Types of sunglasses: every frame shape explained

Short answer: The main types of sunglasses are named after the shape of the frame: aviator (teardrop lenses and a double bridge), wayfarer (a trapezoid with a heavy top rim), round, square, rectangular, oval, cat-eye (upswept outer corners), geometric (multi-sided lenses), oversized, butterfly (wide, wing-like lenses), browline (a bold top rim with a thin or no lower rim) and shield or wrap frames (one lens or a curved front for sport). Frames are also grouped by rim – full-rim, semi-rimless and rimless – and by material. The right type for you depends mostly on your face shape and the size of the frame.

The 12 main types of sunglasses at a glance

Most sunglasses you see in shops fall into one of these twelve frame shapes. Many frames mix two of them – a square cat-eye or a round aviator, for example – but the names below are the ones opticians and shops use.

1. Aviator

Large teardrop lenses that dip down towards the cheeks, usually a double bridge (a second bar above the nose) and slim temples. Originally designed for pilots, the aviator covers a lot of the eye area and suits most face shapes, especially square, oval and heart-shaped faces. Browse our aviator sunglasses, or see Lai, our aviator with a double bridge.

2. Wayfarer

A slightly trapezoid shape – wider at the top than at the bottom – with a thick top rim and solid temples. The wayfarer is one of the most versatile types of sunglasses and works on round, oval and long faces. See our wayfarer sunglasses.

3. Round

Circular lenses, from small and slim to bold and chunky. Round frames soften angular features, so they are a classic match for square faces and strong jawlines. Thin round frames feel vintage; thick rounds feel modern. Find them in our round sunglasses.

4. Square

Straight sides, a flat top and similar height and width. Square frames add structure to round and oval faces. Read our guide to square sunglasses for the details.

5. Rectangular

Wider than they are tall, with straight lines. A slim rectangle looks sharp and minimal; a chunky one feels bold. Rectangular frames balance round and oval faces. Browse our rectangular sunglasses.

6. Oval

Soft, rounded lenses that are wider than they are tall – gentler than round frames. Oval sunglasses suit square and angular faces and give a quiet, 90s-inspired look.

7. Cat-eye

The outer top corners sweep upwards, like the eyes of a cat. Cat-eye frames lift the face and suit round, square and heart-shaped faces. See our cat-eye sunglasses, for example our soft cat-eye Mora.

8. Geometric

Multi-sided lenses – hexagons, octagons or clipped corners – that sit between round and square. Geometric frames are a fashion-forward choice for round and oval faces.

9. Oversized

Any shape, just bigger: wide fronts and deep lenses that cover more of the face. They suit long and larger faces best. Our guide to oversized sunglasses explains how to size them so they don't swamp your face.

10. Butterfly

Wide, wing-like lenses that are larger at the outer edges and narrower towards the nose – a mix of oversized and cat-eye. Butterfly frames are a glamorous choice for heart-shaped and oval faces.

11. Browline

A bold top rim – often plastic – that traces the eyebrows, with a thin metal rim or no rim below the lens. Browline frames add weight at the brow and suit diamond-shaped and long faces.

12. Shield and wrap

A shield has one large lens across both eyes; a wrap frame curves around the sides of the head. Both block light from the side and stay put when you move, which is why they are popular for running, cycling and the slopes. Our Vork is a wrap-style sport frame in recycled TR (rTR).

Types of sunglasses by rim: full-rim, semi-rimless and rimless

• Full-rim: the frame goes all the way around each lens. This is the most common and most durable construction, and it lets the frame colour and shape stand out.
• Semi-rimless: the rim only holds the top of the lens; the bottom edge is exposed. Browline frames are a type of semi-rimless frame.
• Rimless: the lenses are fixed directly to the bridge and temples. Very light and discreet, but more delicate.

Types of sunglasses by frame material

Sunglasses frames are mainly made from plastic or metal. Plastic frames – injected plastic or acetate – allow thicker shapes and more colours. Metal frames are thin and light and are typical for aviators, round frames and slim rectangles. At ECO SHADES, most frames are made from 100% recycled plastics, while our Dyhr and Vang frames are made from recycled metal.

What about the lenses?

The shape is only half the story. Whatever type you choose, check that the lenses block UV (look for UV400) and that the lens category suits how you use them – category 3 is the usual choice for bright summer sun. Polarised lenses cut glare from water and roads, but they are a lens feature, not a frame type.

How to choose the right type of sunglasses

1. Start with your face shape. Contrast works best: round frames for angular faces, square and rectangular frames for round faces, and deep, wide frames for long faces. Our guide to which sunglasses suit my face goes through every face shape.
2. Get the size right. The frame should be about as wide as your face, your eyes should sit near the centre of each lens, and the bridge should rest on your nose without pinching. The numbers on the inside of the temple (lens width □ bridge – temple length) help you compare frames.
3. Think about use. For sport, a wrap or shield frame stays put and blocks side light. For everyday wear, a classic shape like a wayfarer or aviator goes with almost everything.
4. Pick the type you love. Rules are a starting point. Confidence matters more than the perfect shape.

ECO SHADES sunglasses in each type

Our recycled-plastic frames are made from 100% recycled plastics with 5-barrel optical hinges and friction-lock screws, and all have UV400 lenses in recycled PMMA. A few examples:

• Lai Green: aviator with deep teardrop lenses and a double bridge. 57□17-145, frame width 137 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Mora Olive: a soft cat-eye that lifts the face. 53□22-145, frame width 139 mm, Medium, Category 3.
• Dyhr Gold Grey: a rectangular frame in recycled metal, the featured pair. 56□17-138, frame width 140 mm, Medium/Large, Category 3.
• Vork Orange: a wrap-style sport frame in recycled TR (rTR). Frame width 140 mm, Medium/Large, Category 3.

Other types in our range include Venturi (wayfarer), Zanon and Quist (round), Morello and Elia (square), Gallina and Palazzo (rectangular), Dahl (oval), Lucia (geometric) and Bloch (oversized). Our lenses are not polarised. Questions about our materials or UV protection? Just contact us.

Quick FAQ

How many types of sunglasses are there?

There are around a dozen classic frame shapes: aviator, wayfarer, round, square, rectangular, oval, cat-eye, geometric, oversized, butterfly, browline and shield/wrap. Many frames combine two of them.

What is the most popular type of sunglasses?

Aviator and wayfarer frames are the best-known classics, because they suit most face shapes and go with almost any outfit.

What is the difference between wayfarer and square sunglasses?

A wayfarer is slightly trapezoid – wider at the top – with a heavy top rim and angled sides. A square frame has straight, vertical sides and a more even height and width.

What are the different types of sunglasses for men and women?

Every type can be worn by anyone. Aviators, wayfarers and rectangular frames are traditionally seen as men's classics, and cat-eye and butterfly frames as women's, but fit and face shape matter far more than gender.

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. Now that you know the names, pick the type that feels like you.