5 Classic Sunglasses Styles
March 4, 2009 by Lauren Croteau
Filed under Accessories
Did you know that sunglasses were introduced to America in 1929 by Sam Foster? Sunglasses only really became popular as a fashion accessory in the 1940s and as many of us know, some of the older sunglasses styles still remain trendy and fashionable. Today, we’ll take a look at the beginning of what is now known as one of the best ways to spice up an outfit while simultaneously keeping our eyes protected from the sun’s rays.
Image: BestBuyEyeGlasses.com
Aviator sunglasses were introduced to U.S military aviators by Ray-Ban in 1936 and have managed to stay popular ever since. Now, in Hollywood, whether they be men, women, young or older you can count on seeing many a-pair of aviators. Aviators are defined by their teardrop shape and metal frames. Occasionally, they’ll have a plastic frame, but it’s a little less common. Ray-Ban is one of the biggest, if not the biggest name for aviator shades and possibly sunglasses in general.
Image: Newscom
Though these next sunglasses aren’t a style so much as they are a brand, I thought they deserved their own category. Time for some more Ray Ban! These next sunglasses are possibly the most popular sunglasses right now and are said to be the best selling shades of all time. Pick any celebrity and chances are, they’ve probably been seen in a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers. These were introduced in 1952, but might be most memorably showcased on Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. From Vanessa Hudgens to Jude Law, these sunglasses are seen everywhere. It’s not hard to see why considering this style is cute and goes with almost anything.
Image: Newscom
Up next are Teashades. Also known as “John Lennon Glasses” and seen on rocker Ozzy Osbourne, these shades are not as popular right now as some of the other classic sunglasses styles. Featuring round metal frames and usually dark lenses they were popular in the 1960s, not typically used for any other reason than to be aesthetically pleasing. Unfortunately for those of you looking for a pair, they’re pretty hard to find in stores or boutiques, but replicas can be found in costume shops.
Oversized sunglasses were a defining style in the 1960s. Former first lady, Jackie Onassis Kennedy was quite a fashion icon, and one of her signatures was her big, round sunglasses. She constantly wore them and eventually the public started referring to certain shades as “Jackie-Os.” Elton John also wore oversized shades in the mid 1970s as a part of his Captain Fantastic act. It’s a style that’s still extremely popular and continues to shine and be worn by many.
Though flip-ups come a little later than the previously mentioned styles, they are still mentionable. In the 1980s they were popularized by Dwayne Wayne, character from A Different World. Flip ups can be described as a design that allows the wearer to switch between regular glasses to sunglasses with a simple flip. The alternative to these is clip-ons, and the design’s popularity eventually died, and are not easy to find (thank goodness!).
