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, tints or coatings that combat reflections, water, oil or fog — then pick out a frame shape that complements your face shape. The goal is to accentuate your best features, and the most surefire way to do that is to wear frames that contrast your own unique structure.

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). Below, we break down the more technical definition of each popular face shape (i.e. dimensions, what to look for, what one looks like), and offer recommendations that will highlight your best qualities.

More Sunglasses for Men


    Round Faces

    Gear Patrol

    What It Looks Like

    A round face shape implies your dimensions are roughly equal up and down and across. Plus, your jawline is soft, and your cheekbones are wide.

    What to Wear

    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.

    Oval Faces

    Gear Patrol

    What It Looks Like

    The oval face shape is characterized by dimensions that are longer than they are wide — but not drastically so. You're an oval if your face is longer than it is wide and your forehead is wider than your jawline.

    What to Wear

    It’s hard to go wrong with an oval face — most sunglasses will look great on you. Just make sure the frames aren’t wider than your face.

    Square Faces

    Gear Patrol

    What It Looks Like

    The square face shape, like the round, is defined by nearly identical measurements all around — with one exception: your jawline is sharper and your sides straighter.

    What to Wear

    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.

    Oblong Faces

    Gear Patrol

    What It Looks Like

    The oblong face shape lends a long, vertical look. Here, the dimensions going up and down are undoubtedly more so than those going side to side.

    What to Wear

    Similar to our square-faced friends, you want to go with softer lines and rounded corners. Wayfarer styles work well but avoid small frames.

    Heart Shaped Faces

    Gear Patrol

    What It Looks Like

    A heart-shaped face means your cheeks and forehead are wider than your jaw, which proves pointed.

    What to Wear

    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.

    Diamond Faces

    Gear Patrol

    What It Looks Like

    Just like a diamond, this face shape proves wide at the middle — across the cheekbones — but pointed at the forehead and jaw.

    What to Wear

    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).

    Triangular Faces

    Gear Patrol

    What It Looks Like

    For those with a triangular face shape, the forehead is the widest part. The rest leads into the chin, which is pointed, and accentuated by an angular jawline.

    What to Wear

    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.