Stylish men’s glasses are more accessible than ever
It’s never been easier to find men’s glasses styles that fit your personality and way of life. Technical improvements have added new levels of comfort and durability, and when it comes to eyewear styles, there is an array of options available.
Think of your specs as your finishing touch, one of the more important accessories. After all, your glasses are often the first thing people see when they look at your eyes.
Here are 10 trends in men’s glasses frames that can complete your look:
1. Basic black (Horn rims)
If you have high cheekbones, strong features and an oval face, you may find the robust lines of basic rectangular horn-rimmed glasses frames suit you.
This is the eyewear style often seen on Jay-Z, Kit Harington and Colin Firth: dark, thick-rimmed glasses worn with black ensembles.
2. Beige is back (Unisex eyeglasses)
Sometimes called “sand” or “honey” or “wheat,” shades of beige are popping up a lot in men’s glasses styles, from brushed beige metals to flesh-toned acetate frames.
Unisex glasses come in many colors, but if you go with beige, you may find that the warm color with gold undertones flatters many complexions.
3. Tortoiseshell frames
Tortoiseshell frames have experienced a rise in popularity in recent years, with public figures such as Ryan Gosling wearing the style. Gosling is often pictured in narrow frames and rounded lenses, with flecks of amber that highlight his sandy hair and the red tones in his beard.
4. Feather-light glasses
Many men who wear eyeglasses all day are looking for comfort above all else. Technological advances offer new ways to reduce the weight of certain frame materials without sacrificing style or durability.
If you want modern lines and plenty of color choices, there are a variety of acetate eyeglass frames that deliver visual punch without weighing you down.
If you prefer metal frames, consider looking for lightweight options made from materials such as titanium and surgical steel.
5. Clear frames
A subtle way to get shape and style without the color, clear frames can offer a fresh spin on classic styles.
A white transparent version of a browline frame can offer a bold 1950s look. The clear frames have a subtle effect, making this style complementary to round, oval and square faces, among others.
SEE RELATED: A helpful guide to men’s glasses
6. Classic brow-line glasses
Browline frames have taken off again, appearing in classic black and tortoiseshell as well as patterned metals and paler shades.
One of the eyewear styles British musician and trendsetter Zayn Malik is known for, browline glasses can complement dark hair and features.
First worn in the 1950s, browline frames cut a dark curved swath across the browbone, extended at the temples with just a thin, invisible wire holding the lens in place.
This look can give glasses a classic, mid-century appeal.
7. Eco-friendly specs
Millennials are driving the trend for sustainable specs. Some frames are known for their innovative earth-friendly construction.
Many types of eco-friendly frames use recycled stainless steel for metal and renewable vegetable castor seed oil for plastic. What’s more, some manufacturers plant a tree for every frame sold.
With playful colors and styles, eco-friendly specs seem to be appealing to millennials, 75% of whom will alter their buying habits with the environment in mind, according to Nielsen studies.
8. Retro round glasses
Round frames have a retro-cool, swing-era vibe.
If you want to go back even further and evoke the Jazz Age cool of 1920s Paris or Harlem, opt for simple gold wire frames with the bar on top and an option to turn them into vintage-style sunglasses.
If you want to try this funky style just for fun, flip the browline frame, cross it with retro rounds, and what do you get? A half-frame with the plastic on the bottom, no frame on the top — one bold line under each eye and across the nose.
One benefit of a half-round plastic frame is no visual obstruction when you peer over the top. Bottom rounds come in whimsical colors and, if you have to wear readers, these can offer a youthful aesthetic.
9. Boxy wire frames
If you have a round face and features, the new boxy wire frames may be more complementary. This style offers all the retro-bookish vibe with a more flattering geometry.
Take, for instance, simple boxy wire frames. Offered in colors such as silver and gold, the almost symmetrically square lenses are softened by the slightest curves.
10. Whimsical arms
Even the neutral-colored classic eyewear styles are offering variations with a touch of color on the arms.
Looking for a sophisticated but cheeky spin? Some browline designs feature arms with varying colors and accents.
If you prefer to keep your whimsy a bit of a secret, others offer designs with bold colors and patterns inside the arms.
Take your pick among men’s glasses styles
Are boxy wire frames where you’re leaning? Or would you prefer basic black horn rims? Check out our article on the eyeglasses for your face shape then try on a pair — or a dozen — in a doctor’s office, retail optical shop, vision center or online.
Only you know which glasses are ideal for you, and you’ll know the appropriate pair when you see them.
If you’re looking for vision correction, talk to your eye care provider about prescription glasses. They can help put you in the eyewear ideal for your face shape and personal style.
