What Is the Best Face Shape for Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses first appeared in the 1930s and 40s, when American Optical designed them for the U.S. military. Their signature teardrop shape was not just stylish but functional, offering full eye coverage to protect pilots from harsh sunlight and glare, making flying safer.

In 1937, Bausch and Lomb introduced aviators to the public, and they have remained a staple in American style ever since. Featuring a classic double bridge, lightweight wire frames, and comfortable nose pads, aviator sunglasses are a timeless choice that is hard to beat!

If you have never owned a pair of aviators, you might wonder if they will suit you. In this guide, we will break down which face shapes work best with aviators so you can confidently decide if they belong in your wardrobe.

Know Your Face Shape Before You Shop

Before deciding whether aviators will suit you, it is important to determine your face shape. There are three simple ways to figure it out: comparing yourself to celebrities, taking measurements, or using an app.

Compare It to Celebrities'

One of the easiest ways to identify your face shape is by comparing your features to those of well known celebrities. Look for someone with similar proportions and structure to get a general idea of your face shape.

Round faces:

Kirsten Dunst, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bryan Tyree Henry

Square faces:

Jennifer Aniston, Zendaya, Henry Cavill, Kumail Nanjiani

Heart-shaped faces:

Katie Holmes, Selena Gomez, Robert Pattinson

Oval faces:

Natalie Portman, Bella Hadid, Ryan Gosling, Will Smith

Use a Tape Measure

For a more precise method, use a soft measuring tape like one from a sewing kit and take the following measurements:

• The length of your face, from the top of your forehead to the bottom of your chin
• The width of your forehead, measured across your hairline
• The width of your cheekbones, measured across the widest part of your face
• Your jawline, measured from just below your ear to your chin, then doubled

Keep the tape flat against your skin and avoid following the natural curves of your face, except for the jawline where slight curvature is fine.

Once you have your measurements, compare them:

If your face length and width are similar, you likely have a round or square face
If your face is longer than it is wide, you likely have an oval or heart shaped face

To narrow it down further, look at your features. A pointed chin with a wider forehead suggests a heart shaped face, while a strong jawline and angular features indicate a square face.

Download an App

If you prefer a quicker option, you can use an app. Hiface is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play and can analyze your face shape while also recommending flattering hairstyles and eyewear.

You can also try popular TikTok filters that estimate your face shape using your phone’s camera.

Best Face Shape for Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses tend to look best on heart shaped faces, followed closely by oval faces.

Heart-Shaped Face

Heart shaped faces pair exceptionally well with aviators. The teardrop lenses complement high cheekbones, while the contrast between the structured top and curved bottom mirrors the natural shape of the face.

That said, heart shaped faces are versatile and can pull off nearly any style, including modern aviators with single bridges or more angular lenses.

Oval Face Shapes

Oval face shapes also look great in aviators because the frames help balance facial proportions. Since oval faces are longer than they are wide, the added width of aviators creates a more balanced look.

Which Aviator Sunglasses Suit Your Lifestyle

Aviator sunglasses have been around for nearly a century, evolving into a wide range of styles and variations. Today, there are more options than ever, making it easy to find a pair that fits both your look and your lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular types of men’s aviator sunglasses to help you choose the right one.

Classic Aviator Sunglasses for Square Face Shapes

If you are looking for a polished, everyday pair you can even wear to work, you really can’t go wrong with a classic pair like the Maxwell. It offers a refined take on the traditional aviator, giving you that timeless look with a slightly more modern edge.

Maxwell’s classic aviator design delivers timeless style, durable stainless steel construction, and all day comfort. The sleek metal frames and subtle angular details help balance and soften sharp facial features, making them especially flattering for square face shapes.

Sporty Aviator for Round Face Shapes

If you lead an active lifestyle, sporty aviators are a great option. Styles like the Lance bring a modern edge to a classic silhouette, making them perfect for both everyday wear and more on the go moments.

What happens when you take an iconic 70s shape and give it a major modern makeover? You get Lance. This slick square aviator features a bold double bridge frame, paired with lightweight stainless steel arms and comfortable acetate tips for a secure, easy fit.

Square Non-Metal Frame 

If you want a pair of lightweight sunglasses you can wear all day but find adjustable nose pads uncomfortable, consider acetate frames like Emerson. This modern style features square lenses and a single nose bridge without nose pads, making it a great option for anyone with an oval face shape.

Emerson also comes with polarized lenses and 100% UVA and UVB protection, all at an affordable price point under $50, which is significantly less than many comparable options.

Retro Style Shade for Round Face Shapes

FAQ's:

Do Aviators Look Good On All Faces?

Aviators can look great on any face shape, but they tend to be especially flattering on oval and heart shaped faces. If your face shape falls outside of these categories, choosing the right variation of aviators can make all the difference.

For example, if you have a round face, opt for aviators with more angular or square lenses to add structure. If you have a more angular or square face, choose aviators with rounded lenses to soften your features.

What Face Shape Should Not Wear Aviators?

There is no face shape that should avoid aviators altogether. They can work for everyone with the right style choice. That said, those with square faces may find that softer, rounder frames are more flattering, as they help balance sharper facial features.

What Are Things to Consider When Choosing the Shape of Aviator Sunglasses?

When choosing aviator sunglasses, make sure the frames are not too wide for your face. Ideally, there should not be more than a finger’s width of space between the frame and your temples.

It is also important to choose a lens shape that complements your face shape. For example, if you have an oval face, teardrop or rectangular lenses can help create a more balanced overall look.