’70s Glasses: How to Wear ’70s Eyeglasses Styles

With 1970s fashion, unbridled self-expression was par for the course. This often led to style trends on the flashier side, generally popularized by musicians and other pop culture icons of the era. So, it’s no wonder 1970s glasses are making a comeback. And the best news? Anyone can partake in this fun revival.

But what exactly are ’70s eyeglasses, and how do you wear them? No need to dig out old magazines or yearbooks to find out. We’ve named some of the grooviest ’70s glasses styles right here.

The Best ’70s-Style Glasses

When we talk about ’70s glasses styles, we’ve got a wide range to cover, from glasses with a ’60s feel to mid-decade looks to others that anticipate 1980s glasses. We’ve selected 1970s glasses from across the decade that are trending now or ripe for a revival. Let’s check them out.

Oversized Glasses

Oversized glasses were a hallmark of ’70s eyewear design. Made to get attention, oversized frames are as much in your face as on them. Watch reruns of a 1970s television series, and chances are, you’ll see some big ’70s glasses (possibly paired with bell bottoms and feathered hair). 

Often, ’70s oversized glasses are round, but they can be just about any shape, from geometric to rectangular. To make this look your own, choose frames in a shape and color you love.

Square Glasses

Square glasses really came of age in the ’70s. Endlessly chic, they capture that far-out ’70s spirit that embraced the unusual while still being versatile enough for easy, everyday wear. 

Back then, thick square frames in pure matte or shiny black were standard. But modern updates on square ’70s glasses frames come in numerous colors, from classic tortoise to jewel tones and pastel hues. 

Wear ’70s square glasses as a bold counterpoint to flowy dresses and gauzy shirts. Or put some on to hammer home the irreverence of a bold print or hip-hugger pants.

Cat-Eye Glasses

True to their name, cat-eye glasses flaunt feline influence with upswept temples. This sophisticated, vogueish style of ’70s glasses can be made of just about any frame material. 

Though the popularity of cat-eye glasses got a boost from ’70s starlets, they (like all glasses shapes) can be worn by anyone of any gender.

Aviator Glasses

Though aviators really took off in the ’80s, they were an eyewear favorite in the ’70s, too. Truth be told, aviators have been well-liked since shortly after their creation in the 1930s for military pilots (hence the name “aviator”). But in the 1970s, Winter Olympics athletes and members of the military may have helped give the aviator style increased visibility. 

The wide, teardrop shape of aviator glasses has remained largely unchanged over time. But ’70s aviators tend to be a little larger than earlier versions or their ’80s counterparts. 

To channel that 1970s glasses vibe, try aviators that are a touch oversized. As for the frame color, you can stick to the usual gold or silver metal frames, go for more modern hues, or, for maximum versatility, try black frames.

Round Glasses

Much as they did in other decades, people in the 1970s took fashion pointers from the musicians of the era. Case in point: The prevalence of round glasses in the ’70s can be attributed, at least in part, to the members of popular 1960s and early ’70s music groups who wore them.

Because round glasses in general are so readily available, they’re a great way to wade into the 1970s aesthetic without much fuss. Usually, ’70s round glasses were rimless or had thin metal frames. And the glasses themselves veered toward the small side of the size spectrum. If you do choose to go small, make sure the eyeglass frames fit you well.

Tinted Lenses: A ’70s Eyewear Staple

No discussion of vintage ’70s glasses would be complete without mentioning tinted lenses. This was the era of earth tones. So yellow-tinted lenses and amber and brown lenses definitely have that vintage ’70s vibe. Today, you can find other lens tints, such as gray and green. Or, for a look that’s still classic but a little more unusual, go for a gradient tint.

Photochromic lenses—a.k.a. light-responsive lenses—are another option for a tinted look. . These lenses automatically become darker when exposed to UV rays.

For Glasses That Fit Just Right, Try Them On

Even if you dig ’70s eyewear, how do you know if a particular pair of ’70s-style glasses is right for you? Try them on. See if they complement your face shape and features. 

That being said, we don’t believe in style rules except this one: Anyone can wear any glasses style. The best glasses for you are the ones you love.