Optics Mag is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Read more.

8 Sunglasses Trends In 2024 (With Pictures)

Last Updated on

close up different sunglasses lined up together

If we were asked what epitomizes cool, we’d say sunglasses. You’ll never go wrong with this accessory style-wise, plus they help keep your eyes safe from UV rays. Any experienced fashion stylist will attest to the fact that sunglasses have always had the ability to elevate different looks.

Therefore, if you’ve been looking to update your repertoire, these are the trends that we’ve got our bets on this year:

glasses divider 2

The 8 Sunglasses Trends in 2024

1. Cat-Eye Sunglasses

tinted cat-eye sunglasses
Image Credit: blingfashioncoltd, Pixabay

Even though they are a classic, they are still stylish this year. The thing we love most about cat-eye sunglasses is that they’ve not just survived, but evolved. A quick comparison is all it takes to realize the once conventional cat-eye eyewear is now a lot more sophisticated and very different from what we were used to.

Assuming you intend to conceal your fuller jawline, this is the perfect eyewear for you. It has an uncanny way of flattering any round face—be it male or female.


2. Slim-Rectangular Shades

man wearing black rectangle sunglasses
Image Credit: José Pinto, Unsplash

These glasses were so popular last summer and almost everybody had them. They dominated the market and from the look of things not much has changed. The only difference between the previous design and this year is the fact that their frames now seem chunkier and wider. But when it comes to colors, there’s still no limit. Oh, and the most stylish of the bunch is the Havana pattern.


3. Round-Frame Sunglasses

colorful round sunglasses
Image Credit: Lensabl, Unsplash

Guys, this is yet another throwback. The round-frame sunglasses remind us of the mid-‘2000s when all we could think about was how balanced angular faces looked with these fun and quirky bad boys on them. They went out of fashion in the 70s, came back in the 2000s, made a statement by becoming the top dog in the yard, and now looking to cement their position as one of the all-time favorites.

Round-frame glasses are not ideal for people who have round faces, though. You’ll need something like the slim-rectangular shades that have angular lines. Might not seem like much, but those lines are what you need to make your face appear thinner or sharper. 


4. Colorful /Tinted Lenses

variety of colorful tinted sunglasses
Image Credit: Pexels, Pixabay

Spring is nature’s way of telling us that it’s time to party. Even if you were dull and gloomy, the bright colors and light surrounding all of us will inevitably lift your spirits. Sunglasses designed with colorful lenses are meant to complement that wave of color euphoria, as well as your style.


5. Mono-Lens Sunglasses

woman wearing mono-lens sunglasses
Image Credit: Andrey Zvyagintsev, Unsplash

These shades have been constructed to provide a minimal, but trendy look—with a little sprinkle of flair. Some people argue that they are overkill, but we don’t think so. These new designs are more futuristic and look that way on just about anybody.


6. Metallic Octagon Shades

Image Credit: Melih Evren, Shutterstock

The ideal choice for those who gravitate towards items that are considered “edgy”, these geometric glasses can be worn by practically anybody, but they mostly look good on women. Their frames are relatively smaller than your typical frame and are made of slim silver. The lenses are polarized, dark, and octagon in shape. The best part is, you can wear them even if your face is round or diamond-shaped.


7. Aviator Sunglasses

rayban aviator sunglasses
Image Credit: Daniel Schludi, Unsplash

We don’t know why people keep thinking aviators were left in the 80s. They’ve never lost their funk, and we don’t think they will. We know this is going to be a good year for them, given manufacturers are now tweaking them with teardrop lenses and sleek thin wireframes. Add this pair to your sporty or casual look, and all heads will be turning on the streets.


8. Gradient Lenses

gradient sunglasses on yellow background
Image Credit: Habib Dadkhah, Unsplash

Who seriously doesn’t find that dark top and gradual fade to the bottom appealing? It makes the wearer look like a spy who’s about to get involved in espionage! Gradient lenses match every lighting condition as they guarantee unparallel visual clarity. Go with the tint colors and you’ll undoubtedly steal the show.  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Important Are Sunglasses to Stylists?

You know something’s important when people rely on it to eke out a living. Especially celebrity stylists who constantly create online content meant to educate consumers on how to blend their sunglasses with their outfits. Looking good builds confidence, and confidence is a vital attribute of mental and physiological health.

What we’re trying to tell you is that sunglasses aren’t just accessories—they are more than that since they have what it takes to transform any casual outfit into a classy one. All you have to remember is that every pair has its own occasion. You cannot pick a random design from your drawer and hope it matches your mood and/or the occasion.


2. How Are Sunglasses Held?

variety of sunglasses displayed on shelves
Image By: Omid Armin, Unsplash

Definitely not by the arm—the right way to hold a pair is by the bridge. That way, you’ll never inadvertently bend their arms.

By the way, if the glasses bend easily, they are not of premium quality. And the same applies if they are the kind that can’t be readjusted once they’ve been bent.


3. How Do You Know Which Sunglasses Match Your Face?

In order to understand which type of sunglasses will fit you, the first thing that you should do is to figure out what type of face you have. Do you have a chiseled jawline or a gentle one? Does your face appear rounder or angular? Just know that rounder faces match well with angular glasses and vice versa.


4. Will Wearing Sunglasses on Your Head Damage Them?

It looks natural because it’s something that most people do, but you have to be wary of the chemicals used to produce some hair products. Those products might be classified as “safe” but that doesn’t mean that they won’t react with plastic or whatever material was used to construct your sunglasses.


5. Where Do People Hang Sunglasses?

How you store your sunglasses will also determine their longevity. The wrong places are all the places that have things that can damage your frames or scratch your lenses. The safest place is the case it came with. That case is strong enough to protect it from any external pressure. You could also hang them up or keep them in your drawers.

glasses divider 2

Conclusion

Glare protection isn’t the only reason why people wear sunglasses. You can also use them to complement your look—trendy doesn’t mean that they have to be seen on runway shows. Some of these trends have been popular for decades, and will continue this year and beyond.


Featured Image Credit: insidehenderson, Pixabay

About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.