The Vintage Eyewear

Vintage eyewear has never been more popular. More people are seeking inspiration from decades past, to styles as far back as a century ago. While modern frames have their appeal to many, others might better identify glasses from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. As such, we wanted to highlight some of the different glasses styles that have emerged in the US throughout the last hundred years.

At the Spectacle, we’re proud to offer vintage eyewear for those looking at one of the many timeless styles from the last century. We want to help you find a set of frames that matches your persona. But more importantly, we’ll ensure your glasses fit naturally and comfortably. If you’re interested in eyewear with the Spectacle, visit our Trolley Square shop today! Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about some of the vintage eyewear styles of the last century.

Types of Vintage Eyewear

  • Browline Frames: Browline glasses were an extremely popular eyewear style in the US throughout the 1950s and 1960s. They get their name from the thick, pronounced upper part of the frame, which sits at the eyebrow level. Another unique distinction is that these glasses had a thin wire frame on the underside of the lenses. They’ve since reemerged, in around 2010, as a popular retro glasses style.
  • Cat Eye Glasses: Cat eye glasses were predominantly worn by women, but not exclusively, in the 1950s and 1960s. These glasses are identifiable by up-sweeping outer ends. Notable wearers of cat eyeglasses include Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor.
  • Wayfarer Frames: Originating in 1956, these glasses were characterized by their trapezoidal shape and thick rims. For women, these frames conveyed a sense of rebelliousness and independence. While they waned in popularity in the 70s, they’ve since had a resurgence.
  • Bug-Eye Glasses: These glasses were popular from the 1970s through the 1990s. They succeeded the cat eye look in the mid 70s, and over time took on their quintessential round-lens in the 80s.
  • Rimless Glasses: Rimless glasses have been around since as far back as the 1880s. They were popular for almost a century, and have since made a comeback in the last decade. Some notable wearers of the rimless glasses span from Teddy Roosevelt to Steve Jobs.

Vintage Eyewear in Salt Lake City

If you’re interested in a pair of vintage eyeglass, don’t hesitate to visit the Spectacle in Trolley Square! If you have question, feel free to call us today at 801-359-2020.

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