Cat-Eye (Sunglasses)

One line does all the work. The upper rim rises as it travels outward and finishes in a point past the outer corner of the eye, while everything below stays fairly conventional. That upswept corner draws attention up and out. That gives the shape its reputation for lifting the face and explains why it looks nothing like a square frame of identical lens size.

Acetate is the usual material, since a plastic slab can be cut into a point that thin wire could never hold. Where the temple joins matters. On a well-made pair the hinge sits below the point so the corner stays clean. Cheaper versions hang the point off the hinge and it snaps. Angle varies enormously, from a gentle lift you barely notice to an exaggerated wing, and the steeper the sweep, the more of your outer cheekbone the lens leaves uncovered.

Wayfarers begin from the same thick acetate and keep the top rim level, so they read casual where this reads deliberate. Oversized frames can be cat-eye as well, since one word describes scale and the other describes outline. Square frames push visual weight outward horizontally instead of upward. Round faces and square jaws both benefit here for opposite reasons: the lift adds angle to a soft face and pulls a wide one longer.

Evening, weddings, resort wear and buyers who want a frame that registers as a choice all suit the shape. Long narrow faces do worst here, since upswept corners add length where there is already plenty. Heavy sun exposure is the other weak case, given the gap left at the outer cheek.

Smile while wearing them, because upswept frames sit high and are the ones most likely to rest on your cheeks when your face moves. Points should be solid acetate rather than glued tips. Keep them in a case instead of face down on a table, since the corners take the impact and chip first.