How to Find the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
Stylists give their best tips on finding a flattering pair of sunglasses for your face.
Iuliia Bondar/Getty Images
We’ve all done that thing where we stand in front of a sunglasses case and try on one after another, checking the fit in the mirror as we cycle through each in an attempt to find the pair that miraculously works. Turns out, there’s a bit of method to the madness—you just need to know the best sunglasses for your face shape.
“Although I don’t believe face shape is the end-all decision maker, it can help you feel more confident when you’re buying new shades this season,” says Lindsey Bernay, a leading fashion expert stylist and author of You Can't Leave the House Naked.
Ultimately, she says “sunglasses should inspire you and complement your style.” That said, here’s some gentle guidance on what styles work best with different face shapes to help streamline your shopping.
Related: 9 Fashion Trends That Are Going to Be Everywhere in 2024, According to Stylists
Round Face Shapes
Round faces have soft, curved lines with similar width and length. They’re often characterized by fuller cheeks and a gentle jawline.
Best Sunglasses: Rectangular or square frames, geometric shapes
Worst Sunglasses: Rounded frames, oversized frames
“For the charming round faces out there, your best bet is rectangular or square frames. Why? Because they bring a sense of balance to your soft features, adding angles where there are curves, and elongating your face for a striking effect,” explains professional stylist Lana Ashby Rowder, founder of LookingGLASS. She says that geometric shapes can also be your BFF since they add a touch of edginess to your look.
Conversely, round frames aren’t ideal since they can make your face appear rounder, and the shape can sort of get lost since it doesn’t provide much contrast. Oversized frames can also overwhelm your soft features, making them less flattering than other styles.
Square Faces
Square faces are characterized by a strong jawline and a forehead and jaw of similar width. They also have more definition and angularity compared to round or oval faces.
Best Sunglasses: Round and oval shapes, aviators
Worst Sunglasses: Square and rectangular frames, tiny frames
The general rule of thumb when picking out the best sunglasses for your face shape is to lean into contrast. So, for example, if you have a round face then square frames are flattering, while round frames tend to flatter square faces, notes Tracy Vontélle Green, co-founder of glasses brand Vontélle.
That said, Green recommends round and oval frames with soft edges to help soften strong edges. On the other hand, square or rectangular frames don’t look as flattering.
Rectangle Face Shapes
Similar to oval faces, a rectangle face shape is longer than it is wide. However, this shape has straight sides and a squared, well-defined jawline.
Best Sunglasses: Round or oval frames, aviators, larger frames
Worst Sunglasses: square or rectangular frames, tiny frames
Rectangle faces look best in sunglass styles with rounded edges or exaggerated shapes, such as aviators, which can lend some softness while balancing facial width. As for the least flattering styles, rectangular or square frames tend to exaggerate rigid facial lines while also accentuating face length. Also note that overly small frames can elongate the face further, so go for larger styles instead.
Oval Faces
Those that fall into the “oval” camp have gently rounded faces that are longer than they are wide. Lucky for you, this is considered one of the most versatile face shapes when it comes to picking sunglasses.
Best Sunglasses: Square and rectangular frames, cat eyes, round frames
Worst Sunglasses: Overly large or overly narrow frames
“Most frame shapes look fab on you, but the best picks are square, rectangular, or round frames that are as wide as (or wider than) the broadest part of your face. These shapes maintain your face's natural balance,” Rowder says. “Pick your pair in an average size. Typically, overly large or very narrow frames will overpower or throw off your harmonious features.”
Triangle Face Shapes
With a broader forehead and narrow chin, the triangle face shape has a subtle inverted triangle appearance.
Best Sunglasses: Rectangle shapes, cat eyes, browlines
Worst Sunglasses: Bulky frames, round frames, butterfly shapes
Triangle shapes benefit from wearing sunglass styles that bring balance to a wider forehead, Green says. Her favorite pick for this face shape is a rectangular frame. Some other good options include cat eye sunglasses and browline styles. Frames that aren’t as flattering include butterfly shapes, those with bulky or chunky frames, and circular or round styles.
Diamond-Shaped Faces
People with diamond face shapes have high and wide cheekbones paired with a chin and forehead that’s more narrow, creating that classic diamond appearance.
Best Sunglasses: Cat eye, rimless styles, aviators
Worst Sunglasses: narrow frames, boxy frames, embellished styles
Green’s favorite option for diamond face shapes is the cat eye, which offers some nice contrast to your angular shape without overwhelming. Sunglasses with oval or rimless frames can also complement your cheekbones and soften strong angles. Conversely, overly narrow or boxy frames can potentially exaggerate your cheekbones and create the illusion of a wider forehead. Sunglasses with lots of heavy detailing can also create an imbalanced look.
Heart-Shaped Faces
Heart-shaped faces and triangle shapes are very similar with a broad forehead and narrow jaw. However, with heart-shapes the chin is more pointed and there’s often a strong widow’s peak at the hairline.
Best Sunglasses: Cat eyes, wayfarers, angular shapes
Worst Sunglasses: Embellished frames, thick or heavy frames
“With your wider forehead and narrower chin, cat-eye sunglasses are your soulmate. They mimic the natural curves of your face, adding balance and drawing attention to your eyes,” Rowder says. “Wayfarers are another great choice, offering a classic look that's not too heavy on the top.
She says to avoid anything too embellished or heavy on the upper part of the frames, since this can throw off the natural balance of your features and make your forehead appear wider.
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