Key Takeaways
- Your face shape can be a helpful starting point for finding flattering sunglasses.
- The main face shapes include round, oval, heart, and square.
- Frame style, size, and fit can all affect how sunglasses look and feel.
- Lens colour can complement your skin tone.
- Prescription sunglasses are available in a variety of styles, and our eye care team in Chestermere can help you find the right fit.
Find the Right Sunglasses for Your Face
We have all been there: Trying on countless sunglasses, studying ourselves in the mirror, and still walking away unsure of why some looked great, and others felt a little off. At Chestermere Optometry, we know that the answer usually comes down to your face shape, and knowing yours can often help provide a guideline for what frames may work for your features.
The sunglasses that flatter you most are often those that contrast with or balance your natural face shape, fit your face comfortably, and suit your lifestyle. Our team is here to help you figure out what frames can work for you and adjust them so that they fit perfectly.
How to Find Your Face Shape
Pull your hair back so your full face is visible, then stand straight in front of a mirror. Notice the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, and observe where your face is widest or narrowest. For a more precise look, trace the outline of your face on the mirror with a dry-erase marker and step back to see the shape clearly. Once you have a sense of your shape, you have a starting point for what to try first.
The Main Face Shapes and What They Look Like
Round and Oval
A round face has full, soft cheeks and a gentle jawline, with the width and length of the face being roughly equal. An oval face has balanced proportions overall, with a jaw that narrows gently below the cheekbones.
Square and Heart
A square face has a strong, angular jaw and a broad forehead, with sharp lines throughout. A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and tapers down to a narrow, pointed chin.
Frame Styles That Work for Each Face Shape
Round and Oval Faces
If you have a round face, angular or rectangular frames can add structure and definition to a face that is naturally softer. Oval faces are the most versatile because their features are already in balance. If you have an oval face, most frame shapes will complement your balanced proportions well.
Square and Heart Faces
Square faces may benefit from round or oval frames, which can soften the jaw and angular lines. For heart-shaped faces, frames that are wider or heavier at the bottom can often help balance a broad forehead and draw the eye downward. Aviator styles and frames with low-set bridges work especially well for heart shapes.
Frame Size and Fit
Even the right shape can look off if the size is wrong. Frames that are too wide can sit low on the face and cover more than they should, while frames that are too narrow can look pinched or small. Lens width, bridge fit, and temple length all affect how comfortable your sunglasses feel throughout the day, which is why a proper fit is so important.
Our optician can customize the fit to your face so your frames stay in place and protect your eyes as they should.
Other Things to Think About When Choosing Sunglasses
Lens Colour and Tint
Lens colour is a small detail that can make a noticeable difference. Warm skin tones tend to look great with brown, amber, or gold-tinted lenses, where cool skin tones pair naturally with grey, green, or blue-tinted lenses. There is no strict rule here, but choosing a tint that complements your complexion can pull the whole look together.
Your Lifestyle and Vision Needs
UV protection is something to take seriously, whether your family spends a lot of time outdoors or not. The sun’s rays can cause damage even on cloudy days, so checking that your sunglasses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection is an important step.
If you wear prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses are available in many sunglass frame styles, so you do not have to choose between clear vision and sun protection. A trusted optometrist in Chestermere can help match your perfect frame style to your prescription and make sure the lenses are fitted correctly for your eyes.
Find Your Perfect Pair of Sunglasses
At Chestermere Optometry, our team is happy to help you explore sunglasses options that fit your face, prescription, and lifestyle. Book an appointment or stop by today to find frames that feel as good as they look.
