You simply can’t put a price on 20/20 vision, and while glasses were once considered a necessary evil in order to achieve it, thankfully, those days are long gone. In 2024, eyewear has become the ultimate expression of personal style, with some of the world’s biggest fashion houses now offering a plethora of sophisticated and high-quality models and shapes for you to take your pick from.
So far, this year has brought with it a diverse range of trends catering to a diverse array of tastes and requirements, reflecting a blend of technological advancements and nostalgic revivals and making prescription glasses cooler than ever before.
If you’re in the market for some new eyewear over the coming months, then here are the biggest glasses trends of 2024 so far to help you find the perfect pair.
Transparent frames
Glasses with thick, chunky frames dominated eyewear fashion for quite some time, but over the past couple of years we’ve seen transparent alternatives make a long-awaited comeback, and it’s a trend that is still going strong in 2024. These minimalist frames offer a clean, modern look that seamlessly blends with any outfit, with their versatile aesthetic meaning they can help you transition from work to play with ease and with no need to change your glasses in between. Exuding sophisticated yet understated elegance, they’re the ultimate eyewear choice for this year and beyond.
Eco-friendly frames
As the world becomes increasingly eco-conscious, the luxury fashion world has adapted rapidly in order to keep up with the demands of the discerning modern customer, and sustainable material choices have become central to designs and manufacturing. Eyewear is no exception, with high-end brands shifting away from past go-tos in favour of incorporating materials like recycled plastics, bamboo, and biodegradable acetate into their frames.
These more sustainable options not only help to reduce the brands’ own environmental impact, but make it easier for us to reduce ours, too. And as an added bonus, their unique textures and aesthetics have also brought something new to the table in terms of style, paving the way for a new generation of environmentally conscious yet achingly sophisticated designs.
90s-inspired shapes
With the 90s fashion revival still in full swing, it’s unsurprising to see that eyewear shapes and styles that are reminiscent of this dynamic decade are dominating this year. Think small, oval frames, and slim, rectangular shapes that defined an era of minimalist fashion, and that exude a retro vibe that promises to instantly bring any look up to date.
In a fun twist on original 90s styles, we’re seeing high-end designers combining nostalgia with modern updates, so get yourself a pair to see you through the rest of the year in style.
Tech-integrated glasses
Glasses don’t just look more stylish these days; they come with increased functionality too, and it’s all down to the integration of the latest tech innovations. Smart glasses have been making waves in 2024, and are equipped with cutting-edge features like augmented reality, fitness tracking, and audio capabilities to offer a thoroughly futuristic wearer experience. While still relatively niche, the growing interest in tech-integrated glasses suggests they will become more mainstream in the coming years, and those who splurge on them this year are guaranteed to feel one step ahead of the game.
Blue light protection
With the increasing amount of time spent on digital devices, blue light glasses have been enjoying an ongoing surge in popularity. As we continue to understand more about the impact of blue light on the body’s natural circadian rhythm and its potential to negatively impact upon sleep, for many, blue light glasses have become an essential tool, and while once they were clunky and decidedly unstylish when it came to the aesthetics, that has all changed.
These days, they come in a variety of styles ranging from fashionable frames to more practical designs, with something for everyone, and as a result, are becoming more highly sought-after. This trend is indicative of a shifting focus towards eye health and wellness in eyewear design, which in the digital age, with most people working on computers and glued to their smartphones for hours a day, is unsurprising.
