According to Statista 2023 market statistics, about 35% of adult women among Asian consumers have a face width of less than 135 mm, which is a typical small face shape, and hence sunglasses with the lens width of 48-52 mm and nose bracket spacing of 14-16 mm become the best choice. For example, Ray-Ban was introduced to the “Wayfarer Small” series, and the lens width is exactly controlled at 50 mm, the mirror leg length is reduced to 135 mm (normal model is 145 mm), the weight is lightened to 25 grams (normal model is 32 grams), and the adaptation rate is increased to 78%. This kind of best sunglasses for small faces will have a look of extremely curved mirror legs, and the fit test shows that the pressure value at the back of the ear is reduced by 42%, and the incidence of discomfort is only 9% for long-term wear for 4 hours, far below the 35% of the normal model.
Material selection has a direct effect on the adaptation, 2022 “Journal of Optical Materials” pointed out that TR90 ultra-light memory plastic with elastic modulus up to 3.5GPa, 40% less than traditional acetate fiber material, can withstand 80,000 bending tests without deforming. For example, the Oakley “Holbrook Small” line features patented O Matter™ material, the frame is just 22 grams, and the nose support module has 0.5 mm fine adjustment to ensure that the optical center of the lens is less than 2 mm from the pupil, thereby reducing the risk of visual distortion. Concurrently, transmittal of lens shall be controlled in CATEGORY 3 specifications (transmittal between 8%-18%), i.e., Essilor’s Crizal UV coating will cut 99.9% UVA/UVB and is surface hardened 6H (Mohs hardness) and prolongs its life for more than 3 years.
As for trends in design, Google search trends for 2023 reveal a 67% increase in searches for “oval frames for petite faces,” and oval or cat eye shapes can elongate facial dimensions through a 14°-18° uplift Angle vision. For example, Gentle Monster’s “Milan” series uses a drop-shaped lens whose width is 53 mm and height is 19 mm with a top metal trim strip width of just 1.2 mm to successfully reduce users’ perception of head width by 12%. Market sentiment shows that the re-purchase rate of this kind of best sunglasses for small faces on the online shopping platform is 31%, and that of rectangular or oversized frame is a maximum of 24% (data source: Tmall International 2024 Q1 report).
In terms of cost performance, items whose price ranges from 800-1500 yuan share 65% of the market share. For example, Bolon’s “Light Capsule” series is produced by bonding ultra-thin titanium alloy mirror ring (thickness 0.8 mm) and magnetic mirror leg together, the production efficiency is up to 92%, the cost reduced by 18%, and the terminal price is set at 899 yuan, 26% lower than similar competitive products. Consumer testing shows that accurate design, such as 5mm silicone anti-slip dots at the end of the mirror leg and opening and closing Angle of the hinge, can increase user satisfaction by 92% (source: 2023 Consumer Reports). It is recommended to prioritize the parameter combination of frame total width ≤140 mm and lens aspect ratio ≥0.6 to get the optimal balance between optical efficiency and aesthetic adaptation.