Sunglasses for a big nose: the frames that flatter and fit

Short answer: The best sunglasses for a big nose are medium to large frames with a strong top rim and a bridge that matches your nose. If your nose is wide, look for a bridge width of about 21–25 mm (the middle number inside the temple) so the frame rests on your nose instead of pinching it. If your nose is long or prominent, a lower-set bridge, deeper lenses and a frame at least as wide as your face keep things in balance. Avoid tiny lenses, very thin rims and narrow bridges of 17 mm or less.

Big nose, long nose or wide nose? Two different fit problems

"Big nose" usually means one of two things, and they need different fixes:

• A wide nose or a wide nose bridge: the frame pinches, leaves red marks, sits too high or tilts. The fix is a wider bridge measurement.
• A long or prominent nose: the frame fits, but small lenses make the nose look even bigger. The fix is frame size, shape and where the bridge sits.

Many people have a bit of both, so it helps to check the numbers and the shape.

How to fit a wide nose bridge: look at the middle number

Inside the temple of most sunglasses you'll find three numbers, for example 50□25-143: lens width, bridge width and temple length in millimetres. The middle number is the gap between the two lenses – the part that sits on your nose. As a rough guide:

• 14–19 mm: narrow bridge, for slim or small noses.
• 20–22 mm: medium bridge, fits most noses.
• 23–25 mm: wide bridge, for broad noses and wide nose bridges.

Take a pair that feels comfortable and read its bridge number. If your current sunglasses pinch, choose a bridge 2–3 mm wider. On plastic frames the bridge is part of the front and can't really be stretched, so getting the number right from the start matters. Our guide on how to measure sunglasses size shows how to read all three numbers and measure your face.

A bridge that is too narrow pushes the frame up, so the lenses sit too high and may touch your eyebrows. One that is too wide lets the frame slide down. If that's your problem, read our tips for sunglasses that slip down your nose.

Which sunglasses flatter a big or long nose?

1. Go medium to large. Small lenses make a strong nose look bigger by contrast. A frame that is as wide as your face, with lenses deep enough to cover your eye area, keeps the proportions balanced.
2. Choose a strong top rim. A thick or dark top rim draws the eye across the face, away from the length of the nose. Square, rectangular and wayfarer-style frames do this well.
3. Mind the bridge line. A bridge that sits low on the frame visually shortens a long nose; a very high, thin bridge makes it look longer.
4. Add some warmth or colour. Havana, brown, olive or a coloured frame pulls attention to the eyes and the frame itself.
5. Avoid very small round lenses, rimless or ultra-thin frames and tiny cat-eyes – they tend to put the focus on the nose.

Best frame shapes for a big nose

Square and rectangular: straight lines and a heavy top rim balance a prominent nose. Browse our square sunglasses and rectangular sunglasses.

Round with a wide bridge: round frames soften a strong profile, as long as the lenses are not too small and the bridge is wide enough. See our round sunglasses.

Cat-eye: the upswept corners lift the eye line, which shifts focus away from the nose. Keep the frame medium-sized rather than tiny.

Oversized: wide, deep lenses cover more of the face and make a big nose look in proportion – a good choice if your face is also long or broad.

Your face shape matters too. Our guide to sunglasses for your face shape explains which shapes balance round, square, oval, heart-shaped and long faces.

Sunglasses for a big nose: men and women

The fit rules are the same for everyone. Men often go for square or rectangular frames with a solid top rim; women often pick cat-eye, oversized or round frames. What makes the difference is the bridge width and the size of the lenses, not who the frame was "meant" for.

ECO SHADES frames with a wider bridge

These frames have the widest bridges in our range. All of them are made from 100% recycled plastics, with 5-barrel optical hinges and UV400 lenses in recycled PMMA:

• Quist Grey: a faceted round frame with a 25 mm bridge, one of the widest in our range – the featured pair. 45□25-145, frame width 137 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Lodi Blue: a square frame, also with a 25 mm bridge. 50□25-143, frame width 137 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Palazzo Brown: a large rectangular frame with deep lenses, ideal for a long nose and a wider face. 54□24-150, frame width 145 mm, Medium/Large, Category 3.
• Gallina Havana: a rectangular frame with a warm havana pattern. 52□22-145, frame width 138 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Mora Black: a medium cat-eye that lifts the face. 53□22-145, frame width 139 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Morello Black: a bold square frame for wider faces. 55□21-147, frame width 144 mm, Medium/Large, Category 3.

Our round Zanon also has a 22 mm bridge. Frames with narrower bridges, such as 17–19 mm, suit smaller noses better. Our lenses are not polarised.

Quick FAQ

What bridge width do I need for a wide nose?

Most people with a wide nose bridge are comfortable with 21–25 mm. Check the middle number on a pair that fits you, and go 2–3 mm wider if your current sunglasses pinch.

Do aviators suit a big nose?

They can, because the large teardrop lenses cover a lot of the face. Check the bridge width, though – many aviators have narrow bridges of around 17 mm.

Why do my sunglasses sit too high on my face?

Usually the bridge is too narrow for your nose, so the frame rests higher up. A wider bridge lets the frame sit lower, with your eyes near the centre of the lenses.

Should I avoid round sunglasses with a big nose?

Not at all – just avoid very small round lenses. Medium-sized round frames with a wide bridge, like Quist, look balanced on a strong nose.

Every ECO SHADES pair comes with UV400 lenses and a 2-year warranty, and our sunglasses are CE, UKCA and FDA approved. With 30 years of optical experience and 20,000+ happy customers behind our designs, we know that a great fit starts with the right numbers – then pick the frame that feels like you.