Fashion trends come and go throughout the years, but iconic staples from decades ago always seem to come back in style in new, reimagined ways. It’s not a new phenomenon either; a write-up from Today on nostalgic fashion notes that even ‘90s and ‘00s fashion were heavily inspired by the styles of the ‘60s and ‘70s with a newer, modern twist.

In 2023, we’re seeing a similar assortment of trends from various decades past. Eyewear is no exception, and with trends skewing towards the styles of 20 years ago and earlier, glasses and shades with unique frames, colors, and styles are currently the “in” thing. But what’s responsible for this retro resurgence?

Throwback Glasses Making a Comeback

Trend-Setting Influencers

As social media grew in popularity over the last few years, it gave people access to view the lives of other “regular” people, not just the celebrities only seen on screens and magazines.

Admiring and emulating these influencers seemed much more accessible than doing so with movie and pop stars, and when we see people we look up to donning a new fashion fad, we want to do the same.

Research from Standford highlights that people have conformist and anti-conformist behaviors, which can be shaped by “role models.” So when we see our favorite influencers or role models wearing retro eyewear or promoting retro brands, it won’t take too long for that to evolve into a trend, with more reviews and insights on the product from all kinds of people.

One example was the BUTABY rectangle sunglasses that made rounds on TikTok in 2021. Influencer Jordan Mazorik helped it blow up on the platform, leading to a wave of similar retro styles being incorporated into everyday outfits.

Accessibility of Styles

With social media encouraging users to take an interest in older styles, the internet has also adapted into a hotspot for younger people to discover and access retro brands and looks.

Retailer Eyebuydirect promotes retro grunge eyewear, promising their younger audiences a “bolder, edgier” summer. Geometric shapes, sharp angles, and funky colors help give off a more rebellious punk-pop style that can add a punchy touch of uniqueness to any look.

The already subversive cat-eye frames that were all the rage in the early to mid-20th century also get an underground-style reimagining. This style that was meant to combat the bookish and owlish glasses of the 30s can also be even more eclectic and fun with colorful frames and lenses.

They’re suitable for young people who want a retro look without looking too archaic or dated, and they have room to play around with these new takes on these subversive styles.

More Experimentation

Retro eyewear evolving and adapting to the modern age contributes to this era of style experimentation. The pandemic was instrumental in giving people the time to play around with fashion — mixed with a sense of nostalgia and a desire to go back to yesteryear — and that gave way for all sorts of subcultures to re-emerge and take social media platforms like TikTok by storm.

Aesthetics like cottage-core, e-girl and e-boy, maximalism, and more captured audiences who were looking to develop and put a name to their style. These subcultures even made their way onto runways and collections from high-fashion names like Prada, Dior, and Miu Miu, to name a few.

Eyewear is also an important aspect of these fashion trends, helping accentuate the style’s elements. Wire frame glasses can add to the simple, studious look of dark academia, and patterned, horn-rimmed glasses can suit the quirky and preppy twee aesthetic. Retro eyewear is a great way to add flair to your fit without compromising functionality.

Why not pair your retro glasses with some swimwear this summer? Have a look at our recent piece What Type of Swimwear Is Right for You?