100 Years of Eyewear: Glasses Trends Through the Decade

Eyewear has gone from solely improving visual clarity to becoming style statements. Today, sunglasses and eyeglasses are used to transform and update one’s look. 

As stronger versions of plastic were developed and became more accessible, we also saw eyeglasses, frames, and lenses that were available in different shapes and sizes. From John Lennon to Elton John,  Steve Jobs to Woody Allen, the last century has witnessed iconic figures in business and entertainment donning trendsetting frames.

Let’s take a trip spanning the last century to see how eyeglasses trends have changed through the decades.

1920s-1930s: Round frames

If you're looking to bring back the exuberance of the roaring twenties, look no further than the round tortoiseshell frames that dominated this decade. While the first tortoisehell frames or horn-rimmed glasses were made from real tortoise shells, they’re now made with more durable acetate plastic.

Because men and women wore the same rounded specs, it was quite popular among liberated women. The 60s may have gone down as the decade for activists but the 1920s were the precursor for championing freedom, particularly between the sexes.

The round look was so wildly popular that it continued through the 1930s. Get this look with the round, thin-framed Nevada and our customer favorite Bexley.

Pro Tip: A 2021 article from Allure says that tortoiseshell frames flatters all skin tones and hair colors. It also credits gently rounded frames for being suitable for all face shapes.

The Nevada 

The Bexley

1950s: Cat-eye Shapes for Women and Browline Frames

Browline glasses weren't just popular — they ruled the 50s by generating over 50 percent of sales! The combination of metal and plastic was a hit with consumers who were looking for new designs.

This eyeglass was so named because of the way it framed one’s brows with its heavier and more visually striking upper half. If you’re a fan of this brow-defining style, check out Jaxon from WMP Eyewear.

Another style  that emerged in the 1950s was cat-eye glasses. Popularized by Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, it became a defining look from the 50s to 60s. Delicate cat-eye frames drew attention to one’s eyes and embodied femininity. It is an enduring eyewear staple that has received tweaks and updates over the decades.

For modern cat-eye frames, check out our Sophia sunglasses.

The Jaxon

The Sophia

1960s: Geometric Shapes, Oversized Frames, and Teashades 

1960’s eyewear was as wild and varied as the political and social climate of the decade. Iconic British artist John Lennon popularized round teashades — a style that was rumored to hide the effects of drug use and was considered a symbol for liberal ideologies.

Together with cool colorful geometric frames and oversized bug-eye styles, these designs mirrored the uninhibited spirit of the decade.

Celebrate the spirit of the 60s with WMP Eyewear’s Phoenix and Skyler sunglasses.

The Phoenix

The Skyler

1970s: Fashionable Rectangular Aviators 

Aviator shades have been around since the 1930s but only reached the height of their popularity in the 1970s, continuing to be in fashion until the 1980s. These military-inspired shades were worn by Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Despite their masculine lines, they’re also worn by women, creating an attractive contrast against feminine outfits. 

Think you're bold enough to pull these off? Try the Harvey.

The Harvey  

1980s: Like Tom Cruise? Try Classic Wayfarers 

The wayfarer is another style that became wildly popular long after it was made. Though they were originally produced in 1956, it was Tom Cruise’s 1983 hit film Risky Business that propelled it into mainstream fashion. 

This was no coincidence. American eyewear manufacturer Ray Ban was struggling in 1983 and paid for media product placements to promote its wayfarer shades. The risk paid off and sales shot up by 50% that same year — enough to rescue the flailing company. Today, Ray Ban and its wayfarers continue to make waves in the eyewear industry.

Are you a fan of wayfarers? Try our Jacob sunglasses for men.

The Jacob

1990s: Minimalist Oval Pairs

What do Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, and Harry Potter have in common? Why, oval glasses of course! The fact that these notable figures became popular during different decades show how enduring this minimalist trend was.

Reminiscent of the 1920s to 1930s, small round frames re-emerged in the 90s in black and other neutral colors. Popular 90s actresses Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow were seen sporting the look and fueling the trend.

Check out WMP Eyewear’s Tate sunglasses, an updated classic that faithfully recreates the spirit of the 80s.

The Tate

2000s: Rimless, Oversized, and Bold 

It makes sense that the turn of the millennium will inspire inspire futuristic bold eyeglasses trends. The 2000s were a parade of oversized chunky bug-eye frames, rimless spectacles, and transparent frames with colorful gradient lenses. 

Pay tribute to the 2000s with Madison, a pair of sunglasses that sports bold oversized frames and a toned down black gradient. You can also try a bold rimless style with our sunglasses Jade — perfect for an era of bold fashion statements! 

The Madison

The Jade

2010s: Return of Aviators, Rectangular Frames, and Mirrored Sunnies

That history repeats itself isn’t just true for world events but eyewear fashion as well. In 2010, we saw the return of aviator shades (this time oversized and boldly colored), thin-rimmmed rectangular frames, and flashy mirrored lenses. 

For modern takes on these styles, try our modern aviator-style Emerson sunglasses or the Lance sunnies with its double-bridge frame.

The Emerson

The Lance

2022 Eyewear Trends: Round Frames, Aviators, and Oversized Eyewear

This year, we’re seeing more classic styles from the past century coming back to haunt us. Many of them are returning with updated embellishments and sleeker styles. Round frames are now available in more durable and flexible materials. Aviator eyeglasses and sunglasses have two-toned shades while oversized sunglasses have generous and luxurious lines.

For a modern frame, consider our Ramsey shades for a more colorful interpretation of classic aviators while Lucy’s large tortoiseshell lenses exude class and style.  

The Ramsey

The Lucy

Shop at EMP Eyewear for Modern Takes on Classic and Timeless Styles

Eyewear isn’t just worn by intellectuals anymore. They’re worn for fashion and to protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet light and blue light. For modern takes on classic and timeless styles, browse through WMP Eyewear’s wide collection of bestselling glasses for men and women in 2023.