If you’re wondering how to pick sunglasses for your face shape, then read on to find out how to work out your face shape and which style will suit you best. The correct sunglasses will enhance your best features and minimize any features you’re not keen on.
How to Pick Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
Whether you have an oval, square, heart or round face shape, there are glasses to suit everyone. The first step in choosing the right glasses is to work out your face shape. Find out how below and read more helpful tips for choosing sunglasses at the end of this article.
1. Work out Your Face Shape
Look in the mirror and using a bar of soap, trace the outline of your face. Is the shape round, square, heart shaped or oval?
Sunglasses for wide faces will have a different shape to frames for a round face. If you’re still struggling to work it out, you can actually measure your face by using a flexible tape measure or your fingers.
For example, a round face has a similar width to length, whilst an oval shaped face is long and slim with a slightly narrow chin. A square face generally has a wide forehead and defined jawline, whilst a heart shaped face is considerably narrower at the chin than the forehead.
Sunglasses for Round Face Shape
With a soft, narrow jaw and forehead, round face shapes generally have full cheekbones and a similar height and width to their faces. Add definition to the facial features by picking a geometric style that will elongate and shape. Frames with a wide brow line will also work wonders.

Best Sunglasses for a Round Face
Square or wide frames or angular shapes to give definition. These Céline Stella sunglasses have a graduated lens which helps balance your features.
Avoid
Circular frames, particularly small ones and coloured lenses.
Sunglasses for Oval Face Shape
Characterized by a face that is longer than it is wide, with a gently rounded jaw, those with oval face shapes can get away with almost any sunglasses style. Having said that, it’s important to consider the size of your face when choosing sunglasses.
Those with petite oval faces will be overwhelmed by thick frames. Make sure that frames are no wider than your cheekbones for good balance, but consider rectangular styles for added interest.

Best Sunglasses for an Oval Face
Whatever takes your fancy, as oval faces suit most shapes, with a preference for gently angular styles. These Fendi sunglasses have an interesting corner detail and angular arms.
Avoid
Low-hanging arms that are likely to elongate the face further.
Sunglasses for Square Face Shape
With a defined jawline and broad forehead, square face shapes can pull off quite a few looks. Curvy frames such as cat’s eye or round styles like aviators will give balance and draw attention to your eyes.

Best Sunglasses for a Square Face
Semi-rimless, cat’s eye, oval and round frames that extend past the face.
Avoid
Angular, geometric styles.
Sunglasses for Heart Face Shape
Recognizable by a broad forehead and cheekbones combined with a slender, pointed chin, the heart shaped face should seek out sunglasses that complement their features. Aviators and sports frames are a good choice as they minimize the width of the forehead.
Be careful not to overload the face with a heavy frame if you have a small face.

Best Sunglasses for a Heart-Shaped Face
Cat’s eye, oval and round shapes with light coloured frames or in a semi-rimless style. Aviators, wayfarers and sports frames can be very flattering as a general rule. These Bvlgari sunglasses reflect your surroundings beautifully.
Avoid
Heavily embellished frames.
More Tips For Choosing Sunglasses
An important style consideration is to choose sunglasses that will complement your usual hair style. For example, if you have long wavy hair then that will already help to soften your features whilst short hairstyles may require sunglasses that counterbalance very defined features.
Select sunglasses that work with your hair color. Blue and gray frames work well with blonde hair, green will complement red hair and black or blue tends to go with black hair.
Did you know that some eye specialists recommend wearing sunglasses all year round? This is in order to protect your eyes from UV damage that can ultimately lead to macular degeneration and increased sensitivity to light.
Make sure your eyewear has the CE mark or BS EN 1836:2005, in order to protect your eyes from UV light. Consider polarized lenses that block any reflective glare from surfaces such as water and snow.
Also don’t forget to choose sunglasses that complement your beachwear, whether in terms of color or style.
Final Thoughts on How to Pick Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
Now that you know how to pick sunglasses for your face shape, it’s time to shop! But before you go grabbing any pair of shades off the shelf, keep in mind these three things:
1) Stick to classic shapes and colors if you want a timeless smart casual look.
2) Consider trying out new trends if you want something more fashion-forward.
3) Don’t be afraid to experiment – after all, part of the fun of sunglasses is finding a style that expresses your personality. And once you find the perfect pair (or pairs!) of shades, we have plenty of other style articles to help you put together complete looks for every season.
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What is your favorite style of sunglasses?
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This is really useful. I have a square face shape and need large ones for sure – wayfarer style or cat eye are my go-tos 🙂
Really helpful post. I have a round face and some frames just make my face look more round!
Thanks for the tips on what to look for to protect our eyes from UV light, very helpful. Love the sunshine-filled imagery in this post!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x