70s sunglasses style guide

Iconic 70s sunglasses styles and the shapes that made them famous. Everything in the 1970s was a statement piece, from the Farah Fawcett’s hair to the denim jumpsuit and the sunglasses were no exception. Here’s our take on sustainable 70s sunglasses styles to get that authentic seventies vibe…

The seventies were about making style statements in mother earth tones like harvest gold, burnt sienna and avocado (seen on both sunglasses and bathroom suites).

Amber and orange tinting was popular, seen on icons like John Lennon and graduated tinting was de jour; lenses dip dyed in tanks by hand (we still do it like this today) to produce a sumptous dark to light fade effect.

Actress Sophia Loren enjoyed showing a bit of eye and wore a washed, eye revealing sheer tint throughout the seventies with her oversized sunnies. Her love of sunglasses was so great she became the first celebrity to have her own eyewear brand. 

Mould breaking materials were being used and bold shapes were being used from influences like the Vietnam War, actors and activists.

Oversized 70s sunglasses

Superiszed 70s shades are having a moment. The bigger the better to make an authentic style statement, plus oversized sunglasses give the most protection from the sun, a happy bonus. Original 70s vintage oversized shades are not only the eco friendly choice - they’re the real deal. Perfect for those days when less is definitely not more.

70s aviator sunglasses

like the kind activist Gloria Steinem wore when she first championed female rights in the 70s. First invented by Bausch and Lomb for RayBan as sunglasses for pilots in the 1930s, aviator sunglasses are so classic that they resurface every decade, but were beloved in the 1970s in both acetate and metal, square and teardrop. We just can’t underplay our love affair with the double bridge and those iconic rock’n’roll lines.

70S BUTTERFLY

The 70s butterfly is feminine and easy to wear shape inspired by the symetry of the butterfly. Metal or acetate, create the perfect 1970s aesthetic and get your boho on with a pair of butterfly sunglasses. Based on the wings of a butterfly, these sunglasses have all the extra vintage design details to make your style stand out from the crowd.

70s SQUARE sunglasses

70s squares are easy to wear, possibly the perfect retro accessory, oversized square frames are the shape of the moment and we can’t get enough of them. The oversize angles give us that superstar look with a laid back 1970s feel. Bold and beautiful and instantly recognizable as sunglasses from this era.

THE DROP SIDE

The devils in the detail and they were big on adding details to sunglasses in the 70s when they invented the drop side. Sitting lower down the frame, usually accompanied by the most intricate designs, makes the vintage pieces more like works of art. If you’re after something extra special go for a pair with drop sides.

During the 70s sunglasses transitioned from being functional, with the sole purpose of sun protection, to fashion accessories that expressed your personal style.

The styles and shapes of the seventies were so good, moden makers are manufacturing them to this day, but there’s nothing like owning and wearing an authentic vintage 70s piece - take a peep at our 70s sustainable sunglasses collection…

peace out

Jo