Glasses are a necessity for many but this does not mean they cannot be fashionable, for men as well as for women. Every year the trends that cause a stir and are most popular change slightly, although the styles do not fluctuate as dramatically as others in the world of fashion.
There are many influences on glasses trends that can lead to subtle tweaks in the defining style of the year. The reigning fashion trends at the time will have an effect as glasses may be tailored to suit the most popular looks. People’s obsessions with different TV shows and films can also influence the kind of glasses they want and the kind of glasses that are made. For example, many new glasses style have been inspired by the very popular show, Mad Men. The show is set in the 60’s so brought about a revival in retro style glasses for men, with round lenses and thick frames.
Retro style glasses
This trend for retro style glasses has continued and has spread beyond the popularity of Mad Men and has reached the catwalk and all aspects of fashion. Designers are making use of old style frames and these trends filter down to the high street. These glasses look very classy and it is easy for men to find a shape that will suit their face and sit comfortably across the nose and on the ears. These glasses tend to be quite large but there is a variety of sizes so a lot of choice. A popular pattern in this trend is tortoiseshell as it has a very vintage feel and can look great if the frames are made using a good quality material.
Rectangular frame
Another trend that has emerged in 2013 has been small rectangular frames. Again, bold and thick frames are the key here to make sure the glasses still look cool. Some men prefer this style as it does not make such a strong statement although they can still give a striking impression, and they cover less of the face so can be less obtrusive. This style will work well for anyone who wants a sleek look that is appropriate for conducting serious business but is not too sharp and can be transferred to other environments.
Finally, glasses with thin frames remain a popular choice for some men. They do not appear in designers catalogues as often but are still prevalent among the average working man and give a great professional look. Colours can be used to make the style slightly more personal and add a hint of originality.
UV sensitive lenses
Trends relating to the practicality of glasses have also emerged, such as UV sensitive lenses. These lenses become dark when the wearer is in a bright environment in order to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays. These lenses were once quite uncommon but more and more people are aware of the possible danger their eyes are in so are deciding to go with this safe option. They are no available at most opticians and the technology is constantly improving so they become more responsive and effective.
Sunglasses also change in style from year to year and are a staple of many people’s summer wardrobes. For men, the trend for retro frames has translated to sunglasses, but the size and shapes are often more adventurous. There are many angular styles, which are a bit more daring than a rounded shape and are very appealing to men who want to be on the cusp of the latest trend. Of course, there are some classic styles and brands of sunglasses that remain popular year on year, such as Ray Bans.
Trends have changed from earlier years. Glasses used to be seen as very unfashionable and were designed mainly with their primary purpose in mind and there was not much attention paid to making them attractive or appealing in appearance. Now though, glasses can be a very effective fashion statement, and there are people who do not have a prescription and simply wear them as an accessory nowadays. This change has led to more emphasis on the frames and colour of glasses and enhancing the look of them. Whilst it is important to wear glasses that look good and increase confidence, it is also important to make sure the prescription is exactly correct and they are comfortable.
Author bio:
Piona Townsend has a lot of experience writing about fashion and different trends. Writing about men’s glasses gives a good opportunity to look at the ranges offered by retailers like Glasses Point.
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