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11 Sunglasses For Small Faces That Reviewers Swear By
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Shopping for sunglasses when you have a petite or narrow face can be a real challenge. And finding a pair that’ll fit comfortably and match your style? Even more difficult. But the perfect pair is out there — you just need to dig around a little. To make this process easier, I've done some research and made a list of the best sunglasses for small faces.
Given the variation in size among styles (aviators, for example, tend to be bigger than athletic sunglasses), I relied on customer reviews to verify their small-face compatibility. I also looked for manufacturer descriptions noting a pair's suitability for small- and medium-size faces.
However, I didn't want size to be the only qualification, so I also evaluated things like durability, UV protection, visual clarity, weight, and scratch resistance. When considering these points, I looked at the following:
Frames
Frames are usually made from plastic or acetate. Both are good choices, though acetate tends to have greater glossiness and richer color. Plastic, on the other hand, is often more flexible, particularly choices like Grilamid (aka TR-90), which tend to be best for sports and other high-impact activities.
Lens Material
Lenses are usually made from either plastic (typically polycarbonate) or glass. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter, more impact-resistant, and less likely to cause injury if you wear them during sports. However, they're also less scratch-resistant and the visual clarity isn't as crisp. Glass lenses, in contrast, are almost fully scratch-proof and have better optical clarity. There are also composite lenses, which are made with a lightweight blend of materials that usually includes polycarbonate.
UV Protection
When evaluating lenses, UV protection is another big consideration. Polycarbonate is naturally UV-blocking, so it's one of your best options for bright, sunny locations. However, both glass and polycarbonate can be treated with UV-blocking coatings, so the former isn't necessarily inferior in this regard.
Polarization & Mirrored Lenses
Although often confused, polarization and mirrored lenses are actually two different things. Neither one blocks UV rays — instead, they both reflect light away. Polarized lenses target glare specifically, so they're usually ideal for water, snow, or other reflective areas. Mirrored lenses, on the other hand, are metallic coatings that simply reflect light. This actually makes it brighter for the person wearing them, thus reducing eye strain.
With these qualities in mind, check out the list below of the best sunglasses for small faces. If you wear prescription lenses, check out a company like SportRX, which can transform regular sunglasses into prescriptions.
In a hurry? These are our top 5 picks for the best sunglasses for small faces:
1. Best Overall: Suncloud Polarized Sunglasses
2. Budget Friendly: Carfia Vintage Round Polarized Sunglasses
3. Best Cat-Eye Frame: Kate Spade New York Angeliq Cat-Eye Sunglasses
4. Best Aviators: Ralph Lauren RA 4004 Sunglasses
5. Best For Running: Tifosi Wisp Sunglasses
6. Best For Water Activities: Costa Del Mar Anaa Sunglasses
7. Best Round Sunglasses With A Plastic Frame: ZENOTTIC Polarized Round Sunglasses
8. Best Round Wire-Frame Glasses: NIEEPA John Lennon Round Sunglasses
9. Best Rectangular Sunglasses: FEISEDY Slender Square Sunglasses
10. Best Rimless Sunglasses: AEVOGUE Rimless Sunglasses
11. Best Heart-Shaped Sunglasses: LVIOE Heart-Shaped Sunglasses
1The Overall Best Sunglasses For Small Faces
What's great about them: On top of their chic design and top-notch visual clarity, these high-quality women's sunglasses have tons of reviews that vouch for how well they fit small faces. The frames are built with durable Grilamid that's tough, flexible, and snap-resistant, and the polarized polycarbonate lenses offer impressive optics given the midrange price. If you wear them on water or snow, they'll reduce glare while keeping the color transmission stellar. They have 100% UV protection, and they're available in 10 different lens-frame combinations.
According to one reviewer: "I have a very narrow face, and these fit great! Super happy with the quality of the polarized lenses too.”
2The Best Budget-Friendly Sunglasses For Small Faces
What's great about them: The optics aren't quite as amazing on these as with the first pair; however, given the price, they remain some of the best budget sunglasses out there. Built with relatively strong, hand-polished cellulose acetate frames, they're not prone to cracking easily, and they offer a decent amount of flex. The polarized lenses feature glare reduction as well as UV protection. They come in a variety of colors and have a 4.4-star rating on Amazon.
According to one reviewer: "I’ve made the rounds of cheap sunglasses on Amazon, Sojos and Sungait. These are the best for my narrow face. They feel much more expensive than they are.”
3The Best Cat-Eyes
What's great about them: With a cute cat-eye shape, these stylish women's sunglasses make a great choice to wear while you're out and about. They boast top-grade composite lenses that offer 100% UV protection and a strong resin frame. The built-in nose guard prevents them from sliding down, and the dual-colored aesthetic lends them extra style points. Like the previous selection, however, they are nonpolarized, so they won't perform as well near water or other reflective places.
According to one reviewer: Trendy, fashionable cat eye sunglasses. I love the combination color of blush/brown, and it looks perfect with my small face frame.”
4The Best Aviators
What's great about them: Fans say these chic women's aviator sunglasses feel lightweight and, unlike many similar pairs, the nose bridge doesn't dig in or leave red marks. The composite lenses feature a blend of polycarbonate and other tough materials, making them strong, flexible, and scratch-resistant (several reviewers wrote that they've had them for years). These sunglasses have metal frames showcasing sleek, low-profile arms that look stylish, making them a great pair to wear around town. They are not polarized but do feature UV protection.
According to one reviewer: "I really like this pair of sunglasses. I have always had a problem finding stylish frames to fit my face because I'm pretty petite. These fit my face great and feel really sturdy!”
5The Best For Running
What's great about them: Specifically made for high-activity sports, these are some of the best running sunglasses for small faces. The frames are made with extra-lightweight Grilamid that's super durable with lots of flex. The polycarbonate lenses are 100% UV-blocking, and they have glare protection, too. The aerodynamic design prevents them from slowing you down, and fans say they stay on your face without bouncing. Plus, they come in four color options. The only drawback is that they are nonpolarized.
According to one reviewer: "Great for small faces! Love the coverage, style, size and the fact that they stay on my face during a run in the heat!”
6The Best Sunglasses For Water Activities
What's great about them: Most of the picks on this list are good for the beach, but these Costa Del Mar sunglasses are specially designed for water activities like fishing, boating, and stand-up paddleboarding. They feature top-grade polarization to reduce glare, and certain color options have mirrored lenses, too. (The blue, green, and copper lenses make the best beach choices because they have the lowest light transmission rates.)
These sunglasses come in your choice of glass or polycarbonate lenses, but both options offer full UV protection, according to the brand. The glass ones are especially great for the beach because they're more scratch-resistant and withstand saltwater and sand better. Keep in mind, however, that if you opt for the glass, you'll want to be careful during activities like beach volleyball or other high-impact sports.
According to one reviewer: "I have a small head/face and these were a perfect fit. They are comfortable and stylish, and stayed put even when I was more active. I highly recommend.”
7The Best Round Sunglasses With A Plastic Frame
What’s great about them: If you’re looking for a pair of inexpensive round sunglasses, but don’t love the look and feel of metal frames, these are a great option. The lightweight plastic frame is comfortable to wear, and the mirrored lenses are both polarized and have a UV-protective coating to keep your eyes safe from the sun’s rays. The arms have spring-loaded hinges that flex beyond 90 degrees, making them super adaptable for a wide variety of face shapes and sizes, including smaller faces. They come in thirteen different color options, with non-mirrored lenses available if that’s your preference.
According to one reviewer: “These actually fit really well on my small face. Usually glasses swallow half my face and these fit great and look good too. Wore them for a tropical trip and they held up well in both the ocean and the jungle.”
8The Best Round Wire-frame Glasses
What's great about them: If you like the look of round sunglasses, these John Lennon-style Ray-Bans are the way to go. Reviewers say they fit comfortably on smaller faces and they don't constantly slide down, largely due to the curved nose bridge. They have a cool, retro aesthetic with small circular lenses and wire-thin arms. Available in nine different color schemes, they boast 100% UV protection, and some options have polarized lenses in both mirrored and non-mirrored finishes. At just $11, what’s not to love?
According to one reviewer: “I have been looking for these small round sunglasses for a long time. I was impressed on how high quality they are for the price.”
9The Best Rectangular Sunglasses
What’s great about them: These retro-inspired square sunglasses cost just $15, which is an awesome deal. The plastic lenses aren’t polarized, but they do come treated with a UV-protective coating, and are available in a variety of soft pastel and bright candy colors for a bold look. The lightweight metal frames are easy to adjust, and come in silver, gold, and black tones. They come in seven different styles, with a case for storage as well as a microfiber cloth to keep the lenses clean.
According to one reviewer: “I have a small face and these sunglasses fit me just right. I’m going to order another pair .”
10The Best Rimless Sunglasses
What’s great about them: If you love the look of slightly oversized sunglasses, but have a smaller face, these rimless sunglasses are a great buy at under $10 a pair. The rimless lenses are made from a non-polarized composite material, and they have a diamond-cut edge that offers definition and depth. They’re treated with a scratch-resistant coating, but are not listed as being UV-protective, which is worth keeping in mind. The frames are made from lightweight metal, and they have plastic nose pads and a coating on the ends of the arms for added comfort..
According to one reviewer: “These sunglasses are bomb! I have more of an oval shaped face and a small head, so I am real particular when it comes to buying oversize sunglasses. But these were the perfect fit!”
11The Best Heart-Shaped Sunglasses
What’s great about them: Heart-shaped sunglasses aren’t just for costumes, they can actually be great for everyday wear, adding a touch of whimsy to any look. They have plastic frames that are comfortable to wear, and the tri-acetate cellulose lenses are both polarized and provide protection from UV rays. The lenses come in both mirrored and non-mirrored options, and the frames are available in solid black and tortoiseshell colors. The nose pads are integrated into the frame design for added comfort, and they come with a bag, cleaning cloth, and a card to test the polarization.
According to one reviewer: “I never leave the house without these glasses. They are super stylish and fit perfectly. I love the patterned frames and the shape. They are well made and are holding up wonderfully.”
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