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Find your perfect pair

Your ideal sunglasses are probably at Heathrow - here’s how to choose them before you board.

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Heathrow
You’re through security, you’ve got time to kill, and there’s a distinct feeling in the air: you’re officially on holiday mode. But before you dive into a flat white or pre-flight aperitivo, pause for a second. When did you last update your sunglasses?
Heathrow is, hands down, one of the best places to shop for new shades. The range is massive - think Ray-Ban, Prada, Gucci, Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Chanel  - and that’s just in Terminal 5. With more choice than your average high street, and prices that are often lower, it’s the perfect place to find your next favourite pair.
So, set aside some time before your flight. Try on styles in person, without the guesswork of online shopping. Already have a particular pair in mind? See if you can Reserve & Collect via our online shopping service - or check with the store directly to make sure they're in stock. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re sipping a spritz in the sun in your new frames.
Here’s how to find the sunglasses that suit you - and your face shape, skin tone, hairstyle and holiday plans.

Face shape: the quick guide

Not sure what shape your face is? Stand in front of a mirror and trace the outline with lip balm or a lipstick. Most faces fit roughly into one of six categories:
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Oval

Almost every style suits you - especially bold or oversized frames. Just avoid very narrow shapes that can elongate the face.
 

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Square

Soften strong angles with round, oval or butterfly styles. Curved frames create contrast and balance.

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Round

Add structure with angular styles like square, rectangular or cat-eye frames to sharpen soft features.
 

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Diamond

Show off cheekbones with oval, browline or cat-eye frames. Oversized styles work beautifully too.

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Heart-shaped

Balance a wider forehead and narrow chin with aviators, round frames or anything softer on top.
 

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Rectangle

A longer face shape suits round, oval or oversized frames - anything that adds width and breaks up strong lines.

Frame materials: comfort, style and practicality

Before falling for a frame, it’s worth knowing what it’s made from - because comfort and fit matter just as much as looks (especially if you’re planning to wear them every day on holiday).

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Metal frames

  • Stainless steel: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and kind to skin
  • Titanium: Ultra-light, durable, and hypoallergenic
  • Aluminium: Sleek and light, with a modern finish

Metal frames are ideal for a polished, elegant look. They tend to be slimmer and more discreet than plastic, but not the best choice for high-intensity activity or hot, sweaty beach days.

Best for: Business trips, city breaks, minimalist chic

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Plastic frames

  • Acetate: Durable, colourful, and perfect for bold styles
  • Polyamide: Flexible and long-lasting (though tricky to adjust once bent)

Plastic frames offer loads of choice when it comes to shape and colour. From classic tortoiseshell to translucent pastels, they’re great for holiday fun and everyday wear alike.

Best for: Family holidays, poolside reading, statement looks

Skin tone: warm or cool?

It’s not just about light or dark - it’s about the undertones. Look at the veins on your wrist:

  • Greenish? You likely have a warm tone
  • Bluish? You’re probably cool
  • Somewhere in the middle? You may be olive and have a bit of both
For warm tones:

Opt for coral, copper, tortoiseshell or amber frames. These colours complement your natural glow.

For cool tones:

Go for greys, blues, lilacs or classic black for a fresh, clean contrast.

Hair + sunnies: the low-maintenance match

Choosing frames that play nicely with your hairstyle is the secret to looking effortlessly pulled together.

  • Short hair or up-dos: Metal or transparent frames let your sunglasses do the talking
  • Straight hair: Try sleek, subtle frames that don’t overwhelm
  • Curly or voluminous hair: Go bold! Big shapes and strong colours hold their own
  • Ponytails: Understated frames are great, but chunky or oversized sunnies can add drama too

Lenses that fit your life

Fashion aside, don’t forget function. Heathrow shops stock a range of lens options depending on where you’re headed and what you’ll be doing.

  • Polarised lenses: Cut glare from water, snow and roads—ideal for driving or beach holidays
  • Photochromic lenses: Adapt to changing light, so you won’t need to keep switching glasses
  • Gradient lenses: Great for reading or people-watching outdoors
  • Mirrored lenses: Stylish, reflective, and ideal for sunny destinations

 

One last tip before take-off

Heathrow might not be the first place you think of for a serious shopping trip - but when it comes to sunglasses, it’s a secret winner.

You’ll find more choice than the average high street, often at better prices, and you can try on as many pairs as you like without rushing. There’s expert help if you want it - and no pressure if you don’t.

If there’s a particular style you’re after, call the store ahead and ask if it’s in stock. That way you can skip the stress and head straight for the sunglasses you actually want.

Trust us - future you, basking in a lounger somewhere sunny, will be very glad you did.

 

Where to find your shades, terminal by terminal

Accessorize

Boss

Bottgega Veneta

Burberry

Dior

Gucci

Harrods

Louis Vuitton

Mulberry

Paul Smith

Sunglass hut

Saint Laurent

Tiffany

World Duty Free

Accessorize

Boss

Bvlgari

Burberry

Chanel 

Dior

Fendi

Gucci

Hermes

Kurt Geiger

Loewe

Louis Vuitton

Moncler

Sunglass Boutique

World Duty Free

Accessorize

Bvlgari

Bottgega Veneta

Burberry

Fendi

Gucci

Harrods

Kurt Geiger

Louis Vuitton

Saint Laurent

Sunglass Hut

Valentino

World Duty Free

Accessorize

Boss

Bottgega Veneta

Burberry

Chanel

Collection

Dior

Gucci

Harrods

Hermes

Louis Vuitton

Orlebar Brown

Paul Smith 

Prada

Sunglass Hut 

World Duty Free