Choosing the Perfect Sunglasses for Your Face Shape: A Guide

Determining your face shape can affect your choices on many things, such as which haircut is most flattering, how you should apply makeup and what style of glasses will suit you best. The simplest way to find out your face shape if you do not know already is to stand in front of a mirror and trace the outline of your face using something that can be easily removed, such as lipstick. Start at your hairline, before tracing around your cheekbones and down to your jawline, ignoring your ears (they do not affect your face shape). Not everyone will match a face shape, and people often find that they have elements of several different face shapes. If you are in this situation, try to identify your most prominent facial features to see if you can match them to a shape this way. Once you have figured out your face shape, experts have pieced together a guide for which sunglasses will suit you best this summer.

Round Faces:

If you have a round face, your forehead at the hairline and jawline will both be rounded, with the length of your face being approximately the same as the width. You should avoid round or small sunglasses, as these will make your face look even rounder. Instead, opt for square or rectangular frames that can bring structure and balance to your facial features. Wayfarer sunglasses are a good choice if you are looking for an everyday pair, as well as angular cat-eye sunglasses. Browline sunglasses are also flattering to this face shape, as it makes your face look longer and can slim its appearance. Discover the perfect pair for your round face and shop now for an array of stylish options.

Square Faces:

People with square faces have a forehead, jawline and cheekbones that are all generally the same width. Their jawlines are sharply angled and chins are flatter than other face types. When you do not have many curves to your face shape, try to steer clear of amplifying this with boxy square or rectangular frames. The best type of sunglasses for a square face are cat-eye, as their shape can contour your cheekbones to elongate them, and the rounder bottoms of the frame will help to soften any sharp facial features.

Diamond Faces:

If you have high cheekbones and a pointed chin, you most likely have a diamond shaped face. People with this face shape will be well-suited to cat-eye frames if they want to make their face look more balanced, or a similar look can be achieved with browline glasses that will emphasise your eyes. Generally, any frames that will broaden your forehead and highlight your eyes will help to lessen the harshness of your long jawline if you have a diamond shaped face. Dark coloured sunglasses can bring structure to the upper half of your face, and square frames should be avoided as these are often too narrow and angular to be flattering for this face shape.

Oval Faces:

Similarly to round faces, oval faces have a curved jawline. However, they tend to be longer than they are wide. Luckily for people with oval faces, they are suited to most kinds of sunglasses, as long as the frames are not too wide. Square and rectangular frames compliment the symmetry of oval faces, make them look thinner and add angles that enhance softer facial features. The teardrop shaped lenses of aviator sunglasses will pair well with the softness of oval faces, as long as they are not as wide as your face. However, if you have an oval shaped face you should avoid oversized sunglasses as they can overpower your features.

Heart Faces:

Heart shaped faces are curved around the hairline, before becoming sharper towards the jaw. People with this face shape usually have broad foreheads and high cheekbones. Round sunglasses (such as circular or oval) will help to contrast the sharper features of this face type and draw attention to the eyes. Rectangular frames can balance heart faces, as they can soften angles and narrow broad foreheads. Rimless, or semi-rimless sunglasses, will also draw attention away from the wider foreheads of this face shape, and they will allow your facial features to be more evident. Alternatively, you can make your eyes the focal point of your face to distract from your forehead through wayfarer or clubmaster style sunglasses. As heart shaped faces are fairly versatile, there is no style of sunglasses that should explicitly be avoided, and your preferred style will depend on what part of your face you want to draw people’s attention to.

Regardless of your face shape, you should choose a pair of sunglasses that you feel comfortable in that will provide effective protection from sunlight and UV radiation. Check that your sunglasses have the relevant safety certifications for your country, and you may also need to buy another pair if they are unsuitable for driving.