How Should Sunglasses Fit: A Guide

A pair of sunglasses is that rare fashion accessory that’s both stylish and practical. As an iconic piece of eyewear, they allow you to express your individuality and personal style. But they also help protect your skin and eyes from UV radiation, helping you see better in the sun. 

That said,  no matter the frame shape and lens color, unless you’re wearing a pair that fits your face properly, you probably aren’t doing very much to elevate your fashion profile or protect yourself. Instead, you’re missing out on some of the biggest benefits of wearing sunglasses in the first place. 

So, how should sunglasses fit your face? The shape of your face certainly plays a part in the matter, but there are other factors to consider as well, including knowing how to measure sunglasses. Before you start shopping, here’s what you need to know about choosing the perfect pair. 

A Guide to Choosing Sunglasses That Fit 

Like many others, you might not put much more thought into choosing a pair of sunglasses than grabbing the first style that appeals to you. Maybe you’ll try them on and have a look at yourself in the tiny mirror attached to the display rack. But for the most part, your decision-making probably comes down to aesthetics:

• Do I like this style? 

• Does this style suit me?

While this may also be important, if your sunglasses don’t fit correctly, you risk more than the embarrassment of a fashion faux-pas. 

So, how exactly should sunglasses fit your face?

In general, your sunglasses should fit snugly around your ears and across your nose. If they leave marks across your temples along the side of your face, they’re too tight and you need a wider pair. If they leave marks across your nose bridge, look for a pair with longer arms—this can alleviate strain between where the sunglasses hook behind your ears and where they sit at the front of your face.

Additionally, the upper frames should be lower than your eyebrows so that your eyes are centered in the lenses. The lower edges of your frames shouldn’t fall below the apples of your cheeks. 

Beyond searching for the ideal fit, you’ll want to know why it’s integral to your overall comfort and protection. There are three big risks that come with wearing sunglasses that don’t fit:

They can cause discomfort – Ill-fitting sunglasses are uncomfortable to wear. If they’re too tight, they put pressure on sensitive parts of your face and head, like your nose bridge, temples, and ears. That pressure can lead to localized pain, headaches, and other issues. 

They offer less protection – If your sunglasses aren’t the right fit, you’re doing yourself a disservice beyond discomfort. If you buy a pair that’s too small or the wrong shape for your face, you could be missing out on vital protection that well-fitting sunglasses offer.

They might not be as flattering – At the end of the day, you can’t totally extricate sunglasses from their fashion roots. For better or worse, the sunglasses you wear are going to affect how you look almost as much as how well they protect you. Sunglasses that are too big, too small, or the wrong style for your face can torpedo even the most stylish look.

Ready to get shopping for your new favorite shades? Now that you know the importance of well-fitting sunglasses, here are a few tips for finding the pair that’s right for you.

Consider the Shape of Your Face

Your face shape is one of the largest factors affecting how your sunglasses fit. Not all sunglasses styles are right for every face shape, so knowing yours is crucial if you hope to buy a pair of sunglasses that fit correctly. 

Before you start trying on styles, start by looking in the mirror to get a better sense of face shape. This will help you choose styles that compliment your bone structure and fit properly. Most people have one of several common face shapes. Those include: 

Round – A round face shape is more circular, especially along the jawline and around the chin. Square sunglasses like Wayfarers, cat-eye sunglasses, and other styles that add lines and angles to your face are often the best choice. 

Square or rectangular – Characterized by minimal curves, and a wide, sharply angled jawline, a square face shape is best suited by sunglasses that don a few curves. Round styles and aviators are a couple of classic, well-suited choices. 

Heart-shaped – If you have a heart face shape, you’ll want a pair of sunglasses that offers a similar shape. That means styles that have wide, pronounced tops and narrow bottoms. 

Oval or oblong – An oval face shape is typically longer than it is wide, with a rounded chin and jawline. That makes it suitable for a wide range of styles of sunglasses, from clubmasters to oversized round or circular frames. 

Triangle – If you have a large, wide jaw but small cheekbones and a narrow forehead, you have a triangle-shaped face. Opt for sunglasses that add width and volume around your eyes, like chunky D frames or large, round styles. 

Diamond – The most prominent features of diamond-shaped faces are their sharp chins and wide cheekbones. This makes them amenable to both square and round-style sunglasses. From oversized circulars and aviators to rectangular and retro square styles, you have your pick.

Once you’ve selected a few styles that are flattering with your face structure, you can start assessing how well they fit to choose the best sunglasses for your face shape. Refer back to our fitting tips above to ensure they’re a match. 

Consider UV Protection

The biggest benefit of wearing the right pair of sunglasses—aside from looking effortlessly cool—is the protection they offer from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. So, once you’ve found a pair that fits properly, you need to make sure they can also protect you from the sun.

On one hand, UV rays can be a welcome guest. They help your body convert cholesterol into vitamin D, a nutrient your body needs to maintain bone health and ward off infections, among other things. But on the other hand, overexposure to UV rays can do more harm than good, potentially resulting in:  

• Skin cancers

• Accelerated signs of aging

• Immunodeficiencies

That’s why you slather yourself in sunblock before heading out into the sun.

But your eyes and the skin around them need protection, too. The good news is, the right pair of sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV-related concerns like: 

• Cataracts

• Macular degeneration

• Corneal sunburn

• A type of conjunctiva known as pterygium

They can also keep your eyelids safe from exposure that can lead to skin cancer. 

When you’re trying on shades, be sure to pick a pair that: 

Offers protective lenses – Most sunglasses will have a sticker or tag that tells you the amount of UV protection they offer. If your sunglasses don’t offer 100% UV protection or UV 400 protection, consider searching for another pair that does.  

Provides light reduction – All sunglasses have a certain level of light reduction, indicated by four categories. You probably don’t need to go above category three for general daily use. Higher categories are usually meant for special activities and could actually impair your vision if conditions don’t necessitate them.

Reduces glare – Opt for a polarized vs non polarized pair when you know you’ll be in settings where relief from the sun and its reflection off surfaces is difficult to find, like at the beach, pool, or participating in winter activities like skiing. 

Whether you're a fan of aviator sunglasses or love the look of a narrow frame, it's important that the frame protects your eyes from the sun.

The Bigger the Better 

When you’re shopping for sunglasses, go big or go home. Sure, you might associate oversized shades with conspicuous avant-garde fashion or self-obsessed movie stars. But opting for big opticals is far more than an ostentatious fashion choice. In fact, bigger sunglasses tend to offer more protection from the sun. 

The reason for this is simple: larger shades cover more of your face, meaning the UV protection offered by the lenses is more widespread. For that reason, you should avoid styles that skimp on coverage, like small circulars or narrow square styles. Instead, go for:

• Aviators

• Butterfly frames 

• Large round or circular styles

• Wayfarers 

Revant Optics: Seeing Clearly to A Better World

With so many factors to consider when it comes to finding a pair of sunglasses that fit you right, you’ll probably want to hang on to your favorite pair as long as you can. But since life is full of surprises, you never know when your sunglasses could become damaged. 

Fortunately, Revant Optics is working hard to keep people in their favorite frames longer. Our replacement sunglass lenses come with all of the features that matter to you. From scratch-resistance and anti-reflective coatings to 100% UV protection and peace of mind while you’re having fun in the sun, our lenses are the premium choice when it comes to sunglasses. Plus, they’re compatible with all your favorite brands, so there’s always a solution for you. 

Concierge style service, high-quality products, sustainable materials—that’s the Revant way. Whether your lenses are prescription or just for fun, we’re the place to turn when you need to replace them. 

Shop our collection today.

Sunglasses are sunglasses. Sure, there are countless styles and brands on the market, but you can always tell a pair of sunglasses apart from another just by looking at them.

The right fit is essential for sunglasses. If your sunglasses don't fit just right, they won't perform at their best and you won't look your best.

So if you're in the market looking for new shades, which style of the frame should you choose?

Guidelines for a Perfect Sunglasses Fit

• Match Sunglass Shape with Face Type
• Identify Your Face Shape
• Types of Sunglasses
• How to Get the Perfect Sunglasses Fit?

Match Sunglass Shape with Face Type

Sunglass shape is very important. Every face requires a different type of sunglass. If we wear the wrong shape, the face will look like a cartoon!

In general, an oval face can wear almost any type of sunglasses. A round face should avoid a big frame since it will make you more round. Square face should avoid a pointed shape. A heart-shaped face should choose sunglasses as the face.

But these are just general observations. To choose the right sunglass, you have to first determine your face type. And then match the design that complements your facial features.

It may be overwhelming to select the right frame to match the face type. But did you know that there is a perfect sunglass style for you? All you have to do is know your face shape.

The product designers have created the perfect sunglass fit for every face type. And that too in a variety of frame materials, lens type and color, and of course, your budget.

Let’s clearly understand the different face types and sunglass shapes and then correlate the ideal match for each.

Identify Your Face Shape

1. Oval Shape

This face shape has a broad forehead with prominent cheekbones and slopes down beautifully towards the chin.

Celebrities with Oval-shaped faces: Blake Lively, Salma Hayek, and Julianne Moore.

Oval face shapes are adaptable to almost any style of sunglasses, whether it's Aviator sunglasses or a wider frame, angled glasses, or oversized frames. To retain the natural proportion of an oval face shape, choose eyeglass frames that are the same width as (or broader than) the widest section of your face.

The sunglasses fit for oval-shaped faces would be wide around the eye, square, and Aviators. The thickness of the frame should be neither too thin nor too thick.

2. Long Shape

A long face shape elongates from the hairline to the chin. You have a long, rectangular, or oblong face shape if your forehead, cheeks, and jawline all seem to be the same width. The chin curves only slightly.

Celebrities with Rectangular-shaped faces: Alexa Chung, Meryl Streep, and Liv Tyler.

To make an oblong face appear shorter and more proportionate, try using frames that are deeper than they are wide. Glasses that do not spread beyond the widest part of your face would look good.

Choose larger styles to avoid offsetting your facial features. Round sunglasses and Aviators will complement the long face type.

3. Round Shape

A broad hairline and fullness below the cheekbones distinguishes the round face shape. Round faces have no angles, curved jawlines, and broad cheekbones. This face has fuller cheeks and chin.

Celebrities with Round-shaped faces: Ginnifer Goodwin, Mila Kunis, and Emma Stone.

Try using angular, narrow eyeglasses to extend a round face and make it look slimmer. Round faces complement larger, more angular styles. Rectangular or semi-rimless, bold color frames, or Wayfarers can give a smart look.

4. Square Shape

Strong jawlines and broad cheekbones highlight square faces. A square-shaped face features straight sides and a little curvature at the chin. This means that the ratio of vertical to horizontal is nearly proportionate.

Celebrities with Square-shaped faces: Cameron Diaz, Lucy Liu, and Rihanna.

Try thin frame designs, frames with more width than depth, and narrow ovals to broaden a square face and soften its angles.

Wearing round, wider sunglasses will help you balance out your square features. Softer styles of sunglasses, such as round and oval shapes, and dark upper rims or light lower rims, can complement the square appearance.

5. Heart Shape

A broad forehead and a narrow chin distinguish a heart-shaped face. We also known this facial shape as an inverted triangle.

Celebrities with Heart-shaped faces: Reese Witherspoon, Ashley Olsen, and Halle Berry.

Choose frame shapes that are broader at the bottom to lessen the perceived width of the top of the face. The sunglasses fit for heart-shaped faces would be geometric, circular, cat-eye, and frames with a wider bottom.

D-frame and medium Aviator styles are also suitable because their high arms warp the face downward and appear to add gravity to the bottom half of the face.

6. Diamond Shape

High cheekbones and a sharp chin define features with a diamond shape.

Celebrities with Diamond-shaped faces: Ashley Greene, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Scarlett Johansson.

Try frames with elaboration or pronounced brow lines to draw attention to the eyes and flatten the cheekbones.

The sunglasses fit for diamond-shaped faces would be rectangle, oval, or cat-eye with bold colors. While round shapes will soften a sharp chin, D-frame sunglasses will balance out the wide cheekbones.

Types of Sunglasses

There are various types of sunglasses, and understanding the variations will prove helpful in selecting the pair that suits best for you. Their shape categorizes most sunglasses.

1. Aviator

The triangular-shaped metal frame glasses with smooth edges were originally designed to protect pilots' eyes during flight. Its long shape teardrop lenses can also balance features and create the illusion of a longer face. Aviator sunglasses are versatile and suitable for all face types.

Ideal for outdoor sports and activities, including hiking, driving, skiing, golfing, and traveling. It is also a high fashion accessory and daily wear for all seasons.

2. D-Frame

D-frame sunglasses are known for their exquisite design and expertise of eyewear fashion, resulting in an appearance that is both modern and retro. The sharp straight component across the top of the rims is the prominent feature of D-frame sunglasses.

3. Round Frame

Sunglasses with round frames and lenses first emerged in the 1940s. Circular sunglasses worn by famous singers such as John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin, in the 1960s and 1970s, revived the style as a "cool" alternative that young people aspired to.

4. Cat Eye

Cat eye sunglasses have been in style since the 1950s. Several celebrities, notably Audrey Hepburn, helped cat eye sunglasses become trendy during the following few decades. It can fit well in a wide range of different face shapes.

5. Polygon

Polygon frames are so distinctive from regular ones because of their asymmetrical form and understated elegance. One of the most trending styles in eyewear design these days is the use of geometric forms and pattern frames.

6. Oversized Frame

The 1960s saw the rise in the popularity of oversized sunglasses, which are bigger than traditional frames. Besides the style statement, these sunglasses provide extra coverage and protection from the sun.

7. Square Frame

Square-framed glasses were a timeless and traditional design that has been around for decades. Wide and tall square sunglasses and eyewear define soft facial contours.

8. Rectangular Frame

The rectangular sunglasses are broader than tall. Rectangular frames with sharp edges provide a sporty or architectural appearance, while frames with rounded corners have a more subtle look.

How should sunglasses fit?

Sunglasses are an essential part of fashion. They can make even an average person appear stylish and classy. But how do you know if a pair of sunglasses will fit right?

Sunglasses are designed to fit certain faces. And while the majority of sunglasses suit most faces, sometimes they just don't fit right.

What are some ways to determine whether a pair of sunglasses will fit you? A perfect fit is more comfortable and provides the best sun protection for your eyes. Nevertheless, it appears more flattering.

There are certain fundamental rules to follow to get the right fit, even though what the ideal fit means to one may not mean the same to another.

- When worn, they shouldn't irritate the area around your head.

- At least half of the eyebrows should be visible above the frame.

- The eye should occupy the upper half of the glasses and the eyeball must be in the absolute center.

- It should spread equally the weight across the bridge of your nose and your ears. These areas shouldn't be pinched or under pressure.

- Never let the eyelashes come into contact with the frame or lenses. This happens when you blink or take your sunglasses off.

- The lens area should be as wide as possible. You may always choose a bigger frame over a smaller one to prevent pain or readjustment.

- The sunglasses should fit snugly but not overly so. It should be well-fitting so that they do not slide off or slip when leaning forward.    

- When you remove them, they shouldn't leave an imprint on your face.

Now you know how to pick sunglasses that fit best. Go get the smart look!