How To Find Flattering Sunglasses For A Small Face – Beth Ferguson

Clothes and shoes aren’t the only things that petites can have issues finding. Have you tried finding flattering sunglasses for your small face lately? The oversized sunglass trend has been going full force for the last several years. I have tried on so many sunglasses and just start laughing. Know the feeling? Yes, even the sales clerks will laugh with me.

I will try sunglasses on in the store and they are so big that if I turn my head too quickly they will fall off. It makes me wish that there was a teenager’s section for sunglasses. Children’s would be too small and adults are too big most of the time. Kinda like Goldilocks here.

So if you are like me and feel like finding flattering sunglasses is like finding “a needle in a haystack” then hopefully this post will help you. I am going to break down how to find the best sunglasses for small faces. We WILL succeed in finding the perfect pair.

Before we break down how to find your perfect sunglasses, there are some other petite-related posts I have written that you might find helpful.

This post may contain affiliate links; if you click on a shopping link or picture and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you), so thank you. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support.

Find the Most Flattering Sunglasses for Small Faces

Let’s face it we want to look good in our sunglasses. I know I wear mine all of the time. Not only are they a fashion accessory, but they help protect our eyes. Yes, WebMd explains why we need to make sure we have flattering sunglasses to wear year-round.

Sunglass Size That Is Flattering for Small Faces

So the first thing to figure out is how the heck we figure out the size of sunglasses and establish a range of sizes that look good on smaller faces. That makes ordering options online so much easier. If you prefer going in-store to do try-ons you can at least ask a salesperson to point you in the direction of sunglasses that are in that size range.

How to Measure Sunglasses

The first place to start is your favorite pair of flattering sunglasses. Now, if you don’t have a pair that you love never fear. There is another way. You can measure yourself.

So if you have that beloved pair look at the arm (this is what goes to your ears) of your favorite sunglasses and see if there are any numbers. They would look something like this 00-00-000. These are the measurements of the sunglasses. Here’s what these numbers refer to in order: lens width, bridge width, and arm length. The graphic below will make all of this clear.

Graphic from Prive Revaux Eyewear

How To Size Yourself for Sunglasses

Ok, sizing yourself for sunglasses is quite easy. All you need is a ruler. Look into a mirror and hold the ruler horizontally across your face. You are going to measure your face in inches from temple to temple. Small faces are typically 4.5″ – 5.1″.

What Sunglasses Size Looks Best on Small Faces

So now that you know the width of your face from temple to temple you can start to find the most flattering sunglasses. In general, sunglasses with a frame or lens width of 47mm – 54mm will fit and look best on your small face. A rule of thumb for round frames is not to exceed 48mm. Now let’s translate all of our measurements so that we can find the best shapes and sizes of sunglasses.

Flattering Sunglasses Shapes That Look Best on Small Faces

Four shapes of sunglasses typically look good on a small face. They are shapes that have been around for a long time. You can find them in all sorts of color combinations and price ranges. So whether you are just looking for a fun pair or more of an “investment pair” of flattering sunglasses there is something out there for you.

Honestly, I have a few pairs of designer sunglasses that I have had for years in these classic shapes. One would never know how old they are. I also have fun colors that are inexpensive, but fun to wear.

Cat Eye

The Cat Eye sunglass shape dates back to the 1930s. Two very famous women come to mind when you think of cat eye sunglasses: Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. So once you find your pair of flattering cat eyes you don’t have to worry about this style no longer being in vogue. They have been around for years and I am sure will continue in popularity.

Rectangle

Rectangular sunglasses are wider than they are tall. Angular rectangle sunglasses tend to look good on round face shapes. The other face shape that wears them well is oval. Don’t know your face shape for sure, this will help.

Oval

Oval sunglasses look great on women who have wide or high cheekbones. Diamond-shaped faces typically have this characteristic. This style of sunglasses is a fun retro look to wear.

Aviators

This style and shape of sunglasses have been around since the 30s. Originally designed for pilots, now they are just an iconic shape of sunglasses. They look good on most face shapes. Your aviators should cover part if not all of your eyebrows. That is how you know if they are too small for your face. As petite, we usually have the opposite problem.

Depending upon how small your face is you might want to try the kid’s version by Ray-Ban. They look just like the women’s version but at a lower price point.

Thanks

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Updated February 2024.