9 eyewear frame styles that have become cultural icons

Eyewear is the way you can see and maintain your style. For decades, certain glasses have walked far beyond function, carving out permanent locations in pop culture.

From fashion week runways to collections of leading sunglasses brands, these frames have made that mark.

Whether it’s a signature film look, a fashion statement, or a symbol of rebellion, some frames have achieved iconic status. These are nine eyewear styles that have become legendary.

Aviator

Originally designed for fighter pilots, aviators were all about utility before becoming a fashion staple. The big tear lenses were made to block the sun at high altitudes. However, icons like General MacArthur and later Tom Cruise were also found. Top Gun Wearing them, the style took a whole new life.

Whether you’re flying on the plane or heading for brunch, the astronauts still give you a serious atmosphere of confidence and adventure. SmartBuyglasses’ luxury eyewear offers plenty of sophisticated options.

Wayfarer

Ray-Ban’s Wayfarer changed the game when it was released in 1952. With its bold, boxy shape and sturdy plastic frame, it separates its wire rim style from the past. James Dean wore them. So did Audrey Hepburn.

And then the 80s happened. Thank you for Bruce Brothers, Dangerous businessand Miami Vicethe wayfarer was suddenly everywhere again. They have never actually abolished style since then. Clean, classic, just the right amount of rebellious amount, they are a safe bet for instant cool.

Round Lennon glasses

Small, wireframe and undoubtedly round. These glasses will be linked forever with John Lennon. In the 60s and 70s, they became symbols of counterculture, peace and artistic freedom.

With minimalist designs and colored lenses, they were statements. Today you can still be seen by artists, musicians, and those who channel a little free-ho-emancipated energy.

Club Master

A vintage-cool with half metal, half plastic and full-on, Clubmaster has an academic meat eddy look that is hard to hit. It was popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and they were equally popular with intellectuals and civil rights leaders.

Malcolm X helped make them symbolic. They made a strong comeback in the 2010s, and it’s easy to see why. Clubmaster says that they are “smart,” “stylish,” and “know what they’re doing.”

Oversized 70’s Gram Frame

If you want to scream luxury and mystic in the 1970s, you’ve grown. It’s really big. Oversized frames with gradient lenses were everywhere. They are with celebrities, socialites and those who follow the Jetset lifestyle.

Jackie O made them legendary. Diana Ross took them to diva status. Even today, the oversized Sunny is a go-to for adding a bit of drama (and perhaps dodges the paparazzi).

Thick black “geek” glasses

Not once awkward or fashionable, thick-rimmed black glasses won a complete image overhaul. What was screaming “Bookworm” suddenly became the go-to of hipsters, creatives and high-tech insiders.

Celebrities such as Tina Faye, Rivers Cuomo, and Zooey Deschanel have helped turn them into something charming, smart and cool. Today, they walk the line between sarcasm and credibility, but they still work.

Cat eye glass

With its sharp upward corners and vintage talent, Cat Eye Glass has always been about bold femininity. They first leapt out in the 50s and 60s, when stars like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly wore them.

Flash forward, and style is still strong, and now everyone is embracing it, from retro lovers to high fashion trendsetters. They are playful, elegant and a little intense.

Shield sunglasses

It’s hard to miss out on the big, bold, futuristic shield sunglasses. Originally made for athletes and high-performance activities, they quickly went to streetwear and celebrity fashion.

Think Victoria Beckham, or the red carpet from the late 2010s. These frames scream pure style. If you want to be like you’ve just come out of the runway in sci-fi movies or Fashion Week, it’s perfect.

Small matrix sunglasses

Extremely minimal, micro sunglasses have skyrocketed into pop culture matrix. Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Laurence Fishburne have made sophisticated, narrow frames the ultimate cyberpunk accessory.

They initially looked like a short-lived trend, but they cried out in the 2020s thanks to Y2K’s revival and influencers who weren’t afraid to take the risk of fashion. They may not block the sun much, but they will definitely turn their heads.