We Know the Struggle is Real
Have you ever been in a situation where every pair of glasses you try on seems huge for your tiny face? Sunglasses after sunglasses, and every pair seems too big. The lenses cover half your cheeks, and the temples slide off. It’s what many with smaller faces face daily when choosing sunglass frames not sized for them.
Finding sunglasses for a small face can feel like a fashion maze. The good news is, it’s not you. It’s the fit. Once you know what measurements to look for and which styles flatter your proportions, everything changes. Instead of sunglasses that overwhelm you, you’ll find ones that highlight your features, feel comfortable, and look effortlessly stylish.
Tips to Choose the Perfect Sunglasses for a Small Face
Here are 10 tips for you to get your perfect sunglasses for a small face!
Tip 1: Know Your Face Size
Before picking the trendiest pair, figure out what “small face” really means for you.
A small face typically measures between 114 and 130 millimetres across the temples. If most sunglasses look wide or extend beyond your cheekbones, you fall into this range. You can check by holding a ruler across your temples in the mirror or using your old glasses as a reference.
Keep in mind, the overall width of your face, nose bridge height, and even cheekbone position affect how frames sit. A smaller nose bridge might need narrower frames, while higher cheekbones can handle slightly taller lenses. Once you know these details, shopping becomes much easier.
Tip 2: Understand the Key Measurements
Every pair of sunglasses has three numbers printed inside the arm. They look like this: 48–18–135.
Here’s what they mean and what to look for when you have a small face:
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Lens Width: Between 45 and 50 millimetres usually fits best.
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Bridge Width: Around 16 to 18 millimetres is ideal.
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Temple Length: 130 to 140 millimetres keeps things balanced.
You can check these numbers when shopping online or in-store. They are your golden guide to finding sunglasses that actually stay put and don’t overpower your features.
Tip 3: Avoid the Classic Fitting Mistakes
A few common mistakes that can instantly throw off your look are,
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Going too big: Oversized frames might be trendy, but on a small face, they can hide your natural shape.
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Choosing kids’ sunglasses: They may fit, but adult small-face collections now offer better quality and a more mature design.
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Ignoring proportion: Small doesn’t mean miniature. Look for frames that align with your cheekbones and sit comfortably along your temples.
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Skipping adjustments: Even the right frame needs tuning. Ask for a small tweak in the nose pads or temple curve for a perfect grip.
Also look at: Finding the Right Sunglasses for Your Outfit
Tip 4: Find Your Perfect Frame Shape
The fun part is discovering which frame shapes look best on you. Let’s match shapes to your features.
Cat-Eye Frames: Petite and Powerful
If your face is small, cat-eye sunglasses can be your secret weapon. Their upward lift adds structure and creates width across the cheekbones. Choose slimmer rims or subtle colours for balance.
Round and Oval Frames: Soft and Balanced
Round and oval frames look amazing on narrow or angular faces. They soften sharp lines and bring out your natural charm. Stick to smaller widths and lightweight metals or acetate so they don’t appear heavy.
Aviator Frames: Classic, Just Scaled Down
Aviators will never go out of style, and you don’t have to skip them. Look for smaller versions (around 52–55mm lens width) and thinner rims. The teardrop shape adds a nice curve without swallowing your face.
Square and Rectangular Frames: Sharp but Subtle
For small faces that lean more round or oval, square and rectangular sunglasses create structure. Go for gentle edges and moderate sizes so they frame your face without overpowering it.
Tip 5: Choose Lightweight, Comfortable Materials
Comfort matters just as much as style. The best sunglasses for small faces are often made from:
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Acetate: Flexible, colourful, and durable.
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Titanium: Strong and super light, perfect for all-day wear.
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TR90 Plastic: Bendy and resilient, ideal if you’re rough on your sunglasses.
Light materials mean less slipping, fewer nose marks, and more confidence while you’re out in the sun.
Tip 6: Fine-Tune the Fit
Once you’ve found your favourite style, check the small details:
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Nose pads should rest comfortably without digging in and causing irritation.
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Temples should hug your head gently without pressure.
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The frame front should align with your face width, not extend far beyond it.
If the fit feels a little off, most opticians can make quick adjustments in a matter of minutes. Reach out, don’t stay in discomfort.
Tip 7: Match Colour and Personality
The right colour can make a small frame pop. Here
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Light and translucent shades look airy and delicate.
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Gradient tones flatter small faces.
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Metallic gold, silver, and rose gold look sophisticated and pair well with any grand outfit.
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Bold colours can work too, as long as the frame shape stays slim.
Pick tones that complement your skin and wardrobe so your sunglasses feel like an extension of your personal style.
Tip 8: Smart Shopping Tips
Here’s how to make your shopping experience smoother:
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Try brands that offer petite or narrow fit collections.
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Always test the sunglasses in natural light. Indoor lighting can be misleading. Go outdoors and test it properly.
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Take photos from different angles to see how they look on camera.
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If buying online, check for try-on options.
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Tip 9: Sunglasses Styles That Always Work for Small Faces
If you want to skip the trial and error, here are a few frames that always rock the game:
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Slim metal aviators for a timeless, balanced look.
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Cat-eye frames in soft pastel tones scream ’90s chic.
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Round or oval frames with gradient lenses for a cleaner look.
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Narrow rectangular sunglasses for sharp, minimal styling.
Each of these styles complements petite features without feeling oversized or heavy.
Tip 10: Own Your Look
Having a small face isn’t a challenge; it’s an advantage. The right sunglasses will highlight your proportions and give your look a clean, well-fitted edge.
Remember, style confidence comes from comfort. When your sunglasses sit right, they instantly make you look polished, poised, and photo-ready. So take your time, measure twice, and pick a pair that feels made for you because it actually is.
A Perfect Fit Isn’t Luck, It’s Specsmakers
When we say ‘Frame Your World’, we mean it! At Specsmakers, finding the right pair of sunglasses for a small face doesn’t have to be a guessing game because we make your experience feel special, personalising your glasses for you!
From sleek cat-eye designs to contemporary oval and petite square frames, we help you find eyewear that complements your face shape while enhancing your confidence.
With high-precision lenses, UV protection, and lightweight materials, every pair is a blend of style, science, and comfort made for faces that deserve a perfect fit.
Your Face, Your Frame, Your Story
At the end of the day, finding sunglasses for a small face isn’t just about measurements or styles; it’s also about balance, personality, and how you feel when you put them on. The right pair shouldn’t overwhelm your features; it should amplify your individuality. And if you’re still searching, Specsmakers makes it easy. With petite-friendly frames, high-quality lenses, and designs that blend comfort with flair, you’ll find a fit that feels like it was made just for you.
FAQs
1. How do I know if sunglasses will fit my small face?
Measure a well-fitting pair you already own. Check lens width, bridge size, and temple length. For small faces, lens widths around 45–48 mm often work best. Try narrow or extra-narrow sizes and check that frames do not extend past your temple bones or slide down your nose.
2. Which shapes are best for a small face?
Cat eye frames, petite aviators, narrow rectangles, and small, rounded or oval frames commonly flatter small faces. Choose a shape that balances your facial proportions. Thin or translucent frames can reduce visual weight, while slightly angular frames add definition to softer features.
3. Should I get polarised lenses if I have a small face?
Yes. Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces and improve comfort outdoors. Since smaller sunglasses offer less peripheral coverage, polarised lenses enhance visual clarity and reduce eye strain on bright days, especially during driving or water activities. Always confirm UV protection as well.
4. What materials are best for everyday small sunglasses?
Polycarbonate lenses and lightweight acetate or thin metal frames are excellent choices. Polycarbonate resists impact and is light. Metal frames offer fine adjustments for bridge fit. Spring hinges or flexible temples enhance durability and comfort. Look for brands that provide petite-size collections for a better fit.
5. Can I find designer looks in small sizes?
Yes. Many brands now offer petite or narrow collections that retain designer shapes in smaller proportions. If a mainstream model is too wide, check petite lines or brands that specialise in small frames. Trying on styles in store or using virtual try-on tools helps find luxury or trendy looks in a small size.
