Face shape guide
Square Face Shape
A square face shape is roughly as wide as it is long, with a broad forehead, wide cheekbones and a strong, angular jaw of similar width. The defining feature is the corner of the jaw.
Square faces look striking in photos. To soften the angles, choose frames, haircuts and brows with curves; to emphasise them, go geometric.
- Angular jaw
- Even widths
How to tell
How to tell if you have a square face shape
A square face has close to equal length and width — usually less than 1.4 times — and, crucially, a forehead and jaw that are almost as wide as the cheekbones. The jaw has clear corners and a straight line from ear to chin. Styling either softens those angles with curves or leans into them with sharp lines.
- Your face length is close to its width (ratio around 1.0–1.3).
- Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are all about the same width.
- Your jaw has clear corners and a straight line from ear to chin.
- Your chin is broad and flat rather than pointed.
| Face length ÷ cheekbone width | 1.29× |
|---|---|
| Forehead width (vs cheekbones) | 92% |
| Lower jaw width (vs cheekbones) | 87% |
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Square vs similar face shapes
Square vs round
Both are about as wide as they are long. On a square face the jaw is angular and almost as wide as the forehead; on a round face it curves softly.
Square vs oblong
Both have similar widths from forehead to jaw, but an oblong face is clearly longer than it is wide. A square face is close to equal.
Common mix-ups
A strong jaw doesn’t always mean a square face — triangle faces also have wide jaws, but with a narrower forehead. A beard can also make a round or oval face read as square, so use a clean-shaven photo if you want your natural shape.
Glasses
Best glasses for a square face
Frames that balance a square face shape, and what each one does.
Round frames on a square face — made with our try-on.
Round glasses
Round lenses are the classic contrast to a square jaw — they soften strong angles straight away.
Aviator glasses
Curved teardrop lenses and a thin metal rim balance a strong jaw without adding bulk.
Cat-eye glasses
Upswept corners lift the eye toward the cheekbones and away from the jawline.
Choosing frames for a square face
For a square face, look for curved frames slightly wider than your jaw: round, oval and aviator styles in thinner rims. Rimless or metal frames are subtler; thick round acetate makes a statement while still softening angles.
Frames to avoid
Avoid boxy, square or sharply rectangular frames — they repeat the angles of your jaw. Frames narrower than your face can also make it look wider.
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Hairstyles
Best hairstyles for a square face
Haircuts for women
- Soft waves. Curls and waves around the face soften a strong jaw.
- Layers from the cheekbones. Layers that start high draw attention up and away from the jaw corners.
- Side-swept fringe. A diagonal fringe breaks up a wide, straight forehead.
- Textured bob below the jaw. Ending below the jawline avoids drawing a line across its widest point.
Haircuts for men
- Crew cut. Square faces suit short, classic cuts that show the strong jaw.
- Textured top, short sides. A little height and texture keeps the look balanced.
- Side part with soft fringe. A softer front line takes the edge off a square forehead.
- Slicked back (loose). Loosely swept-back hair emphasises a sharp jaw if that’s the look you want.
Hairstyles to avoid
- Blunt bobs that end exactly at the jawline
- Very straight, flat hair with a centre part, which frames the face like a box
- Severe slicked-back styles that expose the jaw corners
Bangs for a square face
Wispy, side-swept or curtain bangs soften a wide forehead. Avoid heavy, straight-across fringes that add another horizontal line.
Brows & makeup
Eyebrows, makeup and beards for a square face
Eyebrow shape
A soft, rounded arch balances a square jaw. Very angular brows add more angles, so keep the peak curved and the tail tapered.
Beard styles
A rounded beard or one that is fuller at the chin and shorter at the sides softens the corners of a square jaw. Light stubble also works.
- Contour
- Contour the corners of the jaw and the outer edges of the forehead to soften the angles.
- Blush
- Apply blush in a soft, rounded shape on the apples of the cheeks to add curves.
- Highlight
- Highlight the centre of the forehead, the tops of the cheekbones and the chin to draw focus to the middle of the face.
Accessories
Earrings, hats and necklines for a square face
Earrings
Round hoops, curved drops and circular studs soften angular features. Avoid square, geometric earrings.
Hats
Round crowns and soft brims — bucket hats, beanies, wide floppy brims — balance a strong jaw.
Necklines
Scoop and round necklines add curves. Very square necklines repeat the jaw shape.
FAQ
Square Face Shape FAQ
Round, oval, aviator and cat-eye frames suit square faces best. Their curves soften a strong, angular jaw.
Not at all. Plenty of people of every gender have square faces. A defined jaw photographs well, and you can soften or emphasise it with hair and frames.
Both have similar widths top to bottom. A square face is about as long as it is wide; an oblong (rectangle) face is clearly longer than it is wide.
Soft waves, long layers starting at the cheekbones, side parts and textured bobs that end below the jaw. For men: crew cuts, short textured tops and side parts.
A defined jaw is widely seen as striking in photos, but attractiveness doesn’t come from one feature. Face shape is about choosing styles you like, not ranking faces.
Yes — a textured pixie or a wavy bob that ends below the jaw both work. Avoid blunt cuts that end exactly at the jawline.
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