Eyeglasses can change your appearance. Sure, sunglasses protect your eyes and help you see, but they can also lend an instant, undeniable cool factor to just about anyone. However, you need to make sure your sunglasses fit well, balance your features and look like they were made for your face.
When it comes to buying sunglasses, determining your face size and shape is important because it will help you find a better fitting, more functional pair of sunglasses.
Picking out the perfect sunglasses for your face shape isn’t as easy as you might think. There are frame shapes that will enhance your best facial features, and there are frames that… won’t. Ten years from now, you won’t want to look back at your photos and think: “those sunglasses looked terrible on me!”
Which Sunglasses Should You Get For Your Face Shape?
So, how do you know which shades are right for you? First, you’ll need to figure out whether your face is heart, round, oval, or square. We suggest asking a friend, looking in the mirror, or taking a selfie. Once you’ve found your face shape, then you can begin to pick sunglasses that will complement your features. For instance, egg-shaped lenses can balance out a strong jaw. A round face benefits from squarer sunnies. And thick, bold lenses look particularly pretty on oval-shaped faces.
All of these picks offer the UV protection you need to effectively block out the sun and guard against eye diseases like macular degeneration as you age, as well as protect the skin around your eyes from wrinkle-causing UV damage. Oversized glasses also help guard against even more of these rays—and we've got a few great options on our list.
What’s more, while a good pair of sunglasses can be an investment—one that’s worth it given they offer more than just style, they’ve got real health benefits, too—they don’t have to cost a ton to check off all of the boxes. In fact, bargain pairs can provide just as much UV protection as pricier ones.
We all have very different face shapes and sunglasses are ultimately doing the job of framing our faces, they’re not just for protecting our eyes! If you have a round face, round frames that mimic your face shape really aren’t going to do you any justice. We will let you know the best sunglasses for small faces, round faces, long faces and more. It really is pretty simple to shop for a pair once you know what will suit your face and style.
Luckily, Sunday Shades have plenty of stylish glasses for both men and women. So, what type of face shapes are there and how exactly do you figure out what face shape you have?
Which Face Shape Do You Have?
Measuring the dimensions of your face will help give you an idea of what size and shape your face is. To measure your face, stand in front of a mirror and follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure Cheekbone to Cheekbone
Place the end of a tape measure just below your eye to find the top of your cheekbone. Measure to the same point on the other side of your face. Write down this number.
Step 2: Measure Jaw Line
Feel below your ears to find the ends of your jawbone. Measure from the end of your jawbone to the other end around the bottom of your face. Write that down too.
Step 3: Measure Face Length
Measure from the center of your hairline straight down over the front of your nose to the bottom of your chin. Write that one down too.
Step 4: Measure Forehead Width
Measure the width of your forehead from one side of your hairline to the other side halfway between your eyebrows and top hairline. Write this measurement down too.
Look at your measurements and comparing them to each other, determine which shape of face you are below.
Sunglasses For Round Face Shape
These curves are kicking! The round face has noticeable curves and less defined angles. The ideal eyewear should lack curved features while emphasizing sharp angular lines that will help elongate your face and make it look thinner and sharper. This face group may benefit from high-on-the-temple, colourful frames as well. Rectangle, square, wrap and shield are the keys to round-faced sunglass success.
Now for a more rounded face, go for something more contrasting such as a rectangular lens to balance your features; however, opt out of oversized lenses. Bring out your facial contours with angular, geometric sunglass shapes to give the face some added definition. Rectangle, square or wrap styles will help to sharpen and elongate your features.
Sunglasses For Square Face Shape
Square shaped faces—generally about the same length and width across the face—are characterized by a broad forehead and a strong jaw line. People in this category should choose a frame with round or oval shaped lenses that will help round out the sharpness of their features for a more balanced look.
Examples of styles that would work well for this face are aviators, butterflies, round or any frame style that favours oval or circular curves. Center or top set temples are the way to go with a square face. Soften your sharp features with curvy frames such as a pair of cat-eyes.
The perfect match for a square face shape? Curvy frames. Circular, oval, aviators or semi-rimless shades will help to soften a broad forehead and strong jawline for a more balanced look.
Sunglasses For Oval Face Shape
Oval faces have it made because literally every frame looks awesome! Oval faces have gently rounded, fairly even features, and pretty much any shade is going to work well on them.
Designer to sport sunnies, fashion to function, everything works. Just don’t get huge frames that block out those pretty symmetrical features; choose sunglasses that cover the face from the eyebrows to the cheekbones.
For an oval face, you’re in luck because just about anything goes; although you might want to steer away from circular frames so as to not elongate your face even further. An oval-shaped face can pull off just about any look when it comes to sunglasses. Have fun and experiment with different styles—round or angular, classic or futuristic, you name it! Just make sure not to go too oversized, sticking to just eyebrow-to-cheekbone area.
Sunglasses For Oblong or Rectangular Face Shape
Oblong faces, also called rectangular, are long and narrow with few angles. An oblong face works especially well with oversized sunglasses. Also, larger wayfarer or rectangular lenses and sunglasses with thick frames add width to a long face.
Another option is sunglasses that feature tall or deep lenses and vintage style frames because the sharp angles and bold lines will give oblong faces an edge, sharpening otherwise soft features. This group is going to turn heads in wrap, shield, square, wayfarer and rectangle styles. Oblong faces should avoid small frames.
Sunglasses For Diamond Face Shape
Diamond-shaped faces are characterized by a narrow jawline and forehead with the cheekbones as the widest part of the face. Oval and rimless frames will help compliment wide or high cheekbones.
Diamond faces should use frames that feature gentle curves and should not be wider than the wearer’s cheekbones. Probably the most versatile face shape with the widest range of spectacles to choose from, including oversized and futuristic options when you’re feeling’ like stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Sunglasses For Heart Face Shape
Heart-shaped faces, sometimes called triangle, are widest at the temples and narrowest at the chin. Sunglasses that feature wide lower edges with no straight lines along the top work especially well for this facial group because they shift attention downward and elongate the face.
Cat-eye styles or glasses that feature rounded edges are ideal for giving the wearer a more balanced look. This face shape will be best served with shield, butterfly, rimless, or aviator styled frames. Those with a more triangular-shaped face will want to opt for a bottom-heavy frame to contrast against their narrower chin. If your face is widest at the temples and narrowest at the chin, you have a heart face shape.
Avoid any straight-across-the-top lines, and go for exaggerated shapes or eye-catching bottom details. Cat-eye, round or aviator styles are the perfect sunnies for this face shape
Sunglasses for Small Faces
The most flattering sunglasses have the right fit. And if you’ve got a smaller face, it’s important to pay attention to the frame measurements. Too wide or too tall, and the frames will overwhelm your face. We roamed the streets to explore the ways you’re wearing your sunglasses. For those summer days that get surprisingly brisk, team a white t-shirt with a hoodie, then add a leather jacket for an extra layer of warmth. Finish your look with a pair of black wayfarers and you’re good to go!
If you have more of a square face, a pair of Ray-Bans can add the finishing edge to your style. We love to get our shorts out when the weather warms up a bit, so try matching a pair of cream shorts with a white tee and navy bomber for an effortlessly stylish look. For those of you an oblong face shape, this pair of shades from Oakley Enduro is perfect for adding a touch of style to a simple outfit. If you have more of an oval face shape, you might want to add a more vintage element to your look and experiment with a pair of round framed Jeepers Peepers.