How to Choose the Right Sunglasses
Finding sunglasses for small faces is mostly about numbers, not luck. Oversized frames dominate the shelves, so people with narrow or petite faces often end up with pairs that slide, gape or swamp their features. This guide to how to choose the right sunglasses shows you how to read the size code inside the arm, which measurements to look for and which styles work at a smaller scale.
Key Takeaways
- The best sunglasses for small faces match your face width, not the latest oversized trend.
- The three numbers inside the temple arm give lens width, bridge width and arm length in millimetres.
- Measure a pair that already fits you, then shop using those numbers.
- Smaller round, oval, cat-eye and rimless styles usually work well at a smaller scale.
- Adjustable nose pads help frames sit correctly on a narrow or low bridge.
Why Sunglasses for Small Faces Are Hard to Find
Fashion has favoured big frames for years, and many standard sizes are designed around an average adult face. If your face is narrower, the frame extends past your temples, the bridge sits too wide and the weight pulls the sunglasses down your nose. Most shopping advice ignores this, but sunglasses for small faces are easy to find once you know the measurements to look for.
Signs your sunglasses are too big
- The frame extends well beyond the sides of your face.
- They slide down your nose when you look down.
- There are gaps between the arms and your temples.
- The frame hides your eyebrows or rests on your cheeks.
- Your eyes sit close to the inner edges of the lenses rather than near the centre.
How to Read the Numbers Inside the Temple Arm
Most frames have a size code printed on the inside of one arm, for example 50â–ˇ18-135. It's the most useful tool for choosing sunglasses for small faces, yet almost nobody explains it.
| Number | Example | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| First number | 50 | Lens width in millimetres, measured horizontally across one lens |
| Second number | 18 | Bridge width in millimetres, the gap between the two lenses |
| Third number | 135 | Temple arm length in millimetres, from hinge to tip |
The square symbol between the first two numbers simply separates them. Some frames also list a lens height or total frame width.
What Size Sunglasses for Small Faces?
Every face is different, so treat these as a rough starting point rather than fixed rules. The most reliable method is to measure a pair that already fits you well.
| Measurement | Often comfortable for smaller faces | Typical standard range |
|---|---|---|
| Lens width | About 46 to 52 mm | About 52 to 58 mm or more |
| Bridge width | About 14 to 18 mm | About 17 to 21 mm |
| Temple arm length | About 130 to 140 mm | About 140 to 150 mm |
Frame width measurement: a simple method
- Find a pair of glasses or sunglasses that fits you comfortably.
- Read the three numbers inside the arm and write them down.
- Measure across the front of the frame at its widest point to get the total frame width.
- When shopping for sunglasses for small faces, look for listings within a few millimetres of those numbers.
- If you have no reference pair, measure your face across the temples and look for a total frame width close to that number.
Best Styles: Sunglasses for Small Faces That Don't Swamp You
Scale matters as much as shape. These styles tend to suit sunglasses for small faces best.
Smaller round and oval frames
Round and oval frames in a modest size soften features without overwhelming them. Thin metal or rimless versions look lighter still.
Subtle cat-eye frames
A cat-eye with a gentle upswept corner lifts the face and draws attention to the eyes. Choose modest wings rather than dramatic points, which can look too wide.
Rimless and thin metal frames
Without a heavy border, rimless and wire frames take up less visual space. They're a reliable choice when you want sunglasses for small faces that look delicate rather than bulky.
Narrow aviators
Aviators can work on smaller faces if you choose a smaller lens size. Check the lens width carefully, since many aviators are made in larger sizes. A narrow aviator is one of the most versatile sunglasses for small faces.
Styles to approach with care
- Oversized and very large square frames.
- Thick, heavy acetate frames.
- Wide shield styles designed for larger faces.
Narrow Fit and Low Bridge Sunglasses
Some people have a small face and a narrow or low nose bridge. Frames with adjustable nose pads can be bent slightly to raise or lower the frame, which stops it resting on your cheeks or sliding down. Look for listings described as narrow fit or low bridge fit, and favour lightweight frames, which put less pressure on a small nose. Fit at the bridge often separates comfortable sunglasses for small faces from pairs that never sit right.
Can Adults Wear Kids' Sunglasses?
Some adults with very small faces do wear larger kids' or teen sizes, and it can work well. Check the same things you would for any pair: a clear UV400 or 100 percent UVA and UVB label, sturdy hinges and a fit that sits level. Adult petite sizes are usually the better first option, since they're designed with adult proportions in mind. Petite ranges are the natural place to start looking for sunglasses for small faces.
A Quick Fit Check
- The frame should be about as wide as your face, with no gaps at the temples.
- Your eyes should sit near the centre of each lens.
- The top of the frame should sit at or just below your eyebrows.
- The sunglasses shouldn't move when you look down or shake your head.
- Nothing should pinch behind your ears after a few minutes.
For more on matching frames to face shape, see our guide to picking the right sunglasses for your face shape, and for lens colours, our sunglasses lens tint guide.
Common Mistakes
- Buying oversized frames because they're on trend.
- Ignoring the numbers inside the arm.
- Choosing heavy frames that slide down a small nose.
- Assuming every pair labelled one size fits everyone.
Read the size code, measure a pair that fits and choose a style at the right scale. That's how to choose the right sunglasses, and how to find sunglasses for small faces that look as if they were made for you.
Smaller-Scale Frames From Global Swanky
These styles are good starting points when you're shopping for sunglasses for small faces. Check each listing for its measurements before you buy. Browse more in our Sports and Outdoors collection.
1. UV400 Fashion Oval Frameless Sunglasses
The UV400 Fashion Oval Frameless Sunglasses for Eye Protection are $10.19, a light, rimless oval that looks delicate on smaller faces.
2. Cat-Eye Photochromic Eyeglasses
The Cat-Eye Photochromic Eyeglasses Anti-Blue Light Protection are $10.05, a subtle cat-eye shape that lifts the face.
3. Anti-Blue Light Lightweight Eyeglasses
The Anti-Blue Light TR90 Eyeglasses Lightweight Frame Protection are $10.34, with a light frame that puts less pressure on a small nose.
4. Aviator Sunglasses UV400 Protection
The Aviator Sunglasses UV400 Protection Retro Double Beam Frame are $14.30, a classic aviator. Compare the lens width with a pair that fits you before ordering.
5. Leather Handmade Glasses Case
The Leather Handmade Glasses Case Storage Box for Eyeglasses and Sunglasses is $22.10, to keep your frames protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best sunglasses for small faces?
Smaller round, oval, subtle cat-eye and rimless frames usually work best. Look for a lens width of roughly 46 to 52 mm and a frame that's about as wide as your face, with adjustable nose pads if your bridge is narrow.
What do the numbers on sunglasses mean?
The numbers inside the arm show lens width, bridge width and temple arm length in millimetres. For example, 50â–ˇ18-135 means a 50 mm lens, an 18 mm bridge and 135 mm arms.
How do I know if my sunglasses are too big?
They're likely too big if the frame extends past your face, slides down your nose, leaves gaps at your temples, or hides your eyebrows. Your eyes should sit near the centre of each lens.
Can adults wear kids' sunglasses?
Some adults with very small faces wear larger kids' or teen sizes successfully. Check for UV400 protection, sturdy hinges and a level fit. Adult petite sizes are usually the better first choice.
How do I measure frame width?
Measure a pair that fits you across the front at its widest point, in millimetres. If you don't have one, measure across your face between your temples and look for frames with a similar total width.
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