Official Guide: Buying Sunglasses for Your Face Shape (2024)

Looking for a pair of sunglasses that suits your facial structure?

A Guide to Sunglasses and Face Shapes

Faces and sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes, and there’s a style of shades to complement every face.

On top of that, most of these styles are available in prescription sunglasses nowadays, and some of them can even double as prescription glasses and sunglasses if you get Transitions lenses.

But first things first: finding sunglasses for your face shape requires that you know what face shape you have!

If you’re not sure what face shape you fall under, here’s a guide:

  • Round faces are those where the length and width of the face are about equal and the general shape is rounded (not angular).
  • Heart-shaped faces have a chin and jawline that are significantly narrower than the forehead. This does not require a widow’s peak, though that will accentuate this face shape.
  • Oval faces are generally about one and a half times taller than they are wide, with relatively balanced and curved features.
  • Square faces have a jaw line, cheek bone line, and forehead that are all similar width, with similar face height and width as well.
  • Oblong faces are similar to oval faces, though the face is typically not quite one and a half times tall as it is wide, and the forehead and jaw are generally wider than you’d expect from an “oval” shape. This is also often called a “tall rectangle” face shape, and it is sometimes grouped with square faces as the same sunglasses styles work for both.
  • Diamond faces have a cheek line that is wider than their forehead and jaw lines. In other words, the face is widest at the cheekbones. This face shape is typically angular.

You can use a ruler to measure your face shape if you’re not sure what you fall under after reading this list, or you can trace your face shape on a mirror using a bar of soap or a dry-erase marker.

Once you know your face shape, you can start contemplating which sunglasses styles will work best with your face. There are certain styles that work best with specific face shapes, and there are certain styles that should be avoided by certain face shapes as well.

Here is a simple guide to what works and what doesn’t for each face shape:

  • Round face shapes work best with square or rectangular and wider sunglasses styles because they complement your face. Avoid oval or circle lens shapes as they will exaggerate your face’s shape.
  • Heart-shaped faces should use cat-eye or aviator style sunglasses, which complement the angles of your face. Avoid square or rectangular styles, which will throw your look out of balance.
  • Oval faces work best with wide, rectangular or aviator style sunglasses, though most agree that any sunglasses style works with an oval face shape. There are no styles that those with oval faces need to avoid, either.
  • Square or oblong faces should use round, oval, cat-eye or large Jackie-O sunglasses styles. The only styles that should be avoided are square or aviator styles, as these generally over-exaggerate your face’s features.
  • Diamond face shapes should go with either narrow, rimless style frames or larger aviator, wraparound, or Jackie-O style frames. Oval or round-lens styles should be avoided as they dull your face’s angles without complementing them.

This list is not exhaustive and there are sometimes exceptions, but, on average, you can trust this guide to be quite consistent for what works for your face shape.

Finding sunglasses online that work for your face is not easy since you can’t try them on. On the other hand, it’s nice to be able to browse without the pressure of heavy sales tactics you’ll find at many sunglasses boutiques.

If you are shopping for prescription sunglasses, you will find that there are prescription sunglasses options for all frame styles listed above. Some of the smaller frame styles can double as sunglasses and regular everyday “street” glasses if they’re purchased in prescription with Transitions lenses.

If you have any questions about your face shape or what’s right for you, give us a call or leave a comment below! Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

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Official Guide: Buying Sunglasses for Your Face Shape (2024)

FAQs

Official Guide: Buying Sunglasses for Your Face Shape? ›

Round face shapes work best with square or rectangular and wider sunglasses styles because they complement your face. Avoid oval or circle lens shapes as they will exaggerate your face's shape. Heart-shaped faces should use cat-eye or aviator style

aviator style
Aviator style sunglasses are intended to be worn under headgear and are characterised by dark, oftentimes reflective lenses and thin monel, steel or titanium metal frames with double or triple bridges and bayonet earpieces or flexible cable temples that hook more securely behind the ears.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Aviator_sunglasses
sunglasses, which complement the angles of your face.

How to find the right shape of sunglasses for your face? ›

Find the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
  1. Heart-shaped: Wide forehead and cheekbones; narrow chin. Choose: Cat-eye, round. ...
  2. Oblong: Long face; narrow chin and cheeks. ...
  3. Oval: Balanced forehead, cheekbones and jaw. ...
  4. Square: Broad forehead, square jawline. ...
  5. Round: Full cheekbones; narrow forehead and jaw.

How do I know what glasses fit my face shape? ›

When determining frames, think of contrasting shapes. For square-shaped faces, use curved frames to soften your face's sharper angles and give it a thinner appearance. For heart-shaped faces, round glasses draw the eyes away from the forehead to give the face a more symmetrical appearance.

Is there an app to see what sunglasses for your face shape? ›

Glasses and sunglasses that fit you also has the same power! VirTry is a virtual fitting app that finds you "your favorite self" fast and simple! VirTry allows you to try on realistic glasses and sunglasses anytime & anywhere just in your hand. The items move along with your face movements.

How are sunglasses supposed to fit your face? ›

Sunglasses should fit snugly on the face without being too tight or causing any discomfort or pressure points. The lenses should cover the eyes completely and be positioned correctly, without obstructing your vision or letting light in from the sides.

Should sunglasses cover eyebrows? ›

Your eyewear shouldn't cover your brows, but it should protect your eyes. The area between the top of your eyewear and your brow is left unprotected with regular glasses, just like the area across each temple.

How to pick out sunglasses? ›

Frames should fit snugly on your nose and ears, but not pinch or rub. The weight of sunglasses should be evenly distributed between your ears and nose. Frames should be light enough to avoid excess friction on these contact points. Your eyelashes should not contact the frame.

Does face shape matter for sunglasses? ›

No matter your face shape, choosing sunglasses is a matter of preference. There's no best frame shape that suits your face shape—whether you're rocking an oval, square, or triangle-shaped face. In fact, any pair of sunglasses can look great on any face shape. It simply depends on which ones you like best.

How do you know your face shape calculator? ›

How can I determine the shape of my face?
  1. a broad forehead and cheekbones, as well as a rounded jawline, you have a round face shape.
  2. a little wider forehead than the jawline and a rounded chin, you have an oval face shape.
  3. a strong jawline, a wide forehead, and prominent cheekbones, you have a square face shape.

Do Ray Ban Wayfarers suit everyone? ›

On top of that, Wayfarer glasses work well on most face shapes and throughout most lifestyle activities, making them the perfect fit to seamlessly integrate unique style into your wardrobe.

What does a diamond-shaped face look like? ›

A diamond-shaped face is characterized by a pointed chin, wide-set high cheekbones, and a narrow forehead and jawline—among other traits. If you identify with these features, this one's for you.

What is the rule of thumb for sunglasses? ›

You should avoid choosing stylish sunglasses that look larger or oversized; the frames should only be as wide as your face. Also, make sure that the upper frame does not go beyond your eyebrows. Recommended Sunglasses: An oval face shape is the most versatile when choosing a flattering pair of sunglasses.

How to tell if sunglasses are too big for your face? ›

Glasses that are too big will feel like they're slipping off of your face and ears. They'll often be too wide for your face, with the lenses extending too far past the sides. If your eyes look a bit too close together (or close to the glasses bridge), that's another signal that your glasses might be too big.

How to tell if sunglasses are too small for your face? ›

So, how exactly should sunglasses fit your face? In general, your sunglasses should fit snugly around your ears and across your nose. If they leave marks across your temples along the side of your face, they're too tight and you need a wider pair.

How close should sunglasses be to your face? ›

Sunglasses should fit comfortably behind the ears and against your temples to be snug but not painful. The fit will be different depending on whether you choose acetate or metal frames, but for the best fit, an optician can adjust the frames so the arms and bridge of your nose are comfortable when you wear your shades.

How do I know if my glasses fit properly? ›

“A good eye-care professional will use the three-point touch rule to ensure a good fit. “The frames should touch the nose, the top of the right ear, and the top of the left ear,” she continues. “If the frame is too narrow, the glasses will constantly slide down your face and need adjustments.”

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