80s Fashion Glasses are making a huge comeback, and at mens-fashion.net, we’re here to guide you through the most iconic styles. These retro frames are perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia and flair to your modern wardrobe. Ready to explore the world of retro eyewear? Let’s dive in and discover how you can rock these legendary looks with confidence and style!
1. Cyclops Sunglasses (Robot Sunglasses)
Cyclops sunglasses, also known as Robot Sunglasses, were the epitome of futuristic eyewear in the 80s. These sunglasses feature a mono-lens design that provides maximum facial coverage. Inspired by sci-fi films, these shades wrap closely around the head, offering full eye protection and a distinct retro aesthetic. According to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), cyclops shades are experiencing a resurgence in both sports and avant-garde fashion.
These sunglasses are perfect for those who want to make a bold statement. Their unique design ensures you stand out, whether you’re at a music festival or a casual hangout. They offer both style and functionality, providing ample protection from the sun while adding an edge to your outfit.
2. Wayfarers
Wayfarers, initially introduced by Ray-Ban in 1952, surged in popularity during the 80s thanks to iconic Hollywood films such as The Blues Brothers, Risky Business, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. These sunglasses feature thick, black frames and a bold design that appealed to both men and women, quickly becoming a fashion icon. According to GQ Magazine, the Wayfarer’s timeless appeal lies in its versatility and ability to complement various styles.
A prime example of the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer is seen in the 1983 film Risky Business, starring Tom Cruise. This film not only boosted his career but also made those square black sunglasses the most sought-after shades among 80s youth culture.
While Wayfarers faced a decline in popularity in the 1990s, they have made a strong comeback, becoming trendy once again. These sunglasses are now worn by celebrities and everyday people alike, making them a timeless choice for anyone looking to make a fashion statement or protect their eyes from the sun.
3. Blues Brothers Sunglasses (Wayfarers)
In 1980, the characters Jake and Elwood Blues catapulted the Wayfarer sunglasses style to fame in the cult-classic musical comedy The Blues Brothers. Both protagonists wore the original Ray-Ban RB2140 classic Wayfarer in black acetate throughout the entire film. According to Esquire Magazine, the Wayfarer shape is one of the most famous styles you can wear, perfect for those who prefer a classic look.
The stealthy black frame with dark lenses can be worn by any face shape and won’t clash with your clothes. This makes Wayfarers a versatile and reliable choice for any occasion.
4. Terminator Sunglasses
The inaugural Terminator film, hitting the big screens in 1984, featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and his edgy square sunglasses. With a utility style and sporty rimless construction, the ‘ANSI classic’ sunglasses were made by Gargoyle. Though Gargoyle ceased production on December 31, 2022, these sunglasses remain an iconic symbol of 80s action cinema.
This frame is a boxy style with sharp angular lenses, oozing 80s nostalgia. These sunglasses are perfect for those who want to embody a tough, no-nonsense attitude.
5. Stranger Things Sunglasses
Stranger Things on Netflix is bringing back the best of 80s nostalgia, and sunglasses styling is no exception. Set amidst the 1980s, each of the series features nostalgic references throughout. Lead characters wear various sunglasses with quintessentially retro vibes, from wire-rimmed Aviators to neon pop shades.
5.1 Billy Hargrove Sunglasses
Few sunglasses styles have the timelessness and longevity of the wire-rimmed Aviator classic. As worn by ‘bad boy’ Billy Hargrove, he gives The Hoff a serious run for his money in “poolside nostalgia” in Stranger Things series 3.
5.2 Steve Harrington Sunglasses
The Ray-Ban Wayfarer original strikes again in series 2 of Stranger Things. Steve Harrington wears the Ray-Ban RB2140 classics, channeling the same youthful, rebellious spirit of Tom Cruise in Risky Business.
5.3 Hopper’s Sunglasses
Character Jim Hopper, the quintessential 80s dad and chief of police, wears wire-rimmed Aviator Outdoorsman sunglasses. These utility-style shades were introduced in 1939 and feature large tear-drop lenses providing maximal eye coverage.
5.4 Max’s Sunglasses
Max Hargrove, joining the gang in season two, wears red Wayfarer sunglasses to great effect. Pop pastel colors like these were hugely popular amongst 80s sunglasses, especially white, blue, or green frames.
6. Miami Vice Sunglasses
NBC’s Miami Vice, running from 1984 to 1989, featured undercover cops Rico and Sonny fighting gang crime in style. The show set a new standard for police dramas with its unforgettable styling, including sockless lightweight pastel suits, rolled sleeves, and numerous sunglasses made by Persol, Carrera, and Ray-Ban.
6.1 Persol Ratti 69218
These sunglasses were a staple in Sonny Crockett’s wardrobe, adding a touch of sophistication to his undercover attire.
6.2 Carrera 1047/S 2M29O
Carrera sunglasses provided a sporty edge to the characters’ looks, perfect for high-speed chases and action scenes.
6.3 Ray-Ban Wayfarer
The classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer was also featured in Miami Vice, solidifying its status as a timeless and versatile accessory.
7. Neon Sunglasses
Neon sunglasses were all the rage in the 1980s, perfectly complementing the era’s big hair and bright colors. These colorful accessories made a bold statement, coming in various shapes and sizes to suit any outfit. According to Vogue, neon colors were a defining trend of the 80s, and sunglasses were no exception.
These vibrant shades are ideal for those who love bold styles. They’re perfect for adding a pop of color to any retro outfit and making you stand out from the crowd.
For an extra touch, consider electronic LED sunglasses that light up with the flick of a switch. These are perfect for fancy dress or 80s-themed parties.
8. John Lennon Round Sunglasses
John Lennon was a fashion superstar, and his choice of eyewear made him an icon. Often wearing round wire glasses, which became known as ‘Lennon glasses,’ his style has been embraced by pop culture, hippies, and vintage fashion lovers alike. These sunglasses have color tinted lenses and a retro look.
For a truly retro look, round wire sunglasses are one of the most popular styles to this day. They offer a unique blend of vintage charm and timeless appeal.
9. Triangular Sunglasses
Triangular sunglasses were the height of fashion in the 80s. Worn by everyone from movie stars to punk rockers, the triangle shape was unique and eye-catching. More than that, the triangle frame was also incredibly flattering. In an era where big hair and bold makeup were the norm, the Triangle Frame Sunglasses were a chic and understated way to stand out from the crowd.
These sunglasses helped accentuate the wearer’s cheekbones and gave their face a more defined shape. Making their comeback to modern fashion, there’s no denying that these sunglasses are a lasting legacy of 80s fashion culture.
10. 80s Sports Sunglasses
Large sunglasses were the weapon of choice for athletes and movie stars alike – big, bold, and unapologetically 80s. With their thick frames and mirrored lenses, sports sunglasses were the epitome of cool. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or the tennis court, these sunglasses are essential 80s equipment.
10.1 Skiing Sunglasses
No 80s-inspired ski outfit would be complete without a pair of lurid tinted, mono-lens sunglasses. Sportswear nostalgia brands specialize in these ludicrous wraparound shades in all manner of colors and styles.
10.2 Cycling Sunglasses
80s cycling attire saw the introduction of flashy clothing, jerseys, shorts… and sunglasses. With improving eyewear technology, sunglasses became more tailored and honed for competitive cyclists.
10.3 Tennis Sunglasses
For any tennis fan, the 80s was the era known for long hair, mullets, sweatbands, and short shorts. Björn Borg regularly wore white-colored Aviators with curl sides that kept them firmly on his face during matches. Meanwhile, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe famously wore large mono-lens sunglasses with high base-curve injected plastic lightweight frames.
10.4 Running Sunglasses
For cyclists and runners, large lens coverage is crucial for long-term visual focus. Closely fitted sunglasses with polarized lenses reduce visual fatigue for a smoother visual experience.
11. Glacier Shades
Also known as glacier goggles, glacier shades are characterized by their functional design, featuring large dark lenses and protective side shields. Originally designed for mountaineers at high-altitude exposure, these sunglasses kept light-leak to an absolute minimum.
12. Oversized Mirrored Sunglasses
Oversized, mirrored sunglasses blurred the lines between sports and recreational sunglasses. Worn by celebrities and everyday people alike, these sunglasses were the must-have accessory of the 1980s.
13. Notorious B.I.G Sunglasses
For hip-hop fans, the 1980s paved the way for some of the genre’s biggest stars. Most notably, the legendary Notorious B.I.G., who famously wore Versace sunglasses in several of his aspirational music videos. These have become iconic amongst the 80s hip-hop scene.
14. Oakley Frogskins
Few sunglasses are more iconic than the Oakley Frogskins. First released in 1985, the Frogskins were Oakley’s first recreational fashion sunglasses design for non-sporting use. With their square nylon material frames and bright colours, Frogskins fast became Oakley’s answer to the ever-popular Ray-Ban Wayfarer during the 80s.
15. White Sunglasses
White sunglasses became popular in the 1980s, due to rockers and music stars like Joan Jett and Kurt Cobain. Although white-rimmed frames are a stark contrast to the dark lenses, they have a vintage aesthetic that’s making a resurgence amongst today’s popular fashion.
16. Shutter Shades
Shutter shades were all the rage in the 1980s. These stylish sunglasses featured a series of overlapping metal or plastic louvers that allowed people to see out while partially shielding their eyes from the sun.
17. Clubmasters
Worn by movie stars and music icons, Clubmaster sunglasses became synonymous with 1980s culture. They were a flattering look, mixing metal and acetate for a combination style of frame never before seen. Characteristically, Clubmasters have a top-heavy look, featuring acetate sections in the upper half of the frame.
18. Aviators
There’s something about a pair of original Ray-Ban Aviators that just oozes cool. Whether you’re channeling your inner Tom Cruise in Top Gun or taking style cues from the Beatles, aviator sunglasses have a timeless appeal.
Are 80s Glasses Coming Back?
Yes, 80s-style sunglasses such as the Aviator, Clubmaster, and Wayfarer are considered very popular styles in today’s fashion. According to a study by the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in 2023, retro eyewear has seen a significant resurgence, driven by films and pop culture.
How To Nail The 80s Sunglasses Trend?
To nail the 80s sunglasses trend, it’s best to choose a frame to suit your face shape. A good rule of thumb is to contrast your face shape with your style of sunglasses. For example, square faces tend to suit rounded frames, while round faces tend to suit square frames. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright neon shades or vintage tortoiseshell acetate.
How Do You Know Your Face Shape?
The easiest way to know your face shape is to draw around your face and hairline using a printed self-portrait photograph or using your phone. The basic overall shape of your face should then become clear. Observe your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
| App | Cost | Apple Store | Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| My Face Shape Meter | Paid | Download | Download |
| Find Your Face Shape | Free | Download | Not available |
| Measure Your Face Instantly | Free | Download | Download |
| Hiface | Free | Download | Download |
| Golden Ratio Face | Free | Download | Download |
| Face Shape Detector | Free | Visit website | Visit website |
What Sunglasses Were Popular In The 1980s?
The 80s were a time of big hair, bright colours, and bold fashion choices. Oversized frames were all the rage, whether they were round, square, or cat-eye. From Madonna to Michael Jackson, everyone was rocking this trend.
Are Aviators 70s Or 80s?
The aviator style was popularized in the 1970s, but their growth in popularity spanned into the 1980s. The Aviator style is characterized by its large teardrop lenses and metal wire frame. Aviators were originally designed for WWII fighter pilots, but the style can be worn by anyone who likes large but lightweight sunglasses.
Were Aviators Popular In The 80s?
Aviator sunglasses were originally developed during World War Two for fighter pilots but surged in popularity during the 1980s due to films such as the original “Top Gun”, “The Breakfast Club,” and “Sixteen Candles.” While measuring popularity is tricky, Aviators were arguably popular amongst a certain subset of the population in the 1980s.
What Kind Of Glasses Did Run DMC Wear?
Run DMC, a famous hip-hop group from the 1980s, was known for their signature style. Core artist and legendary rapper Darryl McDaniels wore various spectacles and sunglasses, including the Cazal 607’s. McDaniels’ adornment of these frames spurred the popularity of Cazal glasses amongst the hip-hop community.
Our Favourite 80s Sunglasses Adverts
This blog wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of our favourite 80s style sunglasses adverts. Back then, print was one of the few visual methods optical brands could promote their newest frames.
