Choosing sunglasses for face shape follows the same rule as glasses: pick frames that contrast with your face. The difference is that sunglasses can be bolder and larger. This guide covers the best sunglasses for each face shape, how to choose lenses and fit, and short tips for hats and earrings.
Best sunglasses for face shape: shape by shape
- Round: angular frames such as square, rectangular and geometric. They add length. Avoid small round styles.
- Oval: most shapes. Oversized, aviator and cat-eye sunglasses all work, so choose by style.
- Square: round, oval and soft cat-eye frames, which soften the jaw. Avoid boxy frames.
- Oblong (long): oversized and deep frames that shorten the face. Avoid narrow, shallow lenses.
- Heart: bottom-heavy frames and rounded aviators, which add width at the chin. Avoid heavy top bars.
- Diamond: cat-eye and oval frames that soften the cheekbones and add width at the forehead.
- Triangle: frames with a strong top line, such as a browline, to add width at the forehead.
Not sure of your face shape? Check the face shape guide or use the free face shape detector.
Size and coverage
Sunglasses should cover the eyes and the skin around them. Frames that are slightly wider than your face look balanced, but not so wide that they stick out past your temples. The top of the frame should follow your brow line, and the bottom should not rest on your cheeks. Wraparound frames are good for sport.
Lenses, protection and color
Choose lenses labeled as blocking 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. A dark lens alone is not a guarantee of protection. Polarized lenses reduce glare from water and roads. Lens color changes the look: grey is neutral, brown increases contrast and green is somewhere between. Mirrored finishes reflect light and hide the eyes, which some people like and others do not.
Frame color follows your coloring. Warm undertones suit tortoiseshell, gold and brown, and cool undertones suit black, silver and navy. You can check yours with the AI color analysis.
Hats for your face shape
- Round face: hats with some height, such as a structured crown or a hat worn slightly back.
- Long face: wide brims and low crowns.
- Square face: soft, rounded brims.
- Heart face: a brim that is not too wide at the top.
- Oval face: most hats, because the proportions are balanced.
Earrings for your face shape
- Round face: long, narrow earrings and angular drops add length.
- Long face: studs, hoops and wide earrings add width.
- Square face: curves such as round hoops and teardrops soften the jaw.
- Heart face: earrings that widen toward the bottom balance a narrow chin.
- Oval face: most styles.
These are guides, not rules. If you love a style, wear it.
Fit for your nose and cheekbones
Sunglasses sit on the nose and often touch the cheeks. If you have a low nose bridge, look for frames with adjustable nose pads or a higher bridge fit so they do not slide. Prominent cheekbones push frames up, so choose a lens that is not too deep and slim temples that do not press into the sides of the head. Wide faces need a wider frame to avoid pinching, and narrow faces need a smaller one to avoid slipping. A good fit is more important than any rule about shape.
Choosing between two pairs
If you are stuck, take a photo wearing each pair in daylight, from the front and from the side. Ask which pair makes your eyes and your smile the focus. Check whether you would wear the frames with most of your outfits and whether you feel relaxed in them. Fashion frames are fun, and a classic shape you wear every day is usually the better buy.
Test them before you buy
Put the sunglasses on in front of a mirror and smile. If the frames lift or touch your cheeks, they are too low. Turn your head to check the sides, and take a photo to see how they look in a picture. A good pair feels comfortable on your nose and behind your ears.
Start with your face shape
Frames, hats and earrings all start from your face shape. Upload a selfie to the free face shape detector to find yours.
Related reading: glasses for face shape, glasses for round face and face shapes.
FAQ
What sunglasses suit a round face?
Rectangular, square and geometric frames. They add length and definition.
What sunglasses suit a square face?
Round, oval and aviator frames, which soften the jaw.
What sunglasses suit an oval face?
Almost any shape, from aviator to oversized cat-eye.
How should sunglasses fit?
They should sit level, cover your brow line, stay off your cheeks when you smile and not slide down your nose.
