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Types of Sunglasses (Ultimate Guide): How to Find Your Signature Style

Sunglasses are the accessory you can’t leave the house without. This multi-tasking accessory is more than just a fashion statement. Protect your eyes from harsh UV rays and finish off any outfit. Just like your daily SPF, sunglasses aren’t just for the summer.

Lavinia Longhi

Lavinia Longhi

Demand Planning Manager
Lenses & Features
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CATEGORIES Lenses & Features
READ TIME 1 MINS
Types of Sunglasses (Ultimate Guide): How to Find Your Signature Style

Sunglass shapes vary, from classic cat-eye silhouettes to futuristic versions of retro-inspired aviators. Not all sunglasses are universally flattering – but there’s a style out there for everyone. The perfect sunglasses complement your face shape and speak to your fashion aesthetic and lifestyle.

At Carrera, we believe sunglasses are the ultimate form of self-expression. They’re an extension of who you are. It’s why our collections include different types of sunglasses to suit every lifestyle, fashion aesthetic, and personality.

AUTHOR
Lavinia Longhi

Lavinia Longhi

Demand Planning Manager

The Most Popular Sunglass Types 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when exploring different sunglasses shapes. Shopping online can make it even more difficult. Some sunglass types can look similar, but different features, like a geometric corner and lens type, can drastically alter how they look.

We’re breaking down popular sunglasses by style to help you find your signature pair. Read on to learn a little about the history of these sunglasses styles and what lifestyles they suit best, whether you’re a frequent flyer or a fitness fanatic.

Rectangular Sunglasses

Rectangular Sunglasses

Rectangular sunglasses tick all the boxes. This sunglass shape is wider with a sophisticated silhouette that gives it an understated feel. They’re one of the most popular types of sunglasses for everyday wear, from commuting to work to lounging by the pool. The Carrera 1048 sunglasses have a sleek rectangular silhouette, drawing inspiration from classic ‘80s fashion.

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Square Sunglasses

Square Sunglasses

Square sunglasses aren’t as angular as you might expect. Like most sunglasses’ shapes, they usually have a gentle slope to the corner for a softer look. The Carrera 316/S is a classic square sunglasses style, ideal for oval face shapes.

These sunglasses have bold proportions as a transitional accessory you can wear every season with polarized lenses. Prefer a more oversized look? Channel your inner old Hollywood starlet with the Carrera 3004.

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Clubmaster Sunglasses

Clubmaster Sunglasses

The clubmaster is another retro-inspired sunglasses shape, made famous in the ‘50s. They’re instantly recognizable by their slim, almost non-existent, lower rims, with a bold brow to balance the silhouette. The thick upper edge has squared-off wingtips with rivets that compliment round and heart-shaped faces.

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Triangle Sunglasses

Triangle Sunglasses

Few sunglasses are as out-of-the-box as triangle sunglasses. This style is more of a fashion statement than functional sunglasses. They’re a popular option for music festivals, tropical vacations, and futuristic streetwear. Triangle sunglasses are similar to cat-eye silhouettes but with pointed lower rims, creating a sharp triangular shape for the lenses.

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Octagonal Sunglasses

Octagonal Sunglasses

Geometric sunglasses are an unforgettable style that adds a playful twist to any outfit. Octagonal sunglasses were popular from the 1940s to the ‘60s with eight-sided frames that offer a quirky alternative to round sunglasses. They have a more balanced silhouette, ideal if you’re experimenting with avant-garde styles for the first time. These sunglasses have a unique charm that makes them timelessly chic.

Our Carrera 303/S sunglasses come in four color options with a slightly octagonal shape, featuring rounded edges and a double bridge. Choose the Ultrapolar lenses for maximum UV protection.

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Tortoise Sunglasses

Tortoise Sunglasses

Tortoise sunglasses are one of the most universally flattering styles. This softer color, with its honey tones, works with any complexion. Tortoise sunglasses are a classy option for everyday wear with an elevated look, whether you’re relaxing at the weekend or attending a sporting event. Our Carrera 305/S sunglasses feature signature detailing inherited from the Carrera archive.

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Shield Sunglasses

Shield Sunglasses

Shield sunglasses are a style guaranteed to turn heads. It’s one of the most popular athletic-inspired sunglasses styles, popular for cycling, running, and skiing. These sunglasses shield your entire eye area, giving you ultimate eye protection and a statement look all in one. The Carrera 1060/S sunglasses have a single shield lens with a half-rim frame, drawing inspiration from ski goggles with a futuristic twist.

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Navigator Sunglasses

Navigator Sunglasses

Navigator sunglasses are different from their aviator counterparts as they have a more rectangular silhouette. Also known as ‘pilot glasses’, they’re a signature style you can wear while driving or as a casual, everyday style. The Carrera 1016/S is one of our best-selling sunglasses styles with logo-etched gradient lenses and a streamlined shape with refined detailing.

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Clip-On Sunglasses

If you have prescription lenses, you’ll know the pain of switching between your normal glasses and sunglasses. Clip-on sunglasses are the perfect solution, letting you switch between lenses with the same frame. This sunglasses type is ideal for frequent flyers who want to travel light or need a portable style for everyday wear.

Aviators Sunglasses

Aviators Sunglasses

Few sunglasses shapes have the rich history that Aviator sunglasses have. They’re one of the most popular styles of sunglasses for men, synonymous with pilots, the military, and Tom Cruise’s iconic ‘Top Gun’ character, Maverick.

You don’t need to be flying a fighter jet to wear the CA 2031T/S sunglasses. We’ve given the classic aviators a contemporary twist with rimeless construction and sleek metal temples for a three-dimensional look.

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Wayfarers Sunglasses

Wayfarers Sunglasses

Wayfarer sunglasses are one of the most recognizable sunglass types. These plastic-framed sunglasses have rounded corners with a flat front. Originally made famous by celebrities like James Dean and Bob Dylan, Wayfarers remains one of the best-selling styles of sunglasses for men. They’re the perfect match for those with a longer face as an everyday style that works with any outfit. The Carrera 316/S sunglasses are our take on the classic wayfarer silhouette.

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Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

The up swept corners of cat-eye sunglasses make them one of the most feminine styles on our list. They’re a quirky, playful style that injects personality into any outfit. Audrey Hepburn made the style famous with her iconic role in the 1961 film, ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Add a Parisian flair to your closet with the Carrera 3017/S sunglasses. Prefer a more understated look? Check out the Carrera 3015/S with a slimmer frame. They’re the ultimate sunglasses for a special occasion.

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Wraparound Sunglasses

Wraparound Sunglasses

Take your UV protection to the next level with wraparound sunglasses. Unlike other sunglasses shapes, these athletic sunglasses reduce glare and are designed for outdoor activities.Typically worn by athletes, these sunglasses have a close-fitting style to enhance your comfort and performance. They’re one of the best sunglasses for wearing while cycling, fishing, or driving. Our Carrera 8039/S sunglasses have a similar look to the wraparound style as ultra-lightweight sunglasses to add to your gym bag.

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Round Sunglasses

Round Sunglasses

Round sunglasses are synonymous with bohemian fashion, made famous by John Lennon, and remain favorites amongst celebrities like the Olsen twins and Kendall Jenner. Although considered a retro style, they’ve become one of the most popular styles of sunglasses amongst streetwear followers.

You’re guaranteed to turn heads with our Superchampion sunglasses, a style that adds a distinctive, futuristic twist to the classic round sunglasses style. These sunglasses are fully rimless and available in a solid tint or mirrored lens.

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Oversized Frames

Oversized Frames

If you’ve got a big personality, choose a style of sunglasses that matches. These large silhouettes maximize sun protection, helping reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They have a distinctive avant-garde aesthetic, making you feel like an A-lister. Our Grand Prix 3 sunglasses have an oversized rectangular shape with an athletic, retro-inspired look. These sunglasses are a go-to for weekend outfits.

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Browline Sunglasses

Browline Sunglasses

Clubmaster sunglasses evolved from the original ‘browline’ style of sunglasses. One of the most popular styles of sunglasses for men, the silhouette of browline sunglasses draws the eyes to your brow line. Typically featuring contrasting metals, browline sunglasses have a round shape with squared corners.

Our Carrera 318/S sunglasses are an everyday style for those who don’t get distracted by fast fashion trends.

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Butterfly Sunglasses

Butterfly Sunglasses

Butterfly sunglasses mimic the appearance of butterfly wings with edges that slope inward for a smaller look. Like oversized styles, butterfly sunglasses make your facial features appear more prominent. They’re a quirky alternative to the classic cat-eye sunglasses as a modern take on the vintage style.

This sunglasses style is ideal for square, oval, and diamond face shapes. Our Carrera 3037/S sunglasses have a sculpted profile that embraces the maximalist trend as a full-rimmed butterfly frame.

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Hexagon Sunglasses

Hexagon Sunglasses

Hexagon sunglasses make a subtle but bold statement with a geometric shape that offers a retro-inspired feel. Our Carrera 334/S sunglasses are a lightweight style, ideal for everyday wear or your next tropical vacation. Add your prescription lenses to make them your signature style.

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Meet the Carrera Flag Collection

Sunglasses are a statement piece. Our ‘Flag’ collection doesn’t shy away from taking center stage. Each style has a distinctive design and features, from our iconic ‘C’ logo to contrasting materials for a contemporary, streetwear-ready look. These sunglasses are one step ahead of the latest trends with daring silhouettes that showcase your personality.

This collection is designed for those who aren’t afraid to try something new, incorporating our signature Carrera flag. These sunglasses styles are the boldest in our range, blending sports-inspired silhouettes with a metropolitan sensibility and a vintage feel.

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FLAGLAB COLLECTION