How To: Sunglasses Size Guide

Finding the right pair of sunglasses can be a bit tricky. Check out these simple tips below and you'll be sure to order a pair of sunglasses that are right for you.

Determine Your Face Shape

Face Shape Frame Choosing Tips:

ROUND FACE: Choose frames that offset the uniformity of your face shape. Add angular frames to highlight your eye and cheekbones. Recommended frames: Rectangular, Square, Cat Eye. Avoid frames that are Oversized or Round.

SQUARE FACE: Look for frames that slightly soften the angles in your face. Choose frames wider than they are tall to help slim down the proportions of your face. Recommended frames: Round, Aviator. Avoid frames that are Rectangular or Small.

HEART/ANGULAR FACE: Being the most versatile of the face shapes, choose for styles that are slightly bottom-heavy and slightly wider than your forehead. Recommended Frames: Rectangular, Round, Aviator, Cat Eye. Avoid frames that are oversized or small that hug the eyes and temples.

OVAL FACE: Being Maintain the natural balance of your well proportioned face and look for frames that are as wide (or wider) than the broadest part of your face. Recommended Frames: Aviator, Rectangular, Square or Round. Avoid frames that are oversized.

Taking True Measurements:

Use a ruler to measure from cheekbone to cheekbone. Using a measuring tape or ruler, measure the distance between your left and right temples. Place the tape measure at the very top of your cheekbone, just below eye level, and stretch it to the same point on the other side of your face. Make a note of the number.

Measure your jawline. Place the end of the tape measure just below your ears and find where your jawbone begins. Measure from one end of your jawbone to the other around the bottom of your face. Write this down too. This is an important measurement in determining the shape of your face.

Take note of your face length. Measure from the beginning of your hairline down over your nose to the bottom of your chin. Write this measurement down as well. This will help you determine which lens height is best for your face.

Write down your forehead width. Measure the width of your forehead from one side of your hairline to the other. Write down this number with the rest of your measurements. This number, along with your cheekbone measurement, will give you an idea of which frame width you should choose.

Use these measurements to determine the shape of your face. This is an important step in deciding which frames are best for you. While the fit is ultimately most important, you also want to make sure the style compliments your face. Ideally, you want your glasses to balance the natural proportions of your face. 

Don't have a ruler or tape measure handy? How about a credit card! Use this simple trick to determine your sunglasses size. 

Make sure the frame material suits your purposes. There are many different options to choose from, depending on your needs. Plastic or metal are the most common frame materials. There is also nylon or titanium if you need a more lightweight or hypoallergenic option.

Choose the lens material wisely. As with frame material, there are a variety of lens to choose from. Typically plastic or Polycarbonate lens are the cheapest. However, a higher index plastic lens will be thinner and lighter than a polycarbonate one. Polycarbonate is the softest lens material and also the most impact resistant. You want to make sure that your lenses will protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. The good news is that polycarbonate and nearly all high index lenses have 100% UV protection built in.