How to Wear Sunglasses

The definitive manual on finding the best shades for your face.

You probably have a drawerful of discarded eyewear that never quite worked on you. But once you learn how to match the shape of the frames to the shape of your face, your only worry will be finding the time to wear them all.

CREDITS: Sunglasses by Starck Eyes. Shirt by Versace.
Photo: KT Auleta


Round face: Full cheeks and a curved jawline call for frames with a contrasting angular shape. Boxy plastic or metal pairs in a size that won’t overtake your face work equally well—just make sure the corners are slightly rounded, not sharp, or you’ll look like you’re channeling Neo in The Matrix.

CREDITS: From top: Jack Spade. Paul Smith. Ermenegildo Zegna. Ray-Ban. Prada Linea Rosa. Repûblica.
Photo: Greg Broom


CREDITS: Sunglasses by Dior Homme by Hedi Slimane. Towel by Frette. Necklace by David Yurman.
Photo: KT Auleta


Triangular face: If you have a broad forehead and a narrow chin, choose sunglasses that mimic your bone structure. Light metal frames that are wider on the top than on the bottom, like aviators, are ideal. Gradient lenses will enhance the flattering effect—boldly tinted ones will not.

CREDITS: From top: Morgenthal-Frederics. Dolce & Gabbana. Oliver Peoples. Yves Saint Laurent. Burberry. Valentino.
Photo: Greg Broom


CREDITS: Sunglasses by Gucci. T-shirt by Polo by Ralph Lauren.
Photo: KT Auleta


Oval face: If your visage is long and lean, opt for frames that accentuate its width. Heavy plastic wraparounds and sunglasses with oversize, geometric lenses are on the list of styles that balance oblong features nicely. To be avoided at all costs: delicate, John Lennon–style frames.

CREDITS: From top: Dior Homme by Hedi Slimane. Sean John. Persol. Louis Vuitton. Calvin Klein. John Varvatos.
Photo: Greg Broom

Portraits by KT Auleta; Still lifes by Greg Broom(men.style.com)