Ever since the 1920s, sunglasses have been more than just a way to protect our eyes from the sun; movie stars started wearing them, making them a fashion item. In a century’s time, the world has seen many different types of sunglasses: from round and distinguished to fashionably oversized. We’ve lined up a few of our favourite iconic sunglasses - what’s your favourite type?
1. Aviators
A distinct type of sunglasses that’s still very popular today. The Aviator was originally designed for U.S. pilots in 1937 by Bausch & Lomb Ray-Ban. The tin-wire frame, double bridge and lenses three times the size of the eye socket make it a unique and sought-after design. They were originally meant to make sure as little bright light as possible could enter the eyes of the pilots.
2. Teashades
These round, wire-rim sunglasses, sometimes also called 'John Lennon glasses', were mainly popular during the late 1960s. These days they’ve regained popularity, mainly because of the hipster scene, although the name 'teashades' doesn’t get used as much.
3. Browline
The popular Ray-Ban Clubmaster is a type of browline sunglasses, famous for its distinctive frame that accentuates the eyebrows. It was a very popular design in the 1950s and 1960s; worn by Malcolm X and Vince Lombardi and later, in the 1980s by Bruce Willis and Kevin Costner.
4. Wayfarer
It might be the most popular design of all time, ever since Ray-Ban introduced them in 1956. They were popular in the 1950s and 1960s, and regained popularity during the 1980s, because of a product placement deal. Between 1982 and 1987, Ray-Ban sunglasses appeared in over 60 movies and television shows per year, with Risky Business featuring a Wayfarer-sporting Tom Cruise as the most notable one.
5. The Cat-Eye
The Cat-Eye was extremely popular in the 1950s and 1960s, of course in combination with the classic beehive hairstyle. People such as Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe loved wearing this model. Although it was completely out of the picture for a while, it has recently made a comeback; now bigger and better than ever before.
6. Oversized
Oversized sunglasses are a favourite amongst celebrities, probably because they can hide part of their face behind the gigantic glasses. That’s not the only benefit though! Because of its large size, a bigger part of your face will be protected from the sun and it might make your nose look smaller. Jackie Os might be the most famous type of oversized glasses, named after Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who wore them quite often during the 1960s.
7. Novelty
Novelty sunglasses are a mix of cheerfulness, creativity and the latest trends. Whether a frame in the shape of stars or chains instead of spectacle feet, with novelty sunglasses you definitely stand out. A great collector’s item (although perhaps not valuable): many iconic designs are associated with a specific time in history.
8. Mirrored
Since the 1940s, sunglasses were sometimes provided with a reflective optical coating that made the lenses look like mirrors. Thanks to their popularity among U.S. policeman, mirrored aviator sunglasses are often called 'cop shades'. The sunglasses also starred in 'Cool Hand Luke' (1967) on the face of 'the man with no eyes'.
9. Flip-up
Yes, these were considered very cool in the 1990s; flip up sunglasses. Mostly practical, sometimes worn for comic effect, but one thing is for sure: you’ll definitely make a statement by wearing these. You probably recognize them from the TV-show 'A Different World', where flip up sunglasses were the signature accessories of Dwayne Wayne, played by Kadeem Hardison.
10. Wraparound
Wraparound sunglasses have an aerodynamic design that appears to make you travel faster, although they are actually designed to provide maximum protection against the sun. This type of sunglasses became popular in the 1970s thanks to Clint Eastwood’s performance in 'Dirty Harry'. Yoko Ono turned the oversized wraparound into a fashion item. The Chopard Jewel wraparound sunglasses, with real diamonds, cost about a quarter of a million euros.
If you’re looking for the perfect pair of sunglasses, there are a lot of options to consider. Vintage, special edition sunglasses can actually be a good investment. Bentley sunglasses, for example, are very valuable, as well as the Christian Dior Glossy Gold 500. You can start exploring our Fashion Eyewear auction to find the one pair to rule them all. Or, if you’d have a pair you’d rather sell, then consider signing up as a seller here.