Choosing the right pair of sunglasses isn’t just about looking good; it’s also about protecting your eyes. The right sunglasses can enhance your facial features while providing essential protection from harmful UV rays. But with so many styles and shapes available, how do you find the perfect pair for your face shape? In this post, you’ll find practical tips to help you make the best choice. Whether your face is round, square, or heart-shaped, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to discover how to pick sunglasses that fit well and suit your style.
Why Face Shape Matters When Choosing Sunglasses
Choosing sunglasses is more than a style choice. The right pair can frame your face perfectly, highlighting your best features. However, picking sunglasses that flatter your face shape can be tricky if you don’t know where to start.
Understanding Your Face Shape
Before you choose the perfect sunglasses, you need to identify your face shape. Stand in front of a mirror and look at the overall outline of your face. Is it longer than it is wide? Are your cheekbones the broadest part of your face? Answering these questions can help you determine your face shape.
Photo by Vintage Lenses
There are five common face shapes: oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. Let’s break down each one.
Common Face Shapes
Oval
People with oval faces are lucky because most sunglasses look great on them. Oval faces are longer than they are wide, with a gentle curve at the chin. If you have an oval face, you can experiment with various styles.
Round
Round faces have soft curves and equal width and length. To add angles to a round face, choose sunglasses with more defined shapes like square or rectangular frames. These styles can make your face look longer and slimmer.
Square
Square faces have a strong jawline and broad forehead. The width and length of the face are usually equal. Round or oval sunglasses can soften the sharp angles of a square face. Avoid boxy frames that can make your face look more angular.
Heart
A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and narrows down to the chin. Light-colored frames or styles with wide lower edges can balance out a heart-shaped face. Avoid heavy, dark frames that can make your forehead look wider.
Diamond
Diamond faces have high cheekbones and narrow foreheads and chins. Oval or cat-eye sunglasses can complement this face shape well. Avoid narrow frames that can make your forehead and chin appear even narrower.
Understanding your face shape and choosing the right sunglasses can enhance your features and give you confidence. The next section will guide you through practical tips for trying on sunglasses.
Sunglasses for Oval Face Shapes
People with oval face shapes have it easy. Their face is longer than it is wide, with a gentle curve at the chin, making it one of the most versatile shapes for sunglasses. This means you can experiment with various styles to find the perfect pair.
Aviators
Photo by Aline Viana Prado
Aviator sunglasses are a classic choice that pretty much work on any face shape, especially oval. These teardrop-shaped lenses are timeless and give you a cool, laid-back vibe. Whether you’re going for a casual or a more polished look, aviators can add a stylish twist. Look for pairs with thin metal frames to keep everything balanced.
Cat-Eye
Cat-eye sunglasses are perfect if you’re looking to add a bit of flair and playfulness to your style. Their upswept outer edges can help to accentuate your cheekbones, giving you a bit of an elegant and fun look. This style is also great for adding a vintage touch to any outfit.
Wayfarers
Wayfarers are another versatile option for oval faces. These chunky, square frames can add structure to your facial features, making them an excellent choice if you want a bold look. Originally made famous by Ray-Ban, wayfarers come in a variety of colors and materials, so you can always find a pair that fits your personal style.
Choosing the right style of sunglasses can really elevate your look. For oval faces, the options are almost endless. Whether it’s the classic appeal of aviators, the playful look of cat-eye frames, or the bold statement of wayfarers, there’s a perfect pair of sunglasses out there for you.
Sunglasses for Round Face Shapes
Round faces have soft curves and fuller cheeks. To bring balance and definition to these gentle features, consider frames that add angles and sharp lines. Here are some of the best styles to consider:
Square Frames
Photo by Ayoub Moukhliss
Square frames are an excellent choice for round face shapes. Their sharp angles provide a striking contrast to the soft curves of a round face. This can make your face look more balanced and defined.
- Why Choose Them?: Square frames add structure, making your face appear longer and more sculpted.
- Best Color Options: Dark colors like black or tortoiseshell can create even more definition.
Rectangular Frames
Rectangular frames work similarly to square frames but are often a bit wider. This additional width can help elongate the face, giving it a slimmer appearance.
- Benefits: These frames can make your face look longer and more narrow. They break up the face’s natural symmetry, adding more dimension.
- Styling Tips: Keep it classic with understated colors, or go bold with bright shades for a playful look.
Oversized Sunglasses
Oversized sunglasses are another great option for round faces. The larger frames can make your face appear smaller and more proportionate.
- Why They Work: Big frames mask part of the roundness, making your face look more oval-shaped.
- Fashion Forward: They add a sense of glamour and drama to your look, perfect for making a style statement.
Choosing the right style of sunglasses can elevate your look and add much-needed angles and definition to a round face. Whether you’re going for the structure of square frames, the slimming effect of rectangular frames, or the bold statement of oversized sunglasses, there’s a perfect pair out there for you.
Sunglasses for Square Face Shapes
A square face shape is characterized by a strong jawline, a broad forehead, and a fairly equal width and length. The goal is to choose sunglasses that soften these angles and add some curves. Here are three top styles that work well for square faces.
Round Frames
Round frames are a perfect choice for square faces. Their circular shape contrasts nicely with the sharp angles of your face, softening your look and adding balance.
Photo by Rafael Santos
Round frames can:
- Soften Angles: The curves of round frames can make your face look less angular and more balanced.
- Add Vintage Flair: These frames can give you a retro look that’s always in style.
- Versatility: They work well in various styles, materials, and colors, so you can easily find a pair that fits your personal taste.
Oval Frames
Oval frames offer similar benefits to round frames but with a bit more length. They can soften the angles of a square face while adding a touch of sophistication.
- Elongate Your Face: The longer shape of oval frames can make your face look less boxy and more elongated.
- Subtle and Elegant: Oval frames often have a refined aesthetic that suits both casual and professional settings.
- Various Styles: From thin metal to thicker acetate frames, there’s plenty of variety to choose from.
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses are another excellent option for square face shapes. Their upswept edges draw attention upward, making your jawline appear softer and your face look more balanced.
- Highlight Cheekbones: The raised corners of cat-eye sunglasses can highlight your cheekbones, giving you a more sculpted look.
- Add Personality: This style is playful and classic at the same time, perfect for anyone wanting to make a fashion statement.
- Wide Range of Designs: You can find cat-eye sunglasses in numerous colors and materials, allowing you to express your unique style.
Selecting the right sunglasses can transform your look, especially if you have a square face shape. Stick with round, oval, or cat-eye frames to soften your angular features and find a style that suits you best.
Sunglasses for Heart Face Shapes
A heart-shaped face is characterized by a wider forehead and a narrower chin. The best sunglasses for this face shape will balance these proportions and add harmony to your look. Here are some top styles to consider:
Bottom-Heavy Frames
Photo by Godisable Jacob
Bottom-heavy frames are an excellent choice for heart-shaped faces. These frames draw attention downward, balancing out the wider forehead and creating a more even look.
- Why Choose Them?: Bottom-heavy frames add weight to the lower part of the face, which can help balance a heart-shaped face.
- Styling Tips: Opt for frames that are wider at the bottom to draw the eye downward and create a balanced look.
Light-Colored Frames
Light-colored frames can soften the features of a heart-shaped face. These frames are less likely to emphasize the width of your forehead and can create a more harmonious appearance.
- Benefits: Light-colored frames, such as beige, pastel, or clear, won’t overpower your face. They provide a subtle, elegant look.
- Styling Tips: Choose light hues that complement your skin tone to enhance your overall appearance without drawing too much attention to any one area.
Aviators
Aviators are a timeless style that works well for heart-shaped faces. The teardrop shape of aviators helps balance the face by drawing attention away from the forehead and toward the chin.
- Classic and Stylish: Aviators are a versatile option that adds a cool factor to any look.
- Balance and Proportion: The wider top of aviators can balance a narrow chin while the curved bottom complements the shape of your face.
- Material Choices: Opt for thin metal frames to keep the focus on the shape rather than the weight of the glasses.
Choosing sunglasses for a heart-shaped face is all about finding a pair that balances the proportions of your face. Whether you opt for bottom-heavy frames, light-colored frames, or classic aviators, there’s a perfect pair out there to enhance your look.
Sunglasses for Diamond Face Shapes
Diamond face shapes are unique and often admired for their high cheekbones and narrow foreheads and chins. Choosing the right sunglasses can enhance these features and create a balanced look. Here are the top styles that work well for diamond face shapes.
Oval Frames
Oval frames are a fantastic choice for diamond face shapes. Their soft curves can complement your high cheekbones and add harmony to your features.
Photo by Zhu Peng
- Why They Work: The rounded edges of oval frames soften the angles of a diamond face, making it look more balanced.
- Styling Tips: Choose frames that are wider than your cheekbones to highlight this area without making your forehead and chin appear too narrow.
- Versatile Looks: Oval frames come in various materials and colors, allowing you to find a pair that fits your personal style.
Rimless Frames
Rimless frames are another excellent option for diamond face shapes. These frames minimize the visual weight of the glasses, allowing your natural features to shine through.
- Why Choose Rimless: Rimless frames can make your face look more open and less angular. They provide a subtle enhancement without overpowering your features.
- Benefits: These frames are lightweight and comfortable, making them perfect for daily wear.
- Stylish and Elegant: Rimless frames offer a sleek, modern look that can easily transition from casual to formal settings.
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to a diamond face shape. Their upswept edges can help highlight your cheekbones and create a more balanced appearance.
- Highlighting Cheekbones: The pronounced edges of cat-eye sunglasses draw attention to the upper part of your face, making your cheekbones stand out.
- Softening Angular Features: The curves of cat-eye frames can soften the angles and provide a more balanced look.
- Fashion Statement: Cat-eye sunglasses are timeless and stylish, making them a great choice for anyone looking to make a bold fashion statement.
Choosing the right sunglasses for diamond face shapes can truly enhance your natural features. Whether you opt for oval frames, rimless glasses, or cat-eye sunglasses, there’s a perfect pair out there to match your style and highlight your best attributes.
General Tips for Choosing Sunglasses
When choosing sunglasses, you not only want them to look good but also to protect your eyes and fit your lifestyle. Here are some general tips to guide you.
UV Protection Importance
One of the most important factors to consider is UV protection. Just like sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet rays, sunglasses should protect your eyes.
Photo by Eren Li
- Why UV Protection Matters: UV rays can cause serious damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration.
- What to Look For: Make sure the sunglasses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels that say “UV400” or “100% UV Protection”.
- Don’t Be Fooled by Darkness: Darker lenses don’t necessarily mean better protection. Always check the UV rating.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle plays a big role in what type of sunglasses you should choose. Think about where and when you’ll be wearing them.
- Active Lifestyle: If you’re into sports or outdoor activities, consider sunglasses with durable frames and polarized lenses to reduce glare.
- Fashion Focused: If you’re more fashion-centered, you might prioritize style and brand. However, don’t sacrifice UV protection for aesthetics.
- Driving: For those who drive a lot, opt for polarized lenses to reduce glare from the road and other vehicles.
Lens Color Options
The color of your lenses can affect your vision and comfort in various lighting conditions. Here’s a quick guide on what different lens colors do.
- Gray Lenses: Reduce brightness without distorting color. Good for all-purpose use.
- Brown/Amber Lenses: Enhance contrast and depth perception. Ideal for activities like golf and fishing.
- Yellow/Gold Lenses: Great for low-light conditions as they provide excellent depth perception. Commonly used for skiing or snowboarding.
- Green Lenses: Reduce glare while offering high contrast and better visual acuity. Suitable for general outdoor activities.
Choosing sunglasses isn’t just about picking a style you like. It’s also about ensuring they protect your eyes and fit your lifestyle. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find the perfect pair in no time.
Conclusion
Now that you have some guidance on how to choose the perfect pair of sunglasses based on your face shape, it’s time to put this knowledge to use. Remember that your face shape plays a crucial role in determining which frames will best complement your features. By paying attention to the specific characteristics of your face, you can find sunglasses that not only protect your eyes but also elevate your style.
Key Takeaways
Picking the right sunglasses is about more than just fashion. It’s also about finding the best fit for your face shape to enhance your natural features. Here’s a quick recap:
- Oval Faces: Almost all styles work great. Try aviators, cat-eye, and wayfarers.
- Round Faces: Go for square, rectangular, or oversized frames to add angles and definition.
- Square Faces: Opt for round, oval, or cat-eye frames to soften your angular features.
- Heart Faces: Bottom-heavy frames, light-colored frames, and aviators help balance the wider forehead.
- Diamond Faces: Oval frames, rimless glasses, and cat-eye sunglasses highlight high cheekbones and narrow chins.
Final Tip
When you’re out shopping for sunglasses, take a moment to think about your face shape and the styles that suit it best. Try on different pairs and see what feels right for you.
Also, don’t forget the most important factor: UV protection. Always ensure that your sunglasses block 100% of UV rays to keep your eyes safe.
Embrace Your Style
At the end of the day, the best sunglasses are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you’re hitting the beach, driving around town, or just taking a walk, the right pair of sunglasses can be the perfect finishing touch to your look. So, go ahead and find that perfect pair—it’s out there waiting for you!
Feel free to mix and match styles and keep experimenting until you find the sunglasses that make you feel like the best version of yourself. Happy shopping!
