'80s Eyewear That Is Now Trending

If you are a fan of '80s fashion, we have good news for you. Not only is it far easier to find clothes from that era it is now also possible to complete your look with the right glasses and sunglasses.

So, if you fancy buying a pair of groovy retro glasses now is the time. Here is a quick round-up of the '80s style frames that are proving to be popular with a whole new generation.

Wayfarers

Wayfarers were first made popular in the '50s and '60s. But, we still classify them as an '80s trend because of movies that made them popular again like Tom Cruise when he wore them in the film Risky Business.

Aviators

Tom Cruise is also responsible for turning many 80’s kids into huge fans of aviator-style frames. They featured heavily in the 1984 film Top Gun. If you are looking for a pair of 80s inspired sunglasses, go with a pair of aviators. It is a frame style that suits most face shapes.

Browlines

For a more sophisticated and serious look, browlines are a great option. Bruce Willis takes the credit for bringing these back into fashion during the '80s.

Round specs

Towards the middle of the decade, mirrored sunglasses became all the range. Frame shapes varied, but, for a while, round lenses were very hot. The only problem is that they are not that practical because the lenses are too small to provide enough protection from the sun. But, if you just want to wear a pair to complete your look for a party, there is no harm in buying a pair.

Over-sized square frames

Large frames and lenses were all the rage at the end of the '70s and it is a trend that stuck. So, in the '80s quite a few people were still wearing them. These are not so popular, but if you want to make a statement and stand out they are a good option.

The pros and cons of buying used retro glasses

These modern frames are every bit as good as the originals. They really look the part. But, we know that some of our readers will only be happy with the real deal. Genuine vintage frames.

If you fall into that category, do not worry. It is possible to source used glasses and get them restored and fitted with your prescription. But, you will need to be patient. There are not that many people selling them and most do so on auction sites like eBay, where they tend to sell fast.

You will also need to be careful about the quality. Unless the frames are in perfect condition, having new lenses fitted into them may not be possible or be prohibitively expensive.

Generally speaking, buying a new pair of frames from an online retailer is the best option. They are not expensive, yet still look more or less the same as the original '80s glasses frames did.

All images via Wikimedia Commons