Glasses Frames Most Popular Styles: Journey Through the Decades
Have you ever wondered which styles came from which decade? With clothing, it's easy to spot iconic trends and styles and remember a bygone era, but fewer people know which glasses styles belong to each decade.
Come along with us as we explore the evolution of eyeglasses and remember glasses frames most popular styles.
Decades and Frame Styles
Each decade has produced unique types of glasses styles. They range from tiny spectacles to giant statement sunglasses. The only surety is that every decade popularizes new trends. The eyeglasses history timeline is immense, so let’s get started.
1900s
In the 1900s, glasses first strayed from simple and practical designs and took on more interesting shapes and styles.
The pince-nez style of glasses was well-known in this era. Pince-nez glasses had no earpieces, and people used the nose bridge between the lenses to hold the frames in place. These were popular among politicians and intellectuals. Iconic historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt are often shown in old images wearing these frames.
This decade also brought rimless glasses into the limelight. These were small, lightweight, and not very noticeable, allowing them to be more discreet.
1910s
In the 1910s, round wireframes were the most popular style of eyeglasses, favored for their practicality and ease. The wireframes were usually made with hammered-out metals like silver or copper. The lenses were often very small but valued for their elegance and simple design.
1920s
In the 1920s, there was a push to try new and exciting styles. The Art Deco era greatly influenced eyewear, so glasses frames were made with new bold and angular designs.
Instead of only metal, frames were now made with tortoiseshell. Harold Lloyd made this style of glasses iconic with his appearances in silent movies.
Flapper style also had an impact on glasses frames. Some frames would sport decorative embellishments and designs to make them appear more unique and feminine.
1930s
The 1930s were the age when sunglasses began to pick up in popularity. People realized tinted glasses could protect their eyes and serve as a classy fashion statement.
Horn-rimmed glasses took center stage in the ’30s, with the frames made from animal horns and the already popular tortoiseshell. The most common glasses were durable and sleek.
1940s
During World War II, pilots used wide aviator-style sunglasses to help give them full protection while flying. Even after the war ended in 1945, the style became popular with the general public. Aviators became even more widespread after the Hollywood heartthrob Marlon Brando wore them publicly.
While aviators gained traction, other common glasses styles were based on functionality and simplicity. The focus on practicality was most likely due to post-war attitudes.
1950s
In the 1950s, women’s fashion took off, and glasses became fashion statement pieces. Cat-eye glasses were all the rage, with glamorous frames that tapered up to points near the eyebrow line. New designs and colors were implemented to make them stand out. Iconic female celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn were seen in cat-eye frames, making the style even more desirable.
Browline glasses also boomed in popularity and became one of the most common styles of the decade. Browlines had a thick dominant upper frame and either very thin or non-existent frames on the bottom. This style worked for both men and women and was extremely comfortable, thanks to the nose bridge feet.
1960s
The 1960s were a time of experimentation and expression, and popular glasses frames reflected those attitudes. Oversized frames with large lenses, unusual shapes, and bright colors could be found on most streets.
Teashade glasses had round lenses usually tinted in different colors, like red, pink, yellow, and even blue. Teashades were popularized by some of the decade's biggest stars, like John Lennon.
The bold new colors didn't stop at lenses. Frames also sported bright colors and colorful designs to make them stand out and accentuate the face.
1970s
The trends of the 1960s continued into the 1970s. Many people began associating the popular teashade frames with the hippie movement of the ’60s and ’70s.
Bold frames and shapes still had the public obsessed. Public figures known for their style and elegance like Jackie Kennedy Onassis were known to wear very large-frame sunglasses and influenced many others to do the same.
1980s
As clothing styles shifted in the 1980s, the trend for oversized lenses stayed strong. However, some specific oversized styles became the most popular type of frames. Aviator-style glasses and sunglasses made a huge comeback after Top Gun was released in theaters.
Wayfarer glasses also burst onto the scene. They had been around since Ray-Ban released the style in the ’50s, but in the ’80s they became one of the most popular styles. Ray-Ban frames were constantly in the spotlight, worn by celebrities like Madonna and in hit movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
1990s
The 1990s saw a return to minimalist designs. Frames were simple, sleek, understated, and usually far smaller than the bold styles of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Many frames were thin so they looked almost invisible. Lots of people specifically looked for glasses that wouldn’t stand out or be the focus of their appearance.
Rectangular frames were a common sight with clean, thin lines. The focus on functionality was all the rage as consumers cared less about extreme colors and patterns.
2000s
The 2000s brought change again as people re-adopted classic styles like oversized frames, wayfarer glasses, and circular frames. The only thing all styles could agree on was how they were shying away from the minimalist and subtle designs of the 1990s.
2010s TO TODAY
During the 2010s and well into the 2020s, styles are as diverse as the people who wear them. The public has embraced how eyeglasses and frames can add bold new styles and turn any good outfit into a show-stopper.
Glasses are seen on every major runway in the world. Gone are the days when people only wore prescription glasses if needed. Many people sport glasses without prescription lenses just so they, too, can add that special something to their look.
Round frames, clear frames, huge frames, retro styles—anything goes as long as you can express individuality and embrace the best of every decade.
Find Your Perfect Frames With Visionworks
The style of glasses has changed with every decade, and they’re sure to keep changing as they follow future styles and trends. The only thing you can be sure of is that Visionworks will always have the most popular styles to choose from.
We have the best brands any company can offer, with classics like Ray-Ban, Nike, and Karl Lagerfeld. We also have discount styles to fit any budget, with dozens of frames starting at under $100.
Find the best frames for your face shape, keep up with current trends, or show your unique personality by choosing classic throwback frames. Whatever your choice is, all you need is an updated eye prescription and you can get started.
Schedule an appointment at your local Visionworks today and get shopping for your new frames!
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