Before diving into styles, the first step is to determine your face shape. Stand in front of a mirror, pull your hair back, and outline your face with a washable marker or lipstick. Step back and observe the shape.
How to Identify Your Face Shape:
- Oval: Your face is longer than it is wide, with a gently rounded jawline and forehead. The widest part is usually your cheekbones. (Considered the most versatile face shape).
- Round: Your face has similar width and length, with soft, curved lines, fuller cheeks, and a rounded chin.
- Square: Your face has similar width and length, with a strong, angular jawline and a broad forehead.
- Heart: Your forehead is the widest part of your face, tapering down to a narrower chin, often with a pointed chin and high cheekbones. (Also known as inverted triangle).
- Diamond: Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, with a narrower forehead and chin. Often characterized by an angular jawline.
- Oblong (or Rectangle): Your face is longer than it is wide, with a straight and narrow appearance, often with a long, straight cheek line.
Sunglasses Styles for Each Face Shape:
The general rule of thumb is to choose frames that contrast your face shape to create balance, or for oval faces, frames that maintain balance.
1. Oval Face Shape
- Characteristics: Well-proportioned, balanced features.
- Best Sunglasses: You’re in luck! Almost any style works well on an oval face.
- Aviators: Classic and universally flattering.
- Wayfarers: Timeless and versatile.
- Square/Rectangular: Add definition to soft features.
- Cat-Eye: Can highlight cheekbones beautifully.
- Tip: The key is to ensure the frames are proportional to your face – not too oversized or too narrow, and the widest part of the frame should be no wider than the widest part of your face.
2. Round Face Shape
- Characteristics: Soft curves, full cheeks, similar width and length.
- Goal: To add angles and length, creating definition and making the face appear slimmer.
- Best Sunglasses:
- Square/Rectangular: Their sharp angles contrast the roundness, adding structure.
- Cat-Eye: The upswept outer corners lift and slim the face.
- Browline: The thicker upper frame adds definition to the brow line.
- Squared-Off Aviators/Navigators: Offer angularity while retaining the classic aviator style.
- Avoid: Round or overly small frames, which can exaggerate the face’s roundness.
3. Square Face Shape
- Characteristics: Strong, angular jawline, broad forehead, similar width and length.
- Goal: To soften strong angles and add curves.
- Best Sunglasses:
- Round/Oval: The curves beautifully contrast the angular features, softening the jawline and forehead.
- Aviators: Their teardrop shape can balance angular features.
- Cat-Eye (with softer curves): Can add a feminine touch while softening angles.
- Browline (with rounded edges): Draws attention to the eyes and away from the jaw.
- Avoid: Square or rectangular frames with harsh angles, which can emphasize the squareness.
4. Heart Face Shape
- Characteristics: Wide forehead, high cheekbones, tapering to a narrow/pointed chin.
- Goal: To minimize the width of the forehead and draw attention downwards, balancing the face.
- Best Sunglasses:
- Aviators: The wider top and tapering bottom help balance the forehead and draw the eye downwards.
- Cat-Eye (with a softer, wider bottom): Can balance the broader forehead.
- Round/Oval: Soften the angular chin and forehead.
- Browline (with thinner bottom rims): Emphasizes the upper face subtly without adding too much width.
- Frames with embellishments on the lower rim: Draws attention to the narrower chin.
- Avoid: Overly wide or heavy top-heavy frames, which can make the forehead appear even broader.
5. Diamond Face Shape
- Characteristics: Narrow forehead and chin, wide and prominent cheekbones.
- Goal: To soften prominent cheekbones and add width to the forehead and chin.
- Best Sunglasses:
- Cat-Eye: Accentuates the cheekbones while adding some flair to the upper face.
- Oval/Round: Soften angular features and draw attention to the eyes.
- Browline: Adds width to the forehead.
- Rimless or Semi-Rimless: Offer a delicate contrast without overwhelming the features.
- Aviators: Their wider top can help balance a narrower forehead.
- Avoid: Narrow, boxy frames or frames that are too wide at the temples, which can exaggerate the cheekbones.
6. Oblong (Rectangle) Face Shape
- Characteristics: Longer than it is wide, with a straight and narrow appearance.
- Goal: To add width and shorten the face visually.
- Best Sunglasses:
- Oversized: Larger frames add width and shorten the face’s perceived length.
- Wayfarers: Their horizontal emphasis adds width.
- Shield or Wrap-around: These styles cover more of the face and add width.
- Frames with decorative temples: Draw attention outwards, adding width.
- Avoid: Narrow or small frames that can make your face appear even longer.
Final Tips for Choosing Your Shades:
- UV Protection is Paramount: Always ensure your sunglasses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection, regardless of style.
- Try Them On: The best way to know if sunglasses suit you is to try them on. What looks good on paper might not feel right on your face.
- Consider Your Personal Style: These are guidelines, not rigid rules. Ultimately, choose a pair that you love and feel confident wearing!
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently step out and find the perfect pair of sunglasses that not only protect your eyes but also beautifully complement your unique face shape.
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