Face Shape and Fitting Guide for Glasses & Sunglasses
Size and fitting guide:
By following these guidelines, you'll be able to find the perfect pair of sunglasses that not only look great, but also fit comfortably and provide the best protection for your eyes.
- Measure the width of your face: The width of your face will help determine the size and width of the sunglasses frame that will fit you best. Measure from the widest point of one cheekbone to the widest point on the other cheekbone.
- Check the lens size: The lens size should be proportional to the size of your face. If you have a smaller face, choose smaller lenses, and if you have a larger face, choose larger lenses.
- Consider your face shape: Different face shapes look best with different frame shapes. If you have a round face, choose frames that are square or rectangular, and if you have a square face, choose frames that are round or oval.
- Try on different styles: Don't be afraid to try on different styles of sunglasses. You may be surprised at how a frame that you wouldn't have considered can look great on you.
- Check the fit: Once you have found a frame that you like, make sure that it fits comfortably on your face. The frame should sit evenly on your nose, and the arms should not be too tight or too loose. With our free returns policy you can order multiple pairs to try on at home with no pressure.
- Ask the Birds for help: If you are still unsure about which sunglasses would be the best fit for you, consider asking a professional optometrist or optician for help. They will be able to advise you on the best frame and lens options for your specific needs.
Which face shape are you?
To determine your face shape for glasses, you can use a tape measure to take the following measurements of your face:
- Forehead: Measure the width of your forehead at its widest point.
- Cheekbones: Measure the width of your cheekbones at their widest point.
- Jawline: Measure the width of your jawline at its widest point.
- Face length: Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
Once you have these measurements, you can compare them to the typical proportions of the different face shapes to determine which one most closely matches your own. The main face shapes are:
- Oval: Forehead is slightly wider than the jawline and the length of the face is greater than the width of the cheekbones.
- Round: Prominent cheekbones and a rounded chin, the forehead and jawline have a similar width.
- Square: Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are roughly the same width.
- Heart: Wide forehead, high cheekbones and a narrow chin.
- Diamond: Prominent cheekbones, forehead and jawline are narrow and chin is pointed.
Also, you could take a look at your face in the mirror and compare it with the different face shapes, if you are still not sure, you can consult with an optometrist or a stylist for more accurate assessment.
You might also want to try using a face shape detector app which like this one.
A quick general rule for choosing the right glasses frame shape for your face is that opposites attract. So, if you have a round face, it's likely that a squarer frame will compliment your look, whereas if you have a square face, you might try some round frames.
Of course, rules are meant to be broken, but the opposites rule is a good place to start. Other factors to consider is whether your hair style has an affect on your face shape, and ultimately what style of frame sparks joy for you.
Glasses for Round Faces
Aim at:
Rectangular or square frames to add dimensions and structure
If you want to emphasise the fullness of your face then we recommend trying frames like the Alba, Wren, Athene or Finch
Wider frames, like the Otus or Hawfinch will break up and elongate your face’s round outline.
Glasses for Square Faces
Aim at:
Softening angles with rounded, curved or thinner frames
Choose frames like the Kaka, Tawny, Apollo or Luna, and draw attention upwards with more colourful hues.
Glasses for Oval Faces
Aim at:
Experimenting with different shapes and styles. Most styles will suit you. Make the most of this with rounded or square shapes. Why not try:
A bold frame like the: Blackcap
Larger frames like the: Otus
Colourful frames like the: Tawny or Kaka
Glasses for Heart Faces
Aim at:
Oversized or angular frames to emphasise your cheekbones, or cat-eye shapes add interest. You might that frames like the Kaka or Tawny suit you best.
The 'Diamond' face shape shares similarities with the Heart (wide cheekbones, pointy chin), but has a narrower forehead. With this in mind you can soften particularly angular features with rounded frames, such as the Blackcap or the Tawny.
Widen your forehead with styles which have colour, features, or thickness emphasis on the brow part of the frame, like the beautiful design of the Suma.
Virtual try-on:
Why not try our virtual try-on. This is a handy guide tool on each product page that allows you to check which style of frame suits your face shape without ever leaving the comfort of your home.