‘70s style men’s sunglasses

Summary in 30 seconds

TLDR: The look of 1970s sunglasses is back in style for men, though updated manufacturing methods mean glasses look better, cost less, and are lighter in weight. The 1970s was a time when it was considered attractive for men to be macho. Hair was worn long, clothing was not necessarily flattering, but sunglasses were almost universally considered cool. During that era, almost all male celebrities had a specific style of sunglasses.

The 1970s wasn’t a decade particularly known for great fashion. In fact, most often you’d see even the toughest of tough guys clad in something tight and shiny or polyester. And let’s not even discuss the too-tight pants with flared legs.

Jump to content:

• ‘70s style sunglasses are a popular look for modern men
• ‘70s actors and their signature sunglasses style
• Modern style icons embracing the look of the 1970s
• Shop the look

‘70s style sunglasses for modern men.

When it comes to the style of the moment for sunglasses for men, 70s-style shades are making a comeback in a big way. From classic aviator sunglasses to bold (and sometimes bulky) plastic frames, the look of the ‘70s is definitely in style.

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Worth noting, while the look is similar, the manufacturing process is totally different. Lighter-weight materials including acetate frames and even titanium wire frames mean you can have the look without the weight.

One thing we can all agree upon is that men in the 1970s wore exceptionally cool sunglasses. Maybe it was a tough guy aesthetic that evolved in contradiction to the hippie look of the era. That meant that hairy chests, unshaved faces, untamed hair, rugged denim, and leather jackets became a signature counterculture look for many local bad boys often inspired by Hollywood actors.

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‘70s Actors And Their Bold Sunglasses

Let’s talk about vintage ‘70s men’s sunglasses for a moment along with the male celebrities who rocked them.

• Burt Reynolds was almost never seen without his trademark mustache…and a pair of amber-tinted ‘70s-style sunglasses for men. But it wasn’t just to look trendy, Reynolds often wore prescription sunglasses as well. 
• Warren Beatty was at his hottest during the ‘70s and embraced the French aesthetic complete with architectural-style sunglasses. 

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• Robert Redford epitomized ‘70s sunglasses cool with his mirrored shades. 
• While Paul Newman was known for his baby-blue eyes, another signature look for him was a great pair of shades.
• Bruce Lee often showed off his six-pack abs and aviator glasses. 
• Even teen heartthrob David Cassidy was often spotted in wire-framed sunglasses. 

Modern style icons embracing the look of the 1970s

If you’re looking for some modern icons who embrace the ‘70s aesthetic, consider these style role models:

• Lenny Kravitz leaves his hair natural in different lengths, almost always wears an open shirt and is almost never photographed without a cool pair of sunglasses.
• Jamie Foxx is definitely a style chameleon who veers from dapper to laid back. It’s his sunglasses that make us take notice of the way he wears wire frame glasses or slightly-nerdy oversized aviators.  

• Jason Momoa keeps his hair long and his beard wild, and embraces the 1970s beachy look and outlook. And he looks equally fantastic in retro aviators or slightly oversized specs.

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Ready to buy some 1970s-inspired retro glasses online? We curated some pairs of men’s glasses that you or your significant other will love.

Men’s aviator sunglasses with a nod to the 1970s: Oh, you know you want these Ottoto Tommasino. These classic shiny frames with tons of style look dressed up or understated depending on what you wear them with.

Retro modern black wire frame sunglasses: We can picture any number of ‘70s era bad boys (and you) sporting a pair of these sunglasses by Ray Ban with a minimalist front and slightly bolder temple. They can also be made into prescription glasses so you can take that cool vibe with you throughout your day.