Last updated: October 2026
The simplest rule for choosing sunglasses is contrast: pick a frame shape that is the opposite of your face shape. Round faces suit angular frames, square faces suit round or oval frames, heart-shaped faces suit frames that are wider at the bottom, and oval faces suit almost any style. Frame width should roughly match the width of your face.
How do you find your face shape?
Pull your hair back, stand in front of a mirror, and compare three widths: forehead, cheekbones, and jaw. Then look at the length of your face against its width.
|
Face shape |
How to recognise it |
|---|---|
|
Round |
Width and length are similar, soft jawline, full cheeks |
|
Oval |
Longer than wide, forehead slightly wider than the jaw, soft curves |
|
Square |
Forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are similar width, strong angular jaw |
|
Heart |
Wide forehead and cheekbones, narrow chin |
|
Oblong |
Clearly longer than wide, straight sides |
|
Diamond |
Cheekbones are the widest point, narrow forehead and chin |
Which sunglasses suit each face shape?
|
Face shape |
Frames that work |
Frames to approach with care |
|---|---|---|
|
Round |
Rectangular, square, wayfarer-style, angular wraparound |
Small round frames |
|
Oval |
Most shapes: aviator, rectangular, round, sport |
Frames much wider than the face |
|
Square |
Round, oval, aviator, rimless |
Sharp boxy frames |
|
Heart |
Aviator, rimless, frames wider at the bottom |
Heavy top-bar or oversized frames |
|
Oblong |
Tall or oversized frames, wraparound, deep lenses |
Narrow, short lenses |
|
Diamond |
Oval, rimless, frames with a strong brow line |
Narrow frames |
Why does the contrast rule work?
A frame that repeats your face shape exaggerates it. Round frames make a round face look rounder, and boxy frames make a strong jaw look heavier. A contrasting shape balances proportions: angles add definition to soft features, and curves soften strong lines.
What matters besides shape?
Width. The frame should be about as wide as your face at the temples. Too narrow pinches and makes the face look wider. Too wide slides and looks borrowed.
Bridge fit. The frame should rest on your nose without sliding or leaving deep marks. If you have a low nose bridge, look for adjustable nose pads.
Lens height. Taller lenses shorten a long face and give more sun coverage. Shorter lenses suit small faces.
What you will do in them. For driving, fishing, or cycling, coverage and a secure fit matter more than style rules. A wraparound sport frame that stays on is the better choice, whatever your face shape.
Do these rules always apply?
No. They are a starting point, not a law. Personal style, hairstyle, and how the frame feels matter as much. If a frame breaks the rule and you like how it looks, wear it.
Browse by frame style on our shape guide, or go straight to BEX polarized sunglasses.
FAQ
What sunglasses look best on a round face? Angular frames such as rectangular, square, or wayfarer-style shapes. They add definition and make the face look longer.
What sunglasses suit a square face? Round, oval, and aviator frames. Curves soften a strong jawline.
Which face shape can wear any sunglasses? Oval. Its balanced proportions suit most frame shapes, as long as the width is right.
Are rimless sunglasses good for every face shape? Rimless frames are among the most forgiving, because they add no heavy lines. They suit square, heart, and diamond faces especially well.
How do I know if sunglasses are too big? They slide down when you look down, touch your cheeks when you smile, or extend clearly past the sides of your face.
My sunglasses fit but keep slipping. What helps? Anti-slip nose pads and ear grips fix most slipping without changing frames.
