Round sunglasses have long been a recognizable eyewear style. While this frame shape has been around for more than 100 years, the popularity of circular shades has waxed and waned.
Round sunglasses remain a popular option for people who want a retro-inspired or classic look. The style is available in many sizes, colors and materials, giving shoppers a range of options to consider.
Round sunglasses are often associated with the 1960s and 1970s, which gives many styles a retro feel.
Round sunglasses are also available in many everyday styles and price ranges, either online or in physical stores.
A brief history of round sunglasses
Round sunglasses have been around since the early 1900s, when manufacturers first started mass-producing sunglasses for the public. Many early sunglasses were wire-rimmed and round in shape with a simple, practical design.
Then, in the late 1920s, New Jersey entrepreneur Sam Foster started selling inexpensive sunglasses on boardwalks to people spending time at the beach, and wearing shades soon started to become trendy. But it wasn’t until they were worn by certain movie stars of the day — including Buster Keaton, Bette Davis and Marlene Dietrich — that these round-shaped sunglasses exploded in popularity.
A variety of frame styles emerged in the 1940s, offering people more choice, at least in terms of size, materials, color and frame thickness; some of these round frames also featured bold designs.
Around this time, however, new frame shapes were also introduced, and sunglasses with round lenses and frames fell out of favor. Over the years, round sunglasses continued to rise and fall in popularity.
In the 1960s and 1970s, for example, circular sunglasses were worn by beloved musicians like John Lennon, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, who reinvigorated the style as a “cool” option young people gravitated to.
Types of round sunglasses
Sunglasses with round frames and lenses are nothing new, as mentioned above. But today, you can find a range of modifications on this vintage style, including:
Panto sunglasses – These sunglasses feature a slightly off-round shape, like a combination of round and oval. Their balanced shape may work well for a range of face shapes.
Oversized round sunglasses – This style is known for its larger lenses and dramatic shape. Oversized round frames can create a bold look while offering more facial coverage than smaller styles.
Small round sunglasses – Smaller rounded frames are reminiscent of some early sunglasses styles. They are available with different lens colors, frame materials and design details.
Round sunglasses styles to consider
Round sunglasses are available in many styles, from slim metal frames to oversized statement frames. Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to consider lens type, frame material, bridge shape, color and whether prescription or polarized lenses are available.
Here are a few round sunglasses styles and features to consider:
Gold-rimmed frames – Metal frames in gold tones can give round sunglasses a classic or vintage-inspired look.
Dark-colored frames – Round frames are available in a range of darker colors, including black, brown, green, burgundy and other deep shades.
Mirrored lenses – Mirrored lenses can give round sunglasses a reflective look and are available in silver and other lens colors.
Keyhole bridges – A keyhole bridge has a small cutout shape at the bridge of the nose. Some people find this design comfortable because it can help distribute pressure along the sides of the nose.
Browline frames – This vintage-inspired style often has round or slightly off-round lenses set in frames that are thicker at the top than at the bottom.
Gradient lenses – Gradient lenses are darker at the top and lighter toward the bottom. They are available in many color combinations and can be paired with metal, chunky or transparent frames.
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Choosing the right pair of round sunglasses for your face shape
Round sunglasses can work with many face shapes, but some styles may feel like a more comfortable fit than others. These general guidelines can help you compare options.
Square face – A square-shaped face is about as wide as it is long. Round-framed sunglasses may help soften the appearance of angular features.
Round face – A round face is also about as wide as it is long, but with a rounder jawline. If you want more contrast, slightly square or angular sunglasses may help add definition.
Oval face – Oval faces are slightly longer than they are wide. Many frame shapes can work with an oval face shape, including round sunglasses.
Oblong face – If you have a long, narrow face, round sunglasses may help add balance. Smaller frame sizes may emphasize the narrowness of the face.
Triangular face – This face shape is narrower at the temples and widens toward the cheeks and chin. To add width to the upper part of the face, you may want to consider sunglasses with more thickness or detail near the outer edges.
Heart-shaped face – A heart-shaped face is broader at the temples and narrows toward the chin. Round sunglasses may help balance the width at the upper part of the face.
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Are round sunglasses for you?
Ultimately, choosing a pair of sunglasses will depend on a number of factors and personal style preferences. Some people prefer oversized round sunglasses, while others may prefer smaller wire-rimmed frames or a more understated design.
No matter the frame design you choose, consider sunglasses that provide UV protection to help shield your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
