Choosing Sunglasses for Larger Faces

When it comes to sunglasses, finding the perfect fit is essential for both style and comfort. For individuals with large faces, selecting the best sunglasses to complement their features can be a bit more challenging.

At AO Eyewear, we understand the importance of finding a pair of sunglasses that is not only fashionable but also designed to fit larger face sizes. In this blog post, we will share nine valuable tips to help you choose the perfect sunglasses for big heads.

How to Determine if You Need Big Sunglasses?

Do you often struggle to find a pair of sunglasses that fit your larger face comfortably? Here are some signs that indicate you might need big sunglasses:

• When you wear sunglasses, they feel tight or uncomfortable on your temples or bridge of your nose.

• The frames leave red marks on your skin after you wear them, especially at your temples.

• You find that sunglasses don't provide enough coverage for your eyes and the surrounding areas.

• Your current sunglasses appear too small or disproportionate on your face.

• You have a wide face structure or broad facial features.

What Is Considered a Larger Face?

First off, let's just be clear that there's no judgment here around head size. While some might be self-conscious about the size of their head, as with everything, it's all about balance and finding the products that suit you best.

Determining what is considered a big head varies from person to person. However, there are general guidelines to help you identify if you have a bigger head size:

• Your hat size is typically larger than 7¾, or your head measures around 24 inches in circumference

• Glasses and sunglasses with standard sizes feel too tight or uncomfortable on your face.

• You have difficulty finding hats that fit well or need to buy larger-sized hats.

Things to Consider for a Perfect Fit When Choosing Sunglasses for Larger Faces

Choosing sunglasses for a big head involves considering several factors to ensure a perfect fit. Frame style and quality are the key things to focus on. Here are a few key considerations:

1. Frame Size and Oversized Frames

Select a pair of sunglasses with larger frame sizes to accommodate the width and height of your face, as sunglasses for larger faces often fit best with a frame width of 140-150mm. Many xl labels do not exceed standard sizes by much. Oversized sunglasses or wide frames work well for big faces, providing proper coverage and a balanced look.

Use our virtual try-on feature when shopping to get a better sense of how each frame will fit, for example, by comparing actual measurements, such as Faded Days offering a true 165mm width, rather than labels alone. You can also feel secure knowing AO offers free shipping and returns in the US.

2. Lens Width

This is the biggest component in the overall frame width. Opt for sunglasses with a wider lens width to match the breadth of your face.

Large sunglasses with larger lenses offer better sun protection while complementing your facial features.

3. Bridge Width

Look for sunglasses frames with wider bridge widths to prevent discomfort and imprints on your nose. Frames with adjustable nose pads or keyhole bridges can also provide a more customized fit.

4. Temple Length

Ensure that the temples of your sunglasses are long enough to fit comfortably around your ears, as longer temples help avoid uncomfortable pressure points and create a roomier fit for larger heads. If you have a hard time finding a comfortable, snug fit with standard bent temples, consider the Original Pilot. Its bayonet-style temples remain straight and hug the head.

5. Face Shape

Also, consider your face shape when choosing sunglasses. Larger heads come in all shapes, and you'll want to consider what best flatters your face shape in addition to frame size. Different face shapes pair well with specific frame styles. If you prefer a softer look, softened geometric or oval frames can balance angular face shapes. Bolder square frames add contrast and definition to angular faces.

6. Materials and Colors

Look for sunglasses made from durable materials that can withstand larger sizes and provide long-lasting wear. American Optical sunglasses are crafted in the US from the finest global materials, such as Mazzucchelli acetate, so you don't have to worry about quality here. Some shoppers also prefer oversized frames for a bigger look with lasting durability.

When it comes to colors, bold hues can complement big faces, adding a touch of style, whether you prefer black, tortoise, or other versatile finishes. As with clothing, darker colors can be slimming.

7. Quality

Invest in high-quality sunglasses to ensure durability and optimal sun protection for your eyes, since well-made pairs are less likely to break with regular wear. Quality frames and lenses are essential for long-term satisfaction and reliable sun protection. Some competitors highlight FDA-tested, impact-resistant lenses, like Faded Days sunglasses, and 6-month warranty protection against breakage, like Detour sunglasses, as part of the long-term value they stand behind. Strong build quality means you stay covered over time.

8. Polarization and Polarized Lenses

Consider polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visual clarity. Polarized lenses can enhance your outdoor experience by reducing eye strain and are a popular choice for everyday outdoor use.

Polarized sunglass lenses are specialized lenses designed to reduce glare and improve visual clarity in bright sunlight. They are particularly useful for outdoor activities such as driving, skiing, fishing, and water sports.

The lenses of polarized sunglasses contain a special filter that blocks horizontally polarized light while allowing vertically polarized light to pass through. This filter is typically made of a chemical compound called a polarizing film or polarizing layer. The film is embedded within the lens material or applied as a coating.

When light reflects off a flat surface such as water, snow, or a road, it tends to become horizontally polarized, leading to intense glare. This glare can be uncomfortable and can impair vision. Polarized lenses counteract this effect by selectively blocking the horizontally polarized light, thus reducing glare and improving visual clarity.

The polarizing film in the lenses works by absorbing or reflecting horizontally polarized light waves while allowing vertically polarized light waves to pass through. By doing so, polarized lenses help to enhance contrast, reduce eye strain, and provide a more accurate perception of colors and details.

Some of the key benefits of polarized sunglass lenses include:

1. Glare reduction: Polarized lenses effectively block glare from sunlight reflecting off smooth surfaces such as water, snow, sand, pavement, or the beach, making everyday outdoor activities more comfortable and safer.

2. Improved clarity and contrast: By eliminating glare, polarization enhances visual clarity, allowing you to see objects more distinctly and perceive colors more accurately.

3. UV protection: All AO polarized lenses also offer UV protection to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays emitted by the sun, and some lenses are described with a 9-15% VLT range for bright conditions.

4. Reduced eye strain: By minimizing glare and improving visual clarity, polarization reduces eye fatigue and strain, especially during prolonged outdoor activities.

It's important to note that polarized sunglasses may not be suitable for all situations. They can interfere with the visibility of certain digital screens, such as those found in LCD displays, smartphones, and some vehicle instrument panels.

9. The Narrowing Effect

Consider sunglasses with frames that taper, or have a narrowing effect, towards the bottom. This design can create a more balanced look and flatter larger face sizes.

What Sunglasses Styles Are Suitable for Big Heads?

When it comes to sunglasses styles that complement big heads, consider the following options:

Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses are a timeless choice that suits large heads well. With wide frames and teardrop-shaped lenses, sunglasses create proportionate coverage for larger faces, and classic styles like Aviators and XL sunglasses offer a balanced, fashionable look.

Squared Sunglasses

Square sunglasses offer a bold, contemporary style that complements larger face shapes. The straight lines and angular frames add structure to your facial features, and can look especially sharp on larger faces.

Round Sunglasses

Round sunglasses provide a classic and retro-inspired look that suits big heads. The circular frame shape also helps soften angular features and adds a touch of vintage charm.

Shop for the Best Sunglasses For Large Faces at American Optical Today

In conclusion, finding the perfect sunglasses for big heads involves considering various factors such as frame size, lens width, bridge width, temple length, face shape, materials, colors, quality, polarization, and the narrowing effect.

At AO Eyewear, we stand apart from other brands by offering stylish options for larger heads with a comfortable fit, so quality and fit matter just as much as price before you make a purchase. Explore our collection today, browse our top picks and shades, and finally find only sunglasses made to solve the fit issues common with larger head sizes.

If you have any questions or doubts about which styles will fit you best, don't hesitate to contact us.