Credit: A Sustainable Closet - Jane Fonda, New York 1970's wearing Christian Dior 2056
🌼 The Ultimate 1970s Eyewear Style Guide : Vintage Glasses & Sunglasses
When it comes to vintage eyewear the 1970s is often the forgotten decade. People often think of the sharp cat-eyes of the 50s or the bold oversized specs of the 80s (think Deirdre Barlow) , but let us assure you, 70s eyewear was every bit as iconic as the mini skirts, bell sleeves and flares that defined the era.
The seventies gave us one of our favourite colour palettes of all time, with earthy tones including harvest gold, burnt sienna, teak and avocado all taking centre stage. These warm, earthy tones didn't just show up in interiors and fashion - they were everywhere in the glasses and sunglasses too. All of these colours can be seen throughout the glasses and sunglasses of the era.
☀️ The Rise of Modern Eyewear
Throughout the 70s technological advances made eyewear more mainstream and plastic lenses were starting to become more common than glass. This brought big advantages, not only from a safety/breakage point of view, but glass lenses are at least twice the weight of plastic due to the density of the material. This often made eyewear heavy and uncomfortable.
The way sunglasses were tinted changed across the decade too. In 1974 Ray-Ban introduced Ambermatic lenses. These light adaptive lenses changed colour depending on the light conditions from amber to dark grey. The lenses highlighted contours and shapes making them great for winter sports.
Another favourite innovation was the Graduated or Gradutint lenses. These were dip-dyed , darker at the top, and fade towards the bottom - a subtle but stylish way to keep the sun at bay.
🎵 A Pop of Colour and Star Power
The decade's creative sprit shone through in yellow and amber tints, giving a real dreamy, hippy vibe. Style icons like John Lennon and David Bowie made tinted lenses their signature, cementing them as symbols of cool rebellion .
🕶️ Frame Innovation: Optyl and Beyond
With lens innovations came frame enhancements and in 1964 Wilhelm Anger who at the time worked with ViennaLine and later Carrera created the plastic material Optyl, a lightweight, hypoallergenic and durable material that is still used to this day. It's thanks to Optyl that many of our new old stock frames remain in mint condition. Brands like Christian Dior and Dunhill embraced it, crafting timeless pieces that still look chic and timeless.
💫 Iconic 70s Frame Styles
What glasses and sunglasses were popular in the 70s? Here are our favourites - and the ones you'll find in our 70s Eyewear Collection:
✈️ Aviators
From airfields to festivals, Aviators were everywhere. The military influence shaped by many factors such as the Vietnam War and the emergence of global TV coverage displaying the fashion trends of both activists and demonstrators, made these frames a unisex staple of rebellion and confidence.
🦋 Butterfly Frames
Butterfly shaped frames were the epitome of feminine flair - oversized, symmetrical and graceful. As seen on Olivia Newton John in New York's Bleecker Street Station, they're perfect for those who love a touch of glamour.
🔲 Oversized Squares
Our personal favourite - oversized square frames were huge in the 70s. Whether glasses or sunglasses, these bold shapes defined the decade for us. We're just crazy for this style at Retro HQ.
Credit: Retro Spectacle
🌻 Final Thoughts
Writing this guide has deepened our love for the 70s even more - I have definitely learnt a thing or two about the 70's that I didn't know before starting this blog post. Whether you're drawn to earthy tones, tinted lenses, or statement frames, 70s eyewear proves that vintage never goes out of fashion.
Peace, love and lenses x