Cool Shades: Picking the Right Sunglasses

Do you have a round face like Hillary? An oval face like Condi? Here’s how to choose great sunglasses: It’s about face shape.

By Mary Clare Fleury    Published Sunday, July 01, 2007

Sunglasses are the ultimate summer accessory. How do you find frames that fit your face? Opticians offer these tips:

If You Have a Round Face

Choose a rectangular or square frame. Jesse Winters of Bethesda’s Apex Optical says that sharp lines bring out the angles of a round face. Avoid round styles, which emphasize curves.

If You Have an Oval Face

Frames with strong horizontal lines make a long or oval face seem wider and shorter. June Mines, owner of These Eyes of Mines in Northeast DC, says a cat’s-eye frame gives the illusion of curves on a long, slender face.

If You Have a Square Face

A square face has a broad forehead and a wide chin. If this sounds like you, look for slightly rounded frames, which soften features. Winters says that round frames give people with strong jaw lines and angular faces “the fullness their face is missing.”

If Your Face Is Heart-shaped

Heart-shaped faces are broad at the forehead and cheekbones but narrow at the chin. Mines says frames with angles, such as rectangular or octagonal shapes, draw attention away from the top of the face.

For All Face Shapes

Here are other tips to keep in mind:

• Although oversize “Jackie O” frames are popular, make sure the bottom of the frame does not rest on your cheek. “Otherwise, every time you smile, your sunglasses will move up and down,” says Joost Voorthuis of Georgetown Opticians.

• Wraparound styles prevent rays from entering your eye through the side of your face. Bonus: They ward off crow’s feet and wrinkles around the eyes. If your prescription precludes wraparounds, frames with thick temples are a good alternative.

• If you spend a lot of time outdoors or on the water, consider polarized shades, which minimize glare.

•The most important job of sunglasses is protecting eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Lenses should offer 100-percent UV protection. Not sure yours do? Most optometrists are happy to test shades for free—and can do so in seconds.

Find A ...
Find A Restaurant







  1. Only show Delivery
    Only show Kid Friendly
    Only show Late Night
    Only show Party Space
    Only show Weekend Brunch
Find Events




Find A Happy Hour





  1. search_finda.gif
Find A Spa




  1. search_finda.gif
Find a Home





  1. search_finda.gif
  2. Powered by  
Find A Hotel


  1.   


  2. Reviewed by Washingtonian
  3. Kid Friendly     Valet Parking
    Handicap Accessible    

  4. Childcare
    WiFi
    Pet Friendly
    Bar/Lounge/Dining
    Airport Shuttle
    Salon/Spa
    Swimming Pool
    Fitness Room
    On-site Drycleaning
    Meeting Rooms
    Golf
    Tennis Courts
    Game Room
  5. search_finda.gif

A Night Out: Knock Out Abuse Gala

Hundreds of women and a ’60s theme? This year’s Knock Out gala was the place for sequins, bouffants, and lots of Dolman sleeves. more

Three Quarterbacks Walk Into a Bar. . .

Sonny Jurgensen, Joe Theismann, and Jason Campbell spend an awkward evening together analyzing the Redskins season. more