Sunglasses for your face shape, and what to check on the label
Sunglasses sit right in the middle of your face, so they change your look more than almost any other accessory. A frame that suits you can sharpen your features and make a simple outfit look finished. One that fights your face shape looks borrowed. Style is only half the story, though: sunglasses are also there to protect your eyes, and it is worth knowing what the labels mean.
Finding your face shape
Pull your hair back, stand in front of a mirror and look at the outline of your face. Ask yourself three questions:
- Is your face roughly as wide as it is long, or clearly longer?
- Is the widest part your forehead, your cheekbones or your jaw?
- Is your jawline soft and rounded, or angular?
Most faces fall loosely into one of the following shapes, and many are a mix of two. Treat the shapes as a starting point, not a rule.
Frames for each face shape
| Face shape | Features | Frames that usually work | Frames to try with care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Soft lines, width and length similar | Rectangular, square, geometric, cat-eye | Small round frames |
| Oval | Balanced, slightly longer than wide | Almost any shape, especially oversized and aviator | Frames much wider than the face |
| Square | Strong jaw, broad forehead | Round, oval, aviator, rimless | Sharp square frames |
| Heart | Wider forehead, narrow chin | Bottom-heavy frames, round, aviator, light rimless | Heavy, decorated top bars |
| Long or oblong | Clearly longer than wide | Deep, oversized frames, wraparound | Narrow, shallow frames |
| Diamond | Wide cheekbones, narrow forehead and jaw | Oval, cat-eye, frames with a strong brow line | Narrow frames |
The principle behind the table is contrast. Angular frames add structure to soft, round features; rounded frames soften a strong jaw. Deeper lenses shorten a long face, while a pronounced top line widens a narrow forehead.
Size and fit
Shape is not the only thing that matters. A frame that suits your face in theory can still look wrong if the size is off.
- Width: the frame should be about as wide as your face at the temples, not much wider or narrower.
- Eyebrows: the top of the frame ideally follows your brow line, without hiding your eyebrows completely.
- Bridge: the frame should sit on your nose without sliding down or pinching. Adjustable nose pads help on narrow bridges.
- Cheeks: when you smile, the frame should not rest on your cheeks.
Most frames have their measurements printed on the inside of the arm, usually as lens width, bridge width and arm length in millimetres. Once you find a pair that fits, note those numbers: they make buying the next pair much easier.
Colour and material
Black frames are graphic and work with a monochrome wardrobe. Tortoiseshell is softer and suits warm colouring. Metal frames are light and discreet; match their tone to the jewellery you wear most, as you would when layering gold jewellery. Acetate frames are sturdy and come in a wide range of colours.
What to check on the label
In the European Union, sunglasses sold to consumers must carry the CE marking, which indicates that the manufacturer declares compliance with the applicable rules. The relevant standard for sunglasses is EN ISO 12312-1.
UV protection
Look for a mention of UV protection on the label or the frame. “UV400” means that the lenses filter ultraviolet light up to a wavelength of 400 nanometres, which covers both UVA and UVB. A dark lens is not necessarily a protective one: tint and UV filtering are separate properties.
Filter categories
Sunglasses are classified by how much visible light they let through, in categories from 0 to 4:
| Category | Light transmission | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Very light tint | Comfort or fashion, not for sun protection |
| 1 | Light tint | Cloudy or low light |
| 2 | Medium tint | Everyday sunny weather |
| 3 | Dark tint | Bright sun, beach and summer |
| 4 | Very dark tint | Very strong light, such as high mountains or glaciers |
Category 4 lenses are not suitable for driving, which is usually stated on the label. If you have questions about your own eyes or need corrective lenses, an optician is the right person to ask.
Polarised lenses
Polarised lenses reduce glare reflected from flat surfaces such as water, wet roads and snow. They are comfortable for driving and outdoor activities, but they can make some phone and car dashboard screens harder to read.
Caring for sunglasses
- Clean lenses with lukewarm water and a microfibre cloth, not with your T-shirt.
- Always store them in a case, never lens-down on a table.
- Do not leave them on a car dashboard in the heat, which can warp frames.
- Take them off with both hands to avoid stretching the hinges.
A pair that fits well and protects properly will be the accessory you reach for every sunny day, with everything from a denim shirt to an evening outfit.
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