Have you ever wondered why some sunglasses look amazing on your friends but don’t seem right when you try them? The secret isn’t just about style or brand—it’s about finding frames that complement your unique face shape!
As someone who’s spent years helping friends find their perfect pair, I’ve learned that the right sunglasses can transform your entire look while the wrong ones… well, let’s just say they can make even the most fashionable outfit fall flat.
This guide will help you determine your face shape and identify which sunglasses styles will highlight your best features. Let’s find your perfect match!
How to Measure Your Face
Before diving into specific face shapes, you must take a few simple measurements. Don’t worry—this is quick and easy:
- Face Length: Measure from your hairline to the bottom of your chin.
- Forehead Width: Measure across the widest part of your forehead.
- Cheekbone Width: Measure across your face from the outer point of one cheekbone to the other.
- Jawline Width: Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear at the jawline, then multiply by two.
A few years back, I was helping my sister shop for sunglasses for her beach vacation. She kept grabbing oversized frames that overwhelmed her delicate features. We measured her face in the store using a piece of string and my phone’s measuring app for five minutes. The revelation completely changed her shopping approach, and she found a perfect pair of cat-eye frames that she still wears today!
All you need is a flexible measuring tape (or even a piece of string you can measure afterward), a mirror, and a few minutes of your time.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
Now that you have your measurements, here’s how to identify your face shape:
Round Face:
- Face length and width are similar
- Full cheeks with softer angles
- Rounded jawline
- Face width is widest at the cheekbones
Square Face:
- Face length and width are similar
- Strong, angular jawline
- The forehead and jawline are nearly the same width
- Crisp angles rather than curves
Oval Face:
- Face length is greater than width
- The forehead is slightly wider than the jaw
- Balanced, symmetrical features
- Gently rounded jawline
Diamond Face:
- Face length is the longest measurement
- Narrow forehead and jawline
- Widest at the cheekbones
- Pointed chin
Heart Face:
- Wide forehead
- Narrow, sometimes pointed chin
- Cheekbones may be high and wide
- Face tapers toward the chin
Selecting flattering frames becomes much easier once you’ve figured out your face shape. Let’s explore the best options for each shape!
The Best Glasses for Round-Shaped Faces
If you have a round face with soft features and fewer angles, your goal is to add structure and make your face appear longer and more defined.
Best Choices:
- Angular rectangle frames create contrast with your softer features
- Wayfarers add definitions and angles
- Square frames with bold lines create structure
- Geometric shapes (hexagonal, etc.) add interesting lines
Avoid:
- Small round frames that echo your face shape
- Circular or oval frames that emphasize roundness
- Very small frames that get lost on your face
The key for round faces is to find frames with clean lines and angles that provide the definition your face naturally lacks. A classic pair of Wayfarers or rectangular frames with some angular elements will instantly add structure to your look.
The Best Glasses For Square-Shaped Faces
Square faces have strong, angular features with a pronounced jawline and forehead. Your goal is to soften these angles and add balance.
Best Choices:
- Round or oval frames soften angular features
- Aviator styles balance strong jawlines
- Frames with curved edges and softer lines
- Frames that sit high on the face
Avoid:
- Square or rectangular frames that mimic your face shape
- Frames with sharp corners or angles
- Very small frames that emphasize facial width
I remember helping my brother (who has a classic square face) shop for sunglasses. He always gravitated toward boxy frames that made his face look more angular. We tried on a pair of classic aviators, and the transformation was fantastic—his strong features suddenly looked balanced and approachable rather than severe.
The contrast of rounder frames against your natural angles creates an incredibly flattering, harmonious balance for square faces.
The Best Glasses for Oval-Shaped Faces
If you have an oval face, congratulations! This balanced shape is considered the most versatile for eyewear. Your proportional features work well with most styles, but there are still some guidelines to follow.
Best Choices:
- Virtually any style that maintains your face’s natural balance
- Wayfarers for a classic look
- Square frames for a bold statement
- Cat-eye styles for a vintage vibe
- Geometric frames for modern appeal
Avoid:
- Extremely oversized frames that overwhelm your features
- Very narrow frames that throw off your proportions
- Frames that are wider than your face
While oval faces can wear almost any style, the key is maintaining the natural balance of your face. Frame width should generally align with the widest part of your face, and the shape should complement (not dominate) your features.
The Best Glasses For Diamond-Shaped Faces
Diamond faces feature high, wide cheekbones with a narrower forehead and jawline. The goal is to highlight your cheekbones while softening the narrower areas.
Best Choices:
- Cat-eye styles that complement high cheekbones
- Oval frames that soften angular features
- Rimless or semi-rimless styles for a lighter look
- Top-heavy frames like browlines
- Rectangular frames with rounded edges
Avoid:
- Narrow frames that emphasize face width
- Bottom-heavy frames that draw attention to a narrower chin
- Very angular styles that compete with your cheekbone angles
Diamond-shaped faces can shine with frames that complement their natural contours. Cat-eye styles flatter this face shape by drawing attention upward and outward, enhancing your distinctive cheekbones.
The Best Glasses For Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead that tapers to a narrower chin. The goal is to minimize width at the top while adding some balance to the lower portion of your face.
Best Choices:
- Bottom-heavy frames that add width to the lower face
- Oval or round frames that soften the forehead
- Aviators that balance proportions
- Light-colored or rimless frames at the top
- Cat-eye styles that draw attention outward
Avoid:
- Top-heavy frames that emphasize forehead width
- Very decorative frames at the brow line
- Oversized styles that overwhelm the tapering chin
For heart-shaped faces, the right frames create balance by visually adding width to the lower portion of your face. Frames that are wider at the bottom or feature rounded edges help create harmony with your natural facial contours.
Finding Your Perfect Pair
While face shape is crucial for finding flattering frames, consider these additional factors:
Skin Tone:
- Cool skin tones (pink or blue undertones) pair well with silver, black, blue, and cool-colored frames
- Warm skin tones (yellow or golden undertones) look great with gold, brown, tortoiseshell, and warm-colored frames
Personal Style:
- Classic personalities might prefer timeless aviators or Wayfarers
- Fashion-forward individuals can experiment with bold colors and shapes
- Minimalists might enjoy rimless or straightforward metal frames
- Vintage lovers often gravitate toward cat-eyes or round John Lennon styles
Functional Needs:
- Active lifestyles require secure, wrap-around styles
- Drivers benefit from polarized lenses
- Those who are frequently outdoors need larger frames with more coverage
- Prescription wearers should consider frames that accommodate their lens needs
Remember that while these guidelines help narrow your options, the most crucial factor is your confidence in your sunglasses. Rules are made to be broken, and sometimes, the “wrong” style for your face shape might be the right one for your personality!
Conclusion
Finding the perfect sunglasses doesn’t have to be a matter of trial and error. Understanding your face shape gives you a tremendous advantage in narrowing down styles that naturally complement your features.
Take a few minutes to measure your face, identify your shape, and experiment with the styles recommended for your specific geometry. Whether you have a round, square, oval, diamond, or heart-shaped face, a perfect pair of sunglasses is waiting to enhance your natural beauty.
Remember that these guidelines are just starting points—the perfect sunglasses ultimately make you feel confident and comfortable. Happy sunglass shopping!
ALSO READ: What are Some of the Essential Pieces to Wear this Season?
FAQs
A well-fitting pair should sit comfortably on your nose without pinching or sliding. The temples should rest comfortably over your ears, and the frames shouldn’t touch your cheeks or eyebrows. Your eyes should be centered in the lenses.
Absolutely! Face shape guidelines are just that—guidelines. If you love a particular style, wear it with confidence. Sometimes, breaking the “rules” results in a unique, signature look.
Many people don’t fit perfectly into one category. If this sounds like you, consider which face shape seems most dominant, or try styles recommended for both shapes you resemble.
Quality sunglasses often provide better UV protection, durability, and optical clarity. However, excellent, affordable options are also available. Prioritize UV protection over brand names.
It’s practical to have 1-2 versatile pairs that go with most outfits. If you love accessories, collecting different styles and colors can be a fun way to complete various looks.
