Sunglasses for an oval face: how to keep the balance

Short answer: An oval face suits almost every sunglasses shape – square, rectangular, wayfarer, aviator, cat-eye and round frames all work. What matters more than the shape is the size: pick a frame about as wide as the widest part of your face (the cheekbones), with the top rim close to your brows. Avoid frames that swallow the face or stop inside the cheekbones. Angular frames add a little definition to soft features, which is why square and rectangular shapes are the classic first choice. Among our frames, rectangular Gallina (138 mm), wayfarer Venturi (137 mm), aviator Lai (137 mm) and cat-eye Mora (139 mm) are easy matches for a medium oval face.

How to tell if you have an oval face

Pull your hair back, look straight into a mirror and trace the outline of your face with your finger. Three signs point to an oval face:

• The face is longer than it is wide. Not dramatically – roughly one and a half times as long as it is wide.
• The cheekbones are the widest point. The forehead is slightly narrower, and the outline tapers gently towards the chin.
• The jaw is softly rounded. No sharp corners below the ears and no pointed chin – the outline looks like an upside-down egg.

If your face is almost as wide as it is long with full cheeks, it is closer to round. If the jaw has clear corners and forehead, cheekbones and jaw are the same width, it is more likely square – see our guide to sunglasses for a square face. Most faces are a mix, so use this as a starting point. Our guide to which sunglasses suit my face covers every face shape.

Which sunglasses suit an oval face

Opticians often call the oval face the most versatile shape, because its proportions are already balanced. So the goal is not to correct anything, just to keep that balance. These shapes are easy wins:

• Square frames: Straight lines contrast with soft curves and add a little structure to the cheekbones and jaw. See our square sunglasses.
• Rectangular frames: Slightly wider than they are tall, they follow the horizontal line of the brows and suit both relaxed and sharp looks. Browse our rectangular sunglasses.
• Wayfarer-style frames: The trapezoid shape with a strong brow line is a safe, timeless choice for an oval face of almost any size.
• Aviators: The teardrop lens highlights the cheekbones. Choose a pair that is no wider than your face – see our aviator sunglasses.
• Cat-eye and round frames: Both work too. A cat-eye lifts the look, while a round frame softens it further. Just keep the size in proportion.

Oval frames also suit an oval face, but they repeat its curves rather than add contrast. Our guide to oval sunglasses explains when the shape works best.

What to avoid with an oval face

There are very few hard rules for an oval face – the most common mistake is not the wrong shape but the wrong size.

• Frames that swallow the face. Very large frames that reach far past the temples or cover the brows and half the cheeks hide your proportions instead of framing them.
• Frames narrower than your cheekbones. If the frame stops inside the face, it looks too small and the face looks wider.
• Very small, narrow lenses. Tiny lenses can make the face look longer, especially on a long oval face.
• Very deep lenses on a long oval. If your face is on the long side, a lens that reaches far down the cheek adds even more length.

The right size: match the width of your cheekbones

For an oval face, size does most of the work. The frame should line up with the widest part of your face, and your eyes should sit near the centre of each lens.

1. Measure a pair that fits. Measure the front from outer edge to outer edge, or read the temple stamp: lens width □ bridge – temple length. Frames about 130–140 mm wide suit most medium oval faces; go a little wider if your face is broad.
2. Check the top rim. It should sit close to your eyebrows – not far below them and not covering them.
3. Check the bridge. It should rest on your nose without sliding, so the frame sits level.
4. Look at the product page. UV400, CE, UKCA and FDA approval and the lens category are listed for each frame.

ECO SHADES sunglasses for an oval face

All the frames below are made from 100% recycled plastics, with UV400 lenses in recycled PMMA, 5-barrel optical hinges and friction-lock screws.

• Gallina Havana: a streamlined rectangular front with wide temples – the closest width match for a medium oval face. 52□22-145, frame width 138 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Venturi Havana: our wayfarer, a timeless shape that keeps an oval face in balance. 51□19-143, frame width 137 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Morello Brown: a classic square cut in a larger scale and translucent brown. 55□21-147, frame width 144 mm, Medium/Large, Category 3. The featured pair here and our pick for a broader oval face.
• Lai Black: our aviator with a double bridge and a thin plastic rim that highlights the cheekbones. 57□17-145, frame width 137 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Mora Red: a clean cat-eye with balanced proportions for a lifted look. 53□22-145, frame width 139 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Dahl Grey: a classic oval with fluid curves if you prefer to keep everything soft. 54□17-146, frame width 137 mm, Medium, Category 3.

Our lenses are not polarised. Questions about our materials or UV protection? Just contact us.

Quick FAQ

What are the best sunglasses for an oval face?

Almost all shapes work. Square, rectangular and wayfarer frames add a little definition; aviator, cat-eye and round frames work too, as long as the frame is about as wide as your cheekbones.

Can I wear oversized sunglasses with an oval face?

Yes, if they are only moderately large. Frames that reach far beyond your temples or cover your brows tend to overpower an oval face.

Which sunglasses suit an oval face for men?

The same rules apply to men and women. Rectangular Gallina, wayfarer Venturi and aviator Lai are classic choices; Morello suits a broader face.

How wide should sunglasses be for an oval face?

About as wide as your cheekbones – often around 130–140 mm for a medium face.

Every ECO SHADES pair comes with UV400 lenses and a 2-year warranty, and our sunglasses are CE, UKCA and FDA approved. We have 30 years of optical experience and 20,000+ happy customers behind our designs. With an oval face, you can choose the shape you like – just get the width right.