Choosing the right sunglasses is essential! You can't just throw on a nice pair of "aviators" or butterfly glasses at random, or you risk looking like a bargain-bin Angelina or a total disaster.
Your face shape will play a big role in choosing the perfect glasses for summer... So, let's get a bit physiognomic! Let’s look together at how to choose sunglasses based on your specific features so you don't end up looking like a poorly dressed warthog.
In this article:
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👨🦲 Define your face shape
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😎 Discover which sunglasses suit your face
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🕶 Choosing frames based on specific physical traits
Define your face shape
To determine your face shape and which category it falls into, there are a few criteria to consider. Specifically, we look at:
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📏 The distance between the cheekbones
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👄 The size of the jawline
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👨🦱 The length of the face, from the hairline to the tip of the chin
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👨🦲 The width of the forehead
The trick to quickly get an idea of your shape is to take a photo of yourself with your face uncovered and trace the outline of your face. By taking the cheekbones, jawline, and chin into account, you will then have your face shape to help you choose your glasses.
🔵 Characteristics of a round face
A round face is characterized by soft, rounded contours. The cheeks are generally full and the jawline is not very pronounced. The width of the face is roughly equal to its height, creating a circular shape.
🥚 Characteristics of an oval face
In an oval face, the lines are soft and rounded, with a forehead slightly wider than the chin. The jaw is often wide and the cheekbones are well-defined. The facial proportions are usually balanced.
🟩 Characteristics of a square face
A square face is characterized by angular features and strong contours. The jawline is well-defined, as is the forehead. The width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are about equal, creating a robust and structured appearance.
🟪🟪 Characteristics of a rectangular face
A rectangular face is characterized by an elongated structure and angular contours. The face is longer than it is wide, with a fairly wide forehead and jaw. The jawline is straight and well-defined, just like the forehead. The cheekbones may be slightly rounded.
🔺 Characteristics of a triangular face
A triangle-shaped face has a narrower forehead than jaw. The forehead can be angular or slightly rounded, while the jaw is wider and more pronounced. The cheekbones may be well-defined.
🔻 Characteristics of an inverted triangle face
On an inverted triangle face, the forehead is wider than the jaw. It may be prominent, while the jaw is narrower and more delicate. The cheekbones are less prominent.
Discover which sunglasses suit your face
Sunglasses for a round face
Frames with pronounced angles, such as rectangular or square frames, can add structure to a round face by creating clean lines and striking angles. Avoid round frames; too much roundness kills the round!
👉 Check out these covering rectangular sunglasses for example
Sunglasses for an oval face
Jackpot! An oval face is considered the most balanced and versatile face shape. In other words: go wild! No frame will look bad on you. Round, square, oval, or even aviator, everything suits you—it’s almost annoying (#jealous).
👉 Check out this collection of sunglasses with that something extra!
Sunglasses for a square face
Round or oval frames are ideal for softening the angles of a square face. They create contrast by counteracting the straight lines of your face, adding a touch of softness and elegance to your style. For women, butterfly or cat-eye frames are ideal for creating beautiful harmony.
👉 Do you know the vintage round sunglasses from Horus X?
Sunglasses for a rectangular face
Just like with square faces, you can turn to round or oval frame models to soften your features. They add width to the sides of your face and create a more balanced appearance. "Aviator" frames are a must for rectangular faces, for both men and women!
Sunglasses for a triangle-shaped face
Sunglasses for an inverted triangle face
For inverted triangle face shapes, you should choose frames with a width close to that of your forehead, preferably slightly elongated downward. Again, medium-sized glasses with a rounded or square shape work well. Avoid "butterfly" frames, which will break the balance of your features.
Sunglasses for a diamond-shaped face
Want to shine bright with a diamond-shaped face? Nothing beats sunglasses with wide frames to balance out the width of the cheekbones, creating harmonious proportions with the narrow forehead and fine chin. What to avoid: frames that are too small, which could unbalance your features.
Choosing frames based on your physical traits
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🤓 The brow line: The shape of your eyebrows plays an important role in your facial expression. Your sunglasses should follow this line, and the frame should partially hide or sit just below them.
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👃 Nose and cheekbones: The bottom edges of the frame should not touch your cheekbones, even when you smile. The width of the nose is also important; if you choose sunglasses with a bridge that is too narrow or too wide, the glasses won't stay put! One head movement, and say goodbye to your beautiful frames!
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👂 Temples and ears: Regarding the arms, the glasses shouldn't pinch your temples too much and shouldn't rub the back of your ears. Glasses that are too tight can cause headaches and irritate the delicate skin behind your ears.
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🎨 Your complexion: Your skin tone, eye color, and hair color... all of that counts too! If you prefer a more understated look, stick to classic colors like black or tortoise shell. But there are other colors to perfect your style: yellow, pink, neon, green... If you want to turn heads within a 200-meter radius at the beach, go for something more original!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about choosing sunglasses
Which sunglass shape makes your face look younger?
Sunglasses can also give you a little boost to help restore a look of youth, or at least a fresher appearance despite a night that was a little too... intense. If you're looking for a natural little lift, discover which types of glasses can flatter your features:
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🐢 Tortoise shell round sunglasses: Timeless and popular with all generations, they bring energy and light to the face. For both men and women, tortoise shell warms up the complexion, making it look younger.
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😎 Thick-framed sunglasses: We tend to choose thin frames to try and make our glasses as discreet as possible, but by doing this, we add age to our appearance. Thick frames dominate the face and make it look younger, especially in dark colors like brown or black.
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🕶 Thin and wide sunglasses: If thick frames really don't suit you, then choose thin... but wide frames. This way, your glasses will make a statement on your face. However, choose warm, dark colors to rejuvenate your features.
Which sunglass lens color should I choose?
People tend to think that the color of sunglass lenses influences the quality of UV protection. Not so! UV protection is provided by a sun filter and the category of the glasses.
However, lens colors do have specific characteristics:
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🖤 Gray lenses: These lenses are neutral and recommended for people with reduced visual acuity. They reduce the brightness of sunlight without altering real colors.
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🤎 Brown lenses: Brown lenses modify real colors. If you don't mind seeing life through an Instagram sepia filter, brown lenses improve contrast, making them suitable for people with reduced visual acuity.
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💛 Yellow lenses: Yellow lenses provide better vision by reducing the blur caused by the sun's blue light. They are particularly useful for driving.
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💚 Green lenses: Green lenses offer increased contrast, which makes it easier to distinguish objects. However, they are not recommended for colorblind individuals.
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💗 Pink lenses: Pink lenses increase contrast against blue or green backgrounds. They are therefore ideal for people who participate in water sports.
Which sunglasses should I wear if I have a thin face?
When you have a thin face, certain overly wide frames can quickly make you look like a fly. And a fly is of nameless ignominy.
You should lean toward frames that are about 15 centimeters wide, or even a little less. This width of glasses helps highlight the fine features of your face without making it look too small.
Sunglasses based on your face shape: Final thoughts
Now that you've explored the different face shapes and the frames that suit them best, you're ready to choose the perfect pair of sunglasses for you.
So go ahead, try on a bunch of glasses, ask your friends for their opinions, and most importantly, have fun with the various options available on the market. Sunglasses are much more than a simple accessory; they are an expression of your personality and your legendary style.
And remember, no matter your face shape, self-confidence is the ultimate key to bringing out your natural beauty. So, put on your glasses, radiate confidence, and enjoy the sun in style!
