Change is the only constant when it comes to trends. What we might have called grandpa glasses once, can be all the buzz today. Gone are the days when buying glasses was simply about picking up a pair out of a handful of choices. Today, when designers are revisiting the classics, experimenting with eye-popping colors, focusing on head-turning details in eyewear; men find it tough to keep up with the ever-changing trends. Finding a slayer pair alone is a Herculean task for them. This is why, men—more than anyone—need a head start on the biggest eyeglasses trends as we ring in 2021. Scroll ahead for our edit of all the daring upgrades that will stand ahead of the curve this year.
1. Horn Rimmed
The trend of subtle riveted frame fronts has become definite in the men’s eyewear fashion world. Horn-rimmed eyeglasses originated in the 1800s and gradually gained popularity in the 1900s. Originally, these rims were chiseled out of either real horns or shells before plastic and acetate took over. Straight from the yesteryears and back into our hearts in 2021—amid the noise of the ever-evolving trends—it’s safe to say, Horn Ok Please!
Who Wore It Earlier?
Remember Dr Wells – the mastermind in Flash? Yes, he rocked horn-rimmed eyeglasses like a pro!
Our Picks
2. Clear Frames
If there’s anything that’s seen a sudden resurgence in popularity besides sanitizers and masks this year – it’s the quirky clear frames (of course, with computer glasses). Defined by transparent or pastel popped thick plastic or acetate skeletons; it makes men look like a complete show-off but of the deeply cool variety. The transparent trend skyrocketed in 2018 but is still very much alive in 2021. Expect to see lots of new colors like smoke, rose, and plum, plus the dual-tone variants with interesting lens combinations.
Who Wore It Earlier?
David Letterman’s eyeglasses in his show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, needs no introduction!
Our Picks
3. Geometric
It’s not ideal to cut corners in anything unless it’s the hip geometric frames. Make way for squares, diamonds, rectangles, trapezoids and all kinds of geometric in your wardrobe. Why? Because geometric eyeglasses will continue to dominate this season as well. Available in delicate wireframes, boldly colored acetates to rimless; geometric is only getting better with each update. Predict lots of futuristic cuts and carvings in both small and oversized styled frames.
Who Wore It Earlier?
If there’s one character that comes to mind, it’s Mad Men’s Harry Crane and his oversized geometric eyeglasses.
Our Picks
4. Thin Metal
Thin metal has been staging its comeback for a long time. Finally, this year, it made it to the top eyewear trends for men in 2021. Sleek gold-rimmed or silver-rimmed glasses can smart up your business look instantly. You should expect to see some reworking of classics this year as a continued trend. Have you noticed How vintage-inspired temples in metal frames are taking over the internet already? If not, then you’re dared to be following the gilded wave. Wearing black may not make you a true metal-head but dressing in gold just might. Think!
Who Wore It Earlier?
Say My Name? Umm… Walter White aka Brian Craster from Breaking Bad? E(gg)jactly.
Our Picks
5. Aviators
Aviators have always been a part of certain powerful pop culture moments that contributed to its cult following. From a rim-bar enhancement to a bridgeless or single bar upgrade; aviators never get old, it only gets better with each modern update. The best part about aviator glasses is that they fit just about any face which is why it is currently one of the most iconic styles for men of all face shapes and sizes. In 2021, expect to witness a reworking of this iconic frame style into more boxy shapes replacing the classic teardrops.
Who Wore It Earlier?
You got it… It’s El Professor aka Sergio Marquina from our favorite Money Heist.
Our Picks
6. Oversized
In your head, picture a big pair of eyeglasses. Now picture them a little bigger and now even bigger, you can now understand why oversized glasses are so cool. Oversized glasses for men have frames that are a little larger than normal-sized glasses, covering a lot more of the face and reaching a bit past the cheeks. Thanks to the great influence from the hipster subculture, oversized glasses are enjoying another peak of their popularity and are all the rage in 2021.
Who Wore It Earlier?
Our very own Superman! Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent.
Our Picks
