“With my sunglasses on, I’m Jack Nicholson. Without them, I’m fat and 60.” Jack Nicholson

Most of us love sunglasses, and really care how they look on us. They need to be both stylish and practical. There are so many styles and price points to choose from that it can be overwhelming. Some fashionistas only buy the latest trend in sunglasses, and do not worry about the fit. Others have a universal fit which is an oval face and look great in most styles. For the rest of us, here are some tips on what to consider when buying your next pair.

The shape of your face is probably the most important factor in fitting sunglasses.

Image courtesy of https://stylesatlife.com

Square or rectangular – minimal curves, wide jawline, best suited by classic styles like aviator or round.
Round – circular face, especially around the jawline and chin. Square sunglasses like Wayfarers, or angular styles like cat-eye are good choices.
Oval or oblong – typically longer than it is wide, round chin and jawline. This shape can wear a wide range of styles from oversized to round.
Triangle shape has a wide forehead going down to a small chin and looks best with rectangle styles or aviators.
Diamond shaped faces have sharp chins and wide cheekbones. Both square and round styles work. Oversized round styles, aviators, or rectangular styles all work.
Heart shaped need sunglasses that have a similar heart shape. Wide tops and narrow bottoms.

Here is why finding sunglasses that fit is important:

Sunglasses that don’t fit are uncomfortable, they do not give you the UV protection they should, and they might not be as flattering as a pair that fits well. In general, sunglasses should fit snugly around your ears and across your nose. If they leave pressure marks across your temples, you need a wider pair. If they leave marks along either side of your nose, you need a pair with longer arms.

Ray Ban advises considering these three pieces of information when making a sunglasses decision:

What is the frame size? Measure the horizontal width from hinge to hinge on a pair of glasses you like and that fit you well. That will give you the size you need.

Photo from https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/c/size-guide

The fit is the amount of your face that will be covered by the sunglasses. The three fits are Narrow fitting with a small lens, Regular fitting with a medium lens and Wide fitting with a large lens covering a large portion of the face.
Bridge and nosepads describe the different structures in between the two lenses, and the shape of your face will determine what is most comfortable. A High Bridge Fit is for those with a high nose bridge and lower cheekbones. Good choice if the bridge of your nose is above the level of your pupils. A Low Bridge Fit is good for those with a low nose bridge and higher cheekbones, or if glasses tend to slide down your nose (so annoying!) or press on your temples or cheeks. The Universal Fit is the one that accommodates most face shapes.

No matter which styles fit you best, always buy sunglasses that will:

Give you 100% UV protection, or UV 400 protection which will block out ultraviolet light.
Provide you with light protection – Aim for categories 1 – 3. Category 4 blocks out too much light and is dangerous to wear while driving.
Reduce glare, choose polarized sunglasses.
Aren’t so stylish they are only on trend for one season.
Be your choice whenever you go outdoors.
Ensure that you are wearing the glasses, and they don’t wear you!

If you need help determining the shape of your face, this app might help. https://faceshapedetector.com/