face from the side using a second mirror or a side-view photo. Notice how your features create smooth transitions unlike the sharp angles of square or rectangular faces.
Your forehead and chin typically align vertically, creating a balanced profile that emphasises length through gentle curves.
Measurements and Proportions for Oblong Face Shape (Professional Analysis)
When we look at the proportions, an oblong-shaped face exhibits distinct ratios that set it apart from other face shapes.
The face length typically measures about 1.5 to 1.75 times the face width, creating that characteristic elongated appearance with soft transitions.
To put this in perspective, if your face measures 5.5 inches in width, your face length would measure approximately 8.25 to 9.5 inches.
The overall proportions play a crucial role. In an oblong-shaped face, the distances between forehead, cheekbones, and jaw remain consistently similar, creating balanced proportions within the elongated structure.
Your cheekbones provide a key measurement point. In an oblong-shaped face, they align closely with both forehead and jaw measurements, typically varying by less than 0.25 inches between all three points.
For practical measurement at home, a standard credit card serves as an excellent measuring tool. A typical oblong-shaped face will measure roughly 1.5 credit cards in width and 2.5 credit cards in length, with smooth transitions between measurement points.
The face can also be divided into vertical thirds, from hairline to eyebrows, eyebrows to nose tip, and nose tip to chin.
In an oblong-shaped face, these thirds might appear slightly elongated compared to other face shapes, whilst maintaining smooth transitions between sections.
To get specific numbers, in an oblong-shaped face the width typically measures between 5.5 to 6 inches (14 to 15 centimetres), whilst the length measures between 8.5 to 10 inches (21.5 to 25.5 centimetres).
These measurements serve as guidelines rather than strict rules. Natural variation exists, and your face might show slight deviations while still maintaining an overall oblong shape.
The key lies in the relationship between these measurements, particularly the similarity between width measurements combined with the greater overall length and soft transitions.
Understanding the Anatomy of an Oblong-Shaped Face
The distinctive oblong face shape results from specific bone structure characteristics.
The underlying bone structure creates balanced proportions and smooth transitions, similar to an oval face but within a longer overall framework.
The underlying structure includes:
- Smoothly contoured temporal bones creating gentle transitions at the forehead
- Well-defined zygomatic arches aligned with forehead width
- A balanced mandibular structure with rounded corners
- Curved gonial angles (jaw corners) maintaining smooth transitions
This combination of features creates the gentle transitions characteristic of oblong-shaped faces, where each feature maintains balanced proportions within an elongated framework.
Facial Features and Bone Structure in Oblong Face Shapes
Forehead and Temple Area
The forehead in an oblong-shaped face typically shows smooth transitions at the temples, unlike the sharp angles of rectangular faces.
The temporal bones create gentle transitions into the cheek area, contributing to the face’s balanced proportions.
The forehead width typically aligns closely with both cheekbone and jaw width, maintaining consistent measurements.
Eye Area
In oblong-shaped faces, the eye sockets often show balanced definition in their bone structure.
The brow ridge typically appears well-defined yet smooth, complementing the face’s gentle features.
The distance between your eyes usually measures about one eye width, appearing proportionally balanced within the elongated structure.
Nose Structure
The nasal bridge in oblong-shaped faces typically shows clear yet smooth definition, harmonising with the facial features.
This balanced nose structure complements the face’s gentle transitions.
The width of the nose usually appears proportional to other facial features, contributing to the overall balanced width.
Cheekbone Architecture
Oblong-shaped faces feature cheekbones that align with forehead and jaw width, maintaining balanced proportions.
The zygomatic bones (cheekbones) create smooth transitions rather than sharp angles.
This bone structure helps maintain the balanced, refined appearance characteristic of oblong shapes.
Jaw and Chin Formation
The mandible (jawbone) in oblong-shaped faces creates smooth transitions and rounded corners.
The chin typically appears balanced and well-defined, integrated into the smooth jawline.
The jaw corners show gentle curved transitions rather than sharp angles.
Ear Placement
Ear position in oblong-shaped faces typically aligns with the smooth side planes of the face.
The ears usually sit at an angle that complements the face’s balanced structure, with the top of the ears aligning roughly with the eyebrows and the lobes ending near the tip of the nose.
Styling Guide for Oblong Face Shapes
Hairstyle Recommendations
The ideal hairstyles for oblong-shaped faces create width whilst maintaining your natural refinement.
A textured cut with volume at the sides helps add perceived width to balance length.
Side-swept styles with layered sides help break up the face’s length whilst maintaining smooth transitions.
For more dramatic options, styles with volume at the temples rather than height help create balanced proportions.
Avoid styles that add significant height without width, as these may emphasise facial length.
Beard Styling
Beard styles for oblong faces should aim to add width whilst avoiding additional length.
Consider fuller growth at the sides with rounded edges to maintain smooth transitions.
A well-groomed beard with soft contours can help maintain balanced proportions whilst adding sophistication.
Eyewear Selection
Choose frames that add width to balance your face’s natural length.
Wider frames with softened edges work particularly well for oblong-shaped faces.
Avoid narrow or very deep frames that might emphasise your face’s length.
Collar Recommendations
Spread collars work particularly well, as they create horizontal lines that add perceived width.
For casual wear, wider necklines help balance the face’s length whilst maintaining refinement.
For formal occasions, opt for moderate to wide spread collars that create width without overwhelming your features.
Avoid very narrow point collars that might emphasise your face’s length.
Oblong Face Shape vs Other Face Shapes
Oblong vs Rectangle
Rectangle faces show similar width measurements throughout but with sharp angles.
Oblong shapes maintain the parallel sides but with smoother transitions.
While both shapes show greater length relative to width, oblongs create gentler transitions compared to rectangle’s sharp angles.
Oblong vs Oval
Oval faces show gently curved features but with more balanced length-to-width ratio.
Oblong shapes maintain similar smooth transitions but within a longer framework.
While both shapes feature soft curves, oblongs appear notably longer than ovals.
Oblong vs Diamond
Diamond faces show their greatest width at the cheekbones, with narrowing at both forehead and chin.
Oblong shapes maintain consistent width throughout their length.
While both shapes can appear long, diamonds show distinct width changes where oblongs maintain consistent proportions.
Oblong vs Square
Square faces show similar width measurements throughout with sharp angles.
Oblong shapes maintain similar measurements but with smooth transitions and greater length.
While squares show equal width and length, oblongs appear notably longer with softer features.
Oblong vs Round
Round faces show similar width and length measurements with soft curves throughout.
Oblong shapes appear notably longer than wide while maintaining gentle transitions.
While both shapes feature smooth curves, rounds create equal proportions where oblongs show greater length.
Oblong vs Triangle
Triangle faces show their greatest width at the jaw, with progressive narrowing toward the forehead.
Oblong shapes maintain consistent width throughout their length with smooth transitions.
While triangles show clear tapering from jaw to forehead, oblongs create balanced proportions with gentle curves.
Oblong vs Pear
Pear faces show a gradual widening from forehead to jaw, creating a smooth progression.
Oblong shapes maintain similar measurements throughout with gentle transitions.
While pear shapes demonstrate progressive widening, oblongs maintain consistent width proportions along their length.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oblong Face Shapes
Q: How is an oblong face different from a rectangular face?
A: While both shapes show similar width measurements and greater length, oblong faces feature softer, rounded corners and smoother transitions between features, unlike the sharp angles of rectangular faces.
Q: What hairstyles work best for oblong faces?
A: Styles that add width at the sides whilst avoiding excessive height work best. Consider textured cuts with volume at the temples and layered sides to create balance.
Q: Can beard styles help balance an oblong face?
A: Yes, maintaining fuller growth at the sides with rounded edges can help add width and create more balanced proportions whilst preserving the face’s natural refinement.
Q: Which glasses shapes complement an oblong face?
A: Wider frames with softened edges work particularly well, adding perceived width whilst maintaining the face’s natural elegance. Avoid narrow frames that might emphasise length.
Still Not Sure?
Try our quick and free face shape quiz designed specifically for men who want to confirm their face shape without complex measurements.
The quiz uses simple visual comparisons and easy-to-answer questions to determine your exact face shape.
Our face shape analysis considers multiple angles and features to provide you with accurate results.
Expert Style Guidance
Understanding your oblong face shape is just the first step towards optimising your appearance.
Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package provides an expert evaluation of your facial features, identifying exactly how to style your hair, facial hair, and accessories to complement your oblong-shaped proportions.
For a complete style transformation, our signature Complete Image Transformation Package includes face shape analysis along with personalised colour analysis, body shape evaluation, and comprehensive style recommendations tailored to your unique features.