How To Choose Sunglasses

Understanding your face shape is the first and most important step in choosing sunglasses that fit well and look great. The right frames can enhance your features, bring symmetry, and add a stylish edge to your overall appearance. Each face shape has unique proportions, and certain styles are more flattering than others depending on the width of the forehead, cheeks, and chin.

If you're unsure of your face shape, try this simple trick: stand in front of a mirror and trace the outline of your face with a lipstick or erasable marker. Then compare the shape to the categories below to find your best fit. Check out our expert face shape guide for more help.

Round faces are characterized by soft features, full cheeks, and a rounded chin. The goal when choosing sunglasses is to create contrast by adding sharp angles and structure. Angular frames like square, rectangle, or cat-eye sunglasses can elongate the face and provide definition. Dark or bold-colored frames can also add contour, helping to give the illusion of a more sculpted look. Oversized frames and wider silhouettes will balance the face and reduce the appearance of roundness.

If you have a round face and want to add more definition to your look, take a look at our oversized sunglasses or explore our collection of cat-eye sunglasses to find styles that bring structure and style.

An oval face is well-balanced, with slightly wider cheekbones and a gently rounded jawline. This face shape is considered the most versatile, as it can accommodate almost any frame style. That said, it's still important to avoid sunglasses that are overly large or extend far beyond the face, as they can overpower your features. Stick to frames that are as wide as your face or slightly wider for a harmonious fit. Styles like rectangle, geometric, and aviator sunglasses are especially flattering.

If you're looking for a pair of sunglasses that suit your oval face, explore our curated rectangle sunglasses and stylish aviator sunglasses, or get inspired by the options in our Best Sunglasses for Oval Faces guide.

Square faces have strong jawlines, wide cheekbones, and broad foreheads, with all dimensions being relatively equal. The goal with this face shape is to soften the angles and bring a touch of roundness to the look. Rounded frames, oval sunglasses, or browline styles can help balance the sharp lines and create a more proportionate appearance. Avoid boxy or overly angular frames, as they can make the face appear too rigid. Opt for softer silhouettes that bring out your best features.

To soften the bold structure of a square face, browse our round sunglasses collection.

A heart-shaped face typically has a broad forehead that tapers down to a narrow jawline and pointed chin. When selecting sunglasses, the goal is to create balance by drawing attention away from the top of the face and adding width to the lower portion. Frames that are wider at the bottom or have a subtle flare can help achieve this effect. Styles like aviators, rectangular frames, or lightly curved geometric sunglasses are particularly flattering. Bold colors and playful shapes can also complement your features without overwhelming them.

For flattering options that suit a heart-shaped face, check out our guide to Sunglasses for Heart-Shaped Faces and discover frames that highlight your natural charm.

Some face shapes don’t fall into a single category — and that’s perfectly normal. You may find elements of both square and oval shapes or a longer face with sharp cheekbones. If that’s the case, consider the following face shapes and recommended frame styles.

Diamond faces are narrow at the forehead and chin, with high cheekbones as the widest point. The ideal sunglasses should soften the angular features while adding width to the upper third of the face. Look for oval or cat-eye frames that sit higher on the nose bridge. For more tips, explore the styles featured in our Best Sunglasses for Diamond Faces article.

Oblong faces are long and narrow, with straight cheek lines and a longer chin. To add visual width and reduce the appearance of length, opt for oversized, square, or geometric sunglasses. Wider frames with bold temples will help create better proportions. You can find detailed suggestions in our Best Sunglasses for Oblong Faces blog.

Triangle face shapes have a narrower forehead and wider jawline, creating a base-heavy silhouette. The right sunglasses should draw attention upward and balance the lower portion of the face. Try styles that are top-heavy, like browline or aviator frames, to bring harmony to the look. Not sure where to start? Check out our Best Sunglasses for Triangle Faces guide for expert picks.

Choosing the best sunglasses isn’t only about face shape or fashion — it’s also about how you live your life. Whether you’re an athlete, a traveler, or someone who loves making bold style statements, your sunglasses should be practical for your daily needs while still enhancing your look.

Below, we’ve broken down the best sunglasses recommendations based on different lifestyle categories — so you can find a pair that not only fits your face but also fits your routine.

If your days involve hiking, running, biking, or any kind of outdoor activity, your sunglasses need to be up to the task. Look for frames that are lightweight, impact-resistant, and equipped with non-slip features like adjustable nose pads or rubberized temples. Polarized lenses are essential for reducing glare on pavement, water, and snow, while brown, amber, or yellow tints enhance contrast and clarity in changing light conditions.

For an active lifestyle, durability matters just as much as comfort. Sunglasses with polycarbonate lenses and flexible frames can take a beating while staying snug during movement. For high-performance frames built for adventure, check out our polarized sunglasses collection.

If your sunglasses are more of a fashion statement than performance gear, the options are almost endless. Oversized frames, geometric shapes, bold colors, and translucent designs are great for expressing your personality and elevating everyday outfits. Look for fun tints like pink, red, blue, green, or purple lenses to add a playful pop of color.

When selecting sunglasses for everyday or fashion use, comfort is still key. Lightweight acetate or wood frames with spring hinges provide flexibility while still offering a polished, designer feel. If you’re looking to stay ahead of trends, browse our wood sunglasses collection — they blend sustainability and standout style with ease.

Whether you're on the road, in the air, or soaking up scenery abroad, sunglasses for travel and driving need to prioritize function. Polarized lenses are a must, especially for reducing glare from roads, water, and windshields. Opt for lenses in grey, brown, or amber tints — these shades provide true color perception, enhanced contrast, and maximum visibility in shifting light conditions.

Frames that are durable yet lightweight are ideal for long wear during commutes or flights. Scratch-resistant coatings, flexible hinges, and anti-reflective lens technology contribute to comfort and clarity. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces (such as water or roads), which helps improve visibility and safety when driving.

Great sunglasses are more than just stylish accessories. The quality of materials, construction, and comfort features will determine how well your sunglasses hold up over time — and how good they feel during daily wear. Below are the two key areas you should focus on when evaluating the build quality of any pair of sunglasses.

The frame material you choose affects not only how your sunglasses look but also how they perform. Wooden frames offer a natural, earthy aesthetic and are often handcrafted, giving each pair a unique character. They’re lightweight and eco-friendly, though they may need extra care in wet or humid environments. Bio-acetate frames are plant-based and biodegradable, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic frames. Bio-acetate also allows for rich color patterns and a smooth, polished finish, making it a popular choice for fashion-forward frames.

Metal frames, including stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, are durable and corrosion-resistant. According to the AAO, titanium and stainless steel frames are especially good at withstanding daily wear and maintaining their shape over time — making them a smart investment for long-term use. Choosing the right material ensures your sunglasses not only look great but also stand up to daily use.

Beyond the base material, frame construction affects both durability and comfort. Look for scratch-resistant lens coatings to protect against sand, dust, and accidental drops, sturdy hinges that don’t loosen, spring-loaded temples for flexibility, and adjustable or silicone nose pads for a secure fit.

Studies show advanced coatings, including hardcoats and anti-reflective layers, significantly improve scratch resistance and visual performance. A peer-reviewed analysis in Coatings Journal found multilayer, harder coatings dramatically reduce surface damage (MDPI). These features are especially useful for travel or active lifestyles.

When durable frames, quality lenses, and thoughtful engineering come together, you get sunglasses that look great and perform reliably every day.

Choosing the right sunglasses isn’t just about style — it’s about quality, performance, and values. At Kraywoods, we design eyewear without compromise, using eco-conscious materials like FSC-certified wood, biodegradable bio-acetate, and lightweight metals. Each frame is built to last with flexible spring hinges, polarized lenses, and UV400 protection, bringing together durability, comfort, and effortless elegance that fits seamlessly into your everyday life.

As a sustainable brand committed to giving back, Kraywoods offers more than just stylish eyewear — we offer purpose. Chances are, you’ll find your perfect pair at Kraywoods. Browse our full sunglasses collection to discover timeless designs that reflect your values and elevate your style.

Start by identifying your face shape — round, square, oval, heart, or a combination — and choose sunglasses with frame styles that balance your features. A general rule: pair soft facial features with angular frames, and sharp features with curved styles. Finding the right fit involves considering frame width, bridge fit, and lens height for comfort and proportion.

The best sunglasses for driving are polarized and have lenses in grey, brown, or amber tints. These reduce glare from roads and windshields while enhancing contrast and true color perception. Look for anti-reflective coatings and frames that are lightweight and secure for long wear. Scratch-resistant coatings are also helpful to maintain clear vision during frequent use.

Polarized sunglasses have a special filter that blocks horizontal light waves, significantly reducing glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and glass. This makes them ideal for driving, sports, or outdoor activities. Non-polarized lenses reduce brightness but don’t offer the same glare protection or visual clarity. Polarized lenses can also reduce eye strain in bright conditions.

Lens color affects how you perceive light and contrast. Grey lenses are great for general use and color accuracy. Brown or amber lenses enhance depth perception and are ideal for driving or variable light. Green lenses offer sharp contrast with minimal color distortion, while yellow lenses improve visibility in low light. Choose based on your lifestyle and lighting conditions. Check out our expert sunglasses lens colour guide for more details.

Yes, high-quality wooden sunglasses can be very durable when crafted properly. Look for designs that include reinforced layers, flexible spring hinges, and water-resistant coatings. Many wooden frames are lightweight yet sturdy, offering both comfort and resilience. They’re also eco-friendly, making them a sustainable alternative to plastic frames.

Important features include UV400 protection, polarized lenses, scratch-resistant coatings, durable hinges, and materials that maintain shape over time. Comfort-focused elements like adjustable nose pads and flexible temples also improve fit and wearability. These features work together to protect your eyes and keep your sunglasses performing over time.

Yes. For fashion-forward looks, try oversized, geometric, or colorful frames that make a statement. Everyday sunglasses prioritize comfort, fit, and timeless design — often in neutral tones or classic shapes like aviators and rectangles. The best pairs offer both function and style, so you don’t have to compromise.

Choosing the best sunglasses doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your face shape, considering your lifestyle, and paying attention to material quality and fit, you can find a pair that’s both stylish and practical. Whether for performance, fashion, or everyday comfort, the right sunglasses should feel like a natural extension of your personal style.

At Kraywoods, we believe you shouldn’t have to compromise between quality, comfort, and design. Every frame is crafted with premium materials, thoughtful features, and a commitment to sustainability. Discover the difference for yourself — explore our sunglasses collection or use our Face Shape Guide to find the frames that truly fit your look and your lifestyle.