Choosing the right pair of sunglasses is more than just about style. It’s also about finding a pair that complements your face shape. So, how do you know which type of sunglasses suits you best? It’s not as complicated as you might think. In this article, we’re going to show you how to determine the shape of your face and which types of glasses frames will accentuate your best features. With the right information, you’ll be able to shop with confidence and find the perfect pair of sunglasses.
Understanding Your Face Shape
Before you begin your quest for the perfect pair of sunglasses, it’s important to understand the shape of your face. This is because different frame styles and lens shapes tend to suit different face shapes. The main face shapes are round, square, oval, and heart-shaped.
Round faces have soft, rounded chins and wider cheekbones. If you have a round face, your face is likely as wide as it is long.
Square faces, on the other hand, have strong jawlines and broad foreheads. The width and length of a square face are typically comparable.
For oval faces, the forehead is generally wider than the chin, and the face length is greater than the width.
Heart-shaped faces have wide foreheads and cheekbones, but a narrow chin. They are sometimes referred to as ‘inverted triangle’ because of their wider top and narrower bottom.
Choosing Sunglasses for Round Faces
If your face is round, the goal is to add some definition. Therefore, angular frames are a superb choice. They will help to add some lines and definition to your soft features.
Square and rectangular frames provide contrast to the roundness of your face. They also make the face appear longer and thinner.
Wayfarer and wrap styles are other great options for round faces. They sit high on the face, which elongates and adds balance to your features.
Avoid round frames, as they will only accentuate the roundness of your face. Also, small frames can make your face appear even rounder, so opt for larger styles that cover more of your face.
Selecting Sunglasses for Square Faces
If you have a square face, the aim is to soften your angular features. Round and oval-shaped glasses are perfect for this. They will balance your features and add some softness to your strong jawline and forehead.
Aviator or butterfly style sunglasses are also great choices for square faces. They add a nice contrast to the angularity of the square face.
Avoid square or geometric frames, as they will only highlight the squareness of your face. Also, small frames can make your face appear disproportioned.
Opting Sunglasses for Oval Faces
Oval faces are considered the most balanced face shape, so if you’re an oval, you’re in luck! Most frame shapes will suit you.
That said, to maintain this natural balance, choose frames that are as wide or wider than the broadest part of your face. Square, rectangular, and geometric shapes will provide a nice contrast to the roundness of your face.
Oversized sunglasses also work well on oval faces. But avoid frames that are too large and cover up more than half of your face, as this can throw off the natural balance and symmetry of your oval face.
Finding Sunglasses for Heart-Shaped Faces
If you have a heart-shaped face, the goal is to balance the width of your forehead with the narrowness of your chin. Light-colored frames or rimless frames are great for this as they draw less attention to the top of the face.
Round or square glasses with curved edges help balance a heart-shaped face. These styles add balance to your face and draw attention away from a broad, high forehead.
Frames that are wider at the bottom also work well for heart-shaped faces. But avoid styles that are wider at the top, as they will draw attention to the wide part of your face.
Choosing the right sunglasses for your face shape is all about balance and contrast. By understanding your face shape and which styles work best with it, you can find the perfect pair of sunglasses that not only protect your eyes but also enhance your facial features and overall style.
Selecting Frames Based on Skin Tone
Now that you have a firm grasp of what frames suit your face shape, another factor to take into consideration is your skin tone. Your skin tone is a crucial part of choosing the right sunglasses, as the color can either complement or clash with your complexion. There are two primary categories of skin tones: warm and cool.
People with a warm skin tone have a yellow, peachy, or golden undertone to their skin. If you fall under this category, opt for sunglasses in shades of brown, gold, honey, or olive. These colors will complement your warm undertones and enhance your overall look. Tortoiseshell frames are also an excellent choice for warm skin tones.
Those with a cool skin tone have blue or pink undertones. For cool skin tones, the best sunglasses are in colors like black, blue, pink, and silver. For a more daring look, you can go for frames in bold, bright colors like magenta or emerald green.
Neutral colors like white, grey, and black are versatile and work well with any skin tone. It’s also essential to remember that the sunglasses’ lens color is not only a style choice but can also impact how well you see certain colors and contrasts.
Additional Style Considerations: Cat Eye Frames
A popular frame style that works well on several face shapes is the cat eye frame. This style, characterized by frames that slant upwards towards the temples, adds a whimsical, vintage touch to any look.
For square faces, the rounded bottom of the cat eye frame softens the angular jawline, while the upward slant balances out a broad forehead. On a round face, the angular top of the cat eye frames adds some much-needed definition.
For heart-shaped faces, the wide upper part of the frame balances out a narrow chin, while the narrow lower part doesn’t add extra width to the forehead. And for oval faces, most cat eye frames maintain the natural balance of the face, provided they are not wider than the face’s broadest part.
Selecting the perfect pair of sunglasses isn’t just about fashion; it’s about a blend of style, comfort, and eye protection. Understanding your face shape and skin tone is key to finding the right pair that complements your features. From square frames for round faces to cat eye frames for square faces, there’s a wide array of styles to choose from.
Keep in mind, the color of your frames should harmonize with your skin tone. Warm skin tones are flattered by brown or gold, while cool skin tones look great in black or silver. And always remember, sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, so never compromise on the quality of the lenses.
With these guidelines in mind, shopping for sunglasses becomes a more enjoyable and fruitful experience. Now, you can confidently find that perfect pair of sunglasses that not only shields your eyes but also boosts your style quotient. And remember, the best sunglasses are the ones that make you feel fabulous!