Tortoiseshell Glasses for Every Style and Face Shape

Looking for a chic and sophisticated pair of glasses that can take you anywhere? Tortoiseshell glasses are just that — and so much more. Retro and on-trend at the same time, these frames are the definition of timeless. They’re the little black dress or perfectly tailored suit of the eyewear world.

If you’re looking for a new pair of glasses, you can’t go wrong with tortoiseshell frames. Let’s break down everything you need to know to make this classically chic style all your own, starting with the first question that pops into everyone’s mind…

What Are Tortoiseshell Glasses Made From?

If you’re an animal lover, there’s no need to worry. Tortoiseshell isn’t made from real tortoise shells anymore! That said, the pattern we now recognize as tortoiseshell has that name for a reason. Originally, tortoiseshell products were made from the real deal. While this practice has since been outlawed, the style itself has endured.

The multicolor pattern and smooth texture (when polished) is undeniably beautiful, so it’s no surprise that people have coveted tortoiseshell since ancient times. Tortoiseshell was first used by the Ancient Greeks to make musical instruments. The Romans also used it to add a tortoiseshell veneer to their furniture and other household items.

According to archeological evidence, the first tortoiseshell glasses were first crafted around the Middle Ages. During the Renaissance, tortoiseshell glasses — often mixed with whalebone — were the height of elegance. They were further popularized in the 1950s and ‘60s by celebrities like Buddy Holly and Marilyn Monroe.

Even through the 1970s, tortoiseshell was mostly made from the beautiful marbled shell of the Hawksbill sea turtle. As a result, over-hunting the species into the late 19th and early 20th centuries has left the Hawksbill sea turtle on the critically endangered list.

Thankfully, the tortoiseshell trade was finally banned in 1977. While Hawksbill sea turtles are still sometimes hunted — illegally — to make real products, most “tortoiseshell” now refers to the product's appearance rather than its origins. Tortoiseshell glasses, specifically, are often made from animal-friendly cellulose acetate.

The cellulose used to make glasses usually comes from cotton plants or wood pulp and it’s far more durable and pliable than real tortoiseshell. Cellulose sheets are then dyed various colors, which you find in the patterns. These sheets are diced, mixed, and remelted to create a mosaic that’s eventually rolled into tortoiseshell acetate.

What Colors Do Tortoiseshell Frames Come In?

As you’ve probably realized by now, tortoiseshell isn’t so much a color as a combination of colors. The classic brown tortoise is a warm, mottled mixture of more neutral tones like brown, black, and amber, which looks much like the original shell of the Hawksbill turtle.

Nowadays, though, the definition of tortoiseshell has expanded to include different patterns — including big cat prints, like leopard or tiger — and different colors. You can now get tortoiseshell glasses in variations of blue, green, gray, or even pink and white.

Tortoiseshell glasses can be matte or shiny, depending on the look you’re going for. So not only is artificial tortoiseshell good for our reptilian friends, but it’s great for fashion, too.

Who Should Wear Tortoiseshell Frames?

If we haven’t made it clear already, tortoiseshell glasses are a chic, timeless choice for everyone and their mother. And their brother. And their cousins, too! Because “tortoiseshell” refers to the pattern and coloration of your frames, they can come in all sorts of shapes and styles.

A classic brown tortoiseshell is perfect for people who prefer a more neutral look and want to wear their frames with everything. If you want to dress up your prescription lenses with something statement-making, a colorful tortoiseshell has your number.

Many tortoiseshell glasses are unisex, flattering both men and women. They’re neutral while still adding character and allowing you to express your individuality.

Whether you’re a creative or a suit-wearing professional, your tortoiseshell frames will never look out of place. They’re a simple way to branch out from basic, one-color, or metal frames while still being versatile enough to wear with everything.

Finding the Right Tortoiseshell Glasses for You

Although tortoiseshell frames go with everything, there are additional considerations to make when choosing the right pair for you. However, it’s not rocket science — it’s the same set of questions you’d ask yourself before selecting any style.

Frame Shape

The ideal frame shape for you depends on your face shape. In general, this process has two parts. The first is knowing your face shape, while the second is finding a pair of frames that balance your features.

• If you have an angular face and strong, defined features, round glasses are a classic choice. The smooth curves of these frames will complement your striking looks.

• You’ll want to do the opposite if you have a round face — a square or rectangle frame will suit you best. This will give your graceful features structure and complement your curves.

• If you have a heart-shaped face — or if your chin is narrower than your forehead — a cat-eye frame brings a vintage, feminine vibe that draws attention to your eyes and highlights your cheekbones. Round or oval frames may also be a good choice.

• If your face is wider around your jawline, an aviator frame or similar browline style adds width to your face, helping to balance out narrower features.

Frame Size

You may have found the perfect shape of tortoiseshell frames, but if they’re the wrong size, they may not flatter you how you hoped. Additionally, if your glasses don’t fit properly, they can be uncomfortable to wear.

If you use contact lenses daily due to discomfort around your nose or behind your ears, a better frame size can make a world of difference.

Your eye doctor can help you find the right measurements for your glasses. The most important ones to be aware of are …

• Lens width

• Bridge width

• Temple length

• Lens height

• Frame width

You’ll often find the first three written inside the temple arm or nose bridge. The others are usually included in the online description of a pair of glasses.

Frame Color

If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance you want a tortoiseshell color. That said, the exact shade and color combination for your frames can vary based on your skin tone, personal preferences, and the look you want.

Brown tortoiseshell is perfect if you want to add subtle interest to your eyeglasses. If you have darker coloring, consider a lighter tortoiseshell to complement it. If you’re more fair, a darker tortoiseshell will prevent your frames from washing you out.

If you’re looking for a fun, creative feel that makes more of a statement, try a brighter colorway. Tortoiseshell frames come in every color of the rainbow. If you have blue or green eyes, a blue or green tortoiseshell can bring out their natural hues. If you have darker eyes, a vibrant color can complement your natural look.

Your Lifestyle

When you’re choosing your shell glasses, you also need to consider your regular activities and the environments where you spend your time.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, tortoiseshell sunglasses will help to protect your eyes from the sun and reduce glare from your environment.

If you tend to move indoors and out throughout your day, transition lenses may work well as they automatically darken or lighten depending on the brightness of your surroundings. Otherwise, try snap-on Sun Tops.

If you often use your computer late at night, consider getting a blue light-blocking coating so the blue light emitted from your device doesn’t impact your sleep patterns. These considerations don’t affect the appearance of your frames but can have a huge impact on your quality of life.

The Bottom Line

Tortoiseshell glasses have been best sellers for centuries, and for good reason. This classic, versatile design takes you from day to night, casual to elegant, and everywhere in between. Whether you need a new pair of shades or bifocal lenses, tortoiseshell eyeglasses do it all in style.

If you’re ready to upgrade your frames, check out our virtual try-on feature — it’s the easiest way to try on different shapes, sizes, and colors. There’s a pair of tortoiseshell frames for everyone, and with Pair, we’re sure it will be love at first order. Find your Pair today.

Sources:

The Tortoiseshell Trade | Sea Turtle Conservancy

The Sun, UV Light, and Your Eyes | American Academy of Opthalmology

What Is Blue Light? The Effect Blue Light Has on Your Sleep and More | Harvard Health Publishing

How To Find Your Face Shape in 3 Simple Steps | Masterclass