When you think of summer, what comes to mind? For me, it’s easy - a pair of bold swim trunks, some sleek sunglasses, and a beach view that’s clear and blue as far as the eye can see. Sunglasses are an essential accessory for every guy, and if you’re going to own just a few accessories, make sure they’re top-tier.
While women might need dozens of bags and shoes, men have simpler needs - 1 or 2 pairs of quality sunglasses that can go the distance. Don’t skimp on them either - good sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement, they’re about protecting your eyes. Once you’ve made that investment, it’s all about picking the right pair to complement your face shape.
Just like with a haircut, your sunglasses should work to enhance your best features and balance out any weak points. The key? Pick a style that contrasts with your face shape. Let’s break it down - starting with how to figure out your face shape. (Oh, and these tips apply to prescription glasses too!)
How to Identify Your Face Shape
A lot of people ask, “What face shape do I have?” Here’s an easy way to figure it out: take a straight-on photo of yourself (no fancy filters) and compare your face to the descriptions below:
Round face: Your face is about as wide as it is long, with no sharp angles or prominent features.
Oval face: The most balanced face shape, slightly longer than wide, with no sharp angles at the jawline or hairline.
Oblong face: Like an oval, but more elongated and narrower with softer features.
Square face: Equal width across the face with a strong jawline and pronounced cheekbones.
Triangle face: A wider jaw and chin, with a narrower forehead. The jawline can be sharp or slightly rounded.
Diamond-shaped face: Cheekbones are the widest part of the face, while the forehead and chin are narrower.
Heart-shaped face: Wide temples and hairline that taper down to a narrower chin.
Now that you know your face shape, let’s pick the perfect sunglasses for you:
Oval Face
Lucky you! An oval face is versatile, meaning you can pull off just about any style of sunglasses. Just make sure the frames are wider than your face, and avoid anything that sits too low, as it could make your face look longer than it is.
Round Face
Your goal is to add angles and highlights to create a more streamlined look. Wider frames will help slim down your cheeks, while cat-eye or angular designs will make your face appear longer and sharper. Steer clear of round frames - they’ll only exaggerate the roundness of your face.
Oblong Face
With an oblong face, you have plenty of options. Thick, large frames with rounded edges look great. Try out round frames, square frames, or aviators to see which fits your vibe.
Square Face
A strong jawline is your standout feature, so soften it with round or oval frames. Gentle curves will help create a more elongated look, and minimalist frames will draw attention to your eyes. Avoid square frames or anything overly angular - they’ll just double down on the boxiness of your face.
Triangle Face
Since your jawline is wider than your forehead, you’ll want to shift the focus upward. Opt for glasses with larger frames or those with details on the top frame, like aviators. Stay away from glasses with thick or heavy lower frames - they’ll only make your jawline look even wider.
Diamond-shaped Face
Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, so you’ll want glasses that bring balance by drawing attention to your eyes. Glasses with detailed top frames work well, or you can go with rimless or oval frames to soften your look.
Heart-shaped Face
This face shape can be tricky, but not impossible to work with. Round frames like aviators or clubmasters will balance out a wide forehead, or go for smaller rectangular frames with no lower rim to keep things light.
Quick Tips for Choosing the Best Sunglasses
– Pick frame colors that complement your hair and skin tone.
– Don’t be afraid to invest in quality brands - they last longer and are a better value in the long run. I recommend Oliver Peoples, Garrett Leight, and Cutler and Gross.
– While face shape is important, the best way to know what works for you is to try them on in person. Own your style and make a confident choice. 😉
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