Sunglasses for small faces: how to find a pair that isn't too big

Short answer: For a small or narrow face, start with the total frame width: it should be close to the width of your face, and a frame that is slightly narrower is more forgiving than one that is wider. Then look for lenses in the high 40s to about 50 mm, a bridge that matches your nose (often under 20 mm), and temples that end just behind your ears. Round, oval, cat-eye and small rectangular frames usually work best, while big oversized styles tend to swallow a small face.

Do you have a small or narrow face?

You probably do if most sunglasses stick out past the sides of your face, sit on your cheeks or keep sliding down. To check, stand in front of a mirror and hold a ruler across your face at temple height, just in front of your ears. Most fitting guides describe faces measuring up to roughly 130 mm across as small or narrow.

The easier way: take a pair of glasses or sunglasses that already fits you well and read the three numbers printed inside the temple. Then measure the front of that frame from hinge to hinge. Our guide on how to measure sunglasses shows you how, step by step.

The numbers to look for

• Total frame width. The most important number for a small face. The outer edges of the frame should line up with the sides of your face. If the frame is much wider, the temples bow outwards, lose their grip and the pair slides. For many small faces, that means a frame width of around 130–135 mm or less.
• Lens width. Usually somewhere between 46 and 51 mm. Wider lenses push the frame out past your cheekbones.
• Bridge width. This depends on your nose, not just your face. A narrow nose needs a narrow bridge, often 14–19 mm. If the bridge is too wide, the frame sits low and slips.
• Temple length. Often overlooked. On a smaller head, temples of 135–140 mm usually end in the right place, curving just behind the ear instead of reaching far past it.
• Lens height. Very deep lenses overpower a small face and touch your cheeks when you smile.

Signs your sunglasses are too big

• The frame sticks out well past your temples, and you can fit a finger between the frame edge and the side of your face.
• The lenses rest on your cheeks, or the frame lifts every time you smile.
• Your eyes sit close to the inner corners of the lenses instead of near the centre.
• The temples flare outwards or reach far past the back of your ears.
• You keep pushing the pair back up your nose. If that is your main problem, read why sunglasses slip down your nose first – some of it can be fixed.

There is one thing smaller lenses don't do as well: block light from the sides. That is another reason to choose a frame that sits close to your face rather than a tiny pair that floats in front of it. And whatever the size, check for UV400 protection – our guide on what UV400 means explains the labels.

Shapes that suit small faces

Size matters more than shape, but some shapes are easier to wear on a small face:

• Round and oval frames keep the proportions soft and rarely look too big. Browse our round sunglasses.
• Cat-eye frames lift the face and look good in small sizes.
• Small rectangular or square frames add some structure without much width.
• Avoid very oversized frames and wide, flat-top styles. They are designed to be bigger than the face, and on a small face that effect is doubled.

If your face is narrow and long rather than small overall, a frame with a bit more lens height balances the length better than a very slim rectangle. For more on shape, see which sunglasses suit your face.

ECO SHADES frames for small faces

These are some of our smallest frames. The measurements come from the product pages (lens width □ bridge – temple length):

• Perini Brown – round, Small/Medium: 47□22-145, frame width 130 mm. Our smallest frame.
• Bono Brown – round, Small/Medium: 49□20-140, frame width 131 mm, with a slightly narrower bridge.
• Adamo Grey – round, Small/Medium: 48□23-140, frame width 132 mm. A small frame with a wider bridge, good if your face is small but your nose isn't narrow.
• Kruse Black – angular, Small/Medium: 50□20-143, frame width 135 mm.
• Vang Gold Brown – round, recycled metal, Small/Medium: 50□22-138, frame width 135 mm. Short temples and adjustable silicone nose pads, so it can be fitted to a small nose.
• Fontana Brown – plant-based acetate: 49□22-136. Small lenses and some of our shortest temples. The frame width is not listed on the product page, so compare the lens width with a pair that fits.

You can compare more models in all our sunglasses – every product page lists the size and fit.

Every ECO SHADES pair comes with a 2-year warranty. Unsure which size will fit you? Contact us with the numbers from a pair you like, and we will help you compare.

Quick FAQ

What size sunglasses should I get for a small face?

Look for a total frame width close to your face width, often around 130–135 mm or less, lenses of about 46–51 mm and a bridge that fits your nose. The easiest reference is a pair that already fits.

Can I wear oversized sunglasses with a small face?

A slightly larger frame can work, but avoid the biggest styles. If the frame sits on your cheeks or sticks out past your temples, it is too big.

Which sunglasses suit a narrow face?

Frames that are as wide as your face, with a bit of lens height: round, oval, cat-eye or a soft square. Very slim rectangles can make a narrow face look longer.

Are there small sunglasses for men?

Yes. Fit is about the measurements, not whether a frame is labelled for men or women, so compare frame width, lens width and bridge instead of the category.