For those with an oblong face, the best sunglasses styles are those that add width and break up the face's natural length. Think oversized frames, classic aviators, bold wayfarers, and strong D-frame shapes. Styles with prominent horizontal lines or decorative temples also work wonders by drawing the eye outward, creating a balanced and flattering look that complements your unique features.
Understanding Your Oblong Face Shape
You've got a distinctive look, and understanding your face shape is the first step to finding sunglasses that truly pop. An oblong face, sometimes called a rectangular face, is generally longer than it is wide. You'll often notice a longer nose, a relatively straight line from the forehead to the jaw, and sometimes a narrower chin. Your cheekbones aren't typically the widest part of your face; instead, there's a lovely, elongated elegance to your profile.
What Makes an Oblong Face Unique?
The key characteristic is length. While many face shapes have a clear widest point, an oblong face maintains a more consistent width from the forehead down to the jawline. This gives you a sophisticated canvas, perfect for experimenting with frames that introduce visual interest and balance.
The Goal: Add Width and Break Up Length
When selecting sunglasses for an oblong face, your mission is clear: you want frames that create the illusion of width and visually shorten the face. This means steering clear of anything too narrow or too small, which can only emphasize the length. Instead, we're looking for styles that add a horizontal element, drawing attention to your eyes and temples, and making your face appear more proportional.
Best Sunglasses Styles for Oblong Faces
Let's dive into the specific styles that are a match made in heaven for your oblong face. These frames are designed to complement your features, bringing out your best angles and adding that effortless Cali cool.
Aviators: The Timeless Classic
Aviator sunglasses are a fantastic choice for oblong faces. Their iconic teardrop shape and often generous size add significant width to the upper part of your face. The slight curve of the lenses and the prominent brow bar help to break up the vertical lines of an oblong face, creating a flattering contrast. Look for aviators that are wide enough to extend slightly beyond the widest part of your temples. Cali Life Co. offers aviator-inspired styles that bring this classic look to our unique wood, bamboo, and bio-acetate frames.
Wayfarers: Bold and Broad
The classic wayfarer, or even an oversized wayfarer, is another powerhouse for oblong faces. Their thick, angular frames and broad top line are excellent for adding width and definition. The strong horizontal line of the brow helps to counteract the length of your face. Wayfarers are versatile and come in many sizes, so you can find a pair that perfectly complements your facial dimensions. Our sunglasses collection often features wayfarer-esque designs crafted with our signature materials.
D-Frame and Square Frames: Sharp Angles for Balance
D-frame and other square or rectangular frames can work wonderfully, especially if they are wider rather than tall. The sharp angles of these frames provide a strong contrast to the softer lines of an oblong face, and their breadth adds the much-needed width. Just be sure to pick frames that aren't too narrow or too deep, as that can emphasize length. A good D-frame will sit comfortably and extend horizontally, giving your face a balanced appearance.
Cat-Eye (Subtle to Upswept): A Touch of Flair
For those who love a bit of retro glam, cat-eye sunglasses can be incredibly flattering. The upswept outer edges draw the eye upwards and outwards, adding width to your temples and cheekbones. Whether you prefer a subtle lift or a more dramatic feline flick, cat-eye frames introduce a playful yet sophisticated element that works well to soften and balance the length of an oblong face. Explore our eco-friendly sunglasses for unique takes on classic shapes.
Round or Oval Frames (Wider Versions): Softening the Edges
While often recommended for angular faces, wider round or oval frames can also suit an oblong face beautifully. The key is "wider." If the frames are too small or too narrow, they'll get lost. However, a generously sized round or oval frame can soften any perceived harshness in an oblong face, while its width effectively breaks up the vertical lines. They offer a softer alternative to more angular styles, providing a harmonious balance.
Frames with Decorative Temples or Horizontal Accents
Don't underestimate the power of design details. Frames that feature decorative temples, bold patterns on the arms, or any kind of strong horizontal accent can be incredibly effective. These elements draw the eye outwards towards the sides of your face, instantly adding perceived width and diminishing the impression of length. It's a subtle trick that makes a big difference in balancing your features.
Frame Features to Look For
Beyond the general style, certain frame features can make all the difference in how sunglasses flatter an oblong face. Pay attention to these details when making your selection.
Size Matters: Embrace Oversized
For oblong faces, oversized sunglasses are often your best friend. They provide the necessary width and coverage to balance your face's length. Make sure the frames extend slightly beyond the widest part of your face at the temples. This creates a horizontal line that effectively shortens the appearance of your face.
Bridge Placement: Shorten the Nose Visually
If you have a longer nose, a lower bridge on your sunglasses can create the illusion of a shorter nose. A high bridge, conversely, can make the nose appear even longer. Experiment with different bridge heights to see what feels most comfortable and looks most flattering on you.
Temple Placement: Where the Arms Meet the Frame
The point where the arms (temples) of the sunglasses attach to the frame can also influence how wide your face appears. Mid-set or lower-set temples tend to add more width to the face, drawing the eye outwards. High-set temples can sometimes emphasize length, so generally, aim for temples that align with or are slightly below your eye line.
Color and Material: Define Your Look
Bolder colors and thicker frames can add more definition and weight to your face, which is beneficial for an oblong shape. Cali Life Co.'s unique wood, bamboo, and bio-acetate frames offer rich textures and natural tones that stand out. These materials not only look great but also contribute to the overall presence of the frame, helping to balance your facial proportions. From the warm hues of natural wood to the sleek finish of bio-acetate, our materials provide both style and substance.
Styles to Approach with Caution (or Avoid)
While personal style always reigns supreme, certain frame types might not be the most flattering for an oblong face. Knowing what to generally avoid can save you time and help you narrow down your choices.
Narrow Frames: Emphasizing Length
Any frames that are significantly narrower than your face will only exaggerate its length. They'll make your face appear even longer and narrower than it already is, which is the opposite of our goal. Steer clear of frames that feel tight on the sides or don't extend past your temples.
Super Skinny Frames: Minimal Impact
Similar to narrow frames, super skinny or minimalist frames offer very little visual weight. They won't provide the necessary horizontal emphasis to balance an oblong face, often getting lost on your features. While they might be trendy, they won't do much to flatter your specific face shape.
Frames with High Bridges: Drawing Attention Upwards
Frames with a very high bridge can draw attention upwards and make your nose appear even longer. If you're conscious of your nose length, it's best to opt for frames with a lower or average bridge placement to create a more harmonious look.
Why Cali Life Co. is Your Go-To for Oblong Faces
At Cali Life Co., we believe everyone deserves sunglasses that look great and feel even better. Our commitment to quality, style, and sustainability makes us an ideal choice for finding your perfect pair, especially if you have an oblong face.
Our Materials: Sustainable Style
We craft our frames from premium, eco-friendly materials like FSC-certified wood, bamboo, and bio-acetate. These materials not only give our sunglasses a unique, natural aesthetic but also offer exceptional durability and comfort. The natural textures and varied finishes of wood and bamboo add a distinctive character that can beautifully complement an oblong face, giving the frame a substantial, eye-catching presence.
Lens Technology: Clarity and Protection
Every pair of Cali Life Co. sunglasses features TAC polarized UV400 lenses. This means you get superior glare reduction, enhanced color and contrast, and 100% protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Whether you're cruising the coast or exploring the mountains, your eyes will be protected and your vision crystal clear.
Durability & Design: Built to Last
Our frames are designed in San Diego with the California lifestyle in mind. The laminated multi-layer construction of our wood frames ensures strength and flexibility, while stainless steel spring hinges provide a comfortable, secure fit for a wide range of face sizes. We're so confident in our craftsmanship that we offer a lifetime frame warranty, because we believe your sunglasses should last as long as your adventures.
Unbeatable Value: Premium Quality, Accessible Price
We're proud to offer premium quality sunglasses at an accessible price point, with entry prices starting around $39. You don't have to break the bank to get stylish, durable, and eco-friendly eyewear that perfectly suits your oblong face.
Find Your Perfect Pair
Ready to discover the Cali Life Co. difference? Explore our full range of sunglasses, including our stunning wood sunglasses and eco-friendly options. Our men's collection also features many styles that are perfect for oblong faces, offering a blend of classic and contemporary designs.
Putting It All Together: A Quick Guide for Oblong Faces
Here's a quick summary to help you visualize the best choices for your oblong face shape:
| Style | Why It Works for Oblong Faces | Cali Life Co. Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Aviator | Adds width with its classic teardrop shape and broad upper frame. Breaks up vertical lines. | Our aviator-inspired designs offer generous width and a comfortable fit in wood or bio-acetate. |
| Wayfarer (Oversized) | Strong horizontal top line and broad frames add significant width and definition. | Look for our wider, bolder wayfarer styles crafted from FSC-certified wood or bamboo. |
| D-Frame / Square (Wider) | Angular lines provide contrast and the width helps to balance face length. | We offer square and D-frame options with ample width and sturdy laminated construction. |
| Cat-Eye (Subtle to Upswept) | Draws the eye outwards and upwards, adding width to temples and softening features. | Our collection includes eco-friendly cat-eye styles that provide a flattering lift. |
| Round / Oval (Wider) | Softens angular features and adds width, provided they are generously sized. | Discover wider round or oval frames in our bamboo and bio-acetate lines for a softer look. |
| Frames with Decorative Temples | Draws the eye horizontally, adding perceived width to the face. | Many of our wood and bamboo frames inherently offer unique temple textures and patterns. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oblong face shape?
An oblong face shape is characterized by being longer than it is wide, often with a longer nose, a relatively straight line from the forehead to the jaw, and sometimes a narrower chin. The width of the face remains fairly consistent from top to bottom.
What are the best sunglasses styles for an oblong face?
The best sunglasses styles for an oblong face are those that add width and break up the face's length. Excellent choices include oversized aviators, bold wayfarers, wide D-frame or square styles, cat-eye frames, and generously sized round or oval sunglasses. Frames with decorative or prominent temples also work well.
What sunglasses should an oblong face avoid?
Oblong faces should generally avoid sunglasses that are too narrow, too small, or too short, as these can emphasize the face's length. Super skinny frames and frames with very high bridges might also be less flattering, as they don't provide the necessary width or can make the nose appear longer.
How do I know if my face is oblong?
To determine if your face is oblong, measure its length from your hairline to your chin, and its width across your cheekbones. If your face is noticeably longer than it is wide, and your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are roughly the same width, you likely have an oblong face shape.
What features should I look for in sunglasses for an oblong face?
When selecting sunglasses for an oblong face, look for frames that are wider than your face, preferably oversized. A lower bridge can visually shorten a longer nose. Mid-set or lower-set temples can add width. Bolder colors and thicker frames made from materials like Cali Life Co.'s wood or bio-acetate can also add definition and balance.
Does Cali Life Co. offer sunglasses suitable for oblong faces?
Absolutely! Cali Life Co. offers a wide range of styles crafted from FSC-certified wood, bamboo, and bio-acetate, featuring TAC polarized UV400 lenses and stainless steel spring hinges. Many of our aviator-inspired, wayfarer, D-frame, and wider round or cat-eye styles are perfectly suited to flatter an oblong face, all backed by our lifetime frame warranty and starting around $39.