How to Choose the Right Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

Knowing how to choose the right sunglasses for your face shape is trickier than it seems. It’s easy to assume that any pair off the rack can work well enough for your face, but the truth is that there’s a bit of geometry to it.

It’s crucial to pick the best pair of sunglasses to suit your face. After all, sunglasses don’t just protect your eyes from the harsh rays of the sun. They are also a crucial element of any outfit you wear them with.

Don’t believe us? Try pairing a white shirt and jeans with a one-of-a-kind pair of sunglasses. All that attention to your face will serve as proof enough that your choice of accessories is critical!

Ready to explore the world of sunglasses and find your holy grail? This guide covers everything you need to know.

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Choosing the Right Sunglasses for Your Face Shape: A Guide

Oval Face Shape

People with oval face shapes lucked out in the sunglasses department. As they tend to have well-proportioned features, most frames will complement their facial structure.

In the end, it all boils down to the effect you want to create with your sunglasses without disturbing your face’s harmonious proportions.

Butterfly glasses, aviators, cat eyeglasses, and glasses with smooth-lined frames can be fantastic options to explore.

Friendly tip: Avoid very narrow frames as they tend to make the face appear longer than it is.

Square Face Shape

People with square faces should go for round frames and aviators that will soften their angular features. Circles and ovals will create balance and contrast well with defined features.

Friendly tip: Avoid wearing square and sharp-angled rectangular sunglasses as they will just emphasize what’s already there.

Round Face Shape

Those with round faces will do well with sunglasses that make their cheeks appear slimmer and add definition to their features. Frames that are wider than they are tall should work best.

Angular glasses with a strong brow line can elongate the temples and lengthen the face. Square and rectangular frames can add a bit of sharpness and contour.

Friendly tip: Try to avoid round, narrow, and small frames as they will not add definition to your features.

Long or Rectangular Face Shape

If you have a rectangular face shape, opt for sunglasses that will add width to your features and make your face look a bit broader. Round and square frames in oversized sizes with transparent lenses will work best. You can also try Wayfarers and rectangular glasses to sharpen your delicate features.

Friendly tip: Always look for opposites. Any frame that makes your face appear visually broader works.

Heart Face Shape

Heart-shaped faces are notorious for being difficult to frame. Ideally, you should buy sunglasses frames wider on the top than on the bottom. Choose designs that create a balance between the brow area and chin without over-emphasizing the forehead.

Try out round frames, cat eye glasses, butterfly frames, and aviators to find the perfect pair.

Friendly tip: Avoid glasses with large and heavy frames and sharp, pointy outlines as they add bulk to the upper part of your face.

Other Sunglasses Factors to Consider

Now that you’ve determined what types of sunglasses frames will complement your face shape, it’s time to seal the deal. Choose a pair of sunglasses that will add to your overall charm while providing much-needed protection for your eyes.

Here are five important factors to consider before buying your next pair:

1. Color

The color of your sunglasses is an important element that determines their wearability in different situations. While the classic black is largely considered a great fit in general, it can easily overpower a pale complexion.

It’s best to find a color that complements your skin tone. Experiment with different hues to find the perfect shade for your shades.

2. Style

Most people purchase sunglasses just to keep up with fashion trends. Unfortunately, this mindset is an easy way to waste your money. Fashion trends come and go very quickly, and a flash-in-the-pan, eccentric design that will be outdated in a month or two will just end up gathering dust.

Instead, try to find sunglasses with a classic, timeless aesthetic. High-end aviators and Wayfarers are worth shelling big bucks for.

3. Lenses

Sunglasses are a fashion statement, sure, but their true purpose is to protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh UV rays. Choose high-quality sunglasses made with durable material that blocks 100% UV-A and UV-B rays. These will offer you a top-tier level of protection whenever you spend time under the sun.

4. Material

The frame’s material can make or break its overall appeal. Choose a durable, lightweight material that can complement a range of frames and designs.

Plastic frames are more affordable and easy to wear, but they may be flimsy. Metal frames feel a bit heavier on the face but promise to be more durable. Find a balance between these attributes and choose a pair that will last years!

5. Polarization

Polarized lenses are coated with anti-reflective chemicals to prevent glare and block intense light. The coating acts as a vertical filter that keeps harsh, horizontal light from passing through the lens into your eye. You can opt for polarized lenses if you need clearer and more accurate vision while wearing sunglasses.

How To Choose the Right Sunglasses: Top Tips

1. Try before you buy. Look at your face from all angles to ensure that your sunglasses emphasize your best features.
2. Make sure you choose sunglasses that fall in your eyewear sweet spot in terms of peripheral vision, sunlight protection, and field of view.
3. Choose frames based on your head size. Your sunglasses shouldn’t be so tight on your head that they leave marks on your temples.
4. Certain hues can clash against your complexion and hair color. Take these factors into account when considering your options.
5. When in doubt, go with sunglasses with decades of history. Classics like Aviators and Clubmasters will never do you wrong.
6. Prioritize quality. They may cost a bit more upfront, but they’re definitely worth the investment for years of protection and fashion. 

We hope this guide can help you choose the right sunglasses for your face shape. Take these crucial factors into account as you shop for your next pair, and you’re sure to purchase the perfect sunglasses that you’ll be excited to wear all the time!

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