Choosing new sunglasses for everyday wear isn’t exactly rocket science, but there are a few things to consider before investing in your next pair. First, decide on the functional elements you need — like polarized lenses or coatings that combat reflections, water and oil — then pick out a frame shape that complements your face. The goal is to accentuate your best features, and in general, the best way to do that is to wear frames that contrast your face shape slightly.
Not sure what your face shape is? Look at yourself in the mirror and decide if your face is round, square, oblong, heart, diamond or triangular (it may also be helpful to use a picture to help you better visualize the shape). Then take a look at our recommendations below — there are plenty of stylish options to highlight your best qualities.
Round
Stay away from circles, unless you want to over accentuate the round shape of your face. Aim high with aviators or stick to square, angular frames.
Sunglasses for Round Faces
Aviator Classic
Ray-Ban
ray-ban.com
$161.00
When you think of sunglasses, Ray-Ban’s likely are one of the first to come to mind. Its list of iconic styles is impressive, thanks in part to its classic Aviator which are made in Italy with glare-blocking lenses.
Ray-Ban
Court Sunglasses
Krewe x Billy Reid
Krewe.com
$255.00
This old-school aviator has a Black Tea acetate frame with 24K gold hardware. The amber gradient lenses complete the throwback look and are appropriate for varying light conditions.
Krewe
Fellini Square Acetate Sunglasses
Jacques Marie Mage
matchesfashion.com
$660.00
Jacques Marie Mage’s drool-inducing sunglasses are among the most coveted on the planet. Inspired by Italian movie director Federico Fellini, these debonair frames are crafted in Japan using super thick acetate and silver accents throughout.
Matches Fashion
Oval
It’s hard to go wrong an oval face — most sunglasses will look great on you. Just make sure the frames aren’t wider than your face.
Sunglasses for Oval Faces
Hannes Sunglasses
Neubau Eyewear
neubeau-eyewear.com
$218.00
Made in Austria, these lightweight shades are made with flexible stainless steel frames and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses. They come in a range of colors, won’t break the bank and offer timeless style that will compliment any outfit.
Neubau Eyewear
Richmond Sunglasses
David Kind
davidkind.com
$340.00
Handmade in Japan, David Kind’s debonair Richmond sunglasses come with quality five-barrel hinges, hand-polished acetate and a range of colors.
David Kind
Lansky Sunglasses
Native Sons
nativesons-eyewear.com
$460.00
Crafted in Japan, the Lansky sunglasses from Native Sons are based on midcentury designs and feature gold-plating, G15 lenses and organic-cotton based acetate.
Native Sons
Square
Rounded corners are key to success if you’ve got a square jaw. Look for frames sized to match you in width, but with soft lines. Too many hard angles won’t do you any favors.
Sunglasses for Square Faces
Genusee Sunglasses
Alex Mill
alexmill.com
$99.00
Made in Flint, Michigan from recycled single-use plastic water bottles, these vintage-inspired frames are both stylish and affordable. Made with a keyhole bridge and riveted hinges, it comes in a range of tasteful colors.
Alex Mill
Buck Sunglasses
Salt Optics
goodseeco.com
$430.00
Salt.’s Buck Sunglasses are a prime example of the P3 shape, which was originally designed in the 1930s for the military. Its keyhole bridge and rounded lenses are an enduring combination that won’t go out of style any time soon.
Good See Co
7285 717-E Sunglasses
Eyevan 7285
ssense.com
$465.00
These handsome sunglasses from Eyevan are a lovely balance of luxe gold and matte black.
Ssense
Oblong
Similar to our square-faced friends, you want to go with softer lines and rounded corners. Wayfarer styles work well, but avoid small frames.
Sunglasses for Oblong Faces
Beale Sunglasses
Warby Parker
warbparker.com
$95.00
Warby Parker’s Beale Sunglasses are reminiscent of Buddy Holly and are classically cool. They come in a range of color options, all at a great price.
Warby Parker
FT0646
Tom Ford
sunglasshut.com
$395.00
Next to his suits, Tom Ford’s sunglasses are the next rakish option to set your sartorial game on fire. These sleek frames are understatedly flashy, a signature of the preeminent designer.
Sunglass Hut
Boccaccio Sunglasses
GLCO
garrettleight.com
These shades feature rich brown gradient lenses and thick acetate temples in a similar hue. Made from cured cellulose acetate, the frame has five-barrel hinges, real rivets and stainless steel core wires — they’re the perfect match of laid-back vibes and quality construction.
Garrett Leight
Heart Shaped
Square frames complement a narrower chin, adding different angles that add a layer visual of visual interest. Avoid anything oversized or teardrop shaped, and reach instead for something with a sharper corner.
Sunglasses for Heart Shaped Faces
Hudson Sunglasses
Ace and Tate
aceandtate.com
$108.00
These affordable shades are made with high-quality acetate and feature lenses with anti-scratch coatings. They come with a 2-year guarantee, and for the price, that’s hard to beat.
Ace and Tate
23k Gold Aviator Sunglasses
Randolph Engineering
randolphusa.com
$299.00
The quintessential aviator sunglasses are hard to beat, in a cockpit or on the street. If you’re a purist, look no further than Randolph Engineering’s sky-ready aviators.
Randolph Engineering
Tucker Sunglasses
Barton Perreira
bartonperreira.com
$415.00
Made in Japan, these unique shades feature lightweight, hypoallergenic frames and CR-39 lenses with an anti-reflective coating. The style has a traditional keyhole bridge that’s appropriate for a range of faces, and unconventional angles that set them apart.
Barton Perreira
Diamond
Most frame shapes will work well for diamond faces, so long as they’re in keeping with your proportions. Anything wider than your cheekbones will make the widest point of your face appear even wider (and, in turn, make your chin and forehead appear smaller than they actually are).
Sunglasses for Diamond Faces
Legacy Sunglasses
LA-based brand Akila has been making some of the coolest sunglasses at unbeatable prices and its Legacy sunglasses are proof that good sunglasses don’t have to hurt your wallet.
Akila
General Sunglasses
American Optical
aoeyewear.com
$149.00
American Optical is one of the oldest eyewear brands still in existence and have been a favorite amongst vintage collectors. They still make their iconic aviator frames in the States and they’re easily customizable.
American Optic
Lemtosh Sunglasses
Moscot
endclothing.com
$315.00
The Lemtosh is a perennial favorite and a staple for family-owned brand Moscot. It’s been spotted on the faces of celebs like Johnny Depp, but you can rock it just as easily.
End Clothing
Triangular
Frames with more going on up top are your friend. Anything teardrop shaped will emphasize dimensional balance. Square frames with deep lenses are simple and effective.
Sunglasses for Triangular Faces
Aren Sunglasses
This angular frame features crystal black acetate with five-barrel hinges and Dark Smoke CR-39 lenses from Carl Zeiss Vision. Available in narrow and wide sizes, the Aren frame comes in four understated colors fit for any occasion.
Raen
Pilot Sunglasses
Persol
sunglasshut.com
$311.00
Persol’s classic aviator-style sunglasses feature the brand’s signature Meflecto technology for a fit that’s as comfortable as they are stylish.
Sunglass Hut
Monopoly 101 Sunglasses
Thierry Lasry
ssense.com
$430.00
Handmade in France, these thick eye-catching frames are almost sculptural. They feature a keyhole bridge and vintage-inspired curved shape that is both timeless and modern at once.
Ssense