Oversized Sunglasses: How Big is Too Big?

Oversized sunglasses have been in style for decades. Big frames became huge when fashion icon and “it girl” Audrey Hepburn first stole the spotlight sporting her iconic oversized cat-eye sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. By the mid-1960s, even First Lady Jackie Kennedy had adopted presidentially sized sunglasses as a part of her signature look. Decades later we’re still hearing the message loud and clear: when it comes to sunglasses, go big or go home. 

If we’re honest, the continued popularity of oversized shades should come as no shock—they have some pretty huge perks. If you’re self-conscious about your ultra-chubby cheeks or plus sized schnozz, big shades steal the attention by adding visual balance. 

Plus, they offer more coverage and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which reduces your risk of retina damage and skin cancer. 

They’re mysterious, glamourous, and shockingly low effort. Let’s face it: there’s no easier way to bring out your inner silver-screen diva or channel an undercover-Kardashian vibe than to roll out of bed and toss on a pair of oversized specs.  

But the big question remains: How big is too big? 

Choosing the Perfect Pair of Oversized Sunglasses: How Big is Too Big?

When styled right, oversized sunglasses are both cool and classy. But overshooting it runs the risk of looking more bug-eyed than beautiful. Going too big will give you the air of an outrageously-dressed toddler sporting mommy’s “big girl” glasses during a game of dress-up. 
We’ll be candid: the risk with oversized frames is massive.

There’s a science to nabbing dramatic shades that are bold and glamorous without crossing the line into the territory of downright embarrassing. Unsure where to draw that line? No big worries: we’ve got you covered. 

Know the Shape of Your Face

Fashion is balance. Picking out trendy shades that highlight your best features, whether oversized or not, is all about choosing styles that offsets your natural features.

Those with sharp, angular facades will shine best in styles with gentle curves and rounded edges. And those with soft features should seek out frames that add sharp angles and geometric patterns for added definition and balance.

Sunglasses and Square Face Shapes

If you have a strong chin, defined jawline, wide hairline, and equilateral facial proportions, you have a square face shape.

Picking oversized frames that flatter your angular facade is all about balance. To rock the extra-large look, scout out styles with soft angles and curved edges that contrast with your natural features. When it comes to oversized eyewear, your best bets are: 

• Retro round sunglasses
• Aviator sunglasses
• Modern cat-eye sunglasses 

Remember: if you opt for cat-eye frames, pick a modern style with a deep lens and a brow line that slopes gently, rather than vintage styles that feature narrow lenses and sharp, cutting angles. 

Shades and Round Face Shapes 

Round faces feature a relaxed jawline, soft chin, and wide cheekbones. When styled tastefully, oversized sunglasses add the perfect amount of drama and sass to this shape’s pleasantly feminine facade.  

But we’ll be honest: round faces are definitely in the danger zone when it comes to styling XL-sized frames. Make one misstep, and your oversized sunglasses will overpower your delicate attributes, muting your best features and dominating your face entirely. 

For best results, steer clear of round frames, especially ones with bulky, patterned rims—they add too much visual weight and will only drown out your finer features. Ideal frame shapes are angular and contrast nicely with your soft attributes. A few ideal choices include:

• Rectangular sunglasses
• Cat-eye sunglasses
• Wayfarer sunglasses
• Clubmaster sunglasses

Specks and Oblong Face Shapes

Oblong face shapes boast a forehead and jaw that match in width, creating balanced, parallel features. Marked with a gently defined chin and slightly rounded jawline, this face shape exudes symmetry and consistency. It also happens to be the most versatile of the face shapes. You lucky duck!

While oversized shades look good on anyone, the truth is that they were absolutely made for the oblong face. Using dramatic, exaggerated proportions, bigger lenses will balance your slimmed-down features, filling out your face for even more visual symmetry. 

Ideally, you’ll want to score oversized sunglasses that extend only slightly (if at all) past the crown of the head. Your biggest danger with oversized sunglasses is going too big, so pick frames that don’t drawf your features. The most flattering frame shapes for oblong faces are:

• Square sunglasses
• Angular sunglasses
• Hexagonal round sunglasses
• Retro round sunglasses
• Modern aviator sunglasses

If the specs you pick do their job right, they should add visual width to your face, balancing out your already elegant, slender facade. Just be careful not to go too big—if a pair of sunglasses extends out past the crown of the head, bypass them for a pair with a more modest width.

Sunglasses and a Triangle Face Shape

Sometimes referred to as a “heart” or “diamond,” variations of the triangular face shape are characterized by their long, angular jaw line and broad forehead. Triangular face shapes are often accompanied by full cheeks and defined cheekbones. 

If the description fits, you’re going to look best in frames that widen your jawline and accentuate your high cheekbones. Because the visual weight of the triangular face rests mostly in the uppermost portion, look for oversized frames that create balance by elongating your facade and emphasizing your chin. To check all the boxes, these styles are generally best:

• Browline sunglasses
• Wayfarer sunglasses
• Clubmaster sunglasses
• Cat-eye sunglasses
• Square frames with deep lenses

Regardless of frame shape, remember to reach for oversized sunglasses that feature a strong, accentuated brow line, which will minimize your broad forehead and compliment your delicate chin. Highlighting the brow does wonders to add balance and symmetry to a triangular face, making the upswept tips of cat-eye looks and wayfarer styles especially on point. 

Top Polarized Sunglasses at WMP Eyewear

Madison

Lucy

Phoenix

Other Aspects to Consider When Picking Some Fabulously Extravagant Frames

Remember: face shape guidelines exist to help; they’re not rules to live by. Your style is your own, so don’t let eyewear guides deter you from splashing out on a unique, playful look that breaks the so-called rules in all the best ways.

If you’re torn, grab a few different styles. The good news is that sunglasses are increasingly affordable. Gone are the days when you have to break the bank for a pair of decent shades—with so many affordable options, it’s easy to justify bagging a look to match every mood and occasion. 

Outside of frame shape, you’ll also want to consider what patterns, colors, and frame materials are best for the style you’re striving for. When it comes to fit, steer clear of oversized sunglasses that graze or rest on your upper cheek. If you can’t smile without bumping them upward, they’re definitely way too big for you. 

Frame material is also a key factor when shopping around for more dramatic styles. While heavy plastics and thick metals work fine for smaller frames, they’re an absolute nuisance when it comes to oversized shades. Trust us: those bulky frames are just going to rest heavy on the bridge of your nose and push you towards a searing headache. Add a touch of sweat on a hot summer day and we guarantee they’re not going to stay on, either. For a lighter weight oversized frame, titanium, stainless steel, blended nylon, and high-quality plastic are perfect.