Are My Sunglasses Too Big? A Complete Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit

Finding the right pair of sunglasses can be tricky. You might look in the mirror and wonder if those oversized frames are fashionable or just too much. This guide will help you figure out if your sunglasses fit properly and what to do if they don't.

Understanding the Right Sunglasses Size

Getting the right size matters more than you might think. When you wear sunglasses that dont fit well, they can slide down your nose, pinch behind your ears, or just look awkward. The perfect pair should feel comfortable and look natural on your face.

Most people dont realize that sunglasses come in different sizes just like clothes do. The size isnt always obvious when you're shopping online or even in stores. You need to pay attention to a few key measurements that tell you if a pair will work for your face. These measurements include the lens width, bridge width, and temple length. Each of these numbers plays a big role in how the glasses sit on your face.

When asking yourself "are my sunglasses too big," start by looking at how they fit around your face shape. If the frames extend way past your temples or sit below your eyebrows, they might be oversized. Some oversized styles are meant to be big, but theres a difference between fashionably large and just plain wrong for your face.

Signs Your Sunglasses Are Too Big

There are several clear indicators that your sunglasses might not be the right size. First, if they constantly slide down your nose even when you're not moving much, thats a red flag. Properly fitted sunglasses should stay in place during normal activities like walking or talking.

Another obvious sign is when the frames extend significantly past the sides of your face. While some styles are meant to be wider, they shouldnt go beyond your face width by more than a quarter inch on each side. If you can see a lot of frame sticking out when you look at yourself straight on, they're probably too large.

Check if the sunglasses leave gaps on the sides of your face. When you look forward, light shouldnt stream in from the sides. If you can see bright light coming through, the frames arent doing their job of protecting your eyes from UV rays. This is particularly important if you spend alot of time outdoors or driving.

Do the sunglasses cover your eyebrows completely? Unless you have very low-set eyebrows, your frames shouldnt sit so low that they hide them entirely. Your eyebrows should be visible just above the top rim of the frames. If they're completly covered, the glasses are sitting too low or are simply too large overall.

How to Measure Your Face for Sunglasses

Measuring your face takes just a few minutes but makes a huge difference. Start by looking at sunglasses you already own that fit well. Check the inside of the temple arm for three numbers. The first number is the lens width (usually between 40-60mm), the second is the bridge width (14-24mm), and the third is the temple length (120-150mm).

If you dont have glasses to reference, you can measure your face directly. Use a ruler or measuring tape to find the distance between your temples. This measurement should match roughly with the total frame width. To get your bridge width, measure across the top of your nose where glasses would sit. For temple length, measure from the front of your ear to where the frames would start at your temple.

Your face width is crucial for determining if sunglasses will look proporshionate. Place a ruler horizontally across your face at the widest point, usually at your cheekbones. The frames should be about the same width as your face or slightly narrower. According to experts at What Abigail Says, understanding these measurements prevents most fitting problems before you even try on a pair.

Face shape also matters when choosing size. Round faces can handle slightly larger frames, while longer faces need wider frames to create balance. Square faces work well with rounded frames that soften angles. Heart-shaped faces look best with frames that aren't too heavy on top.

Common Problems with Oversized Frames

Wearing frames that are too big causes more problems than just looking odd. One major issue is that they dont provide proper sun protection. When sunglasses are too large, they can let in light from the top and sides, defeating their main purpose. Your eyes need full coverage from harmful UV rays, especially during peak sun hours.

Oversized sunglasses also create discomfort throughout the day. They put pressure on the wrong parts of your face, leading to headaches and sore spots behind your ears. The nose pads might not touch your nose properly, causing all the weight to rest on your ears instead. After a few hours, this becomes really uncomfortable.

Another problem is that big sunglasses can slip when you move your head. If you're playing sports, exercising, or even just bending over, glasses that are too large will slide right off. This is annoying and can be dangerous if you're doing activities where you need clear vision. The constant adjustment also gets old fast.

Big frames can also obstruct your peripheral vision in unexpected ways. While they might cover straight ahead viewing fine, the large frame edges can create blind spots. This is especially problematic when driving or walking in crowded areas where you need to see whats happening around you.

The Difference Between Fashion Oversized and Too Big

The fashion world loves oversized sunglasses, and many styles are designed to be larger than standard frames. So how do you know if your sunglasses are fashionably oversized or just poorly fitted?

Fashion oversized sunglasses still maintain proportion with your face. They might be wide and bold, but they work with your facial features rather than against them. Think of classic styles worn by celebrities – they're big but intentional. The frames enhance the face instead of overwhelming it. These styles usually have proper weight distribution so they don't slide around.

When sunglasses are simply too big, they look out of place no matter what. They might be trendy frames, but if they don't fit your specific face, they won't look right. The key is that fashionable oversized glasses still follow the basic rules of proportion and placement. They might break size conventions, but they maintain balance.

If you're still wondering "are my sunglasses too big" even after considering fashion trends, try this test: Show photos of yourself wearing them to honest friends or family. Ask them specifically if the glasses look proportionate or if they seem too large. Sometimes an outside perspective helps more than starring at yourself in the mirror.

Adjusting Sunglasses That Are Slightly Too Big

Not all hope is lost if your sunglasses are a bit too large. Many frames can be adjusted at optical shops or even at home if you're careful. The most common adjustment is tightening the temples. This helps the glasses grip your head better and prevents sliding.

The nose pads can also be adjusted if your sunglasses have them. Bringing the pads closer together or angling them differently can improve how the frames sit on your face. This small change often makes a big difference in comfort and positioning. However, be gentle when adjusting nose pads yourself because they can break if you apply too much pressure.

Some people use eyeglass grips or silicone ear hooks to keep larger frames in place. These accessories slip onto the temple arms and help grip better. They're especially useful if you love a particular pair of sunglasses but they're just slightly too big. The grips are inexpensive and come in clear options that aren't noticable.

For metal frames, you can carefully bend the temples to curve more around your ears. Plastic frames are trickier because they need heat to become pliable. If you're not confident about adjusting frames yourself, most optical shops will do it for free or for a small fee. Its worth the investment to make sunglasses you love actually work for your face.

Choosing the Right Size When Shopping Online

Buying sunglasses online is convenient but risky when it comes to sizing. Without trying them on, you might end up with frames that don't fit. Always check the size measurements before ordering. Most legitimate websites list the lens width, bridge width, and temple length somewhere in the product description.

Compare these measurements to sunglasses you already own that fit well. If your favorite pair has a 52mm lens width and the ones you're considering have 58mm, they'll be noticeably larger. Even a few millimeters makes a real difference in how sunglasses look and feel.

Read customer reviews carefully. People often mention if sunglasses run large or small compared to typical sizing. Look for reviews from people who describe their face size or shape, as this context helps you judge if they'll work for you. Photos from customers wearing the glasses are especially helpful.

Take advantage of free returns. Many online retailers offer free return shipping, so order multiple sizes if you're unsure. It might seem like extra work, but its better than keeping sunglasses that dont fit. When they arrive, try them on immediately and walk around your house for a few minutes to see if they slip or feel uncomfortable. As mentioned on What Abigail Says, proper fit assessment takes a bit of time but saves money in the long run.

Face Shape and Sunglasses Proportion

Your face shape determines what size and style of sunglasses will look best. Round faces have soft curves and similar width and length. These faces can handle larger, more angular frames that add definition. Oversized square or rectangular frames work well because they create contrast with the face's natural roundness.

Oval faces are considered the most versatile shape. They can wear almost any style and size because their balanced proportions work with most frames. However, even oval faces need proper sizing. Frames shouldn't extend past the widest part of the face or sit too low on the nose.

Square faces have strong jawlines and similar width at the forehead and jaw. Rounder, larger frames help soften these angular features. Oversized round or oval sunglasses work particularly well, but they still need to be proportionate. The frames should balance the face rather than overwhelm it.

Heart-shaped faces are wider at the forehead and narrow at the chin. These faces look best with frames that are wider at the bottom or have lighter top frames. If you're asking yourself "are my sunglasses too big" and you have a heart-shaped face, check if the frames are too heavy on top, as this can throw off your facial balance even more.

Quality Indicators in Properly Sized Sunglasses

Well-made sunglasses fit better because they're designed with proper proportions in mind. Quality frames have adjustable nose pads that let you customize the fit. Cheaper sunglasses often have fixed plastic nose pieces that cant be modified, which makes finding the right fit harder.

The temples on good sunglasses are designed to curve naturally around your ears without excessive pressure. They should have enough flex to grip comfortably without feeling tight. If sunglasses are too rigid or bend too easily, they probably won't maintain their fit over time.

Check the weight distribution. Quality sunglasses balance the weight evenly across your nose and ears. If all the weight sits on your nose or ears, either the glasses are poorly made or they dont fit right. Even larger frames should feel relatively light when made from quality materials.

The hinges are another indicator. Spring hinges allow temples to flex outward slightly, which helps glasses fit different head sizes. This feature is especially useful if you're between sizes or have a wider head. Frames with spring hinges are more forgiving than those with rigid connections.

When to Choose Smaller Frames Instead

Sometimes the solution to oversized sunglasses is simply choosing a smaller size or different style. If you consistently find that standard frames are too big, look for brands that offer petite or small sizes. These are designed for people with smaller faces and narrower head widths.

Certain frame styles naturally run smaller. Aviators and wayfarers often come in compact versions that work for smaller faces. Sport sunglasses also tend to fit more snugly because they're designed to stay in place during activity. These might be better options if traditional fashion frames are always too large on you.

Consider your lifestyle when choosing size. If you're active and need sunglasses that won't move around, slightly smaller frames that fit snugly make more sense than trendy oversized ones. Function should sometimes trump fashion, especially if you spend alot of time outdoors or playing sports.

Kids and teens especially need properly sized frames. Growing faces mean that sizing changes over time, so don't buy sunglasses that are too big thinking they'll "grow into them." Improper fit during developement can actually cause issues with vision and comfort. Always choose frames that fit well right now.

Professional Fitting vs. Self-Assessment

While you can assess fit yourself, sometimes professional help is valuable. Opticians are trained to spot fit problems you might miss. They can tell if frames sit at the wrong angle, if weight distribution is off, or if adjustments could improve the fit.

A professional fitting appointment usually takes just 10-15 minutes. The optician will measure your face, check how the sunglasses sit, and make adjustments on the spot. Many optical shops offer this service even if you didnt buy the sunglasses there, though they might charge a small fee.

If you're still unsure whether your sunglasses are too big after trying home assessments, visiting an optician settles the question definitively. They've seen thousands of faces and fittings, so they can give you honest feedback. They can also suggest specific brands or styles that work better for your proportions.

However, trust your own comfort too. If an optician says the fit is fine but you're still uncomfortable or constantly adjusting your glasses, something is wrong. Your experience wearing them matters more than technical measurements. The right sunglasses should feel so comfortable you forget you're wearing them.

Key Takeaways

• Proper fit means sunglasses stay in place without sliding and don't extend far past your face
• Check measurements including lens width, bridge width, and temple length before buying
• Oversized fashion frames are different from poorly fitted glasses that are simply too big
• Face shape influences what size and proportion looks best on you
• Small adjustments like tightening temples or changing nose pads can improve fit
• Professional fittings help if you're unsure about sizing
• Comfort and function matter more than following trends with frames that don't fit

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my sunglasses fit correctly? Your sunglasses fit correctly when they stay in place without sliding, don't pinch behind your ears, and don't leave gaps on the sides. The frames should be about the same width as your face and sit comfortably on your nose without excessive pressure.

Can sunglasses be too big for protection? Yes, sunglasses that are too big may not provide proper UV protection. Large frames can let light in from the top and sides, exposing your eyes to harmful rays. The frames should wrap around enough to block light from all angles.

Should my eyebrows show above my sunglasses? Generally yes, your eyebrows should be visible just above the frame's top rim. If your eyebrows are completly hidden, the glasses are either too large or sitting too low on your face.

What if I'm between sizes when buying sunglasses? If you're between sizes, go with the smaller option. Sunglasses that are slightly snug can be adjusted to fit better, but frames that are too large are harder to fix. You can always adjust temples and nose pads for a better fit.

Are oversized sunglasses still in style? Oversized sunglasses remain fashionable, but they need to be proportionate to your face. Fashion oversized is different from simply too big. The frames should still balance your features even if they're intentionally larger than standard sizes.

How often should I check my sunglasses fit? Check your fit periodically, especially if you've had the same pair for awhile. Frames can loosen over time with regular wear. Also reassess if you notice any discomfort or if the glasses start sliding more than usual.

Conclusion

Figuring out if your sunglasses are too big doesn't have to be complicated. Pay attention to how they fit, how they feel, and how they look on your face. The right pair should be comfortable, stay in place, and proportion well with your facial features. If you're constantly adjusting them or they leave gaps where light comes through, they're probably not the right size.

Remember that measurements matter when shopping, whether online or in stores. Understanding lens width, bridge width, and temple length helps you find frames that actually fit instead of just hoping for the best. And if you're unsure, don't hesitate to get a professional fitting or ask for honest opinions from friends.

At the end of the day, the best sunglasses are ones that you feel confident wearing and that protect your eyes properly. If you keep asking yourself "are my sunglasses too big," they probably are. Trust your instincts and don't settle for frames that don't work just because they're trendy or on sale. Your eyes and your comfort are worth finding the perfect fit.