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Finding the best sunglasses for your round face shape is easy with a few tips. People with round face shapes have a few options when it comes to choosing their sunglasses shape.
You can go for contrast and balance with angular, boxy frames, or frames with sweeping upward lines. Some people would advise against frames with oval or circular shapes, as they can make your features seem even more rounded. However, some people prefer to highlight their natural features with curved lines on their frames.
Here are the most popular types of frames for round shaped faces, along with their visual effects on your features:
If you aren’t sure if you have a round face, let’s go over what makes up a round face.
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Before we begin defining the round face shape, it’s important to note that few people have a face shape that is a perfect match to this description. When figuring out your face shape, it’s best to identify your most prominent features and match them to the face shape that describes them the best.
With that said, round face shapes are characterized by soft, curved facial features and equal proportions:
The most distinguishing features of round faces are:
Round faces and square faces have similar proportions. Round faces are easy to identify because they lack angles and are filled with curved, soft features.
Features:
People with round face shapes usually prefer angular lines in a pair of sunglasses. However, some shapes can work to accentuate your soft curves.
Here are the six most popular frame styles for round faces:
Square and rectangular frames add sharp angles that provide juxtaposition and accentuate your features. They make your face appear longer and thinner. The angular frames provide a contrast that can highlight your prominent features.
Cat-eye sunglasses are one of the most popular choices for women. Their upswept lines contour rounded cheeks and provide a “lifting” effect. With cat-eye frames you can choose for angular or rounded edges. Most people with round faces choose the angular option for a perfect fit. The effect is a trendy, vintage look.
Wayfarer and clubmaster frames were popularized by Ray-Ban and are a classic eyewear choice. They are a versatile, retro design that can go with casual or formal attire. Round faces tend to look best in wayfarer or clubmaster frames that have long temples and a flatter browline.
Your soft, rounded features are the perfect canvas for big, bright frames. Oversized frames are a popular choice for people with a round face shape and a creative side. Feel free to try out big bold frames and bright colors until you find the perfect pair.
Geometric shapes are another fun way to express your creativity. They come in all sorts of sizes. Angular shapes such as hexagons provide a contrast similar to square and rectangular frames, but with an additional flair.
Aviators are one of the most popular styles of sunglasses of all time. Some people with round faces like the way they point to their full cheeks. Others opt for a navigator frame. Aviator frames have a rounder bottom, while navigators have a straighter bottom and are shaped more like square frames.
People with round faces tend to opt for angular frames that provide contrast and lengthen their faces. Frames that they tend to avoid include:
Small frames can exaggerate the width of a round face. Rimless frames usually have the same effect. That’s why people tend to go with oversized frames more often than smaller frames.
Circle and oval frames have the opposite effect of square and rectangular frames. Instead of providing balance and contrast, they tend to exaggerate the roundness of your features.
Remember, this guide is written based on trends and observations. Feel free to experiment with all sorts of frames until you find one that makes you happy and comfortable.
Warby Parker makes high-quality, stylish eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contacts. Their Home Try-On program lets you try 5 frames for free before ordering.
Du, L., Jia, P., Zhou, Z., & Hu, D. (2009). Human face shape classification method based on active shape model. Journal of Computer Applications, 29(10), 2710-2712. doi:10.3724/sp.j.1087.2009.02710
Davidson, J. K., et al. “A New Mathematical Model for Geometric Tolerances as Applied to Round FacesT.” Arizona State University, American Society of Mechanical Engineers(ASME), 19 June 2015,
M. Shahimin, et al, "Online sunglasses purchasing: Where do people look?," 2014 3rd International Conference on User Science and Engineering (i-USEr), Shah Alam, Malaysia, 2014, pp. 248-252, doi: 10.1109/IUSER.2014.7002711.
Dain, Stephen J. “Sunglasses and Sunglass Standards.” Wiley Online Library, Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 9 June 2009,
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