The 70s were an iconic decade for fashion, music, and culture.
One of the most recognizable accessories of the 70s were the bold, flashy, and experimental sunglasses that people rocked.
Sunglasses became a way to express your individuality and style.
In this article, we’ll take a groovy trip down memory lane and highlight 13 of the most iconic 70s sunglasses that you can rock today to channel that retro 70s vibe.
Get ready to get funky as we explore some far out 70s shades!
Oversized Round Frames
No sunglasses say 70s quite like a pair of oversized, round frames.
Think Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix – all the music and cultural icons were rocking these big round shades.
The circular shape complemented the circular patterns and shapes that were popular in the era’s fashion.
And the oversized silhouette gave off a stylish yet retro vibe.
These shades were meant to make a bold statement.
Popular brands like Ray-Ban released round sunglasses in the 60s, but it wasn’t until the 70s rolled around that this style really took off.
People loved that extra coverage the large round frames provided.
Not to mention, the bigger the better in 70s style!
You could find these sunglasses with colored or mirrored lenses to add even more flair.
Today, these shades are perfect for capturing that hippie chic, 70s inspired look.
They pair great with flowy maxi dresses or boho printed separates.
Look for round frames in tortoiseshell, clear, or colored plastic to really nail the 70s aesthetic.
A pair of oversized round sunnies adds instant retro vibes to any outfit!
Teashades
Teashades refer to thin metal-framed glasses that were popularized in the 60s and 70s by musicians like Mick Jagger and John Lennon.
The name comes from the fact that the thin wires around the lenses make them resemble tea bags.
These shades have an iconic circular wire frame and thin metal arms.
Teashades were a unisex style and offered a more understated, intellectual vibe than some of the other flashy 70s sunglasses.
The thin metal frames highlighted the eyes rather than obscured them like oversized plastic shades could do.
While teashades may have started as a stylish necessity for musicians and artists who didn’t want their eyes obscured on stage, the style quickly took off through the 60s and reached peak popularity in the psychedelic 70s.
They were a hippie staple thanks to their rimless, free spirited look.
Today, teashades still lend an instant retro vibe with minimalist ensembles.
Stick to wire framed pairs in gold, rose gold, or silver to capture the 70s magic.
This timeless style works perfectly for an evening out or festival chic lewk.
Let your eyes shine through these far out shades.
Visor Sunglasses
One of the most eye-catching 70s sunglasses styles were visor sunglasses.
Instead of normal frames, these shades had a large plastic visor that extended over the forehead or even the entire upper face.
Sometimes the visor was transparent plastic, other times it was colored.
Visor shades first came into fashion in the late 60s but really took off in the 70s disco era.
They made a bold face-framing statement and played into the era’s flair for all things space-age looking.
Visors projected an athletic, sporty vibe which was also on trend in 70s fashion.
Not to mention, the extra coverage visors provided made them handy for active lifestyles in the California sunshine where many trends originated.
Today, visor sunglasses are guaranteed show-stoppers.
Pop on a pair over a sequin trousers and crop top combo for a perfect 70s inspired party look.
Or wear them on the beach or tennis court to channel athletic 70s style.
Visor shades make a seriously rad statement.
Aviator Shades
No sunglasses are more iconic than aviators.
The teardrop shaped metal frames have been popular since the 30s, but saw a resurgence in the 1970s.
Aviator sunglasses were a staple for any 70s style icon who wanted to add a retro flair.
In the 70s, aviators expanded beyond practical sunglasses for pilots and into mainstream fashion.
Celebrities and style icons made them even more popular.
Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, and Elton John all famously rocked aviators both on and off stage.
Part of what made aviators so great for 70s fashion was their versatility.
The simple sleek metal design worked with casual everyday outfits as well as glam concert looks.
Plus, aviators perfectly captured the essence of 70s attitude – a bit rock n roll, a bit quirky, and a whole lot stylish.
Aviators are just as chic today as they were in the 70s.
Pair them with lived-in band tees, flared jeans, and platform sandals for a perfect 70s inspired ensemble.
Or go more glam with high-waisted trousers and a crop top.
However you wear them, aviators scream retro in the best way.
Octagonal Shades
In the kaleidoscope of 70s sunglasses, octagonal frames really stood out.
The unique 8-sided shape made quite the statement.
Octagonal sunglasses had a vaguely futuristic vibe which appealed to disco divas and retro futurism lovers.
Like many 70s trends, these shades originated on the fashion runways of the 1960s before hitting the mainstream in the following decade.
The bold geometric silhouette was eye-catching yet still slimming and flattering.
Many octagonal frames featured cool details like rainbow mirrors, metal accents, or colored lenses too.
Replicate the geometric appeal of 70s octagonal shades with modern versions featuring lattice style mirrors or colored glass.
Pair them with platforms, flares, and a crop top to let these standout sunnies shine.
Octagonal frames are perfect for dance floors, festivals, or anytime you want to add an artsy retro twist.
Cat Eye Sunglasses
Cat eye sunglasses have been popular since the 50s, but saw renewed enthusiasm in the 70s.
The upswept shape that mimics feline eyes was the perfect accent to a decade full of bold makeup and style.
In the 70s, cat eye frames got an upgrade with groovy updates like rainbow mirrored lenses, metal accents, and brighter colors.
They were a staple for bohemian girls and disco queens alike.
Rocking a pair of cat eyes was quintessential 70s style.
Today, you can’t go wrong pairing cat eye sunglasses with maxi dresses, bell bottom jeans, or retro swimsuits to enhance that 70s look.
Look for fun colored lenses or two tone frames to really capture the decade’s funky aesthetic.
The cat eye shape is so timeless yet effortlessly rad.
Oval Shades
Oval frames were another popular option for the groovy gals of the 1970s.
Like cat eyes, the oval shape is universally flattering.
Oval sunglasses also have a classic retro vibe that was perfect for 70s style.
Part of the appeal of oval sunglasses was their versatility.
They looked stylish yet respectable enough for the office or elegant occasions.
But pops of color, print, and decoration made ovals fun enough for casual 70s attire too.
For a 70s inspired look today, go for oval shades in honey amber, tortoiseshell, or transparent candy tones.
Pair yours with sundresses, jumpsuits, and espadrilles to complete the far out ensemble.
Let oval frames add a touch of retro glam to any occasion.
Geometric Shapes
The 1970s were a bold time for eyewear.
Along with funky circles, ovals, and octagons, all sorts of geometric sunglasses shapes were hot on the streets and runways.
Rhombus, triangle, diamond, and shield shaped frames offered wearers an artsy way to express themselves.
Especially popular were angular cat eye variations that accentuated the mod 60s and 70s vibe.
The bolder and brighter, the better!
Today, you can rock geometric shades as a nod to 70s fashion.
Look for triangle frames, pointed cat eye shapes, or anything in bright primary colors.
Pair them with equally geometric prints and patterns to double down on the retro aesthetic.
Geometric shades add artsy edge to any outfit.
Rainbow & Patterned Frames
Why wear boring black sunglasses when you could rock rainbow colored or patterned ones instead?
That was the attitude of 70s style mavens.
Rainbow and patterned sunglasses were a groovy way to accessorize.
Retro patterns like checkerboard, stripes, florals, or color blocked frames were definitely in style.
Some patterns paid homage to the art deco movement which influenced 70s aesthetics.
Or frames might sport totally psychedelic abstract prints.
Either way, these shades were eye catching.
On the other end, rainbow colored frames were also bold.
Sometimes gradient rainbow shades faded from one color to the next.
Other times frames popped with opaque striated stripes of color.
Both caught the playful, anything goes attitude of 70s fashion.
Today, add a splash of color to your outfit with rainbow or patterned sunnies.
They pair perfectly with tie dye, eccentric prints, and boho dresses.
Let these fun frames reflect your colorful personality!
Tinted Lenses
While colored and patterned frames were definitely radical, tinted lenses also offered a cool way to accessorize in 70s fashion.
Shades with lenses in bright hues made it easy to coordinate your sunglasses with your outfit.
Pop culture icons like Elton John favored crazy colored lenses in purple, blue, orange, yellow, and more.
Others went for darker tones like brown, gray, green, or amber for a more subtle effect.
Tinted lenses remained stylish through the disco era thanks to their mood enhancing abilities on the dance floor.
Reinvent this 70s trend with rose gold, honey, or caramel tinted lenses on your sunnies.
Or opt for darker shades of emerald, cobalt, red, and yellow to make a vibrant statement.
Complement the color with your outfit for a pulled together yet funky 70s look.
Browline Glasses
Browline eyeglasses bridge the gap between regular frames and total rimless pairs.
This style has plastic or metal framing around the lenses, but leaves the upper part of the frames rimless.
It creates the effect of built-in “eyebrows” you can see over the lenses.
This flashback frame shape saw a resurgence in 70s style.
Early versions were plastic with rounded corners, but later decades saw sharp angular metal browlines become popular.
Dark tortoiseshell was a go-to, but lighter transparent plastics offered a modern twist.
For 70s style today, go for metallic browline frames that nod to disco flair.
Tortoiseshell and tan work well for a retro flair.
Pair browlines with earth toned ensembles, pleated pants, and platform wedges to complete the look.
Groovy!
Cover Shades
Cover shades take aviator style to the next level with extra large lenses and frames that cover more skin.
As iconic 70s eyewear, they made a bold statement and provided ample coverage.
Like visor shades, cover sunglasses play into the decade’s space age aesthetic.
The angular oversized frames were definitely futuristic looking and popularized by celebrities like Elton John.
Some even attached to headbands forstyles that really made a statement.
Bring back the drama of 70s cover shades with a modern pair featuring colored lenses and sleek frames.
The winged futuristic shape works perfectly with metallic jumpsuits, graphic prints, and strappy sandals.
Let these glamorous shades take your look to the next level.
Ombre & Gradient Lenses
The 1970s were the birthplace of ombre – the popular technique of fading colors from light to dark.
This trend popped up everywhere from hair to fashion.
Sunglasses also got in on the ombre craze with gradient colored lenses.
Instead of a solid tint, gradient lenses featured a degrading rainbow effect.
Light to dark variations of blue, purple, orange, pink, and more added dimension.
Gradient lenses also helped reduce eye strain in very bright light while still keeping things stylish.
Channel the decade’s fondness for gradients with modern ombre lens sunglasses.
Look for glossy metallic frames and lenses that transition from transparent to tinted.
The effect is both stylish and nostalgic.
Perfect for laying out poolside while listening to hits from the 70s!
There you have it friends – 13 of the most radical retro shades straight from the 1970s!
And the diversity of frame shapes and colors reflected the creative spirit of the times.
Next time you want to channel the retro 70s aesthetic, be sure to pop on a pair of these iconic shades to complete your look!
Looking to the past opens the doors to decades of endless style inspiration.
