Sunglasses are more than a quintessential fashion accessory. True, they can make your wardrobe more stylish and versatile, but they also provide essential protection for your eyes. 

Sunglasses protect against harmful UV rays, dust, and heat. They make driving, walking, and sports safer by reducing glare.

With so many styles available, people often struggle to find the perfect pair of sunglasses. This guide will cover the different types of sunglasses, which styles will match your face shape, and things to consider when shopping for a new pair of shades.

Popular Types of Sunglasses 

Today’s market features various sunglass styles to choose from. Use this section to browse the most popular types:

Wayfarers

Wayfarer sunglasses were designed in the 1950s and have stood the test of time. Originally created by Ray-Ban, Wayfarers are now available from numerous brands.

They have thick frames, usually made from plastic. Wayfarers are similar to square-shaped frames, but the bottom is curved, forming an upside-down trapezoid.

Aviators

Aviator sunglasses are another timeless style that’s been popular for decades. Created for military pilots in 1935, aviators have since crossed over into mainstream fashion.

The design features a teardrop shape and a metal frame. And, of course, the signature top bar along the browline. 

Aviator frames have a large field of vision, providing superior protection. You typically see them with a metal frame (gold or silver), though they are also available in plastic.

Browline Sunglasses

Browline sunglasses get their name from the thick top frame that runs along your eyebrows. The extra thin (or absent) lower rims further accent the look.

Originally designed in the 1950s and ‘60s, these retro frames remain a popular choice for sunglasses and regular eyeglasses.

Square Sunglasses

Square sunglasses come in a variety of sizes and styles. They’re usually not completely square but slightly rounded at the bottom.

These frames flatter many face shapes, especially round, oval, and oblong. They give a nice contrasting edge to softer features.

Round Sunglasses

Round sunglasses are a popular choice for festival-goers, Beatles fans, and anyone looking to top their outfit with a distinguished vibe.

Available in thick or thin frames made of metal or plastic, round sunglasses are very versatile. Thin metal frames like those worn by John Lennon create a vintage look, while thick plastic styles offer a more modern flair.

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Cat-eye sunglasses are a retro, feminine style that makes an eye-catching fashion statement. Their thick frames feature upswept angles at the top outer edges like the cat’s eye shape they’re named for.

Made famous by Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, cat-eye frames still make waves in the world of fashion. They’re available in various colors and flattering for every face shape.

Rectangle Sunglasses

Rectangle sunglasses are like square frames, but they’re wider than they are tall. You’ll find many variations of this style in a wide range of materials and colors. From thin rectangles with angled edges to larger lenses with slightly rounded frames, they offer a classic yet versatile look. 

Oval Sunglasses

Oval sunglasses are similar to the round style but slightly wider. They usually have thick plastic frames but can also be thin and metallic. The oblong shape is flattering for almost all face shapes, making oval sunglasses a fashion staple.  

Wrap-Around Sunglasses

Wrap-around sunglasses are curved around the front of the face. The wrap-around style offers excellent protection from UV damage, making them popular with sports brands like Oakley.

Besides blocking ultraviolet light, wrap-around shades have one of the largest fields of vision. This makes them a great choice for athletes and outdoorsy people.

Sports Sunglasses

Sports eyewear often has specialized lenses and straps to hold your glasses in place. They offer superior eye protection from dust and other objects, as well as sunlight. 

Wrap-around and rectangle frames are the most popular sports sunglasses. They usually hold lightweight, shatterproof polycarbonate lenses.

Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized sunnies are another popular modern style. They’re typically square or oval-shaped with thick frames. Some frames will be multi-color or have additional details that create a unique retro and modern look.

Clubmaster Sunglasses

Similar to browline frames, clubmasters have a thick frame on the top, with extra thin rims around the bottom of the frames. The lenses are round, almost circular, and sometimes there is a top bar across the browline, like aviators. 

Clubmaster sunglasses always create a chic and funky fashion statement.

Butterfly Sunglasses

Similar to oversized and cat-eye shades, butterfly sunglasses have thick frames that are wide at the edges near your ears. They narrow down closer to the nose bridge, creating the butterfly shape they’re named after.

Geometric Style Sunglasses

Geometric sunglasses are unique and funky. They come in all different colors, shapes, sizes, and frame materials. Filled with sharp angles and unexpected features, these shades are sure to make a bold statement.

Flipper Shades Sunglasses

Flipper shades have two circular lenses for indoor and outdoor use. They have a steam-punk aesthetic and are meant for modern style.

Shield Sunglasses

Shield sunglasses offer the most protection with huge lenses that wrap around the front and side. If you’re thinking of the oversized, boxy sunglasses worn by seniors with degenerative eye disorders, fret not. These shades have come a long way. 

They’re an excellent choice for long days in the sun or anytime you need extra protection from UV light.

Where to Buy Sunglasses

Biggest Selection: GlassesUSA

Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect

Best Independent Retailer: Warby Parker

Types of Sunglass Lenses

Now that we’ve covered frames, let’s talk about the different types of lenses you’ll find in sunglasses.

Polarized Lenses

Polarized lenses block light that reflects off of flat surfaces. This greatly improves your vision around water, while driving, and in most outdoor situations. 

However, polarized lenses make it harder to see certain LED lights like those on your phone screen or an ATM.

Anti-Reflective Coating

Anti-reflective coating reduces glare by preventing light from reflecting off the back surface of your lenses. An anti-reflective coating is helpful if you don’t want the sun to bounce off your lenses while you’re having your photo taken or talking to someone.

Mirror-Coated Lenses

Mirror-coated lenses (also referred to as flash coatings) are highly reflective. They reduce the amount of light entering your eye, providing increased shade and comfort. 

These are useful in extra bright conditions, such as skiing or fishing on sunny days.

Gradient Lenses

Gradient lenses have a denser tint on the top of the lens and are less tinted at the bottom. These tinted lenses are ideal for driving. They protect your eyes from sunlight but let you see the road and your dashboard more clearly.

Double Gradient Lenses

Double gradient lenses are heavily tinted at the top and bottom but less tinted in the middle. This type of tinted lens gives you clear vision while protecting your eyes from overhead sunlight and light reflecting off of surfaces by your feet.

Photochromatic Lenses

Photochromatic, or transition lenses, adjust their level of tint according to the amount of UV light that hits them. You often see these lenses in regular eyeglasses, so the wearer doesn’t have to have two pairs of glasses. They provide excellent UV protection.

Prescription Sunglasses

You can fit nearly any type of sunglasses with lenses that match your eyeglasses prescription, including bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses.

Find the Right Sunglasses For Your Face shape

The best sunglasses will match and accentuate your face shape. Of course, this is only a guideline. The best way to find the right sunglasses is to try on several pairs and find the one that suits your face, style, and personality.

Round Shaped Face

Round faces are circular, with no sharp angles or edges. The cheekbones are the widest part of your face, like the diameter of a circle. Frames with sharp angles help to balance your features.

Some Ideal Frames:

• Rectangular
• Square
• Cat-eye
• Wayfarer
• Oversized
• Shield

Read More: Best Sunglasses for Round Faces

Square Shaped Face

Square faces have approximately the same width and length. They are characterized by a strong jawline and broad forehead. Round frames help round out your sharp features.

Some Ideal Frames:

• Round
• Aviator
• Butterfly/Cat-eye
• Browline
• Oval

Read More: Best Sunglasses for Square Faces

Heart Shaped Face

Heart-shaped faces have broad foreheads, high and wide cheekbones, and narrow chins. Frames with broad lower rims help balance features and elongate the face.

Some Ideal Frames:

• Round
• Rectangular
• Wayfarer
• Geometric
• Butterfly
• Cat-eye

Read More: Best Sunglasses for Heart Shaped Faces

Oval Shaped Face

Oval faces have balanced proportions, with your cheekbones wider than your forehead and jawline. Your face is longer than it is wide. Nearly all sunglasses styles will look good on an oval face.

Ideal frames:

• Square
• Rectangle
• Aviator
• Wrap-around
• Cat-Eye

Read More: Best Sunglasses for Oval Faces

Oblong/Rectangular Shaped Face

Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, similar to oval-shaped faces. The difference is in the cheek line. Rectangular faces have long, straight cheek lines. Thick, angular frames will help balance your rounded features.

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Ideal frames:

• Square
• Rectangle
• Wayfarer

Diamond Shaped Face

Diamond faces have narrow foreheads and jawlines. The cheekbones are the widest part of the face. Choose frames that complement high cheekbones.

Ideal frames:

• Oval
• Round
• Geometric
• Rimless

Read Best Sunglasses for Diamond Shaped Faces

Summary

• Many types of sunglasses are available, and finding the right style for you is a matter of fit, function, and fashion.
• Things to consider before buying a new pair of sunglasses include the style of frames and type of lenses you want.
• Certain frame shapes are more flattering on some face shapes than others.
• It’s important to choose a pair of sunglasses that offer full UV protection.
• Other things to consider include whether you’ll be using your new sunglasses for sports, driving, or casual wear.

Best Places to Buy Glasses

Best Overall

Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.

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Also Great

Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online.

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Best on a Budget

EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6.

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Best Places to Buy Contacts

Best Overall

1-800 Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online.

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Also Great

GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses.

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What Type of Sunglasses Are Right for You?

The most common types of sunglasses fall under three main categories: shape, lens, and frame — and each of the types can be combined. With these options, you can create endless variations to meet your needs. Plus, you can get protection from harmful UV rays as you sport a new look.

This guide is designed to help you discover which type of designer sunglasses you need. We’ll discuss which styles flatter your face shape, suit your specific needs, and speak to your style preferences. We’ll cover:

Types of Sunglasses by Shape

• Aviator
• Round
• Square
• Browline and Clubmaster
• Wayfarer
• Cat-Eye
• Wraparound
• Retro Sunglasses

Type of Sunglasses by Frame

• Oversized Sunglasses
• Clip-On Sunglasses
• Metal Sunglasses
• Plastic Sunglasses
• Sports Sunglasses
• Tactical Sunglasses

Type of Sunglasses by Lens

• Prescription
• Photochromic
• Polarized

Aviator Sunglasses

Bausch and Lomb developed Ray-Ban aviators for fighter pilots in 1936. Since then, classic Ray-Ban aviators have been one of the most easily recognizable styles of sunglasses. Details like their wide teardrop lenses, flat browline, and double bridge are classic staples. Traditionally, the aviator’s rims and frames were made of lightweight metal. But over the decades, designers added flourishes and used new frame materials to update the sunglasses style.

Today, aviator sunglasses are crafted in glossy acetate, featherweight metal alloys, propionate, performance plastic, and even a combination of materials. And they come in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Other variations feature softly curved browlines, as well as a thick single bridge and slimmer teardrop lenses.

The classic aviator style is especially flattering for those with square, oval, and heart-shaped face shapes.

Round Sunglasses

Since the advent of eyewear, round sunglasses have been a reliable standby. Of course, we couldn’t go without mentioning John Lennon’s signature round frames. Or the many celebrities who sported oversized versions in the early 2000s. The round sunglasses type proves to be both versatile and timeless for anyone.

If you’re looking for a sunglasses style that adds a throwback appeal to your wardrobe, round frames are the style for you. (They look particularly great on a square face shape!)

As a bonus, they can feature a split frame, added accents around the rims, and any number of design details for added interest.

Square Sunglasses

Square sunglasses have equal-length rims on all four sides, creating a box shape. The silhouette can be characterized by either thick or thin square rims with angular or soft edges, crafted in a wide variety of materials. This versatile square style flatters wearers with oval, heart-shaped, or round faces.

Browline and Clubmaster Sunglasses

Popular in the 1950s and ’60s, the Clubmaster silhouette is making a present-day comeback. This type of round sunglasses features thin-rimmed frames with a thick, distinctive bridge or browline for contrast. Browline-style sunglasses and clubmasters can come with a single bridge or a keyhole bride. The style is so popular, in fact, that designers often add details to square-rimmed or cat-eye silhouettes that evoke the Clubmaster.

The round sunglasses

Wayfarer Sunglasses

Created in 1956, Bausch + Lomb Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses epitomize “cool.” With the signature trapezoidal shape, thicker plastic rims, and shark fin temples, the wayfarer is easy to recognize (and admire).

In recent years, designers have released updated versions of the classic style. New details include flattering browlines, thinner temples, and a variety of other revisions. Virtually every eyewear maker now offers multiple iterations of the wayfarer. You may consider it a testament to the unrelenting popularity of this favorite type of sunglasses.

So if you’re looking to channel your inner rebel, opt for a pair of wayfarer-inspired sunglasses.

Wraparound Sunglasses

Engineered for all types of sports, the wraparound sunglasses type is a more recent addition to the world of eyewear. The frames were popularized in the 1990s by athletes in a variety of different arenas. The durable frame type can include sport goggles, too.

Wraparound styles curve around the face to offer extra vision protection at the periphery. They also often feature rectangular rims (which flatter most face shapes). They’re perfect for embracing style, function, and athleticism all at once.

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Believe it or not, the bygone era of upswept hairdos and games of bridge on the terrace is not so out of reach. This is thanks to the cat-eye frame, a favorite classic sunglasses trend, that is currently enjoying a comeback.

The distinguished softly rounded rims and upswept temples add refinement and vintage appeal to any wardrobe. Different versions of the retro-chic style feature narrower rims for a smart, bookish look. And oversized cat-eyes add a touch of dramatic old-Hollywood glam.

The temples in cat-eye shades can be thick or thin to suit the overall silhouette, and often include unique patterns and colors. Whether you have a square, oval, or heart-shaped face, the cat-eye style will elevate any look.

Retro Sunglasses

Whether your wardrobe screams vintage chic, or you simply want to add a touch of retro styling to your look, FramesDirect offers thousands of sunglasses with throwback appeal.

Many types of sunglasses, including the wayfarer, cat-eye, and Clubmaster, exude retro-inspired style. Other on-trend designer shade styles now borrow the design elements from these popular silhouettes.

Retro shades boast a bounty of options to speak to any taste. You can choose from among shark fin temples, a keyhole bridge, wood grain patterns, and other vintage-leaning details. Updated design elements include rivets on the endpoints, a distinctive brow bar, or vibrant wire temples.

If you desire a nostalgic appeal in your look, you can’t go wrong with retro-style frames.

Types of Sunglasses by Frame

Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses cover a large area of the face, which provides ample coverage of your eyes and the skin around them. These can be worn as a statement-making fashion accessory or as a UV-blocking option. It’s a great choice for athletes who spend extended time in the sun, or those who enjoy a day at the pool.

Reach for oversized sunglasses with daring, upswept endpoints for added vintage appeal. Or choose sleek, wraparound Oakleys for decreased wind resistance while exercising. Whatever your style aesthetic, FramesDirect has the perfect pair to complement it.

Clip-On Sunglasses

Clip-on sunglasses are tinted lenses that attach to a pair of eyeglasses and turn them into prescription sunglasses. This style is favored among wearers who need flexibility in their eyewear choices — and for those who don’t want to carry around two different frames.

Some of our favorite clip-on brands include Takumi, EasyClip, and XXL. These come in a variety of styles, so you can pick the perfect pair to suit your face shape and wardrobe.

Metal Sunglasses

As the name suggests, metal sunglasses are made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant metals. The most common metal used to construct sunglasses is Monel, a lightweight alloy known for its durability.

The downside of Monel is that it can contain nickel, to which some people are allergic. Other popular metals used for sunglasses include titanium, stainless steel, and memory metal. Titanium boasts an ultra-high tensile strength while being extremely lightweight. Stainless steel is rugged and hypoallergenic, while memory metal will ‘remember’ or return to its original shape after bends, bumps, or mishaps.

Opt for both classic style and modern performance with metal sunglass frames.

Plastic Sunglasses

The majority of plastic sunglasses are made from acetate, a hypoallergenic material derived from cottonseed fibers. Acetate is known for its long-lasting luster and durability, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer a plastic frame.

Other plastics commonly used to make sunglasses include injected Grilamid, thermoplastic, and nylon. Each type offers improved flexibility and impact resistance.

Some athletic brands create their own plastics for use in impact-resistant sports sunglasses. This includes Oakley’s O Matter, Costa’s Bio-Based Plastic, and Wiley X’s Triloid Nylon. No matter what type of plastic shades you choose, you can be sure that you’re getting top-quality products.

Sports Sunglasses

Sports sunglasses come in full-wrap frames made for fishing, boating, and other outdoor sports, and sleek goggles worn on ski slopes (plus everything in between).

This type of sunglasses offers a lightweight, impact-resistant frame. You’ll also enjoy lenses in a variety of tints to match changing light conditions. Find options from brands like Rec Specs by Liberty Sport, Oakley, Nike, Under Armour, and more.

Tactical Sunglasses

Tactical sunglasses are made to withstand impact from high-velocity, high-mass projectiles. They are designed to keep your eyes safe during hunting season, target practice, and shooting skeet. They also provide a clear, unobstructed field of view to help you realize obstacles.

Tactical sunglasses are most commonly rectangular wraparound frames. But you can find some options in round and square styles. Top brands, including Wiley X, REVO, and Ranger Performance Eyewear, make high-quality tactical sunglasses that keep your eyes safe during your favorite activities.

Types of Sunglasses by Lens

Prescription Sunglasses

You may assume your options in prescription sunglasses are limited to only a few styles of frames. But in reality, styles of this type of sunglasses are as wide-ranging in options as conventional shades. All you need to do is find your favorite pair of sunnies and then add prescription lenses to your order.

Browse popular prescription-ready sunglasses at FramesDirect to find your next look.

Photochromic Sunglasses

Photochromic sunglasses are a great pick for those who desire the convenience of eyeglasses and shades in a single accessory.

You may recognize the Transitions® Light Intelligent Lenses™ brand. Many styles and silhouettes can be fitted with these lenses.

The wearer who needs versatile, multi-purpose frames will enjoy photochromic sunglasses.

Polarized Sunglasses

Sunglasses with a polarized lens feature can enhance your vision outdoors. They’re designed to improve clarity and contrast, reduce glare, and minimize eye strain.

This popular sunglass type comes in many styles and silhouettes. Whatever your style sensibilities or outdoor avocations, you can find a pair of polarized sunglasses that work for you.

Many sports sunglasses also feature polarized lenses made of high-performance materials to reduce glare and improve clarity. If you spend long hours outdoors and need optimal protection from the sun, you’ll love these versatile shades. They’re great because they serve both a practical and fashionable purpose.

FramesDirect offers thousands of sunglasses styles and types from top designers. Whatever your fashion preferences, budget, or activities, we have the perfect pair of shades waiting for you.

Contact us with any questions related to fit, styling, add-on options, and prescriptions. With a five-star Trustpilot rating, you can be sure you’re making a good choice when you purchase your next pair from FramesDirect.