Last Updated on February 22, 2023 by amy
Vintage eyeglasses refer to styles of eyeglasses that were popular in the past, and many of these styles have reemerged in popularity in recent years. There are dozens of styles that were popular in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and some of the formerly popular styles include cat eyes, wayfarers, and other frames. Some of these styles were not popular for very long while others remained popular for several years and remained popular between decades. Eyeglasses evolved dramatically since they were invented over three centuries ago, and the fashion for vintage eyeglasses changed dramatically since and every decade thereafter.
Round lenses were popular in the 1920s and 1930s
The round lens was introduced in the early 1900s and maintained its popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. You can purchase vintage round lenses from online retailers like Classic Specs and many others. Originally, round lenses were made of flammable celluloid, but eventually other materials were used for them. Round lenses could be seen on popular celebrities during the 1920s and 30s, and they were a major fashion that stayed popular for several years. During the 1920s and 30s, gold plating and gold filling began to be used for eyeglasses, and they started to improve the look of traditional wire frame glasses that were not very pleasant to look at initially. Eyeglass fashion started to take form in popular culture, and several different styles could be seen evolving during these decades.
Browline glasses became popular in the 1940s and 1950s
The signature browline glasses were popular during the 1940s and 1950s and became fashionable as many celebrities started to wear them. The browline was popular after the Second World War and it accounted for over 50 percent of sales for eyeglasses. Frames were fashionable during these decades and there were many more choices available for frame styles, colors, and other options that could be configured based on demand and fashion. Cat eye glasses became popular in the 1950s and it was also available in several different styles, colors and shades like browline eyeglasses. Marilyn Monroe popularized many of these styles including cat eye glasses and other styles, and she became one of the first celebrities to make eyeglass styles popular.
Wayfarer eyeglasses were introduced in the early 1950s
In the early 1950s, the wayfarer eyeglass style was introduced by RayBan. James Dean popularized the style, and it had more of a masculine feel to it. Black rimmed glasses that were heavy which were known as G-man specs also became popular in the art and literary crowd. It reflected the film noir style which was a popular cultural trend and very influential. Wayfarer eyeglasses, browline eyeglasses, and several others grew in and out of popularity since the height of their popularity, but in modern times you can find nearly all of these styles and other styles in many parts of America and the world. You can also purchase them and even try them on at dealers like Classic Specs and other online retailers that allow you to try them before purchasing them.
