It happened again: you were excited about ordering a new pair of sunglasses, only to realize they’re too big when they arrived.
Finding the right pair doesn’t have to take several attempts; the key is knowing which size and style works best for you.
There are plenty of great sunglasses for small faces in lots of different styles. Let’s get into the top picks!
Size Matters
Finding the right size sunglasses can be harder than it seem as first. It might sound obvious, but there are entire Reddit threads dedicated to people who have bought the wrong size of sunglasses.
Typically, small sunglasses have a lens width of 50mm or less, and they have a temple length of around 140mm.
Although brands and models vary, it’s a good idea to measure your face to see which sunglasses work best with your proportions.
EZContacts has a filter on the left-hand side of the search page that lets you filter sunglasses for small faces (there’s even an extra small option).
Once you select a particular pair, you can check the sizes available in the drop-down menu.
General Small Sunglasses Tips
Sunglasses for small faces should enhance your features, not overpower them. Generally, medium to small frames will suit you best and show off your bone structure.
It doesn’t mean you can’t rock oversized shades. But if the lenses take up half your face, cover your eyebrows, and reach the end of your nose, they’re likely too big. Instead, opt for a square lens or Jackie O-style sunglasses that are glamorously oversized while still being in proportion to your face size.
For example, look at the woman below. The shades are too wide and reach too far down her face. This makes her face look even smaller, while the sunglasses look huge!
To make sure your shades aren’t too small, the key is to make sure the temples reach the edges of your face. If your sunglasses aren’t wide enough, they risk looking like children’s glasses!
The woman below has got it right. The sunglasses feature flattering frames, and the lenses aren’t too big.
Thick frames aren’t always flattering on small faces because they become the main focal point; instead of complementing your face, they take it over.
The woman below is an example of how thick acetate frames aren’t always the best option. They look bold, but the proportions don’t suit her small face.
Styles of Sunglasses for Small Faces
Once you have the perfect size nailed down, the next step is figuring out which style works for your particular small face. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s also about your face shape, your features, and your preferences.
Oval Sunglasses
Oval sunglasses are the contemporary, cool cousin of round shades. They have that Y2K feel, so it’s no wonder they’re a hit with it-girls like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber.
This shape suits smaller faces. They work especially well for narrow faces because the focus is on the width of your face. They balance out your proportions and don’t take over your face.
If you have a heart-shaped or rectangular face, this style will also suit you.
Looking for oval sunglasses to try? The Tory Burch oval sunglasses come in four different colors, and the gold pair is extra glamorous. The shape and size make them perfect sunglasses for smaller faces.
Round Sunglasses
If you have a petite face, opt for smaller round sunglasses rather than an oversized style. Metal frames are perfect for adding a modern touch without overwhelming your face. Thick, acetate, round frames, on the other hand, may not be as flattering.
These round Ray-Bans are timeless and look good with just about everything. The classic shape and subtle design won’t dominate your small face.
Rectangular Sunglasses
Rectangular sunglasses balance out the width of your face, similar to oval shades. Narrow styles suit smaller faces best and look sleek.
They work especially well on round and oval face shapes, because they add some angles to the curves of your face.
These Miu Miu rectangular shades are perfect for petite faces. The minimalist frame is chic, while the shape adds some style points to your outfit.
Aviator Sunglasses
The right aviators can complement your face. The key is to find a pair with smaller lenses. Metal frames are the way to go, and you can also opt for a mirror or tinted lens to add some interest.
This style suits square, oval, and heart-shaped faces well because the teardrop shape balances out your bone structure.
These Modo sunglasses come in a small size and five sleek colorways. The contemporary geometric shape adds a fun twist to an otherwise classic style.
Try Before You Buy
If you’re worried that your favorite sunglasses won’t fit, try them on in-store before you commit (you can always order them online cheaper afterward).
Don’t want to leave your house? EZContacts has implemented a genius virtual try-on tool called Fittingbox. This app lets you snap or upload a photo of yourself and virtually try on sunglasses. It’s really useful for seeing if a particular shape and style suits your smaller face. Using this app, you can try several pairs and see which one flatters you most!
TL;DR
Sunglasses for smaller faces can balance out your proportions and features. The key is finding a pair that complements your face rather than overwhelming it.
- Generally, small sunglasses feature a lens width of 50mm or less, and they have a temple length of around 140mm.
- You can often filter online results by size, which helps narrow down your options.
- Opt for thinner frames and medium to small lenses rather than oversized styles with chunky frames, as they could overpower your face.
- A good general tip is to make sure the sunglasses’ edges reach the edges of your face, and that the lenses don’t sit too far down your nose.
- Some flattering styles include oval, round, rectangular, and aviator sunglasses.
- Try sunglasses on in-store or virtually to ensure they suit your face shape and size.
