So many shades, so little time … and when you have an oval-shaped face that looks great in just about everything, that goes double. Your options for eyewear are endless, which is enviable, but not so much if you end up with a chronic case of choice paralysis. That’s where we come in.
If you’re the proud owner of an oval face, know that you’ve hit the sunglasses jackpot – your balanced features mean frames from demure rectangles all the way to polka-dotted upside-down triangles will be flattering on you. Still, some will be more complementary than others. We’ll cover how to identify your face shape, why exactly oval faces have a bit of a sunglasses superpower, and which styles will make you look – and feel – like a total knockout.
Do You Have an Oval Face?
It’s not always obvious, so let’s start there. An oval face is typically longer than it is wide, with a slightly narrower, rounded forehead and jawline and higher cheekbones. It’s balanced and symmetrical, which is part of what makes it such a great canvas for a variety of frame styles.
If you’re having trouble seeing your angles, pull back your hair and take a good, long look in the mirror. Check to see if your cheekbones are slightly wider than your forehead or jaw. Then note whether your face is about twice as long as it is wide. If so, you’re likely looking at an oval.
As you gaze, keep in mind that most people don’t meet every single piece of criteria for a single face shape. That’s why you should never limit yourself to frames based solely on bone structure – think of your face shape as a helpful guidepost to narrow things down, rather than the final word on your frames. If you still have questions, you can learn about the different face shapes and which glasses are best for you.
Style Picks That Play Nice With Ovals
Now for the fun part. Because of your natural symmetry and softly balanced contours, oval faces can get away with a wider range of frame styles than most, which means your biggest challenge is deciding who you want to be today. Big and bold? Sleek and subtle? Playful and avant-garde? Here are the go-tos that will always show you in your best light. And remember, our Style Quiz exists to do most of the work for you.
Aviators: There’s a reason aviators have held onto their place in the frame hall of fame. Their teardrop shape echoes the natural contour of an oval face without overpowering it, while the sharp brow line adds just enough structure to balance out softer features. Whether you’re channeling ‘70s nostalgia or keeping things modern, aviators deliver timeless appeal with just the right amount of edge.
Try Roger That for a polished take on this iconic silhouette.
Cat Eyes: Oval faces and cat-eye frames are a match made in retro heaven. The upswept corners of cat-eye silhouettes play perfectly with your proportions, drawing attention to your cheekbones and lifting your features in all the right ways. Equal parts glam and refined, this style is perfect for adding a touch of drama to your everyday or leaning into your inner creative without straying into costume territory.
Try Mingled for a quirky-meets-chic, acetate-meets-metal option that’s been known to turn heads.
Rectangles & Squares: If you’re craving something with a bit more of an edge, rectangular or square frames can give you some architectural contrast without overwhelming your features. On oval faces, they’re bold without being boxy and strong without being severe, adding definition and a sense of groundedness. If you want your sunglasses to say “I mean business” without losing style points, these are ideal.
Try Seymour Glass for refined structure that doesn’t want for personality.
Rounds: Conventional wisdom suggests your frames should contrast with your face shape, but you lucky ovals have range. You don’t need to avoid round frames, especially if you adore a vintage-inspired look. The key is in the scale and bridge placement: a well-proportioned round frame can bring out the natural harmony of your features.
Try Rush Hour for a modern interpretation of the classic round.
Geometric: Want to make a statement? Start here. We’re talking hexagons, octagons, acorns, and everything in between – oval faces can really pull off unconventional geometry. These frames are fun, offbeat, and natural-born boundary-pushers. Sound like anyone you know?
Try Cutting It Close for angular flair that doesn’t overwhelm your face.
Styles to Approach With Caution
We won’t advise you to avoid these completely – we’re not big on rules at eyebobs, especially when it comes to personal style. If you’re looking to narrow things down, though, these are some styles you can exclude from your search.
Extremely oversized frames can swallow your features and disrupt your face’s natural balanced. If you love a large-and-in-charge look, make sure the frames still follow the general shape of your face. As long as they’re not so wide that they’re wearing you, you’ve got the okay from us to go as big as you want.
Perfectly oval frames on an oval face can sometimes feel too matchy-matchy and lack the contrast that makes frames feel especially flattering. If you’re dying for curves, opt for round, not oval.
All that said, finding a pair that makes you look and feel amazing is the only rule that really matters.
Wait – What About Size?
Face shape is one thing, but size is the key to long-term comfort and all-day wearability. Most people fall into one of three fit categories: narrow, average, or wide. The right size frame ensures that your sunglasses won’t pinch, slide, or leave you feeling like you’re wearing eyewear made for someone else.
Here’s how to find your fit:
-
Measure across your face, cheekbone to cheekbone.
-
Use your current frames as a reference – check the arms or inside bridge for measurements.
-
Use our Fit Guide for to match your measurements to your frame size.
Oval faces tend to work well with most frame widths, but proportional sizing is still important, especially if you’re shopping online. Lucky for you, eyebobs offers plenty of styles in all three widths, so you can find your perfect fit in your favorite silhouette.
Why eyebobs?
We do more than just make great sunglasses – we make you, specifically, look great in them.
Our sunnies are designed with premium materials, custom lens options (prescription, readers, progressive, and more), and an obsession with originality. Each of our styles is packed with personality and built for people who see their eyewear as an extension of themselves.
You and your oval-shaped face are sure to find options here that fit and flatter, but one final reminder: these guidelines aren’t gospel. The best sunglasses for your face are the ones that make you forget about face shape and formulas altogether and let you see and be seen on your own terms. Ready to find them?
