Quick answer Choose frames that contrast with your face shape: angular frames for round faces, round or cat-eye frames for square faces, frames wider at the bottom for heart-shaped faces, and deep oversized frames for long faces. Oval faces suit most shapes. Always check for UV400 protection.
The right sunglasses can make a simple outfit look finished. The wrong pair can feel like a costume. The easiest way to narrow it down is by face shape: as a rule, choose frames that contrast with the shape of your face.
Find your face shape
Pull your hair back, look straight into a mirror and trace the outline of your face (a dry-wipe pen or an old lipstick works). Then compare:
- Oval: longer than wide, with a gently rounded jaw.
- Round: about as wide as long, with full cheeks and a soft jaw.
- Square: a strong, angular jaw and a broad forehead, similar width top to bottom.
- Heart: wider at the forehead and cheekbones, narrowing to a pointed chin.
- Long or rectangular: noticeably longer than wide, with straight sides.
Which frames suit which shape
Oval
Lucky you: most shapes work. Keep the frames about as wide as the widest part of your face. Try square, aviator or oversized styles.
Round
Add angles. Rectangular, square or geometric frames make the face look longer and more defined. Avoid small, round frames, which exaggerate roundness.
Square
Soften the jaw with round, oval or cat-eye frames. Thin metal rims and rimless styles also work well. Avoid boxy, heavy frames.
Heart
Balance a wider forehead with frames that are wider at the bottom, or light, rimless styles. Aviators and round frames are a good choice. Avoid heavy, decorated brow lines.
Long
Choose deep, oversized frames that cover more of the face, and styles with a strong brow line or decorated sides to add width. Avoid small, narrow frames.
What to check before you buy
- UV protection: in the UK, look for the CE or UKCA mark and a label saying UV400 or 100% UV protection. Darker lenses don’t mean more protection.
- Category: most everyday sunglasses are filter category 2 or 3. Category 4 is too dark for driving.
- Polarised lenses cut glare from water, snow and wet roads. They’re worth it if you drive a lot or spend time near water.
- Fit: the frame shouldn’t touch your cheeks when you smile, and it shouldn’t slide down your nose when you look down.
The takeaway
Start with the shape that contrasts with your face, try a few colours (tortoiseshell flatters almost everyone), and never compromise on UV protection. Sunglasses are one of the six accessories on our capsule wardrobe checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my face shape?
Pull your hair back, look straight into a mirror and trace the outline of your face. Compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw with the length of your face.
What sunglasses suit a round face?
Angular frames such as rectangular, square or geometric styles. They add definition and make a round face look longer.
What does UV400 mean on sunglasses?
UV400 means the lenses block light up to 400 nanometres, which covers both UVA and UVB rays. In the UK, also look for the CE or UKCA mark.
Are polarised sunglasses worth it?
They’re worth it if you drive a lot or spend time near water or snow, because they cut reflected glare. They don’t add UV protection on their own.
