How to Buy Sunglasses That Fit Your Face
The U.S. sunglass market is the largest in the world, generating over $5.8 billion in revenue. This goes to show that Americans value the protection that sunglasses offer from the sun and its harmful rays, as well as the extra fashion credentials they provide.
But that only stands if your sunglasses fit your face shape. Buy sunglasses that don’t suit you and they will have the opposite effect. Read on to find out how to buy sunglasses that fit your face shape.
Determine your face shape
Before you head out to buy sunglasses or place an online order, you will need to determine your face shape. To do this, take a whiteboard marker, a lipstick or a bar of soap. Stand at a slight distance from a mirror and look straight ahead, then trace the outline of your face with your drawing tool. The resulting mirror outline will show what face shape you have.
So, what are the possibilities? There are six main face shapes, all of which need different sunglass types to get the killer look.
Buying sunglasses for different face shapes
Once you have determined your face shape, it is easier to shop for the right sunglasses to suit your face. Here are the main face types, their characteristics and what to look for in sunglasses to suit each shape:
Oval face
You have an oval face if your cheekbones are the widest part of your face and your forehead is a little wider than your jaw. Oval faces are also longer than they are wide.
Wondering how to shop for sunglasses for an oval face? The good news is that your face’s harmonious proportions suit many different styles of designer frames. That said, you don’t want to detract from the natural balance in your face shape. While you should choose frames that are as wide as your face or a little wider, don’t go for anything too massive. The top part of the frame should be in line with your eyebrows for optimal balance.
Suitable for oval faces:
- Aviators
- Smooth-lined frames in either a rectangular, oval or round shape
- Cat-eye sunglasses
- Butterfly frames
Not suitable for oval faces:
- Narrow frames
- Sunglasses that are too wide or too big
- Sharp defined edges
Most shapes suit your face. But you will need to steer clear of futuristic styles that are too angular or narrow as these will spoil your facial harmony.
Heart-shaped face
You have a heart-shaped face if your forehead is the widest part of your face while your chin is the narrowest and your face is most likely longer than it is wide. To buy sunglasses that suit your face shape, you should aim to balance out your larger forehead.
Suitable for heart-shaped faces:
- Aviators
- Wayfarers
- Rounded frames with a straight bridge
- Frames that are a lighter color than the lenses
Not suitable for heart-shaped faces:
- Large, heavy frames
- Butterfly frames
- Cat-eye sunglasses
- Sunglasses covering the eyebrows
- Bright frames
As these tips show, rounded edges and aviators are the best sunglasses for bringing balance to your face.
Triangular face
You have a triangular face if your face narrows towards your temples. You will most likely have a narrow forehead and a square jaw that is wider than your cheekbones. Your aim should be to balance out your chin as the largest part of your face.
Suitable for triangular faces:
- Round frames with a narrow bridge
- Aviators
- Wayfarers
Not suitable for triangular faces:
- Square or rectangular frames
- Narrow or small frames
- Sunglasses with square or sharp edges on the lower part
Our main advice when buying sunglasses for a triangular face is to look for sunglasses with a broader or more defined upper part.
Round face
You have a round face if the length and width of your face are equal or almost equal and you have a small, rounded chin and a rounded hairline. You will need to buy sunglasses that help to lengthen your face and avoid frames that accentuate its roundness.
Suitable for round faces:
- Wayfarers
- Aviators
- Narrow bridges
- Butterfly frames
- Cat-eye sunglasses
- Oversized frames with a rounded lower part
Not suitable for round faces:
- Round sunglasses
- Narrow frames
- Sharp edges and geometric shapes
- Frames covering the eyebrows
Nany shapes can help you achieve balance, but your main aim should be to look for sunglasses that are wider than they are high.
Square face
You have a square face if your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are of equal or almost equal width. People with square faces often have a wide, angular jaw and an almost straight hairline. Angular, sharp and square frames can make your face shape seem harsher. In contrast, rounded frames help to balance your facial features and create softness.
Suitable for square faces:
- Oversized frames
- Aviators
- Cat-eye sunglasses
- Round, oval, or teardrop frames
Not suitable for square faces:
- Wayfarers
- Square frames with sharp corners
- Small or narrow frames
- Sunglasses that are wider than your face
Square faces suit oversized cat-eye sunglasses best as the larger, rounded frames bring a softer look to your face.
Rectangular face
Rectangular faces are longer than they are wide. But if you have a rectangular head, your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are of equal or almost equal width. Like those with square faces, people with rectangular faces have a wide, angular jaw and a near-straight hairline. When buying sunglasses, you should aim to make your face appear wider than it is to balance out the length.
Suitable for rectangular faces:
- Oversized sunglasses
- Large aviators
- Angular frames with a sharp-edged lower section
Not suitable for rectangular faces:
- Narrow frames
- Small sunglasses
- Bright or colorful frames
Avoid sunglasses that are much wider than they are high as these can accentuate the length of your face. Instead, have fun with oversized frames.
While UV protection, polarization and various other factors are important when buying sunglasses, another concern should be how to buy sunglasses that suit your face shape. After all, if they aren’t the right style for your face, you will be less inclined to wear them no matter how well they keep out the sun.
Article written by Jane Davies
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.