How to Choose ‘90s Sunglasses That Suit Your Style Today

Ah, the ‘90s. If you’re old enough to look back on that decade with a feeling of nostalgia, you’ll be happy to know that ‘90s sunglasses are back in style again.

Often described as The Good Decade, the ‘90s enjoyed a stable economy, iconic movies and TV shows, and simplicity and self-expression. So how did ‘90s eyewear reflect that then and — because fashion is cyclical — now?

Let’s review what was going on in the ‘90s and rediscover some popular ‘90s sunglasses styles that are back and trendy as ever. You may even be inspired to order a pair or two yourself, whether you remember those days or not.

What Was Happening in ‘90s Fashion?

The ‘80s were flashy, to say the least, with plenty of bling to go around. As the world moved into the ‘90s, fashion shifted from shoulder pads, big-frame sunglasses, and even bigger hair into a more subtle, minimalistic look.

Sometimes credited to the 1989 Black Friday stock market crash, the fashion world responded to the economic downturn at the beginning of the decade by offering fresher, toned-down styles that stood in stark contrast to the larger-than-life prints and textures that defined the ‘80s.

Often worn by the new wave of supermodels who set the tone for everything in the ‘90s, the style was all about effortlessness. You’d see flannel shirts, sneakers, grunge-inspired elements, sheer slip dresses, and monochromatic ensembles.

To the accompaniment of music ranging from grunge and hip hop to rap and acid house, street styles tended toward casual chic. Think T-shirts or checked shirts over jeans paired with a hoodie, flannel, or denim jacket. At the other end of the spectrum, baby doll dresses or skirt suits were worn with knee socks.

Groups like TLC and Destiny’s Child had an outsized influence on street style, getting people excited about parachute pants, tiny tops with big jeans, cargo pants paired with body suits, and lots of shimmer.

At a time when society was hurtling towards Y2K, fashion got nostalgic, often referencing past decades. For the first time, thrifting became cool, and it became a contest to see how you could style items from the past in new and inventive ways. Simultaneously, the looming year 2000 inspired fashion to embrace the future and futuristic styles.

Hairstyles were deliberately messy, and scrunchies were in. The goal was always to have an “I woke up like this” glamor, and everything from crimped waves to slicked-back buns qualified. Of course, the Rachel cut, inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s character on Friends, also inspired a generation of women to adopt those iconic chunky highlights and layers.

For guys, frosted tips, flat tops, and flowing waves were the name of the game. As always, a pair of sunnies finished the outfit nicely. With a few exceptions, ‘90s sunglasses were more understated, and this look is still popular today.

Are they true vintage sunglasses? That depends on your definition, but retro’s good enough for us!

Who Were the ‘90s Fashion Icons?

Before discussing the sunglasses that defined the ‘90s, let’s look at the fashion icons wearing them. Known for epitomizing an effortlessly chic aesthetic, the following fashionistas knew what it took to craft a memorable look — with shades to top it off.

First up is one of the reigning queens of ‘90s fashion, Naomi Campbell. Although the supermodel has since moved into larger frame styles, in the ‘90s, she was all about thin, small frames. She was even the face of an iconic Fendi ad that featured her in Bayonetta-style tortoiseshell sunglasses.

Another member of the undisputed ‘90s fashion royalty family (and a royal in her own right!) was Princess Diana. Princess Diana could often be seen sporting circular frames to complement her angular face. Always one to experiment with fashion, Princess Di wore everything from the small circular style popularized by John Lennon to larger frames fit for a beach day.

Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the heartthrobs of the ‘90s, was also seen in sunglasses with lightly colored lenses, one of the decade's most memorable sunglasses trends. Never one to shy away from the camera, these shades allowed DiCaprio to rock sunglasses on the red carpet and still give the camera a charming smile.

What Are the Main Features of Retro ‘90s Sunglasses?

The ‘80s were all about oversize everything — including oversized sunglasses with thick frames. By the time the ‘90s came around, many people were looking for something different.

Apart from hip-hop glasses, which were still extra-large, ‘90s sunglasses were often smaller and more delicate. A small oval lens was especially trendy, a style that has circled back and is now a favorite of many celebrities.

Tortoiseshell, brightly-colored, and multi-toned frames were all on trend. ‘90s sunglasses were also big on colored lenses, like pink, blue, yellow, and red — or very dark lenses for a slightly more rock star look. Tint gradients and two-tone lenses were cool, too, and are still popular today.

You may not want to go full ‘90s with your outfit, but there’s no doubt that a pair of retro sunglasses adds a touch of intrigue.

Here’s what to look out for.

How To Know if Your Sunglasses Fit

If you’re considering a pair of tiny ‘90s sunglasses, bear in mind that you also need to take the size of your face into account. If you choose a style that’s too small, it may make your face look pinched — and it’ll feel uncomfortable to wear. It’s a good idea to consult the size guide for your eyewear retailer to find a pair that fits perfectly.

Generally speaking, there are a few rules of thumb you should follow to make sure your frames fit your face. First and most importantly, your frames should hug your ears and the bridge of your nose.

Although there should never be any pinching, you want your frames to be tight enough that they won’t fall off during the day. An easy test to ensure they’re not too big is to look left, right, then roll your neck. If the shades stay on, then fit-wise, they’re keepers.

However, if your sunglasses are too tight, they can cause discomfort, leave marks, and, in extreme cases, give you a headache. You might find that a pair of sunglasses leaves marks on the sides of your face by your temples. This is a good indicator that you need a wider style. If your sunglasses leave marks on the bridge of your nose, look for frames with longer arms.

Once you find a comfortable pair, note where they fit on your face. Ideally, your eyes should be centered in the lenses. To guarantee this, you’ll want to ensure the upper frames of your glasses don’t rise above your eyebrows, and the bottom of the frames don’t fall below the apples of your cheeks.

That being said, with tiny ‘90s styles, frames that fall below the apples of your cheeks are less common.

A Range of ‘90s Sunglasses Frame Shapes

Frame shapes varied widely but these were some of the most popular styles that are still around today.

Round or Oval Sunglasses

Given that 90s fashion was defined by its cool, chic aesthetic, many people preferred to wear more classic shapes, like round sunglasses or oval frames. These were popularized in the ‘60s, and while they can still evoke a hint of rock and roll, they’ve evolved into a classic chic ‘90s look. They especially suit more angular faces, softening strong lines.

For smaller, round styles, check out The Reese or The Soto.

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Large cat-eye sunglasses were huge in the ‘80s and they didn’t disappear in the ‘90s — they just got smaller. This classic look with uptilted corners adds edge, a little drama and mystery, and a sense of confidence to your style. It suits many different types of faces, from round to more angular, and everything in between.

Try a pair of slim The Ella cat-eye sunglasses for this trend.

Rectangular Sunglasses and Square Sunglasses

Ranging from rounded squares to slimmer rectangle sunglasses with a flat top, these shapes were popular in the ‘90s for a reason. They offer both style and substance, and they give you great sun protection coverage. A sleek design suits round faces, adding structure and strength.

Take your pick from our range of narrow and medium-sized rectangular frames:

• The Twain
• The Larkin
• The Finley
• The Casper
• The Kirby

Aviator Sunglasses

Another classic frame style that was a staple in many ‘90s wardrobes was the aviator frame. A unisex fan favorite that looks good on various face shapes, aviator sunglasses were a go-to for many in the ‘90s.

Although they started in military uniforms, aviators gained widespread appeal in the ‘90s. These frames are known for having thin and circular metal frames and a distinctive bar above the bridge of the nose. Aviators also often have dark-tinted or reflective lenses. That’s the traditional style, but aviators have been reimagined countless times since their mainstream debut.

If you’re interested in trying out this iconic frame style, we have two you can choose from.

The Murphy features an oversized wide square frame, like a more traditional aviator.

The Drew offers a more rectangular take on the aviator shape with a cool, rugged vibe that fits an oval, round, or triangle-shaped face.

Tinted Sunglasses

Although you might not be familiar with the term “tinted lens sunglasses,” you’ve definitely seen them around. Tinted sunglasses are any sunglasses that don’t have the typical black lenses. You might see glasses with a slight gradient in the lens that gets lighter at one end. Or you might see ones with rosy or blue lenses. All of these are considered tinted lenses.

When you shop for sunglasses at Pair, you can customize the lens color of all your glasses. With colors ranging from blue reflective lenses to more classic brown lenses, you can get a taste of the ‘90s by finding a fun new shade for your shades.

Colored Sunglasses

Another trend that made waves in the ‘90s was sunglasses with colored frames. These frames were often made from acetate, a lightweight and durable material. Available in a rainbow of colors, these frames made sunglasses more integral to outfit planning in the ‘90s.

Much like lens color, you can also rely on Pair to let you customize the color of your frames. Take one of our classic frame styles like The Wanda. You can get these in blue, pink, clear, and blue tortoise, along with classic colors like black and regular tortoise. With so many options available, you’ll live your ‘90s dream in no time.

Tortoise Shell Sunglasses

Tortoiseshell seems like a timeless pattern today, but we have the early ‘90s to thank for that. At the beginning of the Good Decade, tortoiseshell sunglasses were seen everywhere, and their status as forever-cool shades was quickly cemented.

Made from a marbled pattern of brown, black, and white with other colors sometimes mixed in, tortoiseshell is one of those patterns that feels erudite, sophisticated, and edgy simultaneously.

Lucky for you, you can embrace this ‘90s trend with a pair of sunglasses from Pair, regardless of what frame style you gravitate towards. All our styles are available in tortoiseshell, so you can pick anything from a cat-eye to a rectangular pair of sunglasses to be your next pair of choice.

Small-Frame Sunglasses

Last but certainly not least, small-frame sunglasses were perhaps the most iconic ‘90s sunglass shape. Small-frame sunglasses encompass many looks, from rimless rectangles to a steampunk style with thick sides. This section will share some iconic small-frame sunglasses that defined the ‘90s.

Thin oval or rectangular frames were among the most popular small-frame shapes in the ‘90s. A subtle, hippie-style circle frame was also commonly seen on men. They also weren’t afraid to play with different shapes, so you might have seen funky geometric styles and designs, as well.

If you want in on the small-frame trend, look no further than The Otero. This shape screams ‘90s with a narrow, rectangular frame. Think of the kind of shades Kate Moss would toss on to leave a runway show. Although they’re a universal staple that can suit anyone, these sunglasses will look especially good if you have a more oval or round-shaped face.

How To Shop ‘90s-Style Frame Shapes Now

When you’re searching for a pair of ‘90s sunglasses to finish off your look, it makes sense to start with frame shapes that work well for your face. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, though, keep going. Every face shape is unique and you might discover that another style suits you perfectly. If your eyewear retailer offers a virtual try-on tool, use that to experiment with different frames.

Sporty, Mirrored Lenses

Originally worn as sports sunglasses mainly by aviators and hardcore sports enthusiasts, reflective lenses could be seen everywhere, from the beach to the runway in the ‘90s. They deflect some of the glare from the surfaces around you — and they also act like a one-way mirror so you can see without being seen.

When you’re shopping for reflective eyeglasses, you need to consider how the color of the frame and the lenses work together plus how they suit your complexion.

For example, while tortoiseshell frames compliment many different skin colors, adding blue-colored lenses may not flatter you (or the tortoise frames). And while classic black frames look great with most reflective lenses, they may be too stark for your skin. Think about both elements as you browse.

A Word About Accessibility and ‘90s Sunglasses

Even if you don’t need a prescription and you’re buying your ‘90s sunnies purely as fashion sunglasses, why not get some extra features thrown in?

Glare Reduction

All sunglasses have tinted lenses; some even come with a tint gradient, with a darker shade at the top. The colored lenses help to reduce the glare from your surroundings, but depending on how bright the light is, this may not be enough. Surfaces like roads, water, and snow reflect a huge amount of light and can strain your eyes.

If you’re often outdoors, it’s worth investing in polarized lenses. These cut the glare much more effectively, protecting your eyes and — as a bonus — giving you much sharper color contrast.

UV Protection

Too much exposure to the sun can cause all sorts of damage, from wrinkles to macular degeneration (we’ll go more in-depth on this in the next section). Most sunglasses offer some degree of UV protection, but that can vary widely.

Ideally, you want sunglasses that give you 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Check the sticker on the glasses or the description by the retailer or manufacturer to find out how much protection you’re getting from your sunnies.

Why Is It Important To Rock Sunglasses?

Now that you know all about the sunglasses that defined the ‘90s, we hope you’re inspired to find the retro 90s frame that suits you. Along with the undeniable style points you earn for accessorizing with ‘90s frames, there are also important health benefits to consider when wearing sunglasses.

This section will take a closer look at why it’s important to rock sunglasses, regardless of what style you end up with.

Reduce Eye Strain

We all know that feeling of being outside on a sunny day without sunglasses and feeling the need to squint everywhere you look. If you spend enough time squinting to see in the sun, you might experience eye strain.

You’ll know you’re feeling eye strain if your eyes start to feel tired and achy. You might even feel your eyes get red and watery and have trouble focusing. If all of that sounds uncomfortable and inconvenient, we totally agree.

That’s why tossing on a pair of shades when you know you’ll be in sunlight (even if it’s indirect) is a good idea. It’ll take your outfit to the next level and help your eyes stay fresh and focused all day long.

Protect Your Eyes From Sun Damage

When it comes to wearing sunglasses, one of the most important benefits they offer is protection from sun damage. Although the sun can elevate a picnic in the park and might even give your hair blond highlights in the summer, it can also cause damage if you don’t take steps to protect your eyes.

Wearing sunglasses can reduce your risk of developing eyelid skin cancer. There are several different types of eyelid skin cancer, and you can better protect yourself from them when you choose UV-blocking sunglasses.

Cataracts, which cause your eye’s lens to cloud, are another form of damage that can develop if you spend a lot of unprotected time in the sun. Often, cataracts cause people to struggle with basic tasks, and must be resolved with surgery.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that leads to the decay of the part of your eye responsible for your central vision, the macula. Although the risk of developing this disease increases with age, another contributing factor is UV exposure. You can help protect your eyes against AMD by wearing a classy, chic pair of '90s-style sunglasses.

Prevent Headaches

For some people, spending time in bright sunlight can bring about headaches or, in more extreme cases, migraines. This intense reaction results from light sensitivity, which can cause pain or irritation when you’re in the sun.

One easy way to help prevent this reaction when you’re lounging poolside or playing a game of volleyball is to throw on a pair of shades. A cool pair of ‘90s sunnies can help ward off headaches and let you soak up the sun’s rays in peace.

Protect Your Skin

Although we often think sunglasses protect our eyes (which they do), they also protect the delicate skin around our eyes. Think about the texture and feel of the skin under and around your eyes. Usually, it’s softer and thinner than the skin on the rest of your face. This means that it’s more delicate and sensitive.

The beauty of sunglasses, even smaller ‘90s style frames, is that they protect your eyes and delicate skin. The protection you get from sunglasses helps ensure that the skin around your eyes doesn’t get burnt. In the long term, this can help slow down the development of wrinkles and protect against skin cancer.

Drive Safer

As mentioned in the last section, it’s important to find sunglasses that reduce the glare from different roads. Along with keeping you safe during outdoor adventures, this will also help you drive safely.

A stylish pair of sunglasses that you love to wear can keep you safe on the road. By reducing glare, you’ll be better able to see in all weather conditions — bonus points if you have a vintage 90s car to drive to match your frames.

Where To Shop Vintage ‘90s Eyewear Today

You’ll find all the ‘90s sunglasses styles your heart could desire — and so much more — at Pair Eyewear. Our classic sunglasses Base Frames are designed to suit a range of face shapes, and they’re perfectly paired with our unique selection of magnetic Top Frames.

Top Frames snap on, allowing you to change your look in moments — with just one pair of glasses. That means you can go with a ‘90s style today, then back in time to the ’70s tomorrow, and repeat! Pick from our extensive Collections (be sure to check out our Best Sellers), Collabs, and Limited Edition series.

We can customize your sunglasses to include the prescription lenses you need. You’ll also be happy to know that all Pair glasses come standard with polarized lenses and 100% UV protection.

Pair prescription glasses start from just $60 — and if you checkout with a total of more than $45, you’ll get free standard shipping, too.

Rock Those Stylish ‘90s Sunglasses

The ‘90s were a decade of minimalism and simplicity — compared to the ‘80s, at least. Fashion moved away from over-the-top styles, and sunglasses did, too. With smaller frames and interesting features like mirrored lenses, they reflected the times perfectly. And now they’re back and better than ever.

Shop Pair Eyewear for your ‘90s sunglasses (or for any other decade you feel called toward). Pair sunglasses combine functionality and style perfectly, no matter which year you’d like to live in.

Sources:

1990s: The Good Decade | HISTORY

5 Eye Problems Linked to Sun Damage | All About Vision

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Causes, Symptoms and Treatments | All About Vision

’90s Fashion: Outfits, Style, and Trends | Vogue