Finding the right sunglasses can feel like a puzzle — so many styles, shapes, and colors to choose from! But don't worry — we're in this together.
In this article, we'll walk through how to choose the perfect sunglasses style that fits your face shape.
By the end, you'll be able to confidently pick a pair that not only protects your eyes but also boosts your overall style.
Why Face Shape Matters
When we choose sunglasses, it's not just about trends — it's about balance. The right pair can highlight our best features and bring harmony to our look. Our face shape acts like a frame for the glasses, so understanding it helps us make smarter style choices.
There are five main face shapes: round, oval, square, heart, and diamond. Each has different angles and widths, and different frame styles complement them in different ways.
Round Faces: Add Angles
If our face is soft with fuller cheeks and a rounded chin, we likely have a round face. Our goal here is to add some contrast and create a more structured look.
Best picks:
• Square or rectangular frames
• Geometric styles
• Wayfarers
Avoid: Round glasses — they may exaggerate the roundness.
These angular frames can help sharpen our features while making the face appear longer and more balanced.
Oval Faces: Lucky and Flexible
Oval faces have gently rounded features and balanced proportions — meaning we can wear almost any sunglasses style!
Best picks:
• Aviators
• Oversized frames
• Retro cat-eyes
• Round or square frames
Just make sure the frame is not wider than the broadest part of your face — usually around the cheekbones. This keeps the look polished and proportionate.
Square Faces: Soften the Edges
A square face often features a strong jawline and a broad forehead. To balance out the sharpness, we want sunglasses with soft lines and curves.
Best picks:
• Round frames
• Oval frames
• Butterfly styles
Avoid: Boxy or square styles — they can make the face look too angular.
Rounded frames bring in softness and can create a more relaxed, flattering shape.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Balance the Width
Heart-shaped faces have broader foreheads and narrower chins. Our goal here is to draw attention downward and even out the upper face.
Best picks:
• Bottom-heavy frames
• Aviators
• Light-colored or rimless designs
Frames with wider bottoms or softer curves can help visually balance the face and highlight the cheekbones beautifully.
Diamond Faces: Play with Curves
Diamond faces are narrow at the forehead and chin with prominent cheekbones. We want to soften the angles and highlight our unique shape.
Best picks:
• Cat-eye frames
• Oval or rimless styles
• Curved or upswept designs
Avoid: Boxy or overly narrow frames.
These shapes help open up the eye area and flatter the cheekbones without overwhelming the rest of the face.
Choosing the Right Frame Color
The frame color can also change the entire feel of the sunglasses. Here's how we can decide:
• Neutral skin tones: Almost anything works — try black, brown, or metallics.
• Cool undertones: Go for silver, blue, gray, or soft pink.
• Warm undertones: Try gold, tortoiseshell, red, or warm browns.
If unsure, we can always try classic black or brown — they're timeless and easy to pair with different outfits.
Lens Color Matters Too
Different lens colors don't just affect style — they affect function:
• Gray: Natural color perception and glare reduction.
• Brown/Amber: Enhances contrast; great for driving.
• Green: Reduces glare and improves contrast.
• Blue or mirrored: Stylish and ideal for bright sunlight.
We should choose lens colors based on how and where we'll wear the sunglasses — whether it's driving, walking, or relaxing on a beach.
UV Protection Is a Must
Style aside, let's not forget the main job of sunglasses — protecting our eyes. Always look for 100% UV protection or UV400 labels.
"Wearing sunglasses without 100 percent UV protection is actually a serious health risk," said Dianna Seldomridge, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Regardless of the season, sun exposure can increase the risk of developing growths on the eye, cataracts and some eye cancers. The good news is, protecting yourself from the sun is easy and doesn’t require breaking the bank, just look for the 100 percent UV protection label."
Tips for Trying Them On
When we try on sunglasses, let's look for:
• No pinching at the nose
• No sliding down when we move
• Eyebrows should be either fully above or just slightly behind the frame
• Our eyes should sit near the center of the lenses
A comfortable fit means we'll actually want to wear them — and confidence makes every style look better.
Wrapping It Up: Sunglasses That Work for Us
Finding the perfect sunglasses is about more than trends. It's about understanding our face shape, choosing the right frame style, and ensuring protection for our eyes. When we choose thoughtfully, sunglasses can become one of the most powerful style tools in our wardrobe.
Now it's your turn — what's your face shape, and which style are you excited to try next? If you're unsure, take a quick selfie and compare it with the face shape tips above. We'd love to hear which pair you picked!
