Top 6 Sunglasses Trends for the Summer
A good pair of sunglasses (informally known as sunnies and shades) can definitely be described as fashion eyewear. While sunglasses can mostly be used as a stylish accessory, they also offer essential sun protection specifically from high-energy and bright sunlight that can damage the eyes and/or cause discomfort.
Examples of harmful high-energy sunlight are UVA rays, known to damage the macula (back of the eyes), and UVB rays, known to damage the front part (cornea and lens)¹. Generally, sunglasses from reputable manufacturers will offer protection from harmful UV light linked to many eye conditions and diseases ranging from dry eye to cataracts, macular degeneration, pterygium, and discomfort symptoms like pain, watery eyes, blurriness, and redness.
If you want to make a fashion statement while also taking proper care of your eyes, then this guide is perfect for you! We’ve covered sunglasses that are not only trendy but from reputable sunglasses brands renowned for their high-quality products. These are all available in-store and in our online look book where we have many models for you to choose from.
Here are the top 2023 biggest sunglasses trends for you to consider this summer season!
1. Rectangular Sunglasses
The rectangular sunnies trend has been with us for several seasons now, but shows no signs of going away, thanks to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and other influencers on social media. The trend is characterized by rectangular-looking sunglasses that elicit a retro feel, which is modern and nostalgic at the same time.
These designer sunglasses are from a reputable manufacturer (Giorgio Armani) with decades of experience in the fashion industry (since 1981). The sunnies have notable features such as nose pads and a metal frame. They embody a dynamic uninhibited spirit and are great for creating an aesthetic elegance and casual personal style.
These sunglasses are another good example of a rectangular design with a more casual and classic look. They are made of acetate with a plastic bridge type. The sunnies are also Rxable (can fit prescription lenses). Most importantly, they are unisex and from a reputable brand, Ray-Ban, that has established decades of global presence in the designer eyewear market (since 1937).
2. Oversized Sunglasses
Although these types of glasses are very popular right now, they actually have a long fashion history that dates back a few decades. Oversized sunglasses first became a trend in the 1960s thanks to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (wife of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy), who was often photographed wearing them. They were later popularized again by Hollywood personalities like Paris Hilton, who you can see here with a pair of oversized white sunglasses.
There is no question about it, the oversized frames trend is here to stay!
Burberry has some great oversized sunglasses in the luxury category. The Burberry 4314F sunglasses are made of acetate and a plastic bridge type and carry the century-old history and prestige of the Burberry brand. These stylish frames are the true definition of elegance and class.
The Burberry B4298F is a great alternative to the B4298F for those who prefer a round-like circular sunglasses look over a traditional round. This specific model exudes an old Hollywood vibe and an effortless elegance in a way that not many other frames can.
3. Tinted Sunglasses
This is yet another popular sunglasses trend in 2023 that shows no signs of slowing down. Tinted sunglasses have a distinct pigmented dye (tinted lenses) featuring many colours, the most common coloured lenses being grey and brown.
The luxury Burberry B3080 are perfect tinted sunglasses to consider buying in 2023. These aviator sunglasses feature a striking matte gold colour that can easily compliment any outfit choice. The sunnies have a metal frame, nose pads, and are the perfect accessory for a sunny day.
If you love tungsten colour, these Oakley tinted sunnies are highly recommended. They feature a metal frame, nose pads (bridge type), and a more rectangular shape. The sunnies are also Rxable and a great option for a modern yet casual man.
Ray-Ban also has some great designer round matte arista-coloured tinted shades. They are Rxable, have a metal frame, feature nose pads, and are comfortable. These lightweight frames are perfect for female users keen on staying up to speed with the latest fashion trends.
4. 70s Sunglasses
This fashion trend has clearly been around for years and for good reason! What made these sunglasses popular in the 70s has been resurrected just in time for the perfect 2023 summer. These models are bold, oversized, tinted, with several different shapes to choose from. The lenses would vary in darkness and the frames would often be colourful. Talk about the classic styles making a comeback, eh?
To blend right in with this trend we recommend this dark tortoise-coloured designer 70s square sunglasses from Coach, a brand that has been in existence since 1941. These sunglasses for women are Rxable, square in shape, and made of acetate and plastic (bridge type). They are the perfect retro touch you were looking for.
Ray-Ban also has some great 70s-style sunglasses to choose from, like the RB2188F. These square-shaped designer sunnies have a transparent light brown colour. They are also Rxable and designed for women. The sunnies offer an authentic, timeless, and premium look.
5. Round Cat Eye Sunglasses
Round cat eye sunnies are the perfect sunglasses for people with more prominent or angular facial features who are looking for a timeless style. The sunnies have a winged shape that balances wide jaw lines and triangle or square faces. Some of our top picks for 2023 include;
These red cat eye advanced sunnies from One Sun are Rxable and have 100% polarized lenses, meaning they’ll reduce glare and eyestrain, improving vision and safety when worn outside in the sun. The sunglasses are made of acetate and plastic (bridge type) and can add a pop of color to your summer look.
Vogue also has some stylish sunglasses designed for those that are looking for a more innovative look. This particular pair is perfect to make users look younger and more stylish. These sunnies are a perfect combination of contemporary styling and superior quality. The VO4188S glasses are made of a metal frame and feature nose pads. They can easily bring a touch of glamour to any casual outfit.
6. Sporty Sunglasses
Sports enthusiasts haven’t been left behind in the 2023 trendy sunglasses space. Here are some functional but stylish pairs of fashion sport sunglasses to consider in the designer category to make sure your need for adventure is met in style as well.
These designer sporty rectangular male sunnies are the epitome of Oakley’s sculptural physics philosophy. The sunnies are made of plastic and acetate. They are also Rxable, polarized, and feature a unique colour (prizm deep water).
These are great sporty sunglasses that complement the Oakley OO9188. They are similar in design, material, and made for athletes such as cyclists, golfers or any outdoor activity. However, they have a unique colour combination i.e., matte black with Prizm Jade.
We hope you love our 2023 sunglasses trends for the Summer as much as we do. We are sure you’ll find the perfect pair for you, so take a chance on one of these trendy options and enjoy the summer season! Each of these sunglasses can be seen on our Kodak Lens online Lookbook for your convenience. You can also browse through our lookbook to find other styles of sunglasses and eyewear.
You can visit any of the Kodak Lens Vision Centre locations/stores to find trendy prescription or non-prescription sunglasses (like mirrored sunglasses, dark sunglasses, coloured sunglasses, angular sunglasses, and many more). Kodak Lens Vision Centres also provides contact lenses so you can experience great vision and comfort with the ability to wear different sunglass styles for any occasion. For eyeglasses wearers, Kodak Lens Vision Centres can offer prescription sun lens upgrades such as polarized or Transitions lenses. Remember to consult with experienced optometrists at Kodak Lens Vision Centres that offer a variety of eye care services to meet all your visual needs.