This article provides a guide on choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape. It identifies five common face shape categories and offers recommendations on which frame shapes complement each. It’s a useful read for anyone looking to pick the right sunglasses shape for their face.
By considering the proportion of your face, playing with different frame shapes and sizes and choosing a frame that complements your features, you can find the perfect pair of sunglasses that will make you look and feel great.
Determine your face shape
Oval, round, square, heart, or long faces have different features, so you need to know your face shape to pick the right sunglasses.
Oval face shape
Oval face shapes are considered to be the ideal shape as they have a balanced proportion. Forehead is slightly wider than the chin, and the length of the face is about one and a half times the width.
If you have an oval face, you can pull off almost any frame shape. However, it’s recommended to avoid frames that are too small as they can make your face look even longer. Look for frames that are as wide as the broadest part of the face, such as aviator, cat-eye, or round frames.
Round face shape
Round faces have a similar width and length, with a softer jawline. Prominent cheekbones and a rounded chin, the width and length of the face are roughly the same.
To elongate a round face, choose sunglasses with angular or square frames. Aviator-style sunglasses and frames with a clear bridge are also great options for round faces. Avoid round frames as they will exaggerate the roundness of the face.
Square face shape
Square faces have a strong jawline and forehead and are similar in width and length. Prominent jaw and forehead, with a square chin, the width and length of the face are roughly the same.
To soften the angles of a square face, choose sunglasses with round or oval frames such as John Lennon-style sunglasses. Cat-eye frames and frames with a curved top also complement a square face shape. Avoid square or boxy frames that will accentuate the jawline.
Heart face shape
Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead and a narrower chin. Wide forehead and cheekbones with a narrow jaw and chin, the forehead is the widest part of the face.
To balance out a heart-shaped face, choose sunglasses that are wider at the bottom or frames with a clear bridge. Aviator-style sunglasses and cat-eye frames are also great options for heart-shaped faces. Avoid frames that are too narrow as they will not fill the face enough.
Long face shape
Long faces have a similar width and length, but are longer than they are wide. Prominent forehead, cheekbones, and jaw with a longer than average length, the length of the face is greater than the other measurements.
To shorten the appearance of a long face, choose sunglasses with frames that have a strong brow line or that are wider than they are tall such as Wayfarer or Clubmaster styles. Avoid sunglasses that have a bottom heavy frame as they will elongate the face.
Note: The shape of your face may not be entirely symmetrical, so consider the shape that comes closest to your measurements.
How to measure your face
Measure the length of your face from your hairline to the tip of your chin and the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline at their widest points. Write down these measurements.
Compare your measurements to the common face shapes – oval, round, square, heart, and long – to see which one most closely matches your own.
Look for contrasting shapes
To balance and compliment your face shape, pick sunglasses that have opposite features to your face shape. For example, if you have a round face, choose sunglasses with angular frames.
When trying on sunglasses, it’s important to consider the proportion of your face as well as the shape and size of the frames. Play with different frame shapes and sizes to find the one that flatters your face shape the most. And don’t forget to choose a frame that complements your features, such as your eyes, nose, and cheekbones.
Consider the size and proportion
The size of the sunglasses should be proportional to your face. Also, larger frames suit bigger faces and smaller frames suit smaller faces.
Experiment with different styles
Don’t be afraid to try on different styles and see what looks best on you. You can choose from aviator, wayfarer, cat-eye, or sporty styles, among others.
Check the lens color
The lens color can have an impact on the appearance of the sunglasses. For example, dark lenses are suitable for sunny days, while yellow or rose lenses are good for low-light conditions.
Remember that the most important factor is comfort and how well the sunglasses fit your face, so take your time trying on different options.