The 1960s were a time of massive transition in so many things. From films, music, and counterculture, everything had an impact on eyewear and fashion. The 60s came with broken traditions, social movements and trendy fashion. Fashion became experimental, and various designs like colourblocking, neon colours, and mix-and-match patterns started emerging. So, in layman’s language, one can say the 60s were the time when eyewear became quirky and trendy. To understand the same in detail, stick with us till the end of this blog.
Futuristic and Space-Inspired Frames
From the start of the 1960s, films and the movie industry were focusing on stories related to space. Due to the race to the moon between the US and the Soviet Union, eyeglasses and sunglasses frames were inspired by futuristic designs. During this decade, frames were boxy and bold in acetate material. The patterns were also influenced by space, and there were different coloured tints to complement each other. Various designers like Pierre Cardin were styling their models, keeping this trend in mind.
Mod and Preppy Glasses and Sunglasses
Who doesn't like some retro disco vibe in their look? Well, this era was all about that. From stripes in clothing to stripes in eyewear, everything was mod and preppy. It was first introduced by the British and became popular in England. Imagine bold prints, horizontal and vertical stripes; these frames are all about that. Various British bands, like The Who, The Kinks, and of course, The Beatles, became popular in this era and carried this eyewear fashion beautifully.
Hippie Culture-Inspired Frames
The introduction of the hippie subculture movement in this decade played a pivotal role in inspiring the fashion. There was a 180-degree turn from mod preppy fashion to bohemian flair, inspiring the cultures around the world. Coloured lenses were still a part, but various styles like pilots and round glasses in tortoiseshell pattern emerged. Popular music bands and movie stars were seen embracing these sunglasses, and it became a trend among commoners, too.
Vintage-Inspired Cat-eye Glasses and Sunglasses
From 50s to 60s, cat-eye frames were a constant choice among women. However, in this era, they were slightly larger in size and had a more vintage vibe. Women all over the world were still embracing the feminine beauty of these sunglasses. And why not? They add the right amount of feminine vibe to their look and can accommodate various face shapes, such as oval, round, heart, and square. Therefore, people were seen wearing them in different patterns and pastel colours.
Round Teashade Glasses and Sunglasses
Popularly known as John Lennon glasses or granny sunglasses, they have a round mid-size metal frame. They have a thin wire frame and are often supported with nosepads. The overall frame gives a vintage old-school vibe that looks great on people with various face shapes. In recent years, these sunglasses have emerged as a popular choice among people.
Why are 60s Eyewear Trends Still Captivating the Market?
The transition from the 50s to the 60s in the eyewear industry was massive. Various new patterns, designs and trends were seen. It pushed eyewear from function to cultural symbol. Introducing space and futuristic design, mod patterns and hipieculture, there was always something new coming up and dominating the fashion facades. The designs were so iconic that, till now, many designers take inspiration from the 60s glasses trends. Well, in late 2024 and 2025, we all have seen the popularity of teashade sunglasses rise to the next level. From celebrities to influencers and even common people, everyone has been donning these shades.
Concluding Thought
And with this, we have the information about the eyewear styles that were popular in the 1960s. We have given a modern touch to Vintage sunglasses in our newest collection, which are handcrafted to the highest standards of British precision. You will get free premium accessories like a hardshell vegan leather case, a designer microfibre cleaning cloth, a cleaning solution, and a keychain screwdriver.
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