As spring has been fairly good to us in the UK so far, one sartorially-related question has been plaguing me more than any other: why do I not have a pair of sunglasses I like? Sure, I have an entire shelf full of styles I've collected over the years but, when I went to defend my eyes from the uncharacteristically bright British sunshine, I realised none of them suited me. Really, a great pair of sunglasses is as crucial for summer as a great dress or effective SPF, so I embarked on a mission to find the best sunglasses for 2025.
My first port of call was this season's catwalks, to see exactly what designers were championing for summer. At Balenciaga, there were sculptural oversized sunnies, as well as some futuristic visor-style shades, Carolina Herrera's white square sunglasses were a slightly modern take on a classic '60s style and Chloé's boho bonanza included the oversized tan shades almost synonymous with the '70s (but which we all wore on repeat in the mid-noughties). Also in the oversized camp were Miu Miu – although its take was more avant garde, with coloured lenses in acetate frames – Dior, with a sporty iteration, and Gucci, with wide oval shapes.
While there's plenty of inspiration there, it begs the question: how does one find the best pair for a specific face shape? To answer said question, we asked an expert.
How do I know which sunglasses suit my face shape?
Dan McGhee, director of ophthalmics at Vision Express, says: 'Finding a perfect-fitting pair of glasses can be tricky. Sunglasses should distribute pressure evenly to the nose, head width and ears, meaning you'll avoid an ache behind your eyes and the red marks you often find on the top of the nose.' According to McGhee, there are some very simple steps that you can follow to ensure you find a pair that fits well.
1. Make sure the width of the frames isn't wider than the width of your face at the temples
2. The top of your frames should be no higher than the line of your eyebrows
3. The bottom edge of the frames shouldn't sit on your cheeks otherwise, they will start to rub against your skin and can cause irritation
4. Make sure you're choosing frames with lenses that offer 100% UV protection
Identify your face shape
Oval Face Shape: With a rounded chin and forehead, the proportions of your face are perfectly balanced. This means that most frame shapes will look great on an oval face, which typically appears longer than it is wide. To maintain this natural balance, choose frames that are as wide, or slightly wider, as the broadest part of your face. Also consider oversized or bold shapes, such as aviators.
Square Face Shape: With an aim to soften your strong jawline and make your face look longer, go for narrow frames with more width than depth, particularly oval and round styles. You should avoid square styles, which will look out of balance with the rest of the face. And instead of darker acetate frames, perhaps opt for metal frames with a thin profile.
Heart-Shaped Face Shape: A broad brow with a narrow chin defines this face shape. Therefore, choose frames that elongate your look, direct attention downward and even out proportions. Go for light-coloured or rimless glasses, or, to broaden the lower part of your face, frames which are bottom-heavy. Rounded frames or cat-eye style are also a good choice.
Diamond Face Shape: Diamond-shaped faces are narrow at the eye line and jawline, and have broad cheekbones that may be high and dramatic. You want to make sure you’re drawing attention to the eye area as this will offer more width and balance to your face. Choose top-heavy styles like semi-rimless frames, rectangle and oval. Upswept frames like the cat-eye will emphasise and soften your cheekbones, but remember to avoid narrow frames.
Round Face Shape: With characteristic full cheeks and a rounded chin, the aim when choosing frames for a circular face is to create as much definition as possible. To make your face appear narrower and longer, go for angular, narrow frame styles. A clear bridge will also help to emphasise your eyes, while frames that are more rectangular and wider will balance the shape of the face.
Grazia's Best Sunglasses for 2025, At A Glance:
The best black sunglasses: Mulberry, Pimlico Sunglasses, £250
The best cheap sunglasses: ASOS Design, Square Sunglasses with Orange Lenses, £14
The best designer sunglasses: Prada, Symbole Rectangular Sunglasses, £310
The best cat-eye sunglasses: Bottega Veneta, Sharp Cat-Eye Sunglasses, £330
The best aviator sunglasses: COS, Wire Frame Aviator Sunglasses, £75
The best polarised sunglasses: Gucci, Polarised Sunglasses, £395
The best oval sunglasses: Le Specs Outta Love Oval Frame Sunglasses, £55
How we tested
As a fashion editor with over 10 years of experience, I've become well versed in brands I know make good quality items you can depend on. I also work with a lot of fellow fashion obsessives, so knew I could count on their recommendations for great sunglasses. I have, therefore, only included sunglasses which either I, or another Grazia team member has tried, as well as pairs from brands I know and trust. Read more about how we test here.
Shop: The Best Sunglasses For Women 2025
Best black sunglasses
www.mulberry.com
Hannah Banks-Walker, head of fashion commerce, says: 'I chose these as my favourite black sunglasses of the moment because they're the pair which replaced all of the other shades I owned which didn't suit me. I have an oval face and these oversized glasses make a statement without feeling too overwhelming. I now carry them in my bag at all times, even when it's cloudy. You never know when you might need them.'
Pros
- Square shape which tends to suit most face shapes
- UV400
- Comfortable to wear
- Give good protection on particularly bright days
Cons
- If you have a small face, you may find these are too big for you
| Lens height<br><br> | 3.8cm |
| Lens width | 5.9cm |
| Bridge | 1.8cm |
| Arm length | 14cm |
| Material | Bio Acetate |
Best under-£20 sunglasses
www.asos.com
These sunglasses capture the season's boho vibes perfectly, plus the square shape will suit every face shape. At £14, they look more expensive than they are but you won't be heartbroken if you leave them on the beach or accidentally sit on them. We've all been there.
Pros
- Square frames suit most face shapes
- Moulded nose pads offer more comfort
- Tapered arms mean they won't slip off your face
Cons
- The UV protection is low
- The coloured lenses won't offer as much protection as darker lenses
| Frame materials | 95% plastic, 5% metal |
| Lenses | 100% polycarbonate |
Best sunglasses for round face
www.victoriabeckham.com
Molly Haylor, Grazia's style director, says: 'Having quite a round face, my favourite shape is usually an oversized cat eye. A make-up artist told me that a cat-eye eyeliner flick is flattering to my face, so I have followed this advice with glasses, too. However, I discovered these VB sunnies look work really well on me and are one of the most flattering pairs I've tried. They're square but they have a very soft cat-eye angle to them. I now wear them all the time – I won't be parted from them.'
Pros
- Have a subtle cateye shape, so a good option if you usually avoid more extreme cateye shapes
- A great option if you don't want a logo
- Really flattering for round and oval faces
- Lens protection 3, which typically blocks 82-92% of UV light
Cons
- Might be too big on smaller faces
| Lens protection | 3 |
| Main frame material | 100% Acetate |
Best designer sunglasses
www.mytheresa.com
Prada's rectangular sunglasses have proved so popular, Google searches recently increased by as much as 750%. Lily James was spotted in them and they've been a best-seller for a lot of Prada's stockists. They're oversized but, thanks to the rectangular shape, not overwhelming, making them ideal for all face shapes. You'll wear these forever.
Pros
- 100% UV protection
- Rectangular shape suits most face shapes
- Includes cleaning cloth, case and presentation box
Cons
- The arms are quite chunky, so not ideal if you're looking for something more streamlined
| Lens width | 49mm-1.95" |
| Bridge size | 20mm-0.8" |
| Earpiece length | 142mm-5.6" |
Best aviator sunglasses
www.cos.com
COS's aviators are a chic take on a classic shape thanks to their minimal wire frames, tortoiseshell detail and tinted lenses. Part of the brand's runway edit, these are the perfect choice if you're after something sleek that feels more fashion-forward. They'll suit most face shapes, too, such is the beauty of an aviator.
Pros
- 100% UV protection
- These sunglasses bear the CE mark Category III, which provides high level of sun-glare reduction and good UV protection
- Comes with a pouch
Cons
- More delicate, so unsuitable for those who prefer acetate frames and chunkier styles
| Frame | 100% stainless steel |
| Temple | 68% stainless steel, 32% recycled polymethyl methacrylate |
| Lenses | 100% Polyamide |
Best sunglasses for oval faces
www.ray-ban.com
Natalie Hammond, Grazia's senior fashion news editor, says: 'The Balorama is the new hero style from Ray-Ban. It’s a shape that knocks on the door of wrap-around shades while remaining classic. I’ve got an oval face shape, and the slightly larger frame seems to work, stretching from the top of my cheekbones to my brows.'
Pros
- Five different colours to choose from
- You can add prescription lenses
- 100% UV protection
Cons
- High bridge fit may not be suitable if the bridge of your nose isn't higher than your pupils
| Size | 60 19mm |
| Lens Height | 40.1mm |
| Temple length | 135mm |
Best polarised sunglasses
www.sunglasshut.com
Polarised lenses are designed to reduce glare caused by reflected light, so they've become a popular choice. This pair from Gucci has a classic aviator shape, so will be universally flattering, while the gold detail feels luxe and timeless.
Pros
- Aviator shape suits all
- Polarised lenses reduce glare
- 100% UV protection
- Comes with a warranty
- Free cleaning included
Cons
- The fit is designed to be wide, for those with a wider head, so may not be suitable if your face is narrow
| Size | XXS (57-17) |
| Fit | Wide |
Best cat-eye sunglasses
www.ssense.com
If you're after quintessential cat-eye sunglasses, you won't find better than this pair from Bottega Veneta. Super chic, they have gold hardware on the arms and will offer great protection thanks to their dark lenses. You will be willing the sun to come out (even more than usual) just for an excuse to wear these.
Pros
- Perfect cat-eye shape
- Offer good UV protection
- Integrated nose pads
Cons
- Selling quickly
| Material | Acetate |
| Size | 53.22 145 |
Best oval sunglasses
www.selfridges.com
Gavi Weiss, Grazia's fashion assistant, says: 'I have a round face shape and I wear these all the time. I love them because they go with every outfit, whether I'm keeping it casual or dressing up. I even wore them on my wedding day – they're a classic timeless silhouette.'
Pros
- 100% UV protection
- Lightweight and durable
- Impact and scratch resistant
- Shatterproof
Cons
- Oval shape may not suit all face shapes
| Material | 100% plastic |
| Frame width | 14cm |
Best sunglasses with coloured lenses
www.stories.com
These sunglasses are so good, they've already sold out in four colours. Thankfully, the gold pair with purple lenses are still available, which will lend a glorious '80s loucheness to any outfit. Style with wide leg jeans and suede jackets.
Pros
- Aviator shape suits all
- 100% UV protection
Cons
- Coloured lenses will not offer as much protection on brighter days
| Lense material | 100% Polymethyl methacrylate |
| Frame material | 100% PCTG |
| Temple material | 52% Polymethyl methacrylate, 48% Metal |
Best sunglasses for square face
www.sunglasshut.com
Julia Harvey, Grazia's shopping editor, says: 'I have a square-ish face and find I love this style for a more statement pair of sunglasses that are surprisingly easy to wear and would suit most face shapes. Try brown acetate or tortoiseshell for a more '70s feel that are less severe than black. I also love that they don't have metal arms, which tend to get tangled in my hair. Pet peeve.'
Pros
- Part of the brand's runway collection
- 100% UV Protection
- Comfortable
Cons
- If you have a smaller head, you may find these are too big
| Size | M (56-16) |
| Material | Acetate |
Best statement sunglasses
www.net-a-porter.com
If you want a pair of sunglasses with the power to instantly transform even the most basic of outfits, this is it. Loewe's oversized square lenses, with the brand's anagram logo on each side, will breathe new life into the classic jeans-and-a-T-shirt combination. You'll find these will be particular useful when you need sunglasses for dressed-up occasions.
Pros
- 100% UV protection
- Come with a case
Cons
- Oversized square shape may not suit everyone
| Materials | Tonal-mustard acetate, Gold-tone metal |
| Size | One size |
Best sunglasses for oblong faces
www.jimmyfairly.com
Renee Washington, digital fashion and beauty writer, says: 'Celebrity is what I feel like when I have these shades on. I normally hate the way I look with sunglasses, because I feel like they tend to swallow my face. These, however, sit perfectly - no sliding, and bear in mind I have minimal nose bridge. The brown hue also softens my features and goes with most things in my wardrobe.'
Pros
- Category 3 lenses: protect against glare in sunny conditions. Protect 100% against UVA and UVB
- Choice of lenses available, including prescription
- Aviator shape suits all
- Virtual try on
Cons
- Medium size may not be suitable for those with smaller faces
| Size | Nose bridge: 20, Lens width: 53, Temple length: 147 |
| Frame material | Cellulose acetate |
Best square sunglasses
www.sunspel.com
Henrik Lischke, senior fashion features editor, says: 'I would say I'm on the face shape cusp, edging somewhere between heart-shaped and oval, and find that square glasses suit me best. And even though I have a large selection of sunglasses in a variety of shapes, this fairly classic pair has become my go-to and the only pair I take with me to fashion month. It doesn't just hide dark under eye circles but also enhances my bone structure and makes me look a bit more chiselled on days when I feel the opposite.'
Pros
- Handmade in Italy
- One size fits all
- 100% UV protection
Cons
- The black pair that Henrik is wearing has sold out
| Material | 100% Acetate |
| Size | One size fits all |
Best round sunglasses
If you've typically stayed away from round sunglasses that are on the smaller side, you'll find that this pair – slightly oversized – is far more flattering. If you have a square, diamond or heart-shaped face, they will look particularly good on you, plus the dark-brown graduated lenses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Pros
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- UV400 lens protection
- Silicone nose pads for extra comfort
- Made of Acetate Renew, which offers the same look and feel as traditional acetate but with lower-impact production methods
Cons
- Round lenses won't suit all face shapes
| Frame material | 50% Stainless Steel, 50% Acetate Renew |
| Lense material | 100% Tritan Rener |
| Nose pads | 100% silicone |
Best sunglasses FAQs
Which sunglasses give the best protection?
There's no one answer to this, you just need to make sure that the brand lists the UV protection as level three or higher. If you're shopping online, the UV protection should be listed in the product description. There are also certain brands like Ray-Ban, for instance, which offer the opportunity to select the type of lenses you want, including adding a prescription if you wear glasses.
Are expensive sunglasses worth it?
It depends what you're looking for. Above, we have included honest reviews and opinions about a range of sunglasses at all budgets. I will say that if you invest in a high quality, well-made pair of sunglasses, you may find they last a lot longer than their cheaper counterparts. Also, a lot of more expensive options come with a warranty, offering you extra protection.
What are good sunglasses brands?
All of the brands listed above make sunglasses we think are worth your money. Dedicated glasses brands like Ray-Ban, Cutler and Gross and Jimmy Fairly make high quality glasses to which you can add your own prescription if you need it. Then, there are luxury labels like Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford, Loewe, Versace and Mulberry who all make great sunglasses in all shapes and sizes. On the high street, look to H&M, ASOS, & Other Stories and M&S for some of the best shades on the market.
Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.