You stare at rows upon rows of sunglasses, trying pair after pair, but nothing looks quite right. Maybe your friend’s favourite aviators don’t seem to suit you, or maybe you feel like those trendy oversized frames swallow your entire face. At Mint Eyecare, we know how tricky it is to find a pair of sunglasses that you want to wear all summer.
When finding the right sunglasses for you, it can help to understand your face shape, as certain frames tend to flatter certain face shapes. Once you know whether you have an oval, round, square, heart, or diamond shape, you can confidently choose frames that enhance your natural features and provide the eye protection you need.
How to Identify Your Face Shape
Stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back. Use a washable marker or lipstick to trace the outline of your face directly on the mirror, following your hairline down to your jawline. You could also take a picture of your face and use the editing feature on your phone to draw a line around it.
Examine the shape you’ve drawn. Compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. Notice whether your face appears longer than it is wide, or if these measurements seem fairly equal.
Common Face Shapes and Their Features
Some of the most common face shapes include oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. While these shapes can get you started on frames to try, don’t limit yourself to these categories. If it feels good and you love it, it automatically looks amazing.
Oval Face Shape
Oval shapes often have balanced proportions with slightly wider cheekbones. This is because their forehead and jawline are similar in width, with a face length longer than the width.
Round Face Shape
Round faces have a width and a length that are nearly equal, with a soft, curved jawline. Round faces typically also have full cheeks, with little to no sharp angles.
Square Face Shape
Square face shapes are recognized for strong, angular jawlines. People with square faces usually have foreheads, cheeks, and jaws that are all similar in width.
Heart Face Shape
Those with heart-shaped faces may notice a wide forehead and cheekbones, along with a narrow, pointed chin. Their faces tend to taper from top to bottom, creating that distinct heart look.
Diamond Face Shape
Diamond face shapes are widest at the cheekbones, with narrow foreheads and jawlines. Diamond faces, like squares, usually have angular features with prominent cheekbones.
Perfect Sunglasses for Each Face Shape
Frames for Oval Faces
If you have an oval face, your balanced proportions work with almost any style. Classic aviators complement your natural symmetry, while wayfarers add a timeless appeal. Cat-eye frames bring vintage charm without overwhelming your features.
Avoid frames that are much wider than your face, as they can make your features disappear. Stick to styles that match or slightly accent your natural proportions.
Frames for Round Faces
Angular and rectangular frames can add balance to your soft, delicate features. Sharp edges create definition and can help make your face appear longer. Cat-eye styles lift your features upward, while browline frames draw attention to your eyes.
You may want to skip round or curved frames that echo your face shape. These styles can make your face look even rounder than it actually is.
Frames for Square Faces
Round and oval frames can beautifully soften your strong angles. Curved styles balance your structured jawline, while pilot frames can add gentle curves around your eyes. The contrast between soft frames and angular features creates an appealing balance.
Frames for Heart Faces
Oval or round frames can soften the upper face, while light-coloured or rimless frames can help keep things from feeling too top-heavy. Look for frames with thin bridges or subtle detailing that can add interest without overwhelming your features.
Frames for Diamond Faces
With diamond faces, frames that add width at the top of the face can help create balance. That means cat-eye and browline styles work well, as they draw attention upward and complement your natural angles. Oval frames can also soften sharper features while keeping your look balanced.
Frame Size and Fit Considerations
Your sunglasses should align with your eyebrows, but not cover or sit too far below them. When you smile, the frames shouldn’t press against your cheeks or shift position on your face.
The bridge should rest comfortably on your nose without pinching or sliding down. Temple arms need to curve around your ears without creating pressure points behind them. A comprehensive eye exam and professional fitting can help determine the right measurements for your facial structure.
UV Protection and Your Eye Health
Every pair of sunglasses you consider should block 100% of UV rays. This protection prevents damage that can contribute to the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other serious eye conditions over time.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are helpful for reducing glare from water, snow, and pavement, which means they’re great outdoors or when you’re driving. Not every pair of sunglasses is polarized, and not every pair of polarized lenses offers UV protection, so it’s important to find sunglasses that have both.
Schedule Your Eye Exam
Our entire eye care team at Mint Eyecare can help you choose sunglasses that both flatter your face shape and protect your vision. We’d love to see you at our cozy optical gallery: You can relax by our fireplace, try on different styles, and find the perfect pair that suits both your face and your lifestyle. Schedule your appointment today!
