I’ll be honest. Shopping for sunglasses tends to be just as difficult as shopping for a pair of pants (and I’m quite petite). Not every style is suitable for every face shape, but I am in the camp that believes in wearing whatever makes you feel most confident. Sometimes sunglasses don’t sit on the bridge of my nose the way that I’d like or make my head look bigger than it actually is. At the end of the day, it’s all about the right proportions when it comes to shopping for sunglasses. When in-person, I tend to get overwhelmed by the endless options to try on, taking countless selfies to compare styles, and online shopping is just as arduous, even with the digital try-on tools.
Now that it’s summer, a go-to pair of sunnies is a must, so I'm not giving up on finding the perfect pair, which is why I reached out to the EssilorLuxottica trends team and the Chimi product team to give me the best sunglasses shopping tips for multiple face shapes. Whether you have an oval or heart-shaped face, these experts know exactly what styles are the most suitable for you. Keep scrolling to learn more, get tips, and shop each sunglasses style.
Understanding Your Proportions
Both the Chimi product team and the EssilorLuxottica trends team agree that strict guidelines and rules don’t conflict with personal style. Understanding proportions is the most important step. “Face shape is a great starting point, but it’s only one part of the equation. Features like cheekbone width, jawline, nose bridge, and most importantly, personal style, all influence what feels right,” said the Chimi team. “At Chimi, we believe every style can work on every face shape. Traditional face-shape guides can be a helpful starting point, but they're not rules. We encourage people to explore different silhouettes and choose the pair that best expresses their personality and feels most like themselves.”
EssilorLuxottica's thoughts echoed this: “Rather than focusing solely on proportions, also think about the feeling you want your frames to convey. Ray-Ban’s portfolio of iconic styles offers something for every aesthetic, from timeless Aviators and Wayfarers to more on-trend shapes like the Alix. The best pair is ultimately the one that feels comfortable, complements your features, and reflects your individuality.”
According to both teams, shoppers should pay close attention to three key measurements: lens width, bridge fit, and temple length. “The bridge should sit comfortably without pinching or slipping, while the temples should rest securely without creating pressure behind the ears. It's also important to consider lens depth and overall scale,” EssilorLuxottica stated. “Oversized frames continue to evolve, but today's interpretation is more nuanced. It’s less about simply going bigger and more about selecting proportions that feel intentional and harmonious.”
In conclusion, face shape guidelines tend to be helpful, but you can do what feels best. Chimi’s product team noted that sometimes the most unexpected pair can become your favorite.
The Best Sunglasses for Oval Faces
According to the EssilorLuxottica trends team, oval faces are versatile and suitable for just about any style. They note that aviators work well with oval-shaped faces as they maintain the face’s natural balance. Other styles like the Ray-Ban Wayfarer, which is a square-shaped frame, also keep the balance in an oval face.
The Best Sunglasses for Heart-Shaped Faces
EssilorLuxottica recommends frames with softer curves to help balance a wider forehead and narrower chin. Styles like aviators and Ray-Ban's Round Metal styles work especially well, adding subtle structure without overwhelming delicate features.
The Best Sunglasses for Round Faces
EssilorLuxottica notes that angular silhouettes create contrast and definition. Ray-Ban styles like the Original Wayfarer, Clubmaster, and rectangular Justin frames add structure and help elongate a heart-shaped face.
The Best Sunglasses for Square Faces
Opposites attract with a square face. EssilorLuxottica trends team says to focus on softer, rounded shapes that complement stronger jawlines and angular features. Think small, '90s styles like oval frames to balance the face.
The Best Sunglasses for Diamond-Shaped Faces
EssilorLuxottica says frames that highlight the eyes and soften prominent cheekbones tend to work best. Stick to oval styles, like Ray-Ban's Khal, and rounder frames to create harmony while drawing attention upward.
The Best Sunglasses for Oblong Faces
For oblong faces, it's best to wear frames with greater lens depth to help create visual width and balance longer facial proportions, according to EssilorLuxottica. So try oversize styles such as the bug-eyed trend or aviators.
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