If your head or face is larger than average you know it can be hard to buy sunglasses. Frames are too narrow, ear stems are too short, and the lenses don’t give you enough protection.
But it doesn’t have to be this way!
There are plenty of great sunglasses for big faces if you know what to look for. Keep reading as we explain exactly what to look for in sunglasses for big and wide heads. Plus the 5 best sunglasses for big heads!
Table of Contents
What to Look for in Sunglasses For Big Heads?
While people with larger heads often opt for the biggest sunglasses or lenses they can find, this isn’t always the best answer.
Finding the right size sunglasses for you is a balance between 4 key elements:
- Width
- Length
- Lens Shape
- Overall Fit
Now let’s breakdown each of these criteria:
Sunglasses Width
The first thing to look at when you’re buying sunglasses for big heads is the frame width. Especially for people with wide heads and faces, this is the most important element.
Wider sunglasses are going to fit your face better, look better, and give you more protection.
If you have a big head or a wide face, look for frames with a total width of over 130 mm.
Sunglasses Length
Larger heads also typically require longer ear stems. Otherwise, your sunglasses won’t reach your ears or will appear too short.
If you have a large head, look for sunglasses that are over 125 mm in temple length. This will help the earstems actually reach your ears and be comfortable.
Lens Size and Shape
Along with large sunglasses frames you also want large lenses to provide maximum protection! Generally, lens width isn’t an issue since wider frames will already feature wider lenses. But lens height is definitely important.
While some trendy shades today feature narrow lenses, for large and wide faces we’d recommend a lens height of at least 43mm.
But the most important feature of your lenses is their shape! Finding the right lens to compliment your face shape is the difference between your pair of sunglasses looking great or weird!
If your face is angular, either square or rectangle, we recommend a round-shaped lens. If your face is round, try an angular frame. Choosing a complementary lens shape balances and flatters your features.
Finding the Right Fit
While understanding the right measurements for your sunglasses is key, finding the perfect fit is even more important.
When picking out and trying on sunglasses, the key is comfort. A frame that feels too snug is probably too narrow and may cause headaches. While a frame with short earstems can rub and irritate your ears.
When you’re shopping, make sure you choose frames that fit your face and your head. Try on as many pairs as you need to determine your preferred measurements and don’t compromise. A fashionable frame that causes pain is not worth the money.
How to Find Sunglasses Dimensions?
Online, most manufacturers post the dimensions of their sunglasses on the product page. But if they’re not available online, or you’re shopping in-store, you can still easily find the dimensions.
Most sunglasses print the dimensions of the frame in millimeters on the inside of the temples. These numbers are ordered with the serial number first followed by lens width, bridge width, and temple length (from left to right). You can see this illustrated in the example below.
What Brands Offer XL Sunglasses?
Several high-quality brands offer eyewear specifically sized for larger heads and faces. While these aren’t your only options they do provide an easy selection of large frames.
- Oakley offers XL size sunglasses, which are typically 10-15% larger than standard size models, but feature the same design. You can read more in our Oakley Size Guide.
- Costa has a range of oversized sunglasses that are larger than their standard frames. Some, like the Ferg, are about 5% larger than their standard counterpart. Others are more than 10% larger, like the Costa Permit, that are designed in their original form to be very large, equivalent to a double XL frame.
- Ray-Ban offers many of its iconic frames like the Wayfarer or Aviator in large sizes (along with small and standard options). Other styles are specified as oversized, denoting their larger size.
The 5 Best Sunglasses for Big Heads
5. Costa Spearo XL
The Costa Spearo XL (Product Link) is a classic square lens style with clean lines and a big, deep lens measuring 47.9 mm high.
The Spearo is designed to be used on or near the water and is available with polarized lenses for maximum UV protection. And Costa offers this frame with a variety of lens colors making it great for fishing or everyday life!
Finally, the Costa Spearo is available with both lightweight polycarbonate and lightweight glass lenses that provide plenty of coverage for large faces!
Costa Spearo XL Highlights
- Clean lines and versatile shape for larger faces with a 142mm frame width and 140mm stem length
- Proprietary Hydrolite nose pads and non-slip stem ends prevent slipping
- Available with polarized, mirrored, and prescription lenses
4. Oakley Fuel Cell
The Oakley Fuel Cell (Product Link) is a large rectangular frame made of lightweight O Matter material. With clean lines and a big wrap, this classic style is similar to the popular Gascan, but with a taller lens and longer stems for larger heads. Overall, this is a great pair of men’s sunglasses for bigger heads!
Oakley Fuel Cell Highlights
- Big wrap with a 40.5mm lens height, 127mm frame width, and 130mm stem length offer excellent coverage
- Flattering rectangular shape is great for streetwear or sport use
- Lightweight, durable O Matter frame available with Polarized and Prizm lenses
3. Ray-Ban Clubmaster Oversized
The Clubmaster (Product Link) is an oversized Ray-Ban frame that looks great on large square heads. This great frame features the classic browline styling of the Clubmaster with Wayfarer-inspired temples, making it a great choice for everyday life!
Ray-Ban Clubmaster Highlights
- Fashionable oval lenses provide good coverage at 47.1mm lens height, 130mm width and 145mm length
- Classic Ray-Ban styling offers excellent streetwear versatility with a comfortable fit
- Available in several frame colors including black, white, and tortoise
2. Maui Jim Big Wave
The Maui Jim Big Wave (Product Link) is a large frame ideal for wide faces. Featuring super clean lines, these men’s sunglasses provide excellent coverage. And thanks to its 140mm frame width, the Big Wave provides a better fit for wide faces. Plus with lightweight MauiPure lenses that are scratch and shatter-resistant, you’ll be ready for any adventure.
Maui Jim Big Wave Highlights
- Good coverage with a deep 45.5mm lens height, 140.3mm frame width, and 137mm stem length
- Three-point fit keeps optics aligned and makes the frame comfortable for extended wear
- Available in multiple colorways and is customizable
1. Oakley Holbrook XL
Oakley Holbrook (Product Link) sunglasses are the top choice on our list thanks to their large size and a variety of features for ultimate comfort! With a classic rectangular lens shape, the Holbrook provides maximum coverage with impact-resistant lenses. Plus, Oakley offers a Holbrook XL that provides 15% more coverage for large faces, while offering the same clean lines and classic styling!
Oakley Holbrook XL Highlights
- Good coverage with a 45.5mm lens height, 140.3mm frame width, and 137mm earstem length
- Three-point fit keeps optics aligned and makes the frame comfortable for extended wear
- Available in a variety of colorways with contrast-enhancing Prizm and Prizm Polarized lenses
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Are Large Sunglasses?
We recommend sunglasses for men with big heads be at least 43mm in lens height, 145mm in length, and 130mm in frame width. These measurements can be used as a baseline when shopping for sunglasses but may need to be adjusted based on your head size and shape.
Do Aviators Look Good on Large Faces?
Yes, aviator sunglasses look great on large faces thanks to their large lens height. The classic aviator lens shape is a teardrop that provides maximum vertical coverage in a clean and sophisticated look!
For larger heads, you’ll want to buy XL or oversized aviators that are wide enough to fit your head and provide sufficient coverage.
Have a Question?
Want to learn more about sunglasses for big heads? Or have a question? Join our community and let us know in the thread below!
