15 Drawing Ideas of Sunglasses

A pair of sunglasses can feel glamorous, chill, retro, futuristic, or downright silly. That’s what makes them such a fun subject to draw. You’re not just sketching an accessory; you’re sketching a mood.

Check these drawing ideas below.

Drawing Ideas of Sunglasses

Tips on How To Draw a Sunglass

Tip 1: Start With Simple Shapes (Seriously, Keep It Easy)

Before you think about style, reflections, or cool details, start simple. Sunglasses are built from very basic shapes—circles, ovals, rectangles, or soft squares.

Lightly sketch these first and don’t worry about perfection. This stage is about placement and proportion, not polish. Think of it as setting the foundation of a house before decorating the rooms.

Ask yourself a few questions while sketching: Are the lenses wide or narrow? Are they tall or slim?

Is the frame chunky or delicate?

Keeping things loose helps you experiment without pressure. If something feels off, it’s much easier to fix a simple shape than a fully detailed drawing. Trust this step—it makes everything that follows smoother and more enjoyable.

Tip 2: Pay Attention to Symmetry (But Don’t Obsess)

Sunglasses usually rely on symmetry, especially across the bridge and lenses. A great trick is to lightly draw a vertical center line before adding details. This helps keep both sides balanced and prevents one lens from accidentally becoming larger than the other.

That said, don’t stress about perfect mirror symmetry. Slight imperfections can actually add charm and personality to your drawing. Real sunglasses aren’t always flawless, and neither are hand-drawn sketches. Aim for balance, not mathematical precision. Step back occasionally, flip your page or canvas if you can, and see how it looks with fresh eyes.

Tip 3: Frame Thickness Changes the Style

The thickness of the frame completely changes the vibe of your sunglasses. Thick frames feel bold, retro, and confident. Thin frames feel elegant, modern, and lightweight. Decide early what kind of personality you want your sunglasses to have, and let that guide your line weight.

Use heavier lines for chunky frames and lighter, cleaner strokes for thin ones. You can even mix it up—thicker on the top, thinner on the bottom—for a stylish, realistic look. This small choice has a big impact, so play around with it. Try sketching the same sunglasses shape with different frame thicknesses and notice how different they feel.

Tip 4: Make the Lenses Interesting

Lenses are where your drawing can really shine. Instead of leaving them flat, think about reflections, gradients, or subtle shading. A simple curved highlight can instantly make lenses look glossy and three-dimensional. Even just a soft shadow along one edge can add depth.

You can also get creative here. Try mirrored lenses with reflected clouds, palm trees, or abstract shapes. Use patterns, stars, or color gradients to suggest tinted glass. Lenses don’t have to be realistic unless you want them to be. This is a great place to inject mood, humor, or storytelling into your drawing.

Tip 5: Add Small Details for Big Personality

Once the main shape is done, details bring everything to life. Think hinges, nose pads, screws, logos, or subtle curves along the arms. These little elements make your sunglasses feel believable and thoughtfully designed.

You can also push beyond realism. Add cracks, stickers, sparkles, or characters reflected in the lenses. Maybe the sunglasses are oversized, crooked, or floating on their own. These playful touches turn a simple sketch into something memorable. Don’t rush this step—details are where your personal style really shows.

Drawing sunglasses is all about balance: simple shapes paired with thoughtful details, structure mixed with creativity. Keep experimenting, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy the process.