Eyeglasses and sunglasses are always evolving with new styles, technologies, and trends. As we approach 2023, several exciting trends are emerging in the eyewear industry that are influencing both fashion frames and functional specs. From fresh shapes and colors to high-tech features, read on to learn about the hottest trends in eyewear right now.
Minimalist and Thin Frames
One of the biggest eyewear trends is an ongoing move toward minimalism and lightweight materials. Bulky frames are out, and slender silhouettes are in. Thin wires and barely-there shapes help draw attention to the eyes instead of the frames. This streamlined look provides a lightweight feel many consumers now prefer.
Brands like DITA, Mykita, and Kirk & Kirk are leading the way with ultra-slim metals and acetates. Frames with a lens width of around 40-46 mm and a bridge of 18-22 mm are ideal for achieving this pared-down aesthetic. Neutral, muted colors like black, cream, clear, and tortoiseshell further enhance the minimalist vibe.
Oversized and Geometric Shapes
At the other end of the spectrum, oversized frames are also having a major moment. While thin frames are subtle, chunky shapes make more of a statement. Square, angular designs and circular silhouettes elongated into ovals or wraps provide contemporary flair. This trend offers an artistic, avant-garde look.
Brands like Gucci, Versace, and Loewe are spearheading the oversized movement with their 2022 collections. The key is balancing the larger shape with thin metals and lightweight materials so the frames don’t overwhelm the face. Oversized shapes look best in bold, saturated hues that enhance the geometric patterns.
Sustainable Materials
Consumers increasingly seek out sustainable and ethical products across all markets, including eyewear. More brands are now offering frames made from recycled materials and implementing environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Some of the top options include:
| Material | Description |
| Recycled acetate | Acetate made from recycled cotton, wood pulp, and plant fibers like flax. |
| Recycled metal | Metals like titanium and stainless steel created from recycled sources. |
| Bio-based acetate | Acetate derived from plants like sugar cane and wood cellulose. |
| Natural rubber | Sourced from rubber tree sap and other renewable materials. |
Eyewear brands like Cubitts, Kirk & Kirk, and DITA offer sustainable collections made from these innovative materials. Consumers respond positively to the smaller eco-footprint.
Blue Light Blocking Lenses
With so much time spent staring at digital screens, blue light has become a concern. Blue light is part of the visible light spectrum that can penetrate deep into the eye. Research indicates long-term exposure may lead to eye strain, headaches, and sleep issues.
In response, more eyewear brands are offering lenses that block or filter blue light. This is a category poised for expansion in 2023. Specific lens options include:
| Lens Type | Description |
| Anti-reflective (AR) | Reduces blue light reflection off the lens surface. |
| Blue light filtering | Uses special dyes and pigments to absorb and filter blue light. |
| Photochromic | Darken when exposed to UV rays from the sun, providing natural blue light protection. |
| Digital protection coatings | Multi-layer lens treatments to enhance blue light blocking. |
Major brands like Zenni, EyeBuyDirect, and LensCrafters now offer blue light options to meet growing consumer demand.
Colorful Lenses
Another hot trend is bright, bold, colorful lenses. Vibrant pink, yellow, green, and gradient mirrored lenses are flooding the market. While these colorful lenses look great, they also provide functional benefits. Tinted lenses increase contrast and depth perception. Mirrored coatings help reduce glare.
Young consumers especially favor this playful trend as a fashion statement. But the enhanced visual clarity and anti-fatigue properties make color lenses popular across age groups. Expect this trend to grow even stronger throughout 2023.
Classic Styles
Even with the focus on cutting-edge trends, timeless classic silhouettes continue to endure. Styles like rounded Wayfarers, angular Cats Eye, bold Aviators, and intellectual Horn Rims remain wardrobe staples. These vintage designs have evolved over the decades but maintain their recognizable profiles.
Brands like Ray-Ban and Persol built their identities around these classics. Their iconic status helps them resist fading out of fashion. While new trends come and go, these styles represent the foundation of eyewear.
Transitions Lenses
Transitions lenses darken when exposed to UV light then fade back to clear indoors. This responsive tinting makes them a popular choice for both prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. The latest generation Transitions lenses activate faster, darken deeper, and offer more lens color options.
New mirrored and polarized Transitions lens versions help reduce glare. Convenience remains the primary driver, allowing one pair of glasses to function in multiple lighting conditions. With continued technology improvements, Transitions lenses will keep converting more consumers in 2023.
Computer Glasses
With screen time at an all-time high, computer glasses are taking over. These feature lenses optimized for close-up digital viewing. Key benefits include:
| Feature | Benefits |
| Optimized diopters | Reduce eyestrain from sustained near-focus. |
| AR coating | Minimizes glare from screens. |
| Tinted lenses | Increase contrast and filter blue light. |
| Adjustable focus | Accommodate varying distances from screens. |
Major brands like Pixel Eyewear, Gunnar Optiks, and Foster Grant now cater to computer users. Expect more innovation in this category as screen time continues to climb.
Spotted and Patterned Frames
Fun spotted, speckled, and patterned frames are also gaining momentum. These playful prints and color mixes provide a youthful, artistic look. From polka dots to camo to crystal overlays, the options are endless. Bolder patterns work best on oversized, angular frame fronts.
Vintage-inspired prints revived by brands like Le Specs and Coach inject retro flair into the mix. Patterned frames add personality and vibrance for consumers looking to stand out. Expect to see more unique prints throughout 2023 collections.
Double Bridge Frames
Double bridge frames feature two bars connecting the eyewear lenses instead of one. This design creates an intriguing look with added stability and durability. The dual bridge provides more adjustability for different nose shapes as well.
Double bridge frames first emerged in the Asian market but are going global. Brands like Oakley, Ray-Ban, and Burberry offer popular double bridge models. The doubled-up bridge perfectly complements both minimal and oversized frame shapes. As the style spreads, look for more brands to release double bridge versions.
Clear Frames
Transparent acetate frames are surging in popularity. The see-through look creates an illusion of lensless glasses. Clear frames keep the focus on the eyes and face instead of the structure. This futuristic minimalist aesthetic is right on-trend.
Ghost frames and glasses are the top transparent styles right now. Silhouette Eyewear and Kirk & Kirk offer some of the best options in ultra-lightweight clear acetates. The ghostly effect works for both bold shapes and slender profiles. Expect this hot trend to gain even more momentum.
Conclusion
Eyewear trends offer something exciting for every consumer. From eco-friendly materials to high-tech lenses, companies continue to innovate. Classic silhouettes also endure the test of time. With more brands and options than ever, the future looks bright for the eyewear industry. The key trends to watch include thin wires, oversized fronts, clear frames, patterns, and environmentally friendly manufacturing. As technology evolves, new functional features will emerge as well. With such a diverse range of styles, everyone can stay on trend while finding the right fit.