When it comes to buying sunglasses, determining your face size and shape is important because it will help you find a better fitting, more functional pair of sunglasses. Proper fitting sunglasses can give you a stylish look all your own like Geordi Laforge or Elton John. To find the best sunglasses for your face, you will need to, measure your face, determine your face shape, and match that shape to a style of sunglasses.

How To Measure Your Face

Measuring the dimensions of your face will help give you an idea of what size and shape your face is. To measure your face, stand in front of a mirror and follow these steps:

1. Measure Cheekbone to Cheekbone: Place the end of a tape measure just below your eye to find the top of your cheekbone. Measure to the same point on the other side of your face. Write down this number.
2. Measure Jaw Line: Feel below your ears to find the ends of your jawbone. Measure from the end of your jawbone to the other end around the bottom of your face. Write that down too.
3. Measure Face Length: Measure from the center of your hairline straight down over the front of your nose to the bottom of your chin. Write that one down too.

Look at your measurements and comparing them to each other, determine which shape of face you are below. Check out our Sunglasses Buying Guide for more about sunglass frame sizes and shapes.

How to Determine Your Face Shape

There are several different face shapes. Compare the different dimensions of your face, look in the mirror, and or have a friend help you determine which shape your face is. Look below to see common face shapes and see which one of these categories matches you.

• Round
• Square
• Oval
• Oblong / Rectangle
• Diamond
• Heart

Styles of Sunglasses

• Aviator
• Butterfly / Cat Eye
• Rectangle
• Round / Semi-Rimless
• Shield
• Square
• Wayfarer
• Wrap
• Double Bridge

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Aviator Sunglasses

Originally popularized by pilots, Hawaii Five-0, and Tom Cruise, aviator-style sunglasses have become a favorite of many others worldwide. The distinctive features of an aviator frame are clean and simple colors, metal frames, and teardrop shaped lenses. A snug tee shirt and respect for the law are optional.

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Butterfly / Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Does the frame shape remind you of any specific insect? Generally oversized, butterfly frame sunglasses can vary in terms of temple width, height, or even shape. The size of butterfly styles is also a functional advantage: It covers more of the face from the sun’s harmful rays and if you have an… ermm generously sized nose, butterflies can draw attention away. They also work great for those mornings after, when you just want to hide your face. Jackie O loved these back in the day.

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Rectangle Sunglasses

Rectangle sunglasses have frames that are wider than they are tall. Angular rectangle frames work well on round faces, and they can add length to a short face by contrast. Oval faces can also benefit from rectangular frames with softer edges.

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Round / Semi-Rimless Sunglasses

The round, (often) semi-rimless, browline, clubman, or anti-Ray-Ban frame is another style that has been around for a long time and has recently regained popularity. Originally created in 1947, you may remember these from famous people over the years, including Malcom X, Jeff Goldblum, John Lennon and Colonel Sanders. So if you are rocking a clubman frame, you are in some pretty good company.

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Square Sunglasses

Got a narrow or round face? Want to add some size to beef up that jaw? Square sunglasses shapes look good on oval and oblong faces due to the contrasting angles of face and accessory. Commonly oversized, these can be a fashion forward look, or they can just block extra rays on a really rough Saturday morning.

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Wayfarer Sunglasses

The Wayfarer is a classic sunglasses shape and has been worn since the 1950s. Think James Dean. Think Blues Brothers. Versatile and timeless, this frame looks great on almost every face.

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Wrap Sunglasses

Wrap sunglasses are perfect for athletes and people who want to look like athletes. Their stream-lined design increases the aerodynamic properties of the face and the lightweight frame makes it feel like you are not wearing anything at all. Wrap-around frames have lenses that cover most of your eyes, not allowing UV rays to sneak in through the side (great for snow activities), and some have arms that are spring-loaded to help them stay on your face during activities.