sunglasses face shape

Choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses is not just about the brand, UV protection or your personal style preference. The right frame can balance your features, enhance your face shape and make a huge difference to your overall appearance. Whether you are looking for sunglasses for round face or oval, square or heart-shaped, it is best to select the right frame shape for maximum effect. Here is our optician-recommended sunglasses face shape guide to discover the most suitable sunglasses styles for each face shape.

Sunglasses for Oval Face

Often considered to be the most balanced type, oval face shape is versatile, with slightly wider cheekbones and a gently tapered chin. Almost all sunglasses frame shapes complement an oval face but if you talk about the best sunglasses for oval face, you should choose the ones that match the natural face width to maintain balance. Some sunglasses styles that will suit you best if you have an oval face are:

  • Aviators add depth and contour to oval face shapes with their teardrop silhouette.
  • Oversized sunglasses are perfect to add drama without overwhelming your features. They also offer better sun protection owing to their bigger lens size.
oval-face-shape

Sunglasses for Round Face

A round face is typically recognised by soft angles, fuller cheeks and almost equal width and height. If you have a round face shape, you can look for sunglasses that can bring definition to your features and add length to your face. The best frame shape choices for a round-shaped face will be:

  • Square, rectangular and wayfarer frames as their sharp lines counterbalance soft curves.
  • Geometric styles, such as hexagonal frames, add instant structure.
  • Cat eye sunglasses have lifted corners to give the illusion of a longer face.
Round Face Shape

Sunglasses for Square Face

Square faces have a strong, defined jawline and wide cheekbones. Since the features are quite angular, sunglasses with softer shapes will help in balancing the look. It is best to go ahead with the following styles to tone down the angles:

  • Round or oval frames to soften your face’s prominent angles.
  • Frames with curved edges to create a contrast and reduce sharpness.
Square Face Shape

Sunglasses for Heart-shaped Face

Heart-shaped faces are usually characterised by higher cheekbones and a narrower, pointed chin. To keep their features proportionate, people with a heart-shaped face can pick one of the below-mentioned frame styles:

  • Cat eye, square and wayfarer frames highlight the centre of your face for a more balanced look.
  • Aviators are universally flattering but they can specifically balance the width at the top.
  • Shades with round frames can make the lower half of the face look softer, balancing the overall look.
heart face shape

Sunglasses for Diamond-shaped Face

Diamond-shaped faces feature high cheekbones with a narrower forehead and chin. People with this face type should go for frame shapes such as:

  • Oval frames that highlight their cheekbones without adding width.
  • Retro-inspired cat eye sunglasses that can accentuate the eyes and add symmetry.
Diamond Face Shape

The right pair of sunglasses can elevate your look, enhance your features and boost your confidence effortlessly. While understanding your face shape is one of the most reliable starting points, whether you’re searching for the best sunglasses for an oval face or trying to find the most flattering options for a round face, it does not have to be the rulebook that limits you. Style is personal. If you come across a pair that speaks to you, even if it breaks a guideline or two, do not hesitate to try it on. Sometimes the most unexpected frames end up being the ones that look undeniably perfect.

Khuram Sarwar
Dispensing Optician

Khuram Sarwar is a qualified Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts. He holds over 14 years of experience in the optical industry. Registered with the General Optical Council (GOC), Mr. Sarwar is also a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). He completed his training at ABDO College before achieving a BSc (Hons) in Ophthalmic Dispensing from Canterbury Christ Church University. In his professional career, Khuram has worked with some of the industry’s leading experts and continues to offer practical, expert advice on both contact lenses and glasses.