Unisex Frames for Both
Men and Women

By Erinn Morgan

For years there was a certain androgyny in the fashion world, where men's and women's clothing and accessories took cues from one another.

In the past few seasons that philosophy has changed dramatically, and the styles sauntering down the men's and women's fashion runways are much more masculine and feminine. Prescription eyeglasses have followed a similar path.

Unisex eyewear styling really saw its heyday in the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. And then as fashion changed, so did the outlook on men's and women's eyewear design.

However, there are still plenty of unisex options on the market that will appeal to both men and women. In fact, some optical shops even have sections of their store devoted to unisex frames.

Many unisex eyeglass frames are in neutral colors, in simple shapes. Shown: Tommy Hilfiger (click on photo for closeup).

Top Five Unisex Eyeglass Styling Trends

1. Unique plastic frames in oval and elongated rectangular shapes. For the more daring, larger, chunkier styles fit both men and women.
2. Rimless and semi-rimless styles with lenses cut in oval shapes.
3. Retro, small, John Lennon style frames, sometimes accented with tinted lenses (in blue, light brown, or even yellow).
4. New, progressive shapes such as the modified (elongated) rectangle, and the bowtie or butterfly (a rectangle with the ends "tilted" upward).
5. Beautifully designed, clean and simple thin metal frame styles in titanium and stainless steel in a variety of unisex shapes and sizes.

Specialty Eyewear

One area of eyeglass frames that remains primarily devoted to unisex styling is the specialty eyewear realm. Falling into this category are frames developed specifically for computer use, driving, sports, and even crafts and hobbies. If you participate in some of these activities, ask your optician for recommendations on eyewear that can enhance your performance and increase your enjoyment of them.

Some eyeglasses look great on both men and women, like this one, called Catalina.

What often makes an eyeglass frame fit the specialty eyewear bill is the lens (for example, impact-resistant polycarbonate for sports, glass lenses for better optics while driving); the design of the frame is also key.

According to a survey by The Vision Council*, the most important reasons for purchasing specialty types of eyewear include: 1) for a specific activity such as work, hobbies, sports, driving and computer work; 2) the need to see better in general; 3) safety features that create an increased enjoyment of sports as well as protection from dust and glare; and 4) the wearer likes to be different, attractive and they purchase them for cosmetic reasons.

A good optician can help you choose the right lens and frame combinations for your special needs.

*A survey of Americans aged 35 to 64 conducted by Vision Council of America, now named The Vision Council.

[Page updated May 2007]