Updated on  March 13, 2023
5 min read

Best Sunglasses for Small Faces

7 sources cited
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Finding a pair of sunglasses that fits well and looks good can be difficult for those with smaller faces. Several styles that look good on others can drown out your features. Some frames won’t even stay on your face without slipping down your nose.

But don’t worry. With a little help, you’ll be able to find the right sunglasses for your petite face.

This guide will cover a few technical details that will help you understand what to look for in sunglasses. Then, we’ll provide a list of the top sunglasses for small faces.

Ideal Sunglasses Size for Petite Faces

Use these numbers as a guideline to find sunglasses that fit petite faces better:

Frame Width: 123 to 131 mm

Lens Width: 47 to 52 mm (Round frames: 45 to 48 mm)

Bridge Width: 16 to 20 mm (Round frames: 16 to 22 mm)

Lens Height: Rectangular: 28 to 32 mm; Square: 32 to 39 mm; Oval: 30 to 32 mm; Round: 35 to 41 mm

Temple Length: 130 to 145 mm

Small Glasses Frame Size

Where to Buy Sunglasses

Biggest Selection: GlassesUSA

Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect

Best Independent Retailer: Warby Parker

How to Measure Your Face

Measuring your face will give you a better idea of what size sunglasses will work for you. It’s actually quite a simple process. All you’ll need is a flexible tape measure.

Then take these 5 measurements (be sure to write them down in millimeters):

1. Forehead Width. Measure the widest part of your forehead, from hairline to hairline.

2. Cheekbone Width. Measure the width of your cheekbones. Start from your hairline above your cheekbone to the same point on the opposite side.

3. Jawline Width. Start measuring just underneath your ears at the base of your jaw. Run the tape measure along the edge of your jaw until it reaches the middle of your chin. Multiply this number by two for the full measurement.

4. Face Length. Hold the tape measure at the center of your hairline and stretch it to the tip of your chin.

5. Pupillary Distance. Find a hard ruler for this one and stand about 8 inches from a mirror. Hold the ruler across the bridge of your nose. With your right eye closed, line up the 0 line of the ruler in the center of your left pupil. Then, open your right eye and close your left eye. Without moving the ruler, check for the line that falls directly over the center of your right pupil. Most people will have a pupillary distance (PD) of 54-74 mm.

The widest part of your face will determine your face shape as well as your face size. Narrow faces typically range between 110 mm and 125 mm in their measurements. These people typically have the most difficult time finding eyewear that fits. 

A petite face may also be short from top to bottom. This may affect the frame style you decide to go with. But the most important measurements will be your face width and pupillary distance. This will help you find frames that fit your face measurements. 

Recommended Sunglasses Frames for Small Faces

Rectangular, oval, and classic cat-eye sunglasses are top choices for small face shapes. Square and round sunglasses also can work, but sometimes the lens size is too big. Rimless and semi-rimless frames are also great, non-obtrusive options. 

Frames to Avoid

The advice usually given to people with small faces is to avoid:

  • Tall lenses
  • Oversized frames
  • Aviators
  • Thick frames

Taller lenses can make your face seem even smaller, while thicker frames can cover up too much of your face. However, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with these shapes and sizes.

Click here for more information on the best types of sunglasses for your face shape.

The current fashion trends favor bigger, taller lenses. This means that many stores aren’t carrying as many short rectangular or oval frames. However, it also means that you can probably pull off slightly taller frames, since these are currently in fashion.

Top Women’s Sunglasses for Small Faces

Warby Parker Robbie

Warby Parker Robbie Sunglasses
  • Premium polarized lenses made with CR-39
  • Prescription sunglasses are made with polarized polycarbonate lenses
  • Made from stainless steel and custom cellulose acetate
  • Lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
  • Anti-scratch coating included
  • Eligible for Home Try-On Program

Warby Parker Wright

Warby Parker Wright Sunglasses
  • Made from hand-polished cellulose acetate
  • Premium polarized lenses made with CR-39
  • Prescription sunglasses are made with polarized polycarbonate lenses
  • Includes scratch-resistant lenses that block 100% of UV rays
  • Eligible for Home Try-On Program

Warby Parker Durand

Warby Parker Durand Sunglasses 1024x512 1
  • Made from hand-polished cellulose acetate
  • Premium polarized lenses made with CR-39
  • Prescription sunglasses are made with polarized polycarbonate lenses
  • Includes scratch-resistant lenses that block 100% of UV rays
  • Eligible for Home Try-On Program

View all sunglasses for women with small faces on Warby Parker

Warby Parker Sunglasses

Top Men’s Sunglasses for Small Faces

Warby Parker Barkley

Barkley Warby Parker Sunglasses 1024x365 1
  • Made from hand-polished cellulose acetate
  • Premium polarized lenses made with CR-39
  • Prescription sunglasses are made with polarized polycarbonate lenses
  • Includes scratch-resistant lenses that block 100% of UV rays
  • Eligible for Home Try-On Program

Warby Parker Durand

Warby Parker Durand Sunglasses 1024x512 2
  • Made from hand-polished cellulose acetate and stainless steel
  • Adorned with wraparound hinges in polished metal
  • Eligible for Home Try-On Program

Warby Parker Robbie

Warby Parker Robbie Sunglasses 1
  • Premium polarized lenses made with CR-39
  • Prescription sunglasses are made with polarized polycarbonate lenses
  • Made from stainless steel and custom cellulose acetate
  • Lenses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays
  • Anti-scratch coating included
  • Eligible for Home Try-On Program

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

Best Places to Buy Glasses

Best Overall

Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.

Also Great

Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online.

Best on a Budget

EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6.

Best Places to Buy Contacts

Best Overall

1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online.

glasses usa logo
Also Great

GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses.

Updated on  March 13, 2023
7 sources cited
Updated on  March 13, 2023
  1. DU, Li-Li, et al. "Measurement and analysis of human head-face dimensions" Chinese journal of industrial hygiene and occupational diseases, 2008.  

  2. Backes, C., Religi, A., Moccozet, L., et al. "Sun exposure to the eyes: predicted UV protection effectiveness of various sunglasses." J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol, 2019. 

  3. Dain, Stephen J. “Sunglasses and Sunglass Standards.” Wiley Online Library, 2009

  4. Backes, C., Religi, A., Moccozet, L. et al. "Sun exposure to the eyes: predicted UV protection effectiveness of various sunglasses." Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 2019. 

  5. Lanca, Carla, et al. “The Effects of Different Outdoor Environments, Sunglasses and Hats on Light Levels: Implications for Myopia Prevention.” Translational Vision Science & Technology, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2019.  

  6. Oakley® Official Store: Sunglasses, Goggles & Apparel

  7. Ray-Ban® Official Store USA.

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