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5 Best Sunglasses for Wide Faces | Slimming Styles Under $50

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Two pairs of sunglasses with blue and green lenses displayed on a sunlit surface in natural light.

Maybe you have been told you have a big head because you are smart. That may be true, but it does not make shopping for sunglasses any easier.

If you have a wider face, finding frames that fit comfortably can be a challenge. Smaller frames can pinch at the temples, leaving red marks and causing discomfort after extended wear.

The good news is you are not limited to what you find in stores. Many online brands now design sunglasses specifically for wider face shapes, offering better fit and comfort without sacrificing style.

If you are ready to upgrade your fit, check out these five of the best sunglasses for wide faces under $50 dollars.

Six pairs of sunglasses with square and rectangular frames in various color and lens combinations on a light background.

How to Find Sunglasses for Wide Faces

Check The Frame Size

To find the right sunglasses for a wide face, start by checking the frame size. Generally, you will want frames that measure over 139mm to ensure a comfortable fit. When shopping online, always review the product description to confirm the frame width before purchasing.

If you want a more accurate fit, you can measure your face at home. Take a ruler and hold it just below your eyes, then measure the distance from one temple to the other in millimeters. When choosing sunglasses, aim for a frame width within 2 to 3mm of that measurement for the best fit.

Know Your Face Shape

Another helpful way to find the best sunglasses for wider faces is by understanding your face shape. While you do not have to follow these guidelines exactly, they can give you a better idea of what styles will be most flattering when shopping online.

Below are the six common face shapes, along with their key features and the types of sunglasses that tend to suit them best.

Square Faces

A square face is defined by a flat chin and a wide forehead and hairline. Rounded frames, especially those made from wire or thinner materials, help soften these strong angles and create a more balanced look.

Round Faces

A round face has similar width and length from the forehead to the jaw and from temple to temple. Bold, structured frames with thicker lines work best, as they add definition and create a more balanced, angular look.

Heart-Shaped Faces

A heart shaped face is wider at the forehead and tapers down to a narrower, pointed jaw. Cat eye styles or wider frames with rounded lenses work best, as they help balance proportions and soften the overall look.

Triangular Faces

The jaw is the widest part of the face and the forehead is narrower. Wide sunglasses with details on the top of the frame (like browline glasses) look best.

Oval Faces

An oval face is longer in shape, with a forehead and jaw that are similar in width. Most frame styles work well with this face shape, but wider frames are especially flattering as they help create better balance and proportion.

Diamond-Shaped Faces

A diamond face shape features a smaller chin and jaw with wider, more prominent cheekbones. Round or oval frames work best, as they soften angles and draw attention to your natural features.

Diagram showing six face shapes such as square, round, triangle, oval, diamond, and heart with brief defining characteristics for each shape

The Best Wide Fit Sunglasses for Big Heads

Frames with Flex Hinges

Frames with flex hinges work great as sunglasses for large heads because they ensure that the arms of the sunglasses won’t dig into your temples too hard if the shades fit a little tight. 

WMP Eyewear offers two wide frames with flex hinges. Lance is a double-bridge frame that’s light as a feather with stainless steel arms. Offering a bold, square look and colors such as Jade Black, Crystal Brown, and Carmel Brown, these frames are ideal for anyone with a Square, Oval, Heart, Diamond, or Round face.

Oftentimes, men style their fashion simply. Another flex-hinge option, Jacob features a minimalist look that’s perfect for daily wear. With sturdy rectangular polarized shatter-resistant lenses and stainless steel arms, these were built to last. People with a Square, Oval, Diamond, or Round face will look great in Jacob.

Front view of sunglasses with a solid black rectangular frame, flat top bridge, and black lenses on a white background

Side Shield Shades

If you spend a lot of time outdoors and want maximum sun protection, shield style sunglasses are a great choice. These frames feature larger lenses that provide extended coverage, helping block sunlight not just from the front but from the sides as well.

For a strong option built for both performance and style, check out Ryder. Its modern angular frame and full shield lens deliver maximum coverage with a sharp, sport forward edge.

Designed with functionality in mind, Ryder includes built in vents and anti reflective coatings to help maintain clear, fog free vision in any conditions. It is a great choice for staying active while keeping your eyes fully protected.

Ash Grey / Mirror Blue Lens || Men's Rectangular Aviator Shield Sunglasses with Ash Grey Acetate Frame and Blue Mirrored Polarized Lens

Modern Aviator Sunglasses

Aviators tend to always have a wider frame due to the oversized lenses. But modern aviators look even better on wide faces because they offer square lenses and extra-thick frames that balance out large heads.

If you need a quintessential modern aviator, add Emerson to your wardrobe. Composed of sturdy, lightweight acetate, Emerson touts a single nose bridge, wide rectangular lens, and adjustable frame to better fit wide faces. These square sunglasses were made with medium and large heads in mind, and look great on Square, Round, Oval, Heart, or Diamond faces.

Hunter elevates the classic aviator into a contemporary geometric fit. This wide frame includes a double nose bridge that adds an extra angle, five different acetate color options, and 100% UV polarized lens protection. Anyone with a Square, Oval, Heart, Diamond, or Round face would love Hunter.

Front view of sunglasses with an aviator acetate frame, keyhole bridge, and gradient blue lenses on a white background

FAQ's:

How Do I Accurately Determine if My Face Is Considered “Wide” in Terms of Sunglass Selection?

To determine if your face is wide in terms of sunglass selection, you need to measure the width of the front of your face. Grab a ruler that has the millimeter as a unit of measurement. Look in the mirror and hold the ruler horizontally underneath your eyes. Then, measure the distance from the edge of your left temple to the end of your right temple.

If your measurement is over 139mm, then you will need wide sunglasses.

Do Sunglasses for Wide Faces Differ in Terms of UV Protection and Lens Quality Compared to Other Types of Sunglasses?

UV Protection and lens quality are the same for sunglasses with wide faces as it is with regular sunglasses. What’s most important is where you buy your sunglasses from. Choose a retailer such as WMP Eyewear that creates shatter-resistant lenses with 100% UV protection for all of their frames. 

Never assume that lenses have UV protection. It must be written on the label or in the product description that the sunglasses offer 100% UV protection or are rated UV 400. If it doesn’t say that, then choose another pair.

Are There Any Specific Materials That Are Recommended for Sunglass Frames for Wide Faces, in Terms of Comfort and Durability?

For comfortable and durable sunglass frames for wide faces, choose materials like acetate, polycarbonate, or stainless steel. Acetate is a hypoallergenic, eco-friendly material that’s extremely flexible and doesn’t weigh much. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that’s durable and lightweight, making it popular for both lenses and frames.

Last, stainless steel is flexible, so it can be shaped to better fit the face. It’s also non-corrosive and feels light on your face, so it’s comfortable to wear all day.