Choosing sunglasses is not just a matter of taste or brand. The right frame enhances your features; the wrong one can throw your face out of balance even if it looks beautiful on its own. The good news is that there are some simple rules, used by opticians all over the world, that allow you to immediately orient yourself toward the shapes best suited to you. Here is the complete guide.
How to determine your face shape
You don't need a specialist: you can do it at home in two minutes. Stand in front of the mirror, pull your hair back, and observe the contour of your face. The four main shapes are:
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Oval: face longer than it is wide, forehead slightly wider than the chin, cheekbones as the widest point. It is considered the most proportionate shape.
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Round: face almost as wide as it is long, soft and full cheeks, rounded chin without sharp angles.
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Square: forehead, cheekbones, and jawline of similar width, well-defined and angular jawline, broad and flat forehead.
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Heart / triangular: wide forehead, pronounced cheekbones, narrow and pointed chin. Like an inverted heart.
Once you have identified your shape, the guiding principle is simple: choose a frame that contrasts — rather than repeats — the geometry of your face.
Glasses for every face shape
🔵 Oval face — the most versatile shape
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Suitable: Almost everything works: rectangular, square, round, cat-eye, aviator. The oval face is naturally proportionate, so you can primarily follow your own taste.
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To avoid: Frames that are too large and cover half the face, or tiny lenses that look out of scale.
⬤ Round face — how to elongate it vertically
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Suitable: Rectangular or square frames with sharp angles, cat-eye, elongated geometric shapes. Dark colors help define the contours.
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To avoid: Round or small frames that accentuate roundness. Lenses that are too small and centered on the face.
⬛ Square face — how to soften the angles
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Suitable: Round, oval, or slightly tilted frames (aviator, cat-eye). Curves balance the angular jawline. Light or transparent colors lighten the features.
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To avoid: Harsh rectangular or square frames that accentuate the angles of the face. Lenses with sharp edges.
❤️ Heart face — how to balance the wide forehead
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Suitable: Frames wider at the bottom than the top, teardrop lenses, classic aviators. The goal is to add volume to the lower part of the face.
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To avoid: Cat-eye frames or those with decorations on the upper part of the glasses, which further amplify the forehead.
Other factors to consider besides face shape
Face shape is the starting point, but it's not everything. Also keep in mind:
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Frame size: the frame should be neither wider nor narrower than your face. As a general rule, the top of the glasses should follow the brow line.
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Skin tone: warm shades (gold, brown, tortoiseshell) enhance olive and dark complexions; cool shades (silver, black, blue) look good with light and rosy complexions.
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Personal style: a model may be technically perfect for your shape but not reflect your style. The ultimate goal is for you to feel comfortable.
The optician's advice: always try them on before deciding
No guide replaces a physical fitting. Measurement values — eye size, bridge, and temple length — determine whether a model truly fits your face, regardless of shape. Two seemingly similar models can fit in completely different ways.
If you are in Naples or the surrounding province, we invite you to stop by our shop in Varcaturo: a professional optician will help you find the right frame for your face in a few minutes, with no obligation.
📍 Come visit us at Via Ripuaria 262, Varcaturo (NA), or browse our sunglasses collection online. You will find frames for every face shape, from luxury brands to niche artisan labels.