The Transformative Journey of 50s Glasses & Sunglasses
Content Manager
The glasses we wear may appear to be just a simple frame, but like fashion, they carry a rich historical journey of their own. In the 1950s, the post-war era is known for so many things, but eyewear still remains the least touched topic. From the advancements in basic plastic materials used for their craftsmanship to mass production, there were many new changes taking place in the industry.
The design of frames became bolder and more feminine, and our most beloved cat-eye sunglasses reached their peak popularity in this decade. Apart from this, square frames also gained fame in this era, and many iconic people, such as Buddy Holly and James Dean, were seen flaunting them. Over the years, these glasses and sunglasses have always been the talk of the town, and it’s time you also know about the trending eyewear styles in the 1950s.
The Technology Shift From Metal to Moulded Plastic Frames
Before the 1950s, the frames of glasses and sunglasses were simple metal-rimmed or heavy tortoiseshell. They were basic and lacked a fashion statement. Post-war, with changes in technology, cellulose acetate material was derived, making 50s eyeglasses frames lighter, affordable and stylish. During this time, eyewear frames were moulded in various colours and patterns, giving people the choice of wearing something fashionable and unique.
From Housewives to Movie Stars: Glasses & Sunglasses in the 1950s
With so many styles and designs available in the market today, it’s quite obvious to skip the fact of how they came into the picture. The post-war era was all about fashion, and women loved spending money, which led to so many new styles coming in. Here are some of the iconic ’50s glasses & sunglasses that were born.
Cat-eye glasses & sunglasses: The all-glam frame
In the late 1930s, an artist/designer, Altina Schinasi, invented the most feminine pair of glasses- cat-eye. They got much deserved love in the 50s and became one of the most popular pairs among women. The upswept feline design was popular and was decorated with metal trim or rhinestones. In 1953, Marilyn Monroe was seen donning cat-eye glasses in her movie “How to Marry a Millionaire”. Apart from this, Audrey Hepburn was also spotted a lot wearing cat-eye sunglasses.
Authority masters: Browline glasses & sunglasses
Introduced by Shuron in 1947, browline glasses are another popular pair of eyeglasses loved by many to this day. These glasses are known to add structure to the upper face as they have a thick top frame and a slim bottom. Popular among professionals and public figures, these frames are said to offer a more serious and intellectual vibe. Browline glasses and sunglasses complement various face shapes like round, heart and oval face shapes.
Subtle yet all-time classic: Square 50s glasses & sunglasses
Square frames became one of the most fashion-forward styles right after their inception. Featuring clean lines and heavy acetate frames, these glasses add a chunky vibe to your overall look. Square frames are perfect as a wardrobe essential for both men and women. The confident style complements an array of face shapes like oval, round and heart.
The functional classic: Round pilot sunglasses
The 50s eyewear range will always be incomplete without iconic round pilot sunglasses. The teardrop design, complemented with a thin metallic rim, was one of the first and most popular styles. Carried over from the military, these sunglasses are a staple among civilians as well. The sleek metal frame in a curved design is perfect for people with square, oblong and diamond face shapes.
Patterned Horn-rimmed glasses
Worn by Grace Kelly in the 1950s movie “Country Girl (1954)”, horn-rimmed glasses have been a unique and stylish pair in the world of eyeglasses. Earlier, these glasses were made from the horns of animals, but now the same pattern is available in acetate. It is perfect for people who like subtle patterns but with some unique texture.
Materials, Colours & Lens Trends in 1950s Sunglasses
Other than the shape of glasses and sunglasses, the material, colours, and lenses were also a major part in making these designs iconic. Let’s deep dive into the details and know better about the style of 50s sunglasses and glasses.
Material: Acetate and metal were the most used materials in the making of both glasses and sunglasses in the 1950s. They were lightweight compared to others and felt comfortable.
Colours: Black and tortoiseshell were among the most popular, with pastels, cherry reds, and white making their mark, particularly in women’s frames.
Details: In this decade, advancements in frame patterns were also seen. Rhinestones, metallic inlays, and patterned temples added flair.
Lenses Tints: Though UV protection was not a major consideration in 50s, people loved experimenting with different sunglasses tints like brown, grey and green.
Concluding Thought
This generation of eyewear has made us appreciate various designs and styles in the market today. Some of us love a specific eyeglasses style and never know how they were invented. Well, if you want your eyewear collection to look like 50s glasses or sunglasses, then you can explore our collection of 1000+ fashion-forward glasses. You will get free premium accessories like a hardshell vegan leather case, a designer microfibre cleaning cloth, a cleaning solution, and a keychain screwdriver.
Caution: You may become style obsessed
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