Best Sunglasses for Face Shape: Pick Yours
How do you find the best sunglasses for your face shape? You’ve probably had that moment when your friend gets great sunglasses, and you’re obsessed, but when you buy the same pair it looks all wrong on you. That’s because face shape plays a big role in how sunglasses look on you. Knowing your face shape is the easiest starting point for choosing frames that will look amazing on you. So let’s discuss how to find your face shape, what the best frames are for each, and the top frame pick for you.
How to Find Your Face Shape
You only need a mirror, a washable marker and a measuring tape. Pull your hair back and stand an arm’s length from the mirror. Close one eye and trace the outline of your face on the glass. This gives you a quick visual of your shape.
Next, use the tape to take four measurements and write them down:
- Forehead width: across the widest part of your forehead.
- Cheekbone width: from the outer edge of one cheekbone to the other.
- Jawline width: from the tip of your chin to just below your ear, then doubled.
- Face length: from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Now compare your numbers to these rules of thumb:
- Oval: Your face length is about 1.5 times your cheekbone width, and your chin is softly rounded.
- Round: Your face length and cheekbone width are nearly equal, with full cheeks and a soft jaw.
- Square: Your face length and cheekbone width are nearly equal, and your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about the same width. Your jaw is strong and angular.
- Heart: Your forehead is the widest measurement and your jawline is the narrowest. Your chin is narrow.
- Diamond: Your cheekbones are the widest measurement. Your forehead and jawline are both narrower.
- Oblong: Your face length is more than 1.5 times your cheekbone width, and your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are about equal in width.
If you fall between two shapes, go by your jawline, since it affects frame choice the most.
Best Sunglasses for Each Face Shape
Now that you know what your face shape is, let’s discuss what the best frames for your face shape would be.
Oval Face
If you’ve got an oval face shape, you’re in luck when you’re shopping for sunglasses. You’ll be able to wear most types of frames and look good. The main thing to keep in mind is not to ruin the natural symmetry of your face.
For more info about your face shape and lots of top sunglasses picks that will look good on you, see our guide to best sunglasses for oval face shape.
Here’s one favorite pick for oval face shapes: these Gucci square sunglasses. It’s got generous dimensions and angular lines that beautifully contrast with the contours of an oval face shape. Try it on virtually to test the look. 
Round Face
For round faces, the best way to get your sunglasses to flatter your face is to find a frame that will cut the rounded, soft lines of your face with angular contrast. You can find more specific info and lots of top sunglasses picks that will look good on you in this guide to the best sunglasses for a round face.
Here’s one favorite sunglasses pick for a round face shape: These Michael Kors square frames have the angular lines for your round face, and the fact that they’re wider than a standard frame can help add length to your face’s look. (That last point doesn’t apply if you’ve got a smaller round face. If your face is small and round you may not be able to handle the extra size on these frames.)
Square Face
If you have a square face shape, your strong jawline and broad forehead are your signature features. The goal when you choose sunglasses is to soften those angles, so look for frames with curves and rounded lines. Stay away from those sharp corners on your frames.
Here’s our favorite pick for square face shapes: these Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses. The teardrop lenses and thin metal frame bring gentle curves that will contrast your strong jaw, and the lightweight look keeps the frame from adding more angles. Try them on virtually to test the look on you.
Heart-Shaped Face
With a heart-shaped face, you have a wider forehead and cheekbones that gently slope towards a narrower chin. Your goal is balance and symmetry: look for frames that don’t add weight to the top of your face and that give the lower half a little more presence.
Here’s one favorite pick for heart-shaped faces: these Gucci oval cat-eye sunglasses. The softly upswept shape follows the width of your forehead and cheekbones, while the compact frame keeps the focus on your eyes without overpowering a delicate chin. Try them on virtually to test the look on you.
Diamond Face
The diamond face look has the widest part of your face at your cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and chin. To soften the cheekbone line and add a little width at the brow and jaw, look for cat eye shapes, smaller size frames, and even rimless glasses, so your frames don’t emphasize your already strong cheekbone line.
One great cat-eye pick for diamond faces: these Celine Monochroms sunglasses. It’s got the upswept shape to draw the eye upward and frames the cheekbones, while the moderate size keeps your features in balance. Try them on virtually to test the look on you.
Oblong Face
Oblong faces have that forehead, cheekbones, and jaw all about the same width. If you’ve got that, you want frames that work with your face length, not against it. Skip anything narrow, since it makes your face look even longer than it is. Instead, choose wider frames that give you enough broadness to counter your face length.
Here’s a sunglasses pick that works well with your face shape: the Saint Laurent SL 545. Its oversized square shape gives your face the width it needs, and the metal brow accent adds a strong horizontal line across the top of the frame. The yellow lens makes it a statement pair, so you’ll stand out. Try it on virtually to see how the proportions look on you.
Face Shape Sunglasses Quick Reference
|
Face Shape |
Best Frames |
Frames to Avoid |
Example Style |
|
Oval |
Most styles work. Square and rectangular frames add definition without breaking your natural symmetry. |
Frames that are very oversized or dramatically shaped, since they can overpower your proportions. |
Square (Gucci GG0748S) |
|
Round |
Angular frames in square or rectangular shapes, ideally a little wider than standard. |
Small round or circular frames, which echo the curves of your face. |
Square (Michael Kors Zermatt) |
|
Square |
Curved, softer shapes such as aviators, ovals, and rounded frames. |
Boxy, sharp-cornered frames that add more angles to your jawline. |
Aviator (Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal) |
|
Heart |
Oval and cat-eye frames, light and compact, with a bit of weight toward the bottom. |
Heavy, top-heavy frames or bold brow lines that add weight to your forehead. |
Oval cat-eye (Gucci GG1680S) |
|
Diamond |
Cat-eye, oval, and semi-rimless or rimless frames that highlight the cheekbones. |
Narrow frames and sharp geometric shapes that stress the cheekbone line. |
Cat-eye (Celine Monochroms CL40278U) |
|
Oblong |
Oversized, deeper frames that add width and visually shorten the face. |
Small, narrow frames that make the face look longer. |
Oversized square (Saint Laurent SL 545) |
Beyond Face Shape
Although face shape makes the biggest difference to the frame shapes you’ll pick, there are other factors that will make a difference too. For example, look at the bridge fit at the nose, especially if your nose is flatter. A low bridge is good for a flat nose, while a higher bridge can emphasize the flatness.
Another aspect to take into account is your coloring and how it works with the sunglasses lens coloring. You can either look for lens tints that harmonize with your natural hair and skin undertones for a cohesive look, or choose a contrasting shade to make your eyes and frames pop. If you have warm skin and hair tones, look for warm lens shades like amber, brown, or gold. If you have cooler tones, grey, green, or flash mirror lenses can complement your coloring well.
Shop Sunglasses for Face Shapes
For more information and advice for matching sunglasses to face shape, see our in-depth guides on various face shapes and the styles that work best.




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