How to pick the best sunglasses for your face shape

How can you find the best sunglasses for your face shape? Start by looking in the mirror to determine your face shape. Then use our guide to choose the shades that will help you to look your best.

How the right sunglasses make an impression

Imagine Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” wearing her iconic tortoise shell sunglasses. Or do you recall Tom Cruise rocking aviators in “Top Gun?” Let’s not forget Matthew Broderick’s trend-setting Ray-Bans in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”

Sometimes, nothing makes a bolder statement than a pair of sunglasses. But, not just any pair of shades, the RIGHT PAIR of shades. And, that perfect pair isn’t only about style; it’s also about the fit on your face.

Discovering your true face shape will help you pick the right sunglasses to complement your facial bone structure. In this article, you will discover the best sunglasses for your face shape, so you too can possibly have a star-making moment.

READ MORE: Sunglasses Diagram

Square face shape

The width of the cheekbones on a square face shape is typically equal to the length between the forehead and jaw. This face type is often quite angular, so picking the right pair of sunglasses is essential to not accentuating the blocky appearance of a square face.

Must-try frames:

Aviator frames were a hit for Tom Cruise in “Top Gun” and Sylvester Stallone in “Cobra,” and they work equally well with a square face shape. Colorful, classic round, vintage round and oval styles also draw attention away from the length and width proportions of the facial structure. 

Sunglasses that accentuate the eye and cheekbone area with a strong browline or rimless edge are also winners.

Round face shape

A round face is generally proportional in width and length. The dimensions between the forehead, cheekbones and jaw are very similar and hold a smooth, rounded structure. The cheeks are typically full and tend to curve outward instead of straight back to the ears. 

Must-try frames:

A round face shape can rock a variety of sunglass styles, as long as they don’t overemphasize the cheeks. Matthew Broderick’s semi-rimless pair in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” will add that starpower to a round face. 

Look for angular or rectangular frames in eccentric designs and bold colors. Full-rim, semi-rimless and clear nose-bridge sunglasses with sharp lines also help widen the eyes and add definition to the rounded cheek area. Avoid small round sunglasses as they can make your face look rounder.

Oval face shape

The length of an oval face shape is longer than its width, with a solid forehead, broadly-spaced cheekbones, a round jawline and a narrow chin. There is a unique balance to the oval face that makes it ideal for a wide range of sunglass styles and shapes. 

Must-try frames:

Sunglasses should be bold in size and color. But, avoid those with bottom-heavy or rimless frames, as these styles can over-emphasize the length of the face. 

Angular, aviator and oval sunglasses are a great match for an oval face structure. Think Diane Keaton’s iconic oversized, two-toned pair in “Annie Hall.” Retro square sunglasses and oversized frames that are wide around the eyes will complement an oval face without overly accenting a narrow forehead and chin. 

SEE RELATED: The best men’s sunglasses for your face shape 

Heart face shape

The heart face shape has a prominent forehead and high cheekbones that taper down to a narrow jawline. The perfect sunglasses for a heart-shaped face maintain midface balance without drawing too much attention to the upper and lower portion of this face structure. 

Must-try frames:

A heart-shaped face can really stand out in geometric and round-framed sunglasses. Think light rimless frames like the ones Keanu Reeves wore in The Matrix movies. Cat-eye frames in shiny opaque colors or blocky, retro square frames are also ideal for a heart face shape.

SEE RELATED: Different Types of Sunglasses: Styles, Shapes & Top Choices

Diamond face shape

The diamond face shape literally resembles a diamond shape. This face structure features a narrow forehead, prominent cheekbones and a modest chin that can sometimes be pointy. Sunglasses that broaden the middle and upper portion of this face shape are the most flattering. 

Must-try frames:

Someone with a diamond face shape should look for sunglasses that have soft angles, such as two-tone rims that draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. These sunglasses should emphasize the browline and include distinctive shapes, fun lens colors and design accents. 

Think of the ones Meryl Streep wore in “The Devil Wears Prada.” Cat-eye, oval and rectangular sunglasses also really work for this face shape. 

SEE RELATED: The best glasses for your face shape and skin tone 

Oblong face shape

An oblong, or long, face shape is usually longer than it is wide. It has defined cheekbones with a high forehead and narrow jawline. If you have an oblong face, you hit the sunglasses jackpot because you can wear a variety of sunglass styles and shapes. 

Must-have frames:

An oblong face shape should go with sunglasses that offset the length of the face. Look for shades with sharp angles, geometric shapes, deep lenses and bold lines. 

Cat-eye frames, like the ones Susan Sarandon wore in “Thelma and Louise," or Wayfarer frames work well because they can help minimize the length of the face and sharpen this face shape’s softer features. 

The perfect pair of sunglasses is a fashion staple. Understanding your face structure will make sure your shades make a statement.

SEE RELATED: National Sunglasses Day

Page published on Wednesday, January 29, 2020