4 Best Sunglasses For Oblong/Rectangular Face Shape

Don't settle for just any shades. We know the struggle of trying on sunglasses that don't fit. But fear not, oblong (rectangular) face shapes have the upper hand⁠—a wide array of frame designs complement this face shape.

Our suggestions include taller rims, rectangular lenses, and eye-catching shapes, all carefully crafted to make your face look wider and more balanced.

Here are the most popular frames for a rectangular or oblong-shaped face:

Rectangular or square
Cat-eye
Aviators
Oval

Do You Have an Oblong Face Shape?

Looking closely, you'll see similarities between oblong and square face shapes. Both have a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline with similar widths.

But there's a key difference—the length of your face. Oblong-shaped faces are recognizably longer than wide, whereas the width and length of square faces tend to be even.

To ensure you're on the right track when recognizing oblong face shapes, think oval, not box. Those with oblong faces usually have that slight curve to their chins.

Facial Features Common to Oblong Faces

Now that you know the general characteristics to look out for, it's time to get down to specifics. Oblong or rectangular faces tend to be:

Longer and narrower
Lacking rounded cheeks
Featuring straight, narrow sides
Having a slim chin or pointed jawline

And here's the golden rule: an oblong face is normally one and a half times longer than its width.

Understanding Face Features and Their Impact on Sunglasses Choice

Three main features determine the best sunglasses for oblong/rectangular-shaped faces:

Forehead: You should choose sunglasses that draw attention away from the forehead and towards the eyes. Or, try frames that sit higher and cover the forehead.
Cheekbones: You want wider frames than your cheekbones to flatter an oblong face shape. Otherwise, your cheeks will look even longer.
Jawline: Since oblong faces are known for their slim, pointed jawlines, balance them with rectangular lenses and thicker temples. They will widen the lower part of your face and contrast the length nicely.

These are just guidelines to help you get started. However, in the end, it's up to personal preference. We recommend having fun exploring different frame designs until you find the perfect match.

Sharp Angles, Soft Features, and Sunglasses

When shopping for the best sunglasses for oblong/rectangular-shaped faces, you also want to keep your face's angularity in mind.

With that said, choosing a pair that's opposite to your face shape is always a safe bet—especially when you’re too overwhelmed with options to narrow it down.

The idea is to soften your angles with curvy frames and round lenses to add more roundness to your face. So, you can always add more drama with a bolder frame. But if you prefer to keep it subtle, go for thicker lines.

4 Best Sunglasses For Oblong/Rectangular Face Shape

Here's our list of the best sunglasses for oblong/rectangular face shapes:

Rectangular or Square

Shade your eyes in style with full-rim sunglasses with lenses perfectly encased in a lightweight frame. Square and rectangular frames contrast your face shape by providing a bolder look with sharper angles. They also draw attention away from the length of your face and towards your eyes.

Choose bold and versatile square frames if you crave more shape and color options. A slight curve along the frame's top and bottom can help soften the angles and provide a flattering look.

To further balance out your proportions, look for wide rims. Decorative temples and colorful tops also add a touch of personality and charm.

Cat-Eye

Cat-eye sunglasses are trendy and chic, perfect for those who want to make a fashion statement. The upswept corners of the frame draw attention to your eyes while adding width to the top part of your face, which can minimize a long face.

Choose frames with thick arms and contrasting colors or patterns when shopping for this style. If you’re looking for a timeless piece, stick to subdued tones or classic black cat-eye frames.

But if you want a playfully retro look, oversized cat-eye frames with vivid hues are your perfect match. They feature a unique feminine shape that helps soften the angles of an oblong/rectangular face.

Aviators

Aviators are the perfect choice for those who love to stay stylish. The classic teardrop-shaped lenses, thin metal frames, and slender arms of aviator sunglasses can help balance out your face shape and add width to the top of your face.

Opt for a pair with larger lenses and wider frames. But make sure the lenses don’t exceed your cheekbones when trying them on.

If you prefer a bolder look, choose aviator sunglasses with colored frames and a double bridge. With this style, the top bar connects directly to the brow, while the bottom bar is slightly thinner and curves down at the temples.

Oval

Oval sunglasses are another great pick for oblong/rectangular face shapes. These sunglasses are a variation of the aviator frame and provide an oval-shaped lens that—similar to round frames—draws attention away from a longer face.

The lenses should be slightly wider than the cheekbones, and sunglasses with lower-profile frames will help to reduce the appearance of a long face. Alternatively, you can opt for sunglasses with frame rims slightly thicker than the lens base to add width to the face and break up the length.

Consider keeping colors and patterns at a minimum to avoid overwhelming a long face. Also, when looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses, try them on first and check that the frames don’t cover your eyebrows.

Avoiding Certain Frames for Oblong Faces

To enhance your natural beauty, skip those small, thin, or circular frames that elongate your already long face. Instead, choose sunglasses that spotlight the heart of your facial features—your eyes and forehead.

Also, avoid sunglasses with bridges that extend above your eyebrows. This style focuses more on frames that draw attention to the lower portion of your face.

Small, thin, or overly round glasses are a no-no. While these styles do provide extra coverage, they can also make your face appear longer than it already is.

So no matter how good a pair of sunglasses looks, you should opt for a different style if they don’t fit your face shape. Otherwise, you’ll have a style that makes you look unbalanced.

Polarized Lenses: Do They Matter for Oblong Faces?

Polarized lenses are a great addition to any pair of sunglasses, no matter your face shape. Polarization helps reduce glare from the sun and other bright surfaces, making them an ideal choice for outdoor activities such as skiing and fishing.

However, it’s important to note that polarized lenses don’t alter the shape of your face. They simply reduce the eye strain that the intense light from the sun or other surfaces causes.

Polarized lenses won't make much difference if you want sunglasses to flatter your oblong/rectangular face. Stick to frames that balance out your face shapes, such as square, cat-eye, oval, or aviator styles.