Remember Daniel Craig in the Spectre? Or Tom Cruise in Top Gun? You’ll definitely remember Salman Khan stylishly bashing up bad guys in Dabangg. Well, what was the most striking feature those heroes had apart from their looks?
That’s right, their classic Sunglasses!
Sunglasses have very well influenced the way we perceive style and class. They’re more than just for eye-protection. A pair of sunglasses can make or break your style – they can elevate your look and solidify your signature finesse.
That is why you need to know what the ‘all-time favourites’ are, that will help you make a dashing and up to the minute fashion statement.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of classic sunglasses styles for men that are a ‘must-have’ for your wardrobe. Check if you have all of these!
Aviator
The Aviators often top the list of the “most iconic sunglasses model in the world,” and it’s hardly a surprise. Your favourite stars wear them; your favourite singers set the stage on fire wearing them. These frames were originally designed in the 1930s to shield US aviators from the sun’s strong rays when up in the air, but their civilian popularity developed almost immediately after the style was released. Notably, it was Tom Cruise in Top Gun who made Aviators insanely popular among men. The classic Aviator frame is metal and is characterized by a double or triple bridge. Aviators are always a safe bet and with a plethora of options available for Aviators (in tons of different colours), you can never have too many aviators.
Clubmaster
Inspired by the browline sunglasses trend, the Clubmaster was coined by Ray-Ban in the 50s. They’re known for their rounded lenses with larger, statement-making upper rims (the “browline”), often made of plastic, and slim wire rims around the bottom. Some even come with wooden temples (as pictured above) to further elevate the panache. Clubmasters have stood the test of time and hence you can never go wrong with a pair of these iconic frames. We at MacV also have round Clubmasters which is a modified version and yet creates the same impact. They’re often associated with a nostalgic era but still make heads turn when adorned with the perfect casuals – imagine Bruno Mars just vibing with Clubmasters in his music videos.
Wayfarers
Another classic coined by Ray-Ban in 1956 and is still considered to be a classic and enduringly iconic. It has become a universal eyewear staple that has stood the test of time and trends. The reason for the Wayfarer’s fame is its versatility – the style looks great on anyone and everyone and goes well with casual wear as well as formal. If you want a pair that you can wear with anything and that won’t go out of style, Wayfarer shades are a must-have. Known for their clean lines and subtle curves, they are usually made with faintly coloured rims that are great for the summer season. Often worn by rockstars such as the Beatles, Billy Joel and Bob Dylan, Wayfarer shades certainly have a rock n’ roll charm to it.
Retro
MacV Polarized Sunglasses 131P
Retro-vintage sunglasses are gaining momentum among fashion cognoscenti. Almost every celebrity possesses at least one pair of sunglasses in their collection and naturally, it has inspired many people to have a taste of the retro. You don’t have to go back to the still images or motion pictures of the 60s, 70s or 80s to find those classic shades. These styles can still be found on people’s faces around us every day. Often accompanied by quirky designs and bold colours, retro sunglasses will work for everyone and ‘must’ be included in your list of essentials, as they’ll come in handy the next time you decide to showcase your flamboyance.
Round
These frames are characterized by rounded–or perfectly circular–lenses and frames and give off a cool, trendy-meets-vintage vibe. Though round frames are traditionally associated today as being the frame of choice for those seeking a vintage edge (remember John Lennon), round frames are becoming a very popular trend thanks to the Steampunk movement. If your wardrobe is made up of neutral tones and your look is pared back and minimalist, you must go for clear or black frames with dark lenses and get your style on. You can be Harry Potter by day and Morpheus (The Matrix) by the afternoon.
The sunglasses frames in this list are not just a trend for the summer or any season for that matter. They are styles with the perfect balance of classic and trendy flare that will last for years to come, no matter the season or reason – they’re all-time favourites. Whatever style you choose, make sure that they’re armed with UV protection, because a damaged vision isn’t worth any fashion choices you make.
Choose a suitable pair and start slaying, king!