How to Measure Your Face for Sunglasses (Step-by-Step Guide)

Buying sunglasses online can feel like guessing — especially if you’re unsure about sizing. Frames that are too wide slide down. Frames that are too narrow pinch your temples.

The good news? Measuring your face for sunglasses is easy and takes less than 5 minutes.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to measure your face so you can find sunglasses that fit comfortably and look proportionate.

What You’ll Need

• A ruler or measuring tape (millimeters preferred)
• A mirror
• A credit card (optional quick test)
• Your current pair of sunglasses (if you have one that fits well)

Step 1: Measure Your Face Width

Face width is the most important measurement when choosing sunglasses.

How to Measure:

1. Stand in front of a mirror.
2. Place the ruler horizontally across your face.
3. Measure from temple to temple (the widest part of your face).

General Guide:

• Under 125mm → Small face
• 125–135mm → Medium face
• Over 135mm → Large face

If your sunglasses are wider than your face, they’ll slide down. If they’re narrower, they’ll feel tight.

Step 2: Check Your Bridge Width

The bridge is the part of the sunglasses that sits on your nose.

How to Check:

• If your glasses slide down often → bridge may be too wide.
• If they leave red marks or pinch → bridge may be too narrow.

You can also measure the width of your nose bridge with a ruler for a more precise fit.

Look for adjustable nose pads if you’re between sizes.

Step 3: Measure Lens Width (Using Current Glasses)

If you have sunglasses that fit well:

1. Look at the inside of the temple arm.
2. You’ll see numbers like: 52 ▢ 18 140

This means:

• 52mm = lens width
• 18mm = bridge width
• 140mm = temple arm length

For small faces, lens width typically ranges between 48–52mm.

Step 4: The Credit Card Quick Test

Don’t have a ruler? Try this:

1. Place a credit card vertically in the center of your nose.
2. Look in the mirror.

• Card ends before your eye → Small face
• Card lines up with edge of eye → Medium face
• Card goes past eye edge → Large face

It’s not exact — but it gives a quick size reference.

Step 5: Match Frame Shape to Face Proportion

Once you know your size, choose frames that complement your proportions:

For Small Faces:

• Narrow cat-eye frames
• Slim rectangular styles
• Smaller round frames
• Thin metal frames

Avoid oversized styles unless they’re labeled “petite” or “small fit.”

Signs Your Sunglasses Fit Properly

✔ Frames align with your face width
✔ They don’t slide down your nose
✔ They don’t pinch your temples
✔ Your eyes are centered in the lenses
✔ They feel secure when you move

Comfort is just as important as style.

Why Proper Fit Matters

Wearing the wrong size isn’t just uncomfortable — it affects:

• UV protection coverage
• Visual clarity
• Long-term wear comfort
• Overall look and proportion

At Sunglass Guarantee, we believe sunglasses should fit as good as they look.

Final Tip: When in Doubt, Go Slightly Smaller

If you're between sizes, slightly smaller frames often look more balanced than oversized ones — especially for petite features.

Find Your Perfect Fit

Now that you know how to measure your face, you can shop confidently and choose frames that match your size and style.

Explore properly sized frames at Sunglass Guarantee and experience the difference of a perfect fit.