The ultimate guide to finding the right sunglasses for your face shape

Getting the right pair of sunglasses is no mean feat, given the variety of styles that are available on the market. But fret not, we’re here to help! Consider this your go-to manual when you are faced with any sort of eyewear dilemma

By Cheng Jee Yan - 17 Jun 2016

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Sunglasses: The one accessory all superstars cannot live without. Supermodels, K-Pop idols, actresses, actors – and the list goes on.

Most of them own an insane amount of eyewear, and it’s no wonder why – there’s just something so inherently chic about slipping on a pair of sunglasses. They instantly elevate your look, even if you are pairing them with the sloppiest T-shirt and denim cut-offs in your wardrobe.

Apart from being the most fabulous accessory one can wear, they also serve a very important purpose, and that is to protect your eyes from the menacing rays of the sun. Did you know that exposure to UV rays from the sun can lead to cataracts; and that long-term exposure to the blue and violet portions of the solar spectrum has been implicated as a risk factor for macular degeneration?

But herein lies the crux of the matter. How do you find the right style to complement your face shape? There are some frames that will set off your killer features in an instant, and then there are frames which might end up highlighting parts of your face you’re not the happiest about.

Here, we serve up sunglass recommendations for different face shapes and configurations. Go forth and find your style!

1. Round shaped

1/5

Characteristics: Fairly short and wide forehead, full cheeks and round jawline. The widest part of your face is at your cheeks, with little or no angular features.

Suitable styles: You should look out for styles that are oversized and more angular to balance out the soft contours of your face. Try rectangular shapes, cat-eye or angular frames, frames with a top bar, brow bar, as well as colour or decoration on the temples.

2. Square shaped

2/5

Characteristics: Broad, deep forehead, wide cheeks, strong jawline and a short chin. Your jawline will be of about the same width as your forehead.

Suitable styles: You should go for oval frames that are narrow to softer the angles and make your face look longer. Pick circular frames with soft lines, or rimless edges for a balanced look. Classic aviator sunglasses are your best bet.

3. Oval shaped

3/5

Characteristics: Forehead is proportionately wider than your gently curved jaw with high cheek bones. Face is longer than it is wide.

Suitable styles: Your face shape is made for sunglasses so your choices are wide and varied. Most styles will work on your face! While you can rock most of the sunglasses style, remember to keep the size proportionate to the width of your face. If it’s too small or oversized it will cause your head to look disproportionate.

4. Diamond shaped

4/5

Characteristics: Forehead is narrow with very well defined cheekbones, narrow at the eyeline and jawline, with a pointed chin.

Suitable styles: You should select deep frames that are more vertical than horizontal, or angled outward at the bottom so that you can draw attention to your eyes and soften the cheekbones. A pair of old school rectangular shaped lenses will give you a more balanced look.

5. Triangle shaped

5/5

Characteristics: Forehead is much wider than the rest of the face. Wide cheekbones tapering to a narrow and sharp chin.

Suitable styles: You should opt for frames that are wider and thicker at the bottom to minimise the width of upper half of the face. Frames should ideally be light in hue and wrought from a single material.