The 90s were a wildly eclectic time for fashion, especially when it came to sunglasses.
While trends come and go, some styles really do stand the test of time.
Let’s explore the history behind each pair and why they remain a timeless accessory.
Round John Lennon-style Sunglasses
First gaining popularity in the 60s when they were worn by none other than John Lennon, these perfectly round sunglasses became a staple 90s accessory.
Their shape mimics the natural curve of the eye socket, creating a soft and flattering silhouette.
While larger, Jackie O-style frames were also popular during the decade, John Lennon’s had a more approachable feel.
They oozed artistic Edge without being overpowering on the face. The name says it all – this style will forever be tied to the cultural icon.
In the 90s, round sunglasses were often rendered in colored glass or transparent plastic frames. Blues, greens, pinks, and yellows added a playful pop.
Nowadays, black and tortoiseshell colors give off a more refined vibe.
No matter what hue you choose, round sunglasses are a timeless accent.
They add Mod flair to any outfit, from casual tailoring to relaxed denim.
Skip the aviators and wayfarers for a day – these circles deserve their time to shine.
Flat Top Sunglasses
Also sometimes called “butterfly sunglasses,” this style is defined by its flat horizontally oriented lenses and thin wire frames.
Popularized by MTV VJs and supermodels in the 90s, the flat top shape exuded understated cool.
While other frames tried hard to make a statement, this style let its wearer’s confidence speak for itself.
Flat top sunglasses may seem demure at first glance, but a closer look reveals their quiet power.
Double wire rims trace the contours of the lenses, crisscrossing subtly at the bridge. Arms flow back elegantly to the tips.
The retro shape has a minimalist feel that complements any face shape or style. Try a colorful lens in purple, blue, or green for a pop of cheeky brightness.
Black and brown gradients offer a more mysterious vibe. No matter your choice, flat tops should be in every stylish guy and gal’s collection of time-tested 90s sunglasses.
Hexagonal Flat Top Sunglasses
For those who want a geometric twist on the flat top look, hexagonal frames are the perfect choice.
The six-sided lenses offer the same horizontal allure with a subtle facelift.
Flat top hexagonal sunglasses first hit the scene in the 1970s but flooded the 90s as Y2K-era designs embraced angular appeal.
Though they give off retro futuristic vibes, the hexagonal shape is flattering and timeless.
Frames look best when kept thin and delicate as heavier styles can overwhelm the unique lens shape.
Make sure to choose sizes that fit your face – go too oversized, and you’ll lose the crisp edge of the retro hexagon silhouette.
Stick to neutrals like black, brown, and gray or go bold with a pop of color.
While these sunnies may remind you of the avant-garde decades past, their sharp style still feels forward-thinking.
Tiny Lens Sunglasses
Tiny sunglasses were one of the most iconic eyewear trends of the 1990s.
Unlike the oversized frames of previous decades, these sunglasses shrunk lenses down to miniature proportions.
Usually transparent or lightly tinted, the lenses exemplified the era’s playful irreverence towards fashion’s formerly strict rules.
Pop icons like Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of TLC made tiny sunglasses their signature long before “micro shades” appeared on recent runways.
Their appeal lies in their subtlety – tiny lenses draw attention to the wearer’s eyes instead of overpowering the face.
A confident spirit and mischievous attitude help pull these sunnies off.
If you’re bold enough to give them a try, choose thin wire or clear plastic frames that won’t overwhelm your features.
Pair them with other 90s trends like chokers and slip dresses to complete the throwback look.
While tiny lens sunnies are not for the faint of heart, their cool retro charm can’t be denied.
Teashade Sunglasses
Originally made popular by musicians like Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon in the 60s, thin metal teashades experienced a revival in the 90s.
True to their name, their gently rounded lenses and thin bridges evoke antique teacups.
The thin wire frames embodied understated Mod style in an era of brash excess.
While larger than tiny lenses, teashades still sit delicately on the face.
Their petite proportions flatter narrow visages but can overwhelm those with rounder features.
Lens colors range from softly tinted to opaque black and everywhere in between.
Try brown gradient lenses for a look that evokes vintage sepia tones.
No matter your choice, teashades add retro refinement to any outfit. Keep the rest of your look minimal to let these fragile sunnies shine.
Double Bridge Sunglasses
Sunglasses with double nose pads were hugely popular in the 90s.
Also called butterfly or browline sunglasses, this style makes a bold statement with its dual slim bridges.
The twin pads provide an extra anchor, ensuring the frames stay firmly in place.
While double bridge sunglasses first emerged in the 40s and 50s, 90s fashion revived them with new materials and lens shapes.
Clear and transparent plastics modernized the once traditional design.
Choose mirrored lenses and neon frames to fully embrace the decade’s aesthetic.
For a more classic take, go with black or tortoiseshell colors.
No matter your choice, don’t overlook this iconic 90s style. The defined browline flatters heart, oval, and diamond face shapes.
Those blessed with striking eyes will appreciate how the split draws focus to the windows of the soul.
For an accessory that works hard so you can relax and look cool, reach for these retro sunnies.
Circle Lens Sunglasses
Drawing inspiration from John Lennon’s iconic round frames, circle lens sunglasses took off in the 90s.
Their exaggerated proportions epitomized the decade’s affinity for the avant-garde.
While circular frames first became popular in the 60s, the 90s supersized them to epic proportions.
Lenses spanned two to three inches in diameter, obscuring nearly half the face.
Somehow, the extreme style managed to seem chic rather than silly.
Today, circle lens sunglasses still pack a serious style punch. Moderately oversized versions look best for real-world wear.
Save the face-covering pairs for costumes and festivals.
Stick to simple black, tortoise, or transparent frames that won’t compete with the circular lenses
Whether you love or hate this bold look, you can’t deny its retro appeal.
Circle lens sunglasses are a guaranteed way to catch eyes and sparks conversation about the good old days.
Aviator Sunglasses
Aviators never fully went out of style, but the 90s revived their popularity in fresh new ways.
While metal wire aviators dominated the 70s and 80s, plastic and acetate frames modernized the look.
Oversized aviators were popular ways to play with proportion.
Mirrored lenses amped up the retro futurism in an era obsessed with technology and innovation.
Today, the aviator’s cool confidence still feels relevant. The teardrop shape flatters oval, diamond, and round faces.
Gradient lenses lend vintage pilot vibes, while reflective versions are modern showstoppers.
Choose wire frames for a rugged feel or plastic for lighter wearability.
No matter your choice, aviators are an essential for any sunglasses collection.
Keep a pair with green, purple, or blue lenses on hand to complete 90s throwback outfits. You’ll look ready for takeoff!
Shield Sunglasses
Shield sunglasses make a seriously bold style statement. As the name implies, the single large lens shields the entire upper face.
Thin wires trace the edges for a sleek, curved silhouette. Modern examples echo the shape of wraparound sports sunglasses.
While shields saw some popularity in the 70s and 80s, the 90s fully embraced their futuristic appeal.
Today, shield sunglasses still pack serious attitude. Look for glossy opaque plastics that fully obscure the eyes.
While curvier designs nod to the past, angular variations have an updated feel.
No matter the material, shield sunnies make it clear you mean business. Power dressers will love their sharp silhouette.
Pair them with strong shoulders, sleek hair, and a self-assured strut. If you have the confidence to carry it off, shields create an intimidating retro cool look.
Cat Eye Sunglasses
Cat eye sunglasses epitomize timeless vintage allure. Their signature winged upsweep conveys mystery retro femininity.
While cat eye frames first gained fame in the 50s and 60s, the 90s revived them in contemporary colors and materials.
Chunky black plastics offered artsy edge.
Delicate metals brought back old Hollywood glamour. No matter the material, cat eye shapes evoked stylish sensuality.
Today, the cat eye craze continues thanks to their universally flattering silhouette.
The winged shape complements round, oval, square, and diamond face shapes.
Those with strong brows and cheekbones look striking in this style. For versatile wear, go with black, tortoiseshell, or tan colors.
Embellished cat eyes with jewels or prints make more of a statement. No matter your personal style, give these seductive sunnies a try.
Channel your inner 60s starlet and experience their vintage magic.
Geometric Sunglasses
Leave it to the 90s to popularize sunglasses in every shape under the sun. Hexagons, triangles, squares, trapezoids – no geometry was off limits for designers.
While the 60s and 70s favored rounds and ovals, the 90s made a case for angular appeal. These polygons added mathematical cool to any look.
Today, geometric sunnies still feel fresh and modern.
Look for frames with cutouts that reveal glimpses of the eyes.
Transparent plastics and bright colors enhance the contemporary vibe. The retro futurism of the 90s feels right at home with today’s tech-filled lifestyles.
While not the most flattering silhouette, geometric shapes make a fashion-forward statement. They look especially cool with minimalist looks.
Let these mathematical frames do the talking to describe your insanely stylish persona.
Matrix Style Sunglasses
Is it any surprise the Matrix made its mark on 90s eyewear?
With their futuristic plot, unforgettable stunts, and dark aesthetic, the movie defined an era.
Their recognizable shield style features arms that meet the lenses at a sharp triangular point. This detail gives them mechanical edge.
Dark polarized lenses complete the cyberpunk feel. While not great for everyday wear, Matrix sunglasses still pack serious throwback impact.
Costume parties, concerts, and festivals are perfect occasions to break out a neo-noir set. They may obscure vision, but the chunky angular frames deliver attitude in spades.
Whether you’re dodging agents or just remembering the good old days, it never hurts to have a pair handy.
Orange Lens Sunglasses
Sunglasses with orange lenses epitomize the acid-washed attitude of the 90s.
Part rave, part surfer chic, these sunnies gave off seriously psychedelic vibes.
The tinted lenses first emerged as functional aids for snow sports and watersports. Orange hues increased definition on foggy slopes and beneath water.
Of course, the 90s latched onto the trippy color combo and ran with it.
Suddenly orange lenses appeared on all styles, from tiny frames to massive circles.
They conveyed an acid-fueled playfulness – all neon everything. Today, you can still channel the era’s explosive energy through orange lens shades.
Stick to classic shapes like ovals, squares, and wayfarers. The lenses provide all the excitement you need.
Keep frames in neutral hues like black, gray, and brown. When it comes to channeling the 90s through eyewear, orange you glad you know how to complete the look?
Sunglasses do more than just shield eyes – they set the tone for an entire look.
When it comes to capturing 90s style, eyewear is an easy way to add decade-defining attitude.
By taking cues directly from the source, you can create authentic throwback flair.
So embrace these retro frames, and your eyes will thank you for the protection – even if your face ends up looking a little funny in some shapes!
