How to Choose Sunglasses for Your Face Shape: Expert Style Guide
Selecting the right sunglasses involves more than just an aesthetic choice; it primarily hinges on your head size, which emerges as a pivotal factor in creating a fitting and flattering look. This notion is often at odds with the widespread belief that sunglasses should be matched only to the face shape.
While head size is paramount, face shape undeniably influences your search for the ideal pair of sunglasses. The "Eyewear Sweet Spot" encompasses a balanced aesthetic, extending from the eyebrows down to two-thirds of the nose, seamlessly aligning with the width of your face. Different frame styles serve specific face shapes. For instance, individuals with round faces generally benefit from rectangular frames, while those with oval features can soften angularity typically seen in square faces. Cat-eye styles, with their unique flair, harmonize beautifully with heart-shaped faces.
This guide shall assist you in choosing sunglasses that not only safeguard your eyes from harmful UV rays but also enhance your facial features. The right pair should effectively align with both your facial measurements and your fashion preferences, thereby creating a natural equilibrium between functionality and personal style.
"Finding your perfect frame shape is just as important as finding the correct fit of jeans or the perfect suit jacket. You want to highlight your best features, accentuate your face shape, and complement your skin color. Remember, you're covering your eyes, widely regarded as the most important feature when it comes to attraction." — Hugo Taylor, Co-founder of Taylor Morris Eyewear
Achieving the ideal fit for sunglasses relies heavily upon precise facial measurements that serve as the foundation for both comfort and protection. Understanding how to obtain these measurements is essential for navigating your options effectively.
Your sunglasses' fit depends on three fundamental metrics: frame width, bridge width, and temple length. Frame width should be measured from temple to temple, sitting just beneath your eyes. The bridge width refers to the gap between the lenses where the sunglasses rest on your nose, which generally lies between 15 to 25 millimeters. Temple length extends from the front of the frame to the area behind your ear. Additionally, pupillary distance (PD) plays a significant role; it measures the space between the centers of your pupils, crucial for ensuring optimal lens alignment.
A simple tool such as a credit card can aid in estimating sizes if other references are unavailable. The short side of a credit card measures approximately 54 millimeters, offering a convenient baseline for assessing suitable lens widths. When determining bridge positions relative to your pupils, note that bridges situated at or below pupil level typically require smaller sizes, while higher bridges necessitate larger fittings.
Gather basic tools for accurate measurements, including a millimeter ruler or flexible measuring tape, a mirror, and good lighting. Optionally, using a selfie camera may provide additional insights into your side profile. Begin by measuring frame width horizontally just under your eyes, determining how wide your frames should be. To check the bridge measurement, use a mirror to observe its position in relation to your pupils, opting for 16-18 millimeters for lower bridges and 19-21 millimeters for higher ones.
Temple length requires measuring from the frame's hinge to its curve, then from curve to tip, summing these numbers for a complete assessment. For temple widths of 129mm or less, consider 135-140mm arm lengths; those measuring 130-139mm should pair with 140-145mm arms, as widths above 139mm typically need 150mm or longer arms. It’s advisable to maintain a neutral head position while measuring to ensure accuracy.
Determining lens width involves a straightforward calculation: subtract the bridge measurement from the temple measurement, then divide this by two to identify an appropriate lens size range. Metal frames often come equipped with adjustable nose pad arms, beneficial for accommodating varied bridge fits. Collectively, these measurements streamline your search, directing you toward frames that promise both comfort and style.
In examining facial characteristics, it's essential to recognize the diversity in face shapes, which inform the frame styles that best suit your unique visage. By learning these characteristics, you can select frames that complement your natural beauty rather than detracting from it.
Common facial structure yields five primary face shapes. Oval faces present slightly broader cheekbones that gently narrow towards the forehead and jawline. Square faces showcase strong, angular features with uniform widths across the cheekbones, forehead, and jawline. In contrast, round faces display soft curves devoid of sharp angles, while heart-shaped faces feature wider foreheads tapering to narrow chins. Diamond faces exhibit high cheekbones, characterized by angular jawlines and a narrower forehead. Lastly, triangular faces blend broad, square jawlines with a narrower forehead.
To accurately classify your face shape, meaningful measurements focusing on key points are essential. Measuring cheekbone width involves placing measuring tape just below the eyes at the top of your cheekbones. Jawline width should be captured from one end of the jawbone to the other along its base. Finally, for face length, measure from the center of your hairline down the nose to the bottom of your chin. Identifying patterns in these measurements and comparing them against observable features will enhance your understanding of your facial structure.
Facial proportions significantly influence frame selection. Oval faces often pair well with a variety of frame styles due to their balanced proportions, while square faces improve with softer curvatures in their eyewear. Rectangular or geometric frames serve to define the softer contours of round faces. Additionally, diamond-shaped faces benefit from frames that highlight their cheekbones while evening out the forehead's narrowness. Heart shapes are complemented by frames aligning the proportions of wide foreheads to narrow chins, while triangular features favor designs promoting coherence between broader jaws and narrower upper facial areas.
The relationship among your facial features and their corresponding proportions is critical in discovering suitable frame sizes and styles. The bridge position relative to your pupils can also impact the fit; bridges positioned below the pupils generally allow for smaller sizes, while those positioned higher call for more extensive dimensions. Additionally, skin undertones, hair colors, and eye colors contribute to selecting the ideal frame hues, ensuring a cohesive and polished appearance that enhances both your features and overall style.
"A rule of thumb is juxtaposition. Pick a frame shape that opposes your face shape to balance it out. A strong, distinct square shape works best for a round face, while a rounder shape with a softer edge compliments a more square face. The ultimate rule, though, is to go with a pair that makes you feel good and comfortable." — Neil Blumenthal, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Warby Parker
Selecting the appropriate frames creates visual harmony, allowing the sunglasses to seamlessly integrate with your facial features. The dimensions of the frames and their unique style elements must align with the distinctive attributes of each face shape. An understanding of frame sizes can enhance both fit and aesthetics.”
Frame dimensions are critical for achieving an optimal fit and visual balance. Ideally, temple widths under 129mm correspond best with arm lengths between 135-140mm, while those with widths between 130-139mm align with arm lengths of 140-145mm. Frames exceeding widths of 139mm should ideally have arms of 150mm or longer. Having metal frames permits adjustability through nose pads, providing essential flexibility for intricate bridge configurations.
Specific frame styles yield the most flattering looks for particular shape classifications. For square faces, round or oval frames create a natural balance by softening angular features. Aviators and cat-eye styles complement pronounced jawlines effectively