Sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes. Despite the wide range of options one can choose from, it still seems difficult to choose the best pair that would complement a person’s face. Little did a lot of people know, finding the right sunglasses is a journey. It’s disheartening to like a certain design only to find out that it doesn’t flatter your face.
In this article, you’ll learn some tips on how to choose the right sunglasses for your facial features, needs, style and preferences, and, most importantly, your face shape.
First Things First: Does Your Face Shape Matter?
A pair of sunglasses can change your entire face. Depending on the frame shape, size, and design of the accessory, it can either make or break your look. Essentially, your face shape isn’t that crucial when choosing sunglasses.
But here’s the catch: your face shape can significantly dictate the proportions and features of your face, which is essential in choosing a frame shape. Is your face more angular or rounded? Do your cheekbones look wider or narrower? Features like these are inclined to your face shape.
With these in mind, here are essential tips to find the right pair of sunglasses for your face shape:
1. Find Your Face Width
Before anything else, the sunglasses’ width in relation to your face’s width is the first factor to look into. A lot of people wear sunglasses that are too wide for their face, giving them a bug-like appearance. If your face is on the narrower side, go for a narrower frame width. For wider faces, you can pull off a frame that has a wider width.
To determine your face width, measure the width straight across your face from temple to temple. Then, take a look at the table below for a quick measurement guide on which may suit your face better:
| Width Category | Face Width (mm) | Suitable Frame Width (mm) |
| Wide | 140 to 152 | 140 to 150 |
| Medium | 128 to 138 | 129 to 139 |
| Narrow | 115 to 127 | 118 to 128 |
Aside from the frame width, make sure that the temples aren’t too tight or loose as you may find your sunglasses pinching your face or moving around too much. If this is the case, look into sunglasses that offer a secure fit, like this product donkey goggles.
2. Find Your Face Length
Your face length is another essential consideration when choosing a pair of sunglasses. To pick a good set of lenses that compliments the length, it’s all about determining if your face is longer than it is wider.
If you have a longer face, sunglasses with taller lenses will suit you more as it can create the illusion of a shorter face. Meanwhile, wearing shorter lenses on a long face can make your face even longer. If you have a shorter face, opt for shorter lenses as taller ones can eat up your face.
However, keep in mind that these aren’t strict rules. There are some instances where taller lenses will look as good as a shorter face in a longer face.
3. Look Into Your Facial Features
People’s facial features and shapes are on a spectrum. Some people strike stronger facial features that can be toned down with the help of accessories. Those with softer qualities may need a stronger impression by sporting a good haircut or makeup style.
As a rule of thumb, round and soft lines pair well with straight accents, while hard and angular lines need softening with circular features. Basically, it’s about finding the balance and symmetry of shapes.
Here are examples of sunglasses types that look great in every face shape for both men and women:
| Face Shape | Male | Female |
| Round | Square, retro square, aviator | Square, oversized, cat eye |
| Oval | Retro square, aviator, round | Retro square, aviator, oversized |
| Square | Aviator, round, browline | |
| Heart | Retro square, browline, sport | Retro square, cat eye, browline |
4. Bonus: UV Protection And Tint
Sunglasses are meant to be worn outdoors during sun exposure. Therefore, it’s important for your sunglasses to have ultraviolet protection, a feature that protects your eyes against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Thus, before purchasing your sunglasses from the store, check if it’s really protecting your eyes.
Additionally, sunglass lenses are colored with varying tints. Surprisingly, these aren’t just for design and style, but they’re actually useful in different types of activities. Take a look at how you can use these different tints for every kind of situation:
- Gray: Lessens glare and brightness, making it great for outdoor sports and driving
- Amber or Brown: Increases vision during cloudy days, best for cycling, hunting, and fishing
- Red or Rose: Great for blocking blue light and minimizes eye strain and glare during screen exposure
- Green: Reduces eye strain in bright light, best for activities requiring precision, like golf
- Yellow and Orange: Enhances contrast during low-light situations, such as snow activities, indoor activities, and during hazy or foggy days
Bottom Line
The best pair of sunglasses is the one that you’ll actually wear because it matches all your criteria. Before going shopping for your new eye protection for the summer, take note of these style tips to pick an excellent pair that blends well with your face shape and unique features.
