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How to Choose Sunglasses That Fit Your Face Shape

May 15, 2019 6 min read 0 Comments

How to Choose Sunglasses That Fit Your Face Shape


With the summer months fast approaching, you’ll need a pair of sunglasses that are right for you, your needs and, most importantly, your face shape.

Believe it or not, the shape of your face is essential when you’re trying to get the right sunglasses for you.

Even if you’re just walking your dog around the neighborhood or sunbathing, why not do it in style by making sure you have the right fit at all times?

The last thing you want to do is get yourself a pair that doesn't suit your features and come to regret those vacation photos years down the line

Well, this article is going to make sure you won't make that type of mistake. We’re going to break down how to figure out the shape of your face, break down which styles and frames are right for you and why they wouldn't fit and, finally, some recommendations for which frames are best for your particular face shape. That way, you’ll never have to worry about not looking fresh and stylish.

Let’s get started, shall we?


How to Choose Sunglasses That Fit Your Face Shape



How To Tell Which Face Shape You Have

There are six main face shapes you could have, the round, square, oblong, diamond, triangular, and oval face shapes. Each one has unique and distinguishing features that set them apart. While the names might seem pretty self-explanatory, there are subtle features and nuances that show up for each one. Simply put, there’s a right and wrong style for everyone.

One way to help tell what size face you have is to take some measurements. These are simple and easy to do yourself, only taking a few minutes to figure out. If you don’t trust yourself to do the measurements properly, stop into a local eyeglasses store or SunGlass Hut and have a professional handle it.

If you’re doing it yourself, make sure you write these measurements down as you go. It’s super easy to forget or mix them up later on.

The Measurements

For your cheekbone width, you'll start by measuring from cheekbone to cheekbone at the widest point, placing the measuring tape right below the outer corner of one eye and pulling across to the same spot on the opposite side of your face.

Your jawline width will be measured from one corner of your jawline to the other. Measure at the widest point of your jawline, about an inch down from your ears.

Next, for your face length, measure down the middle of your face from the top of your forehead at your hairline to the bottom of your chin.

Finally, for your forehead width, measure from just above the temple at the hairline on one side of your face to the same spot on the opposite side.

Once you have all of those down, you’ll have a better idea of which of the six most common face shapes you have.

Let’s go over them one by one and let you know how to tell which category you fit into best, along with which frames would best for your particular face shape.



Round

Main features of the round face shape:

  • The cheekbone width and face length will be approximately the same length.
  • Forehead and jawline widths will also be approximately the same length.
  • The cheekbone width and face lengths will be larger than the measurements of the forehead and jawline widths.
  • Chin is rounded.
  • Angle of the jaw is rounded and soft.

Best sunglasses styles: People with round faces might think they should avoid boxy, square frames but they actually can pull them off if they go with the right style.

  • Aviators
  • Wayfarers
  • Retro square frames
  • Square frames
  • Wrap
  • Shield

Sunglasses styles to avoid: Oval or rounded styles will want to be avoided as these tend to exaggerate the roundness of and appear small on the face due to the existing rounded features.



Square

Main features of the square face shape:

  • Like a square, cheekbone width, face length, jawline, and forehead widths will be approximately equal.
  • Chin is rounded.
  • Jaw angle is sharp.

Best sunglasses styles: To balance strong features, choose frames that prioritize soft lines and rimless looks. You'll want to look for frames with rounded corners which help to balance the angularity of square faces. Be sure to find frames that are in-proportion with your face size, so the larger your face is, the larger the frames should be too.

  • Aviators
  • Browline frames
  • Round frames

Sunglasses styles to avoid: Folks with square facial features will want to avoid frames with harsh edges, such square or rectangular styles.



Oval

Main features of the oval face shape:

  • Length of the face is longer than the cheekbone width (usually by a ratio of 1.5).
  • The forehead width is generally greater than the jawline width.
  • Chin is rounded.
  • Angle of the jaw is rounded.

Best sunglasses styles: People with oval faces are blessed to beable to pull off both rounded and angular frames with ease. Keep proportions in mind when you’re picking a pair out, though, as you don’t want to end up with frames to big or small for your face. Stick with frames that are just about the same width as your cheekbone width and make sure that there isn't a gap between the frames and sides of your face.

  • Aviators
  • Retro square frames
  • Round frames
  • But really anything goes!

Sunglasses styles to avoid: Because of the versatility of the oval-shaped face, there are really no styles that would cause major issues. People with oval face shapes have the gift of being able to seamlessly pull off virtually any eyewear choice they want!If only we could ALL be so lucky.



Triangular

Main features of the triangular face shape:

  • Face length can vary and be any length.
  • Widest feature is jawline.
  • Cheekbone width is slightly narrower than jawline.
  • Smallest feature is the forehead width.
  • Chin and jaw angle are somewhat rounded.

Best sunglasses styles: You will want to go with sunglasses that are "heavy on top" in order to bring balance to your facial features. Choose a frame with an upper rim that is as wide as the widest part of your jawline.

  • Aviators
  • Browline frames
  • Rectangular frames with a wider upper rim or detailing on the upper rim
  • Oval frames with a wider upper rim or detailing on the upper rim

Sunglasses styles to avoid: Those with triangular face shapes will want to avoid sunglasses that are narrower on the top rim, or sunglasses that have more detailing or focus on the lower rim of the frame.



Oblong (or Rectangular)

Main features of the oblong (also known as rectangular) face shape:

  • Face length is the largest measurement.
  • The forehead, cheekbone, and jawline widths are all approximately equal.
  • Chin is slightly rounded, but may come to a gradual point.
  • Jaw angle is sharp, but not as sharp as in square face shapes.

Best sunglasses styles: Oblong face shapes are somewhat angular by nature, so it is a good idea to look for frames that are slightly more rounded or that have rounded corners.

  • Wayfarers
  • Browline
  • Square frames (with slightly rounded corners)
  • Rectangular frames (with slightly rounded corners)
  • Wrap
  • Shield

Sunglasses styles to avoid: Small frames and lenses are a no-go as they will appear very small on the face.



Diamond

Main features of the diamond face shape:

  • Face length is the largest measurement.
  • Cheekbone width is the next largest measurement, but is the most prominent feature of this shape.
  • Forehead width is 3rd largest measurement.
  • Jawline width is the smallest measurement.
  • Jaw angle is generally straight and angles diagonally toward the chin.
  • Chin is pointed.

Best sunglasses styles: You will want to be sure to stay in-proportion with your facial proportions, as choosing a frame that is too wide will make your cheekbones appear wider, and choosing a frame that is too narrow will make your eye-line appear too narrow.

  • Wayfarers
  • Browline
  • Rectangular frames
  • Oval frames
  • Rimless frames

Sunglasses styles to avoid: Since the cheekbones are such a prominent feature, and also since the eye-line is narrower in this face shape, it is important to avoid frames that are wider than the cheekbones, or significantly narrower than the cheekbone width. You want to complement your cheekbones without drawing attention away from your eyes.

 

No matter which sunglasses you choose, you'll be doing yourself a favor by protecting your eyes! Finding sunglasses that offer superior protection from the sun's rays is the most important consideration, but looking good while doing it can't hurt. Shoot us a message if you need help finding the perfect shades for you!




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