20 Types of Sunglasses: Shapes, Lenses and How to Choose Yours

Sunglasses do two jobs at once: they protect your eyes and they finish your outfit. But shops use dozens of names, and it is hard to tell a wayfarer from a browline or polarized from mirrored. This guide explains 20 types of sunglasses, covering both frame shapes and lens types, so you can choose a pair that looks good and works well.

The table below matches six popular shapes to the face shapes and situations they suit.

Type of sunglasses	Often suits	Best for
Aviator	Square and oval faces	Driving, travel
Wayfarer	Oval and round faces	Everyday wear
Round	Square and angular faces	Casual and retro looks
Cat-eye	Round and heart-shaped faces	Fashion and evenings
Square	Round and oval faces	Daily wear
Wrap-around	Most faces	Sports and outdoor activity

1. Aviator sunglasses

Aviators have thin metal frames and large teardrop lenses. They were first made for pilots and now work for almost anyone. They suit most face shapes, especially square and oval ones, and they are comfortable for long drives.

2. Wayfarer sunglasses

Wayfarers have thick plastic frames that are wider at the top and slightly angled. The shape is bold and casual and suits oval and round faces. It is a safe everyday choice.

3. Round sunglasses

Round frames have circular lenses that give a soft, retro look. They balance angular faces and strong jawlines. On a round face they can look repetitive, so try a different shape.

4. Cat-eye sunglasses

Cat-eye frames sweep upward at the outer corners. The shape lifts the face and suits round and heart-shaped faces. It adds glamour to simple outfits.

5. Square sunglasses

Square frames have straight edges and sharp corners. They add definition to softer faces such as round and oval ones, and work well for daily use.

6. Rectangle sunglasses

Rectangle frames are wider than they are tall. They look sleek and neat and suit smart-casual outfits. They also make a round face look a little longer.

7. Oversized sunglasses

Oversized frames have large lenses that cover a big part of the face. They give extra sun coverage and a glamorous look. Make sure they are not wider than your face, or they will slide down.

8. Wrap-around sunglasses

Wrap-around frames curve to follow the face, blocking light from the sides. They are popular for cycling, driving and outdoor sports because they stay in place and cut glare.

9. Sports sunglasses

Sports sunglasses are lightweight and often have rubber grips on the nose and temples. They stay put when you move, and many are impact-resistant. Choose them for running, cycling and trekking.

10. Shield sunglasses

Shield sunglasses use a single wide lens that spans both eyes. They give strong coverage and a futuristic look, and they suit sports and bold fashion statements.

11. Browline sunglasses

Browline frames have a heavy upper rim and a thin or missing lower rim, which emphasises the brow. They suit oval and heart-shaped faces and give a classic, smart look.

12. Butterfly sunglasses

Butterfly frames are wide and rounded, and they flare slightly at the outer edges like wings. They suit oval and heart-shaped faces and make a strong fashion statement.

13. Hexagonal sunglasses

Hexagonal frames have six sides and sit between round and square. The unusual shape suits oval and round faces and adds interest to a plain outfit.

14. Rimless sunglasses

Rimless sunglasses have no frame around the lenses, so they look light and almost invisible. They suit minimal outfits, but the lenses can chip more easily, so handle them with care.

15. Geometric sunglasses

Geometric frames use unusual shapes such as triangles, octagons and angular lines. They stand out and suit people who like a bold, creative look.

16. Mirrored sunglasses

Mirrored lenses have a reflective coating on the outside that bounces light away and hides your eyes. They are good in very bright conditions and suit snow, water and sporty looks.

17. Polarized sunglasses

Polarized lenses have a filter that reduces glare reflected from flat surfaces such as water, roads and snow. They help with driving and fishing. They can make some digital screens hard to read, so test your phone and car display before you buy.

18. Gradient sunglasses

Gradient lenses are darker at the top and fade lighter towards the bottom. They cut glare from above while letting you see the dashboard or phone below, which suits driving.

19. Photochromic sunglasses

Photochromic lenses darken in bright sunlight and lighten indoors. They are handy if you move between inside and outside a lot, though they usually change a little slowly.

20. Clip-on sunglasses

Clip-on sunglasses attach to the front of ordinary prescription glasses. They are a practical option if you wear spectacles, because you do not need a separate prescription pair.

How to choose the right sunglasses

Start with protection. Look for lenses labelled UV400 or one hundred percent UV protection. The darkness of the lens does not tell you how much UV light it blocks, so check the label.

Next, match the frame to your face shape. A simple guide is to choose a shape that contrasts with your face: angular frames for round faces, and rounder frames for angular faces. Treat it as a starting point and try several pairs on.

Check the fit. The frame should sit comfortably on your nose, not pinch behind your ears, and not slide when you look down. The lenses should cover your eyes and the area around them.

Think about how you will use them. Wrap-around and polarized pairs suit driving and sport. Classic frames suit everyday wear. Complete the look with a bag from our guide to types of bags and earrings that do not compete with your frames.

How to care for sunglasses

Clean the lenses with a microfibre cloth and a drop of mild soap and water. Rubbing dry lenses with your shirt can scratch them. Keep sunglasses in a hard case, and do not leave them on a car dashboard, where heat can warp the frames and damage coatings.

FAQs

What are the most popular types of sunglasses?

Aviators, wayfarers, round frames, cat-eyes and square frames are the most popular shapes.

Which sunglasses are best for driving?

Polarized or gradient lenses in aviator, wayfarer or wrap-around frames work well, because they cut glare. Check that you can still read your dashboard through them.

Are polarized sunglasses worth it?

They are useful near water, snow and roads, where glare is strong. For plain city wear, good UV protection matters more than polarization.

Which sunglasses suit a round face?

Square, rectangle and cat-eye frames add angles that balance a round face. Avoid very round frames.