Oversized sunglasses have been the eyewear of choice for A-list celebrities looking to travel incognito ever since the look was popularized by Jackie Kennedy in the early 1960s. They’re flattering to a variety of face shapes and sizes, can suit a retro-vintage look or post-millennial styles, and offer better sun protection — or a wider visual field — than traditional frame styles.
Here’s how to choose a pair of oversized frames that’ll work well with your facial features, even if you have a small face shape.
What are oversized glasses frames?
Oversized glasses are glasses with larger-than-expected lenses and frames. Oversized glasses are often worn as a fashion statement and an expression of style. But in sunglasses, larger lenses also mean more protection from annoying glare and damaging ultraviolet rays.
Like all eyewear, glasses with oversized frames should be sized to fit your face. “Oversized” can mean something very different to people with small or narrow faces than it would to people whose faces are larger or wider than average.
READY TO SHOP FOR OVERSIZED GLASSES? Find an eyewear store near you.
Look for proper pupil placement
Not only can oversized eyewear be unflattering if it’s much too big, it can compromise your comfort — and even your vision — if your eyes aren’t positioned behind the lenses’ centers. When trying on a new pair of eyeglass frames, check your pupil placement.
If you’re looking straight ahead, you should find each of your pupils horizontally centered in the lens opening of the frame. On both sides, the distance between the corner of your eye and the edge of the lens should be about the same.
Also, your eye should occupy the top half of the lens, with your lower eyelashes centered vertically in the lens opening.
Your eyebrows should be visible above the top of the frame. Even though the glasses are oversized, you’re still looking for eyeglass frames that are well-proportioned with respect to the rest of your face.
Check fit at the nose bridge
Because oversized eyewear can be heavier than glasses with smaller frames, it’s especially important that their weight be properly distributed over the bridge of your nose or balanced on the nose pads. Ill-fitting oversized frames can press upon your temples, crease your skin, or cause irritation.
Try cracking a wide smile while wearing the frames. If your cheeks touch the lenses, or if the lenses rise off your nose bridge, the fit is not right for you.
Go with familiar shapes — or experiment
The traditional advice for oversized eyewear buyers is to select larger frames in a style that complements your face shape in a regular frame size. Square or rectangular frames are said to look best on round faces, while oval or round frames often suit more angular face shapes.
These rules aren’t set in stone, though. Trying on oversized glasses is a great time to experiment with bold new styles and colors.
How to style oversized glasses
Oversized eyeglass frames can be used to make a fun fashion statement in every season.
Pair oversized sunglasses with a floral-patterned sundress for a casual summer look. Wear cat-eye frames with a little black dress to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, or style aviators with a well-fitting turtleneck or blazer for a polished autumn or wintertime look.
You may want to avoid wearing oversized frames with slouchy sweatshirts or drape-y blouses since combining too many oversized pieces at the same time can result in a look that’s sloppy.
Wearing a large hat or brightly patterned scarf with oversized frames can also overwhelm your face.
Find an eye doctor near you to get an expert’s advice on the eyeglasses styles most likely to flatter you.
Page published on Monday, September 23, 2019
FAQs
Eye-Framing Effect
Oversized frames have a way of centering the eyes, making your features appear more symmetrical and your irises pop. This not only draws the attention of those around you but also adds a bit of intrigue to your look.
Do big glasses make your face look smaller? ›
Widen the Lenses
Frames that place the lenses further apart help to diminish the other facial features, especially the nose. The larger the appearance of the glasses, the smaller the other areas of the face will appear. This is valid for prescription safety glasses, prescription sunglasses, and eyewear.
Will oversized glasses look good on me? ›
Oversized glasses may seem super stylish but too much can be quite unflattering. People who have very small faces should avoid wearing oversized glasses as the pupil displacement becomes more visible. Oversized glasses if not bought in the correct size may have a face fit issue.
What face shape is best for oversized glasses? ›
Round faces are flattered by angular and oversized frames. Angular frames bring structure to a round shape while wider cheekbones provide the perfect backdrop for oversized frames.
Why do people wear oversized glasses? ›
People of all ages love to wear big frame glasses, from the elderly to young adults. In some cases, they wear them for fashion. Meanwhile, others use them as prescription glasses. Besides style, you would know that big frame glasses also provide protection.
Do big glasses make your eyes look smaller? ›
Large and thick frames make your eyes appear smaller as the distance to the eye increases, so going for smaller, thinner glasses will help minimise this effect. Request thinner lenses: Optical technology has come a long way, covering ground on lens reduction methods for those with high prescription powers.
What glasses make your face slimmer? ›
Round Face: Eyeglass frames that are square or rectangular tend to be wider than a round face. This quality can enhance your face by making it appear slimmer and longer, adding balance to your round features.
Who should wear oversized glasses? ›
Oversize eyeglass frames look great on anyone, no matter your face shape. Oversize glasses also provide more protection from the sun if they are appropriately tinted. When selecting oversize eyeglass frames, it's important to remember the three measurements for frames: lens width, bridge width, and arm length.
What kind of glasses make your face look skinnier? ›
Opt for a glasses style with rims wider than they are tall, in a neutral color—beige, cream, or taupe—to make your face appear slimmer and softer.
How do you tell if glasses 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.
Look at the width of the frame.
The width of the frame is inextricably linked to the position of the pupils, and the width of the frame (that is, the total width) is barely larger than your cheekbones. If you can fit more than one finger between your arm and your temple, the frame is too wide.
Should glasses cover your eyebrows? ›
As a rule, at least the top half of your eyebrows should be visible. Your glasses shouldn't cover them completely, nor should they show them so much that your eyebrows look like they're floating on top of your frame.
Do oversized glasses look good on oval face? ›
Since oval faces can wear almost any shape, why not opt to make a statement. Oversized round frames sit nicely and complement the slightly rounded features of an oval face. The contrast from square-leaning frames provides the perfect complement for oval-shaped faces by adding sharpness and enhancing your overall look.
Do big glasses look good on long faces? ›
Oversized glasses are a great option for women with long faces, as they help to minimize the look of your face. As strange as it sounds, if you want your face to look smaller and daintier, very large glasses will do just that.
Are oversized glasses in style for 2023? ›
Trendy styles for men and women this year will be those oversized frames that exude distinct and bold designs. Geometric frames, clear frames, large glasses, and thin-metal frames are emerging eyewear trends in 2023.
Should I wear small or large glasses? ›
The width of your frames should not be wider than the width of your face at the temples. The top of your frames should be no higher than the line of your eyebrows. The lower edge of the frames shouldn't sit on your cheeks otherwise they will start to rub against your skin and cause irritation.
Do bigger glasses make your nose look smaller? ›
Wide frames will help make all your facial features look smaller, including your nose. But too wide, and an oversized frame will be too large overall, keep sliding down or have temples which are just way too long for you.
Should my glasses be bigger than my face? ›
A correct frame width will ensure your eyes are properly aligned in the center of your lenses for optimal vision. The frame width should be slightly wider than your face but with the space between your temple and frame no larger than a finger's width.
Do big glasses make your eyes look bigger? ›
Thicker lenses can make your eyes look bigger, especially if you have a prescription for hyperopia, higher than 3.00 dioptres. However, the lens design can influence the appearance of your eyes and choosing a thinner lens design can reduce magnification.
Do I look better with or without glasses? ›
A total of 517 participants were included in this study. We found significantly higher ratings for all domains of pictures without glasses compared to the same pictures with glasses. Moreover, participants not wearing glasses provided significantly higher attractiveness scores for most pictures not wearing glasses.
Glasses do not change the shape of the face. Your face might look a little different when you wear the glasses, as they might cover or enhance certain aspects of your face, such as wrinkles, but not the shape of the face.
Do oversized glasses look good on square faces? ›
If your square face features a wider forehead and jaw, then you might find oversized glasses to be the perfect statement accessory. Plus, many people find extra-roomy frames to be comfortable. Oversized glasses come in a variety of frame shapes, too—so you can find a pair in the style you like best.
How should oversized glasses fit? ›
To achieve the perfect oversized eyewear look, the glasses should fit at the right level on your face and stay there--without the need of the notorious finger push-up. Eyewear slipping down your nose might seem like a natural occurrence, but properly fitted frames don't require constant adjustments over the entire day.
Should glasses hug your face? ›
The right pair of glasses should rest comfortably on the bridge of your nose, and should not press against your forehead or cheeks. But they shouldn't rest so far towards the end of your nose that they slip when you squint or wrinkle your nose.
Should glasses hug your head? ›
But most frames have what's known as skull temples—meaning they hug your ears for a proper fit. The placement of that little hug is key. “The bend on skull temples should start just barely past the top of your ear,” says Zielenkievicz. “When the temples fit properly, you shouldn't feel any pain on or behind the ear.
What glasses don't touch eyebrows? ›
Rimless glasses are the most minimal style of spectacles and don't have any material surrounding the prescription lenses. Sleek glasses like these are the least likely to cover your eyebrows.
What glasses should I avoid if I have an oval face? ›
If you have an oval face, it's best to avoid glasses which are far too small or narrow for your head. Undersized spectacles (like those above) make your head seem wider and larger than it actually is.
What type of glasses make you look younger? ›
Generally, warm-colored frames can make you appear younger. Warm tones suit most faces, especially browns, burgundies, berry tones, and jewel tones. Of course, you should choose a color that suits your skin tone. It can also be helpful to choose shinier materials to give your eyes an extra sparkle.
Should your eyeglasses cover your eyebrows? ›
As a rule, at least the top half of your eyebrows should be visible. Your glasses shouldn't cover them completely, nor should they show them so much that your eyebrows look like they're floating on top of your frame.
When were oversized glasses popular? ›
The 1970s had a flair for the dramatic, featuring oversized, fashionable glasses. Round or geometric shapes were very much in style, popularized by celebrities. The 1970s explored eyewear uniquely, where people began seeing glasses as fashion accessories rather than a way to see more clearly.
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.
