The Frame Shapes Glossary: Aviator, Wayfarer, Round, Square and Geometric
Buying Guide · Frame Shapes
The Frame Shapes Glossary: Aviator, Wayfarer, Round, Square and Geometric
Knowing the name of a frame shape is the first step to finding one that suits you. This is the plain-English glossary of the main sunglasses shapes and the faces each one flatters.
In this article
- Aviator
- Wayfarer
- Round and oval
- Square and rectangle
- Geometric and hexagon
- Wrap-around
- Quick match: shape to face
- See the shapes at Rawbare
- Frequently asked questions
In one sentence
The main sunglasses frame shapes are aviator, wayfarer, round, oval, square, rectangle, geometric, and wrap-around, and each one flatters different face shapes by adding the contrast your features lack.Aviator
Aviator
A teardrop lens with a thin metal frame and a double or single brow bar. Originally designed for pilots, the aviator is one of the most recognisable shapes in eyewear. Its gently curved lower edge softens angular features.
Suits: square and heart-shaped faces
Wayfarer
Wayfarer
A trapezoidal frame, slightly wider at the top, usually in acetate. The wayfarer is the definitive everyday shape, versatile enough for almost any setting and one of the best-selling sunglass shapes ever made. Its strong upper line adds definition.
Suits: round and oval faces
Round and oval
Round / Oval
Soft, curved lenses with no hard corners. Round and oval frames add a gentle, retro character and break up strong angular features. Oval is slightly elongated, round is fully circular.
Suits: square and angular faces
Square and rectangle
Square / Rectangle
Bold, straight-edged lenses that are wider than they are tall. These shapes add structure and contrast to softer, rounder faces, and read as confident and modern. Rectangle is the more elongated of the two.
Suits: round and oval faces
Geometric and hexagon
Geometric / Hexagon
Multi-sided or unconventional lens outlines, such as hexagons and angular shields. These are the most distinctive, fashion-forward shapes and make a clear style statement while still framing the eyes cleanly.
Suits: oval and round faces that can carry bold shapes
Wrap-around
Wrap-around
A curved frame that follows the line of the face, covering more of the periphery. Built for sport and driving, it blocks side glare and wind and stays put during movement.
Suits: most faces; chosen for function as much as looks
Quick match: shape to face
The guiding principle is contrast: choose a frame shape that opposes your face shape. Angular frames flatter round faces, and softer frames flatter angular faces.
| Face shape | Flattering frame shapes |
|---|---|
| Round | Square, rectangle, wayfarer, geometric |
| Square | Round, oval, aviator |
| Oval | Most shapes; one of the most versatile face shapes |
| Heart | Aviator, round, wayfarer |
For a deeper walkthrough by face shape, read our complete guide to choosing sunglasses for your face shape, and to get the fit right see the sunglasses size guide.
See the shapes at Rawbare
In-stock examples of the main shapes, each with 100% UV400 protection.
Browse the full collection to see every shape currently in stock.
Key takeaways
The main shapes are aviator, wayfarer, round, oval, square, rectangle, geometric, and wrap-around
Aviators suit square and heart faces; wayfarers suit round and oval
Round and oval frames soften angular faces
Square and rectangle frames add structure to rounder faces
Geometric shapes make the boldest style statement
The rule of thumb is to choose a frame shape that contrasts your face shape
Frequently asked questions
Q1 What are the different sunglasses frame shapes called?
The main sunglasses frame shapes are aviator, wayfarer, round, oval, square, rectangle, geometric or hexagon, and wrap-around. Each has a distinct outline: aviators are teardrop, wayfarers are trapezoidal, round and oval are curved, square and rectangle are straight-edged, geometric shapes are multi-sided, and wrap-around frames follow the curve of the face.
Q2 Which frame shape suits a round face?
Round faces are flattered by angular frames that add contrast and structure, such as square, rectangle, wayfarer, and geometric shapes. These sharpen softer features. Very round or oval frames tend to be less flattering on a round face because they echo rather than balance it.
Q3 Which frame shape suits a square face?
Square and angular faces are flattered by softer, curved frames such as round, oval, and aviator shapes. The curves balance a strong jaw and forehead. Sharp, boxy frames tend to emphasise angularity rather than soften it.
Q4 What is the most versatile sunglasses shape?
The wayfarer is widely considered the most versatile everyday shape because it suits many face shapes and works in casual and formal settings. People with oval faces also have the most flexibility, as most frame shapes suit them.
Q5 How do I choose a frame shape for my face?
Choose a frame shape that contrasts your face shape. Angular frames flatter round faces, and soft, curved frames flatter angular faces. Identify your face shape first, then pick a frame from the shapes that balance it, and check the measurements for a comfortable fit.
