At Piedmont Eye Center, we care about protecting your eyes—and we think you can do it with style.
Choosing the right pair of sunglasses isn’t just about buying a good pair of polarized lenses. It’s also about finding a frame style that works best for you, in much the same way as picking out a set of frames for prescription lenses. After all, if you feel good in your sunglasses, you’re more likely to wear them! The process of finding the right pair may seem complicated, especially if you’re considering what’s trending, too. But we’re here to simplify it for you. Here’s how you can find a pair of stylish sunglasses that protect your eyes and flatter your face shape at the same time.
The Basics
Many people explain matching sunglasses to your face by using the concept of face shape, whether that be square, round, oval, heart-shaped or any other. But face shape can be difficult to determine, especially if you don’t understand how a pair of sunglass frames can complement your unique facial features for a stylish look. In essence, it all comes down to face size (length and width), the lines and angles of the face and some basic symmetry. Once you’ve figured out the type of face you have, you can determine what size and shape of sunglasses may work best for your face.
Wear What Feels Good
The main priority of finding a good pair of sunglasses is making sure that wearing them feels good. Different styles and shapes of sunglasses look good on different people. You may find that matching a pair with your facial features in the ways that we’ll be suggesting here isn’t right for you, especially when you take modern trends into consideration. So feel free to take or leave these suggestions as long as you can find a pair of sunglasses that you love.
Face Size
Determining the size of your face is easy. Just grab a ruler or tape measure, look into a mirror, and take the measurements of your face, from temple to temple and jaw to the top of your forehead. Sunglasses are usually labeled with precise measurements of length and width, and you’ll want to match these measurements with the measurements of your face. For instance, if your face is narrow and long, you’ll want sunglasses that are narrow and tall. This will flatter your natural face shape, rather than detract from it.
Face Angles
Another factor to look at is the curvature of your face. Are your jaw and cheekbones straight-lined and angular, or curved, bowed and soft? Or are they somewhere in between? Sunglasses can complement the angles of your face by the power of contrast and symmetry. Someone with a straight-lined and sharply angled face may feel better in rounder sunglasses because the round balances out the straight, and vice-versa.
Types of Sunglasses
There are many different styles and shapes of sunglasses. You may want to match the shape and measurements of the pair you choose to those of your face, choosing wider ones if your face is wide and choosing shorter ones if your face is short. You may also want to choose a color that matches well with your unique skin tone and/or hair color, or choose a color that goes well with your clothing style. Current trends tend to be oversized or minimalist/small.
Rounded Frames
Many people with sharper and more angular faces look best in rounded frames because the roundness balances out the sharp lines of their faces. Think Daniel Radcliffe.
Rounded frames, particularly ones that involve well-defined circles (whether large or small) are currently in style. However, one style of rounded frames that is breaking this mold are cat-eye sunglasses, which are a popular choice right now.
Rectangular Frames
People with rounder and softer faces look best in rectangular frames because the sharpness makes their faces look more well-defined. Think Tom Cruise.
Many in-style rectangular frames right now are geometric or square, with little roundness in shape. Also, retro styles of these sunglasses (think The Matrix) are coming back into fashion due to nostalgia.
Aviators and Wayfarers
Two types of sunglasses that work well for many people are aviator- and wayfarer-style sunglasses because they blend the attributes of roundness and straightness. These work especially well for people whose features are neither particularly hard or soft. Not to mention these are two of the most popular types of sunglasses over the past few years! Sunglass makers are experimenting with them, too, offering both retro and futuristic-looking styles.
Statement Shapes
Also popular right now are sunglasses with shapes like hearts and stars. These chic styles of shades are great for expressing yourself creatively, even if they don’t necessarily align with your facial features. These styles are often chosen for fun over function, though they can still be just as functional as anything else!
Colors
Recent color trends indicate a preference for metallic, dark and neutral-toned sunglasses. Aviators with gold/bronze-colored frames, plastic matte frames with dark or tortoiseshell colors and athletic-style frames with dark and shiny colors appear to be some of the most popular styles today. Color preference also tends to depend on the wearer’s complexion and hair color.
Choosing the Right Coverage
Most sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, though not all provide a full range of coverage. However, there are other ways to add protection and functionality to your next pair of sunglasses. It’s a good idea to find a pair that has a polarized layer or any other layer that provides a full range of UV protection on the lenses. Sunglasses can also be made with different lens materials to suit their intended use, whether that be casual fun or working professionally outdoors. Also, getting prescription lenses in your sunglasses will keep you from having to find a pair of shades that fit over prescription glasses. No matter your needs, there are plenty of options for finding sunglasses that fit them.
We Can Help!
If you’re looking for a good pair of shades, we’re here to help you! Sunglasses are great at providing year-round protection from the harmful rays of the sun and keeping your eyes healthy over the course of your life. We are always happy to provide the proper prescription for you to take to your favorite optical shop so they can make prescription sunglasses for you. Schedule an appointment today so you can be on your way to finding that perfect pair of sunglasses!