Choose Sunglasses For Your Face Shape

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as Summer approaches, I check out top tips for how to choose sunglasses for your face shape.

As the sun warms our skin and the days grow longer, it’s time to ditch the winter blues and embrace the sunshine! But with those glorious rays comes the need to protect your eyes. Sure, any sunglasses will do the trick, but why not look fabulous while doing it?

There are many shapes and sizes of sunglasses with different lenses, frames, and styles, so choosing can be a challenge, and it isn’t only the sunglasses you need to get right. You need to understand your face shape as well. To help me out, experts at Oakley have sent over their top tips on how to choose sunglasses for your face shape.

The Importance Of Face Shape

Your face shape plays a significant role in determining which sunglasses will best flatter your features. The most common face shapes include oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. Each shape has its own distinctive characteristics, and by identifying your face shape, you can narrow down the vast array of styles to those that will enhance your natural beauty.

How To Choose Sunglasses For Your Face Shape

Oval Face 

Oval faces are versatile and well-balanced, making them suitable for various sunglass styles.

Opt for frames that maintain the natural balance of your face, such as aviators, wayfarers, or cat-eye sunglasses. These styles will complement your symmetrical features and add a touch of sophistication to your look.

Aviators

These iconic shades, originally designed for pilots, were made for oval faces. The teardrop lens shape mirrors the elongation of your face, creating a seamless, balanced look. Classic aviators with a thin metal frame won’t overwhelm your features, but feel free to experiment with bolder styles for a touch of modern edge.

Wayfarers

Wayfarers offer a timeless aesthetic with their wide, slightly trapezoidal frames. For oval faces, these sunglasses add a touch of definition without overpowering your natural harmony. The wider frame size complements the width of your cheekbones, creating a cool and collected vibe. Whether you choose classic black or a trendy mirrored lens, wayfarers are a versatile choice for any summer adventure.

Cat-Eye

Cat-eye sunglasses, with their upswept browline, are a perfect match for oval faces. The upward angle accentuates your cheekbones, adding a touch of sophistication and playful femininity. Look for frames that aren’t too oversized, as you want to maintain the natural balance of your face shape. With cat-eye sunglasses, you’ll channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and turn heads wherever you go.

Round Face 

Round faces benefit from angular frames that help create definition and structure.

Look for geometric shapes like square or rectangular frames, which provide contrast to the soft curves of your face. Oversized sunglasses with bold, angular designs can also help elongate your face and add a modern edge to your appearance.

Geometric

The key to sunglass magic for round faces lies in contrast. Square and rectangular frames, with their sharp edges and straight lines, visually balance out your naturally curved features. They create the illusion of a longer, slimmer face by adding definition at the sides. Think of them as chiseling out some cheekbones with a touch of shade!

Oversized

Don’t be afraid to go big! Oversized sunglasses are a perfect choice for round faces. The wider frame provides more coverage, minimizing the roundness of your face. Plus, they add a touch of instant cool and can be a great way to make a statement.

If You Have A Square Face 

Square faces have strong, angular features that are complemented by softer, rounded frames.

Consider oval or round sunglasses with curved edges to soften the sharp lines of your face. Round aviators or butterfly-shaped frames can help balance your facial proportions and add a touch of elegance.

Round and Oval

The key to flattering a square face is introducing softer curves. Round and oval sunglasses achieve this beautifully. Their gentle circles and smooth lines act as a counterpoint to the sharp angles of your jawline. This creates a more harmonious overall look, adding a touch of softness and femininity.

Butterfly

Butterfly sunglasses, with their upswept outer edges, are another great option for square faces. The upward angle of the frame draws the eye upwards, elongating the face and softening the strong jawline. Look for styles that aren’t too oversized, as you want to maintain balance, but feel free to experiment with bolder colors and patterns to add a touch of personality.

Heart-Shaped Face 

Heart-shaped faces are characterised by a wider forehead and narrower chin.

Choose sunglasses that mimic the shape of your face by opting for styles with wider bottoms and narrower tops. Cat-eye or butterfly frames can help draw attention downward and balance out the width of your forehead.

Cat-Eye

Cat-eye sunglasses boast an upswept browline that mimics the natural curve of your eyebrows. This upward angle draws the eye upwards, minimizing the width of your forehead and creating a more balanced look. Plus, the pointed ends of the frame add a touch of playful sophistication that complements the delicate features of a heart-shaped face. Opt for smaller or subtler cat-eye styles to avoid overwhelming your face.

Butterfly

Butterfly sunglasses, with their wide upper bridge and slightly upswept outer edges, are another fantastic choice for heart shapes. Similar to cat-eyes, the wider top portion balances out the wider upper half of your face, while the upswept ends add a touch of elongation. This creates a more harmonious overall look that flatters your natural bone structure. Choose styles with a balanced design, where the bottom of the frame isn’t too narrow, to ensure a perfect balance.

Diamond-Shaped Face 

Diamond-shaped faces feature prominent cheekbones and a narrow chin and forehead.

Look for sunglasses that accentuate your cheekbones and soften your angular features. Oval or rimless frames with gentle curves can complement your facial contours and highlight your natural elegance.

Oval

The elongated shape of oval sunglasses perfectly complements the natural lines of a diamond face. The gentle curves of the frame mimic the shape of your cheekbones, creating a sense of balance and softening their sharpness. This helps to visually widen your forehead and jawline, resulting in a more harmonious overall look.

Rimless

For diamond faces, rimless sunglasses offer a touch of understated elegance. The lack of a frame removes visual weight from your face, allowing your sharp cheekbones to take center stage without overwhelming the rest of your features. This creates a clean and sophisticated look that complements the natural definition of your face shape. Plus, rimless styles come in a variety of lens shapes, so you can still experiment with a touch of personality – think cool gradients or mirrored finishes!

The Power of Sunglasses

Well-fitted sunglasses have the remarkable ability to enhance your facial features, elevate your style, and help you exude confidence. When you find the perfect pair that complements your face shape, you’ll not only protect your eyes from UV damage but also radiate poise and sophistication with every step. By understanding the nuances of your facial features and selecting frames that harmonise with them, you can make a fashion statement that reflects your unique identity.’

Oakley

Oakley is a sports and lifestyle brand that provides you with the best in all types of eyewear, from sunglasses to ski goggles. They also have a range of adventure-ready apparel and accessories to kit you out for your next big trip.