Updated on  February 5, 2024
5 min read

What Are the Best Sunglasses for Oval Faces?

6 sources cited
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People with an oval face shape have a natural symmetry and balance to their features. This makes most types of sunglasses look good on them.

Having an oval face shape means you’re free to make bold selections. However, frames that extend beyond the width of your face can disrupt the natural balance of your features.

The most popular frames for oval faces include:

  1. Square
  2. Rectangle
  3. Aviator
  4. Cat-Eye

Do You Have An Oval Shaped Face?

Oval shaped faces have balanced proportions and are longer than they are wide.

An oval face shape’s key features include:

  • A face that is longer than it is wide
  • A forehead wider than the chin but approximately the same width as the jaw
  • A rounded jawline
  • Cheekbones that are the widest part of the face
Oval Face Shape - Vision Center

NOTE: Most people have a combination of elements of different face shapes. If this is the case with you, try to identify your most noticeable facial features and match them to a similar face shape. You can start by examining your jawline, forehead, and cheekbones.

Best Frame Shapes for Oval Faces

Oval faces are considered one of the most versatile face shapes. Many people choose angular, symmetrical frames that complement their balanced features. It also adds more definition to their rounded jawline, cheekbones, and forehead.

These are the four most popular frame styles for oval faces:

Square

Square sunglasses’ symmetrical design naturally compliments the symmetry of an oval face shape. The sharp angles provide contrasting edges to softer features. They can also have a slimming effect that many people find attractive.

Popular Square Frames

Warby Parker Omar
Warby Parker Omar

The flat browline of Omar’s design provides added visual emphasis with its keyhole bridge and acetate rims of significant proportion.

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Warby Parker Ames
Warby Parker Ames

Ames boasts a daring browline and ample width, making it a seamless transition from daytime activities on campus to evening excursions in the city.

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Warby Parker Aniyah
Warby Parker Aniyah

Aniyah offers a sophisticated, slightly larger square frame crafted from shimmering metal for a flawless finish.

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Rectangle

Like square frames, rectangular frames add a nice juxtaposition of sharp angles to soft lines. The straight lines can complement your already proportionate features.

They break up the face structure and can make your face look longer and thinner than square frames. These will also complement the width of your cheekbones.

Popular Rectangle Frames

Warby Parker Roosevelt
Warby Parker Roosevelt

Roosevelt is a modern classic with a simple and commanding rectangular shape, featuring a suave keyhole bridge.

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Warby Parker Lonnie
Warby Parker Lonnie

Lonnie amplifies the rectangular silhouette with its horizontal, elongated proportions and striking beveled lens rims.

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Warby Parker Perkins
Warby Parker Perkins

Perkins’s clean, modern, rectangular lines have been re-sized to fit wider faces perfectly, offering a dream-like fit.

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Aviators

Aviators are another popular choice. Their teardrop design will naturally complement the softness of your face.

They draw the eye downwards away from the forehead and towards your high cheekbones or chin. Just be sure to choose an aviator style less wide than your face. If they extend beyond your cheeks they could overpower your features.

Popular Aviator Frames

Warby Parker Braden
Warby Parker Braden

Braden exudes effortless style and a 1970s vibe with its teardrop lenses, acetate brow bar, and asymmetrical graduated rivets.

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Warby Parker Belmar
Warby Parker Belmar

The classic aviator design is elevated by Belmar, with its iconic single brow bar being the defining feature.

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Warby Parker Fisher
Warby Parker Fisher

Fisher is a sleek stainless steel frame with a stylish brow bar, and round lenses, making it the epitome of sophistication.

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Cat-Eye

Cat-eye frames are popular, particularly among women. We recommend a browline that is sweeping, but not too wide.

Cat-eye frames should also be around the same width as your face. This will work to highlight your features, similarly to aviator sunglasses, but with a more unique, retro style.

Popular Cat-Eye Frames

Warby Parker Tilley
Warby Parker Tilley

This medium-width version of the best-selling Tilley frame has a similar cat-eye shape and classic elegance.

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Warby Parker Marisela
Warby Parker Nancy

Nancy’s lenses, with an oversized design and angled browline, fit perfectly in any setting, be it your backyard or an exotic destination.

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Warby Parker Nancy 1 1
Warby Parker Marisela

Marisela has a unique squarish cat-eye frame featuring stylish metal eyewires and precision-beveled hinges.

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Where to Buy Sunglasses

Biggest Selection: GlassesUSA

Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect

Best Independent Retailer: Warby Parker

Frames to Avoid

People with oval face shapes can pull off pretty much any frame shape. Don’t be afraid to try new styles and be bold with your sunglasses.

However, if the frames are wider than your cheekbones, it could disrupt the natural balance of your features. Avoid oversized frames to keep your sunglasses from overpowering your features.

Read More: Best Glasses for Oval Faces 

5 Best Places to Buy Glasses Online

Best Overall: Warby Parker

Also Great: Liingo Eyewear

Biggest Selection: GlassesUSA

Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect

Best on a Budget: Zenni Optical

How to Choose Sunglasses Frame Colors?

Aside from different frame shapes, sunglasses also come in different colored frames.

Here are things to consider when choosing sunglasses frame colors:

Skin Tone

Skin tones have varying degrees of yellow, pink, or neutral undertones. These undertones can work or clash with different colors.

The general rule of thumb is that warm colors complement yellow undertones, cool colors complement pink undertones, and both color tones can complement neutral undertones.

Alternatively, you can get sunglasses in neutral colors like black, brown, cream, or white. These colors will suit any skin tone.

Hair Color

Your hair color can also influence how a pair of sunglasses will look on you. For example, if you have warm red hair and pale yellow skin, you might find that warm brown-colored sunglasses will complement your natural coloring perfectly. You could also choose an olive-colored pair of sunglasses.

People with black, brown, or white hair can generally wear sunglasses in any color. Their hair won’t clash with the color of their sunglasses.

Wardrobe

People prefer wearing a cohesive outfit. Your wardrobe can influence the color of the sunglasses you wear.

If you own mostly colorful clothing, it can be a good idea to get neutral-colored sunglasses. This ensures you can wear them with whatever outfit combination you come up with.

If you have a mostly neutral wardrobe, wearing colorful sunglasses is a good way to add a pop of color to your outfit.

Examples of Oval Faces with Sunglasses

Beyonce Sunglasses
Adam Levine Sunglasses
Oval Face Shape Sunglasses
Ryan Gosling Sunglasses
Jessica Alba Sunglasses
Will Smith Sunglasses

Updated on  February 5, 2024
6 sources cited
Updated on  February 5, 2024
  1. Du et al. “Human face shape classification method based on active shape model.” Journal of Computer Applications, 2009.

  2. Young, S, et al. “Eyeglasses Frame Selection Based on Oval Face Shape Using Convolutional Neural Network.” LJMU Research Online, ICIC International, 2019.  

  3. Goodman, Greg J. “The Oval Female Facial Shape—A Study in Beauty.” Dermatologic Surgery, 2015.

  4. Kane, Michael. “Commentary on the Oval Female Facial Shape—A Study in Beauty.” Dermatologic Surgery, 2015.

  5. Backes, C. et al. “Sun exposure to the eyes: predicted UV protection effectiveness of various sunglasses.” Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 2019. 

  6. Dain, Stephen J. “Sunglasses and Sunglass Standards.” Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2009.

The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist.