Finding the perfect pair of sunglasses can feel overwhelming with so many styles available. You might love how a pair looks on the display, only to find they don’t quite work when you try them on. The secret to choosing sunglasses that fit you best lies in understanding your unique face shape.
At Insight Eyecare, we’ve helped countless patients discover sunglasses that not only protect their eyes but also complement their features beautifully. By identifying your face shape and understanding which frames suit your lifestyle, you can confidently select sunglasses that elevate your look while providing essential UV protection.
Understanding Your Face Shape
Different frame shapes can either balance your facial features or accentuate them in unflattering ways. The right sunglasses create harmony by complementing your natural bone structure, while poorly chosen frames can throw off your proportions.
To determine your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and trace the outline of your face with a washable marker or lipstick. Alternatively, measure key areas: your forehead width, cheekbone width, jawline width, and face length. Compare these measurements to identify which of the six common face shapes you have.
Sunglasses Recommendations by Face Shape
Once you find your face shape, it’s time to start shopping! Here are some styles that will work best with your face shape:
Round Face
Round faces feature soft curves with equal length and width, typically widest at the cheekbones. Your goal is to add definition and create the illusion of length.
Best frame shapes:
- Rectangular or square frames provide sharp angles that contrast beautifully with soft curves
- Cat-eye styles lift and elongate your features
- Wayfarer frames add structure with their classic angular design
- D-frame sunglasses create clean, geometric lines
Avoid small, round frames that can emphasize your face’s circular nature. Think bold, angular lines that add definition to your gentle features.
Oval Face
Oval faces are beautifully balanced with gently curving jawlines and foreheads slightly narrower than the cheekbones. You have the most versatile face shape for sunglasses.
Recommended styles:
- Aviators complement your balanced proportions
- Wayfarers work wonderfully with your natural symmetry
- Round frames enhance your soft features
- Cat-eye designs add sophistication
- Oversized styles make a fashion statement
- Geometric shapes offer modern appeal
Avoid frames that are dramatically too wide or too narrow for your face width. Your balanced features allow you to experiment with various styles confidently.
Square Face
Square faces feature strong, angular jawlines with broad foreheads and roughly equal length and width. Your goal is to soften these angles and add gentle curves.
Perfect frame choices:
- Round frames provide the curves your angular features need
- Oval shapes soften your strong jawline beautifully
- Aviators, especially teardrop-shaped versions, add flowing lines
- Cat-eye frames with rounded edges rather than sharp points
- Browline styles draw attention upward
Steer clear of square or geometric frames with sharp angles, as these can make your face appear boxy. Embrace curves to balance your naturally strong features.
Heart-Shaped Face
Heart-shaped faces have broad foreheads and wide cheekbones that narrow to a pointed chin. Balance your wider top with your narrower bottom for ideal proportions.
Flattering options include:
- Subtle cat-eye frames that aren’t overly exaggerated
- Aviators that add width to your lower face
- Round styles that soften your angular chin
- Wayfarers provide gentle structure
- Browline glasses draw attention to your eyes
- Frames with bottom detailing that add visual weight below
Avoid oversized frames or heavily embellished tops that can make your forehead appear even wider. Look for styles that gently widen toward the bottom.
Oblong Face
Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, with straight cheek lines and sometimes longer noses. Your goal is to add width and create the illusion of a shorter face.
Ideal frame styles:
- Oversized sunglasses add horizontal emphasis
- Wayfarers provide width when they’re broader than they are tall
- Wide rectangular frames create horizontal lines
- Aviators add curves and width
- Browline styles break up face length
- Frames with decorative temples add visual width
Avoid narrow, small frames that can make your face look even longer. Go big and bold to create better facial proportions.
Diamond Face
Diamond faces feature narrow foreheads and jawlines with wide, high cheekbones. Soften your cheekbones while drawing attention to your eyes.
Best choices:
- Cat-eye frames highlight your beautiful eyes
- Browline styles emphasize your upper features
- Oval shapes provide gentle curves
- Rimless or semi-rimless designs don’t compete with your cheekbones
- Frames with brow line detailing draw the eye upward
Avoid narrow frames that emphasize your cheekbone width. Focus on styles that highlight your eyes while softening your angular features.
Additional Considerations
Beyond face shape, ensure your sunglasses fit properly. The frames should be proportionate to your face size—not too large or too small. The bridge should sit comfortably on your nose without sliding or pinching. Buying your glasses from your optometrist ensures you’ll get a custom fit for your sunglasses.
Consider how frame colours complement your skin tone and personal style. Warmer skin tones often suit tortoiseshell, gold, or warm browns, while cooler skin tones look great in silver, black, or cool blues.
Most importantly, choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Style means nothing if your eyes aren’t properly protected from harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause long-term damage.
Find Your Perfect Pair
Understanding your face shape provides an excellent starting point, but personal preference and comfort matter too. These guidelines help narrow your choices, but don’t be afraid to try styles that make you feel confident and express your personality. The right sunglasses should feel like a natural extension of yourself while protecting your precious eyesight. Book an appointment with Insight Eyecare today, and let our experienced team help you find sunglasses that perfectly suit your face shape, lifestyle, and vision needs.
