Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement. They’re essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, ensuring comfort outdoors, and keeping your eyesight in tip-top shape!
However, choosing the right pair of sunglasses can be tricky.
You need to find a pair of sunglasses that you like aesthetically, fit your face properly, and offer the functionality that you need (and want)...
But what does that look like? What do you need to look out for? And how should sunglasses actually fit on your face?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer these questions (and more!) by explaining how sunglasses are supposed to fit, how to find your perfect fit, and how to avoid common mistakes when picking new sunglasses.
Let’s dive in!
The Importance of Properly Fitting Sunglasses
Choosing sunglasses that fit you properly is more important than you think. A pair of properly fitted sunglasses offers numerous benefits, including:
● Comfort: Sunglasses that are too tight can cause headaches and pain around your temples, while loose ones may constantly slip off your nose. Like Goldilocks, you need sunglasses that fit “just right.”
● Protection: The right fit ensures your sunglasses can properly shield your eyes from UV rays, reducing your exposure and minimizing your risk of damage. A proper fit is the best choice for your health!
● Style: While comfort and protection are top priorities for sunglasses, you can’t overlook the importance of style! The sunglasses that look the most polished, flattering, and stylish are the ones that fit well.
Poorly fitting sunglasses can pose many issues, from less serious concerns like headaches and unflattering styles to more serious ones like long-term damage and eye strain/irritation.
So, now that you understand the importance of well-fitting sunglasses, let’s go through the steps to find your best fit based on face shape and size.
Finding the Right Sunglasses for Your Face Shape and Size
Your face shape and size play a crucial role in determining how your sunglasses should fit.
That’s why you’ll never see “one-size-fits-all” recommendations for sunglasses; everyone’s face shape and size are unique, so their sunglasses should be, too! However, everyone can follow the same three steps to find the best-fitting sunglasses for their face:
1. Determine your face shape
2. Determine your face size
3. Assess other areas of fit
Step 1 — Determine Your Face Shape
Here are five common face shapes with examples of sunglasses that best complement each of their features.
● Oval: Oval faces are balanced, with slightly wider cheekbones and a narrower chin.
Most sunglasses styles work well for oval faces.
● Round: Round faces are characterized by soft curves and equal width and length.
Rectangular or square frames are ideal to provide balance.
● Square: Square faces have a strong jawline and broad forehead.
Round or oval frames help soften angular features.
● Heart-shaped: A wide forehead and narrow chin define heart-shaped faces.
Cat-eye or round frames are perfect for this face shape.
● Diamond: Diamond faces feature narrow foreheads/jawlines with broad cheekbones.
Oval or rimless sunglasses work best for diamond faces.
Step 2 — Determine Your Face Size
Once you’ve identified your face shape, you need to determine what size face you have. This will help you determine what size sunglasses you need by offering size-based parameters to narrow your search.
The best way to determine your face size is to measure your facial dimensions.
Place a ruler (millimeter side up) below your eyes and measure the length between your temples. A good rule of thumb is to choose sunglasses that fall within 2mm of your face size.
● Small faces typically measure 130mm and below
Opt for sunglasses that are about the same width as your face to avoid an oversized look (no larger than 132mm)
● Medium faces typically measure between 131mm and 140mm
Look for sunglasses that extend slightly beyond your temples without going too wide (129mm to 142mm)
● Large faces typically measure 141mm and above
Wider sunglasses tend to look more proportionate on larger faces, offering better coverage and balance (no larger than 143mm)
Step 3 — Assess Other Areas of Fit
Face shape and size are the most important factors in choosing sunglasses suited for your face, but other areas of fit matter, too. Assess the following fit-related factors to give your new sunglasses the final seal of approval.
● Bridge Fit: The bridge should rest comfortably on your nose without pinching or leaving marks. If the bridge is too tight, it’ll cause discomfort; too loose, and the glasses will slide down your nose.
● Temple Fit: The arms of the sunglasses should sit snugly behind your ears without pressing too tightly. Arms that are too long or too short mean your sunglasses won’t sit properly or securely.
● Lens Coverage: The lenses should cover your eyes fully without leaving gaps for sunlight to sneak in around the edges. They shouldn’t touch or sit on your cheeks, even when you smile.
Common Fitting Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even if you think you’ve found the right sunglasses for your face shape and size, it’s still easy to make mistakes that sacrifice your comfort and eye protection.
Here are four common fitting mistakes to watch out for and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Choosing Frames That Are Too Large or Small
Oversized sunglasses may look stylish, but they can overwhelm your face, slide down, or fail to provide enough protection. On the other hand, small frames can pinch your face or leave large gaps where UV rays can penetrate.
Solution: Choose frames that are proportional to your face size. For the best fit, look for sunglasses that align with your temples and don’t extend too far beyond them.
2. Ignoring the Bridge Fit
Sunglasses that don’t fit well on the bridge of your nose either slip down or cause painful pressure points. Always make sure the bridge fits snugly on your nose!
Solution: Adjustable nose pads can offer a customized fit, while a fixed bridge should suit your nose’s width and shape without causing discomfort.
3. Overlooking Lens Coverage
Frames that don’t fully cover your eyes won’t provide adequate UV protection, leaving your eyes and the surrounding skin exposed to the sun.
Solution: Opt for lenses that provide full coverage of your eyes, including the peripheral vision area. Sunglasses that are too small or too narrow may allow sunlight to enter from the sides.
4. Selecting the Wrong Temple Length
If the temples are too short, the sunglasses may feel tight and uncomfortable. If they’re too long, the frames will slip off your face.
Solution: The temples should curve gently behind your ears and sit comfortably without causing pressure. Sunglasses that stay securely in place during movement are ideal.
Sunglasses Q&A: Your Fitting Concerns Answered
Q: How should sunglasses fit on my face?
A: Sunglasses should fit snugly without pinching. The frame should rest comfortably on the bridge of your nose and the temples should wrap gently around your ears without causing pressure. There should be no gaps around the lenses for sunlight to enter.
Q: What size sunglasses do I need?
A: The size of the sunglasses depends on the width of your face. Measure your face width and choose a frame size that aligns with your temples without extending too far beyond them. Most sunglasses come in small, medium, and large sizes.
Q: How big should my sunglasses be?
A: Sunglasses should be large enough to cover your eyes completely without being oversized. The lenses should protect your eyes from all angles, including the sides, while still fitting proportionately to your face shape.
Q: How are sunglasses supposed to fit behind the ears?
A: The arms of the sunglasses, or temples, should fit comfortably behind your ears without pressing too tightly. They should not slip off when you move your head but should also avoid causing any discomfort.
Q: How do I avoid sunglasses sliding off my face?
A: To prevent sliding, make sure the bridge fits snugly on your nose and that the temples are the correct length. If your sunglasses still slide, consider opting for models with adjustable nose pads for a more secure fit.
Wrap Up
Choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses is about more than just style.
Ensuring your new sunglasses fit properly can make all the difference in your comfort, appearance, and eye protection.
At the end of this comprehensive guide, you should understand how sunglasses are supposed to fit, how to find a pair that suits your face shape and lifestyle, and how to avoid common fitting mistakes.
And, if you still have questions, we’re happy to help! Reach out to our team at any time here.
