How to Choose Sunglasses for Oblong Face Shape

Understanding your face shape is the first step in finding sunglasses that truly complement your features. Face shapes generally fall into categories like oval, round, square, and oblong, each with its own unique characteristics. Oblong faces are distinguished by a longer length compared to width, with the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline typically sharing the same width. This balanced symmetry means oblong faces can experiment with a variety of frame styles to enhance their natural shape. By recognizing your face shape, you can select sunglasses that highlight your best features, add width where needed, and create a harmonious overall appearance.

To find the right pair of sunglasses, it’s important to accurately determine your face shape. Start by measuring the length and width of your face, paying close attention to the proportions. Oblong faces tend to have a face length that is nearly twice the width, with a narrow chin and a forehead that is slightly broader. Examine the contours of your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead—if these features align in width and your face appears longer than it is wide, you likely have an oblong face shape. If you need more help determining your face shape, check out our quick and easy face shape guide for glasses.

An oblong face is defined by its length, typically longer than it is wide, with balanced features across the forehead, cheeks, and jawline. Key characteristics include:

• A long facial length relative to width

• High forehead

• Narrow, slightly curved chin that gently tapers from a broader forehead

• Cheekbones that are not very prominent, creating a more streamlined appearance

• Forehead, cheeks, and jawline that align in width

These are the key features of the oblong face shape. Compared to other different face shapes, such as the rectangular face shape, oblong faces tend to have softer jawlines and less angular features, while rectangular faces often have a more squared jaw and a sharper chin.

Identifying these traits allows you to choose frame shapes that harmonize with your natural contours rather than exaggerate them. Celebrities with iconic oblong faces include Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, and Jake Gyllenhaal—proof that style and proportion can coexist beautifully. Oblong faces are often considered attractive due to their symmetry and elongated features.

The central principle is contrast: opt for the best glasses and frame shapes that introduce horizontal emphasis to balance vertical length. Choosing the right glasses style is essential for oblong face shapes—look for thick, bold, oversized, or wide frames, as these visually shorten the face and draw attention to the eyes.

Other factors to consider include matching the frame width to your face width for a proper fit and balanced appearance. Frame width should align with your cheekbones to ensure comfort and visual harmony. Lower bridge placement can help visually shorten the nose. Frames with decorative elements, accents, patterns, or bold designs on the temples add visual width and balance to an oblong face. Thicker frames and styles with sharp angles can also create a more harmonious look.

Thin, small, or narrow frames should be avoided, as they can make an oblong face appear longer. However, narrow frames can be suitable if they are not too wide, to prevent sliding and misalignment. Oversized and thicker frames are ideal for reducing the appearance of length and adding width, while frames with vibrant colors or bold details help bring a sense of width or weight to the center of your long face.

Square sunglasses are a classic style that introduces angularity to offset length. Their sharp angles provide a nice contrast to the softer features of oblong-shaped faces, making both square and rectangular sunglasses especially flattering for this face shape. Slightly wider than the cheekbones, they provide definition around the eyes, enhancing facial symmetry.

Rectangular or other angular designs counterbalance elongated features. Sharp corners create visual width, harmonizing narrow cheeks and jawlines. While both oblong and rectangular face shapes benefit from angular frames, the effect can differ: rectangular frames can add structure to an oblong face shape by balancing its length, whereas for a rectangular face shape—with its high forehead and squared chin—rectangular frames may emphasize the angularity. Rectangular faces and oblong faces both suit angular frames, but choosing the right style helps highlight your best features.

Oversized sunglasses with thicker frames are ideal for reducing the appearance of length and adding width to oblong faces. These bold, oversized frames wear comfortably and flatter oblong face shapes by covering more horizontal space, visually shortening the face and creating a balanced, proportionate appearance with playful sophistication.

Browline or two-tone frames emphasize the upper face, drawing attention to the eyes and softening the vertical length of an oblong face. Browline sunglasses and Clubmaster styles are particularly flattering for oblong face shapes due to their bold upper frame, which adds depth and width to the brow area. Browline sunglasses offer a wider look but a tighter fit, making them especially suitable for oblong face shapes by enhancing the overall appearance with added horizontal emphasis.

Hexagonal and multi-shape geometric frames introduce angles that break vertical lines and widen the upper face, offering modern, structured appeal. Geometric sunglasses, such as those from Kraywoods, are ideal for oblong faces because they add horizontal width and draw attention to the upper part of the face.

Aviator sunglasses are an ideal choice for people with oblong or rectangular faces, as their teardrop shape and double bridge design add width and draw attention to the eyes. Aviators’ teardrop shape softens the facial length, balancing a broader forehead with a narrower chin for a timeless, flattering look.

Cat-eye sunglasses are a fashionable eyewear style known for their bold lines, winged design, and old school vibe, making them a stylish statement piece. Cat-eye frames with upward sweeping corners add lift and width to the top of the face, making them particularly flattering for oblong-shaped faces by balancing out elongated features.

Not all styles of round sunglasses tend to be suited for oblong face shapes. Round frames should be larger and bolder to avoid highlighting the length of an oblong face, while round sunglasses add softness and contrast, creating a harmonious proportion.

Oversized sunglasses are a stylish choice for oblong faces, but it’s important to consider size limitations to achieve the best effect. While larger frames can add width and help balance the length of an oblong face, frames that are too big may overwhelm your features and detract from your appearance. Look for oversized sunglasses with frames that are proportional to your face size—wide enough to add balance, but not so large that they dominate your facial features. The right pair of oversized sunglasses will create a harmonious look, adding width and reducing the appearance of length without overpowering your natural shape.

• When selecting sunglasses for an oblong face shape, consider the key features of your face, such as its proportions and length.
• Experiment with frame materials like acetate, mixed woods, or metal to add structure and subtle texture—the material of the frame affects both the weight and the overall look.
• Opt for a lightweight frame to minimize pressure on your nose and ears, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
• Choose sunglasses with taller lenses, as they help reduce the appearance of length in oblong faces, while sunglasses with shorter lenses can accentuate it.
• Additionally, lens color can enhance depth and highlight features, and selecting frame colors and styles that complement your skin tone will further enhance your overall appearance and personal style. Check out our curated sunglasses buying guide for more fit and style tips.

When selecting sunglasses for an oblong face shape, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Avoid choosing frames that are too small or narrow, as these can make your face appear even longer and disrupt the balance of your features.
• Steer clear of frames with excessive angles or sharp lines, which can accentuate the length of your face rather than soften it.
• Additionally, overly embellished or decorative frames may draw attention away from your eyes and add unnecessary visual clutter. Instead, opt for sunglasses with clean lines, simple designs, and a balanced shape that enhances your facial features and overall appearance.

By sidestepping these pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pair of sunglasses for an oblong face.

Kraywoods designs sunglasses with structure, proportion, and long-term performance in mind. Each frame is crafted from responsibly sourced materials such as sustainably sourced wood, eco-friendly acetate, and high-quality metal—combining durability with refined aesthetics.

All Kraywoods sunglasses offer full UV protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, while thoughtfully selected lens tints help reduce glare and enhance visual clarity in bright conditions. Premium lens options are also available, allowing you to tailor your sunglasses to your lifestyle and comfort needs.

At Kraywoods, face shape is part of the design philosophy. We recognize the importance of choosing sunglasses that truly complement your features, and our collections make it easier to explore styles suited to your proportions—so you’re selecting with intention, not guesswork.

For oblong faces, the right sunglasses create balance, proportion, and visual harmony. Frames that add width—through bold shapes, oversized designs, or angular detailing—enhance features without overwhelming them. By understanding your face structure and choosing thoughtfully crafted frames, you can elevate any look with confidence, sophistication, and a touch of personality.

If you’re ready to explore more eyewear options tailored specifically to your proportions, you can also read our guide on eyeglasses for oblong face shape for deeper insight into everyday frames. And when you feel confident about your ideal fit, browse our full sunglasses collection for oblong faces to discover designs curated with balance and structure in mind.

The best glasses and best sunglasses for oblong face shapes are those that add width and balance, such as oversized, bold, or geometric frames.

Yes, narrow frames accentuate vertical length and make the oblong face appear longer.

Absolutely—aviators’ teardrop shape softens facial length while balancing proportions.

Oversized round frames contrast vertical length, providing balance and vintage-inspired style.

Lower bridges visually shorten the nose, enhancing facial symmetry with wider frames.

Yes, combining textures adds dimension and sophistication while maintaining proportional balance.