The 2025 Superman reboot is in full flight, and everyone’s anticipating the comeback of the superhero. But wait—could he already be here among us, hiding behind those Clark Kent glasses that keep everyone guessing?
Superman is arguably the best fictional superhero around, but there’s something so captivating about his alter ego, Clark Kent. Is it the button-down suit, the endearing awkwardness, the duality? Or is it those signature specs?
Clark Kent Glasses Through the Decades
Let’s talk more about the glasses, shall we? Clark Kent’s eyewear is as iconic as the Man of Steel himself. How can something so commonplace be so transformative? But then again, isn’t that the case with all eyeglasses?
The right eyewear can make the ordinary seem extraordinary. But this case begs the question: which is which? In the Superman saga, Clark Kent was meant to be ordinary, but those glasses are so mind-blowingly extraordinary!
Late 1940s – Minimalist Wire-Framed Glasses
Kirk Alyn portrayed one of the earlier film versions of Superman in 1948. Back then, his Clark Kent glasses had simple full-rim silver frames. It was a minimalist look, but it did its job of disguising the superhero.
Flexon Edison 600 glasses are minimalist but chic, ideal for your alter ego’s intellectual side. Sure, they look good with suits, but let’s be real—they’d go with almost anything. It’s all about emphasizing your charm while keeping your inner superpowers under wraps, as Clark Kent did.
Other Heroic Options
Versace VE1287
The Versace VE1287 glasses are a fun alternative to the Flexon Edison 600 pair. They still fit the 1940s Clark Kent look, but they also have a bit of a modern edge.
Verified EZContacts buyer Mark H. calls them “great looking glasses.” I call them super-looking glasses.
They’re metallic and angular with subdued Versace logos on the temple arms. These glasses are charming and subtle, perfect for the man of steel’s alter ego.
Oliver Peoples OV1186 COLERIDGE
The Oliver Peoples OV1186 COLERIDGE glasses have round silver metallic frames, just like Clark Kent wore in the 1940s. The Oliver Peoples glasses come with a glowing review from verified buyer Archie B., who says:
“I love the frames. They look good and keep their shape without having to constantly adjust them.”
Ic! Berlin Mercedes Benz IM5005 MB 18
The ic! berlin Mercedes-Benz IM5005 MB 18 eyeglasses feature sleek German technology. They are minimalist frames, similar to the Flexon Edison 600.
One of the things that makes these glasses unique is their patented interlocking hinge system. The glasses are made from laser-cut stainless steel that snaps together, using zero screws!
Giorgio Armani AR5154
Giorgio Armani AR5154 glasses are a minimalist wonder. The metallic frames are softened by their “pillow” square shape. They’re perfect for the subdued authority of the 1940s-era Man of Steel.
1950s – Tortoiseshell Clark Kent Glasses
George Reeves’ turn as Superman from 1952 to 1958 showed us the campier side of Clark Kent—the pork pie hat, notebook and pen, and those round acetate tortoiseshell frames!
Persol’s PO3283V style is similar to George Reeves’ iconic eyeglasses. The classic shape and pattern bring back a bit of ’50s fashion, while the deeper caramel color and stylized metal hinges add contemporary flair.
Other Heroic Options
Dolce & Gabbana DG3384
The fashionable Dolce & Gabbana DG3384 red tortoiseshell glasses are another great choice for your ’50s-inspired Clark Kent look!
Sure, the temple arms are a bit thicker than the prototypical 1950s Clark Kent glasses. But that’s what makes this pair extra special. These Dolce & Gabbana glasses are style upgrades that are equally super!
Tom Ford FT5542-B
The Tom Ford FT5542-B is another pair of classic tortoiseshell Clark Kent glasses. The tortoiseshell hues here are an attractive combination of light and dark browns. Their oval frames match ‘50s aesthetics. Overall, they’re a really stylish pair of men’s glasses.
Just take it from Milton D., who says:
“I always get great compliments.”
What more can you ask for?!
Saint Laurent SL 469 OPT
The Saint Laurent SL 469 OPT is a solid pair in terms of aesthetic and vibe. They feature a masculine tortoiseshell design. They’re a little on the thicker side with subtle silver stylings along the hinges and the Saint Laurent logo. When Clark Kent isn’t flying high as Superman, he could glide along fashion runways in these glasses!
Dunhill DU0003O
Yes, Superman puts out fires and saves lives, but as Clark Kent wearing Dunhill DU0003O eyeglasses, he’s bound to create sparks! These glasses are part of the brand’s Rollagas line. With textured brown acetate frames and subtle gold stylings along the hinges, the glasses are made for the discreet gentleman.
1970s to 1980s – Square Clark Kent Glasses
We got a more familiar vision of Clark Kent during Christopher Reeve’s turn in the suit. Still with the pork pie hat, yes, but now with oversized square glasses. Mild-mannered and clunky, you can’t deny the charm and strength underneath the surface!
Oliver Peoples OV5298U FINLEY ESQ eyeglasses are bold, black, and made to move with you. They look great whether you’re following up on breaking news, spending quality time with Lois Lane, or leaping tall buildings in a single bound (oh—maybe not this one)! These are the kind of Clark Kent glasses you can rely on.
Other Heroic Options
Oakley OX8055 EXCHANGE
The Oakley® OX8055 Exchange is another good option for ‘70s/’80s era Clark Kent glasses. These glasses from Oakley are sporty and very fitting for Superman action.
The frames are made from lightweight O Matter™, the company’s alternative to traditional acetate, and the temple arms are stainless steel. The arms are lined with B1B grip textured Unobtainium® earsocks to make sure these glasses stay on you no matter what!
Gucci GG1117O
The Gucci GG1117O is a good alternative to the Oliver Peoples OV5298U. This is a solid black pair of acetate glasses with the Gucci flag logo near the hinges. They’ll give you that classic Clark Kent black frame look!
As Tryone H. says:
“Great frames! Authentic, solid, definitely an eyecatcher!”
Montblanc MB0229O
The Montblanc MB0229O perfectly fit Christopher Reeve’s clumsy Clark persona. They’re reliable like his glasses back in the ‘70s/’80s. However, with this pair, the vibe is contemporary and effortlessly fashionable. They would just make Reeve’s Clark even more irresistibly charming!
Saint Laurent SL 459
The Saint Laurent SL 459 eyeglasses are part of the brand’s “New Essential” line. This line is made up of full acetate eyewear with an enamel-enriched, laser-engraved logo along the temple arms. The look is classic and powerful, and it’s certainly effective in disguising the super underneath.
1990s – Browline Classic Glasses
When Dean Cain came flying along in the 1990s, we met a more confident and quippy Clark Kent. Of course, he was still as charming as ever, but this time, he wore browline eyeglasses that seemed to highlight his contagious smile.
The Emilia VP 131 is a distinct pair of Clark Kent glasses, featuring tortoiseshell tops and gold metal bottoms. It fits the 1990s superhero—classy and confident with a hint of fun!
Other Heroic Options
Oakley SOCKET 5.5 OX3218
For a ‘90s era Clark Kent eyewear option, check out the Oakley SOCKET 5.5 OX3218. Like the Emilia VP 131 glasses, these are semi-rim eyeglasses that are perfect for Dean Cain’s quippy Superman.
The upper rim is metallic black, and it’s made from Oakley’s proprietary C-5™ metal. You also get Oakley’s standard spring hinge, Unobtainium® earsocks, and new air-filled silicone nosepads for a secure fit.
Verified buyer Jeff T. says:
“Glasses are very nice… The sides are straight right past the ear, so if you ever wear a baseball hat, you might want to bend the tips in a bit, I was able to do that. I would buy another pair, maybe try other colors.“
Prada PR 54TV HERITAGE
Like Oakley Socket, the Prada PR 54TV HERITAGE eyeglasses are also semi-rim glasses with a black metallic upper rim. These come with Prada’s understated elegance. Quite fitting for the man of steel in disguise, right?!
Zach S. is impressed! He says:
“Excellent frames! I purchased the black and gunmetal frames. I received them in perfect condition and it comes with a nice case. The black on the frames are a more glossy black—kind of like a nice piano. The gunmetal color is also glossy but not overbearing. Overall it’s got a very classic shape and they look very classy.”
Versace VE1264
The Versace VE1264 glasses give the ‘90s television Clark Kent a more fashionable twist. It suits him, though. The black and gold contrast with the Versace nameplate and subtle Greca motifs along the temple arms… This Clark can pull it off!
Dita Eyewear UNION-TWO
Dita UNION-TWO features super Japanese engineering that befits the Man of Steel’s alter ego. The brand is described as ultra-luxury. The glasses are hand-crafted, and it can take up to eight months to make this semi-rimless pair of eyeglasses. Impressive!
2013 to 2023 – Powerful Rectangular Frames
And, of course, we cannot forget how Henry Cavill suddenly inspired millions of men to train harder at the gym. His darker version of Superman was brooding, albeit a bit more violent. Even his Clark Kent glasses caught our attention!
Prada’s PR 08ZV glasses are undeniably perfect for “supermen” in disguise. These Etruscan Black Marble-hued eyeglasses have the Prada logo close to the temple hinges. They’re simple yet command attention. You just want to look into those frames and figure out the man underneath.
Other Heroic Options
Dolce & Gabbana DG5101
For alternative glasses for Henry Cavill’s brooding Superman, check out Dolce & Gabbana DG5101!
Yes, the Dolce & Gabbana name is emblazoned loudly along the temple arms. That’s the point! It adds a bit of light to this dark version of Superman, while still keeping with the typical Clark Kent look.
Versace VE3328
If you prefer to keep the serious tone of Henry Cavill’s Clark Kent, then the Versace VE3328 eyeglasses are a great choice. These are stylish, solid black frames with the Versace metallic emblem near the hinges. They’re standard Clark Kent eyewear that’s more fashion-forward.
You’ll love these, as Luis R. does:
“Love my Versace frames. They are wide enough for my head, fit comfortably, highly fashionable, sleek and wonderful quality…. I will keep these frames for a long time.”
Alexander McQueen AM0307O
The Alexander McQueen AM0307O is a modern pair of solid black eyeglasses with the McQueen logo laser-engraved and varnished along the temple arms. These frames are edgy and bold, much like the backstory of Cavill’s Clark Kent. (I mean, he was an oil rig worker at one point.) Cavil’s Clark is grounded and very cool, just like these glasses!
Dunhill DU0056O
These glasses are another standout super pair from Dunhill’s Rollagas line. The Dunhill DU0056O is an eye-catching chunky pair with brown hued textured rims, and it would make you give Clark a second look!
2025 – Vintage-Inspired Premium Clark Kent Glasses
The James Gunn 2025 Superman reboot promises to honor the legacy of the franchise. It’s said to be a coming back to form with its lighter tone and more visually vibrant backdrop.
Perhaps in the same way, Oliver Peoples OV5439U Nilos eyewear pays homage to Clark Kent glasses from decades ago. These frames are vintage-inspired, an undeniable throwback to the 1970s–80s Superman era.
With their higher bridge and deep-set square lenses, David Corenswet’s Clark Kent hides his true identity in eyewear that softens angles and complements most faces.
Oliver Peoples is an Italian brand that boasts of its dedication to quality and the use of only the best materials. This means Clark Kent gets to keep up with modern-day chaos and his hyperactive pet dog, Krypto, with his glasses sturdy and intact.
Other Heroic Options
Oakley OX8182 HIP TONE 0OX8182
The Oakley OX8182 HIP TONE 0OX8182 is a great choice if you love the most recent iteration of Clark Kent. These glasses are perfect for the fun do-gooder. Made from lightweight O Matter™ (Oakley’s acetate alternative), these square frames fit securely and perfectly!
Just listen to John Richard W. about this. He writes (in all caps):
“JUST BUY THEM, YOU WILL ENJOY THE INCREASED FIELD OF VISION. GREAT FOR WIDER FACED PEOPLE.”
Giorgio Armani AR7074
For a fashionable eyewear option for James Gunn’s Clark Kent, consider this pair from Giorgio Armani. The Giorgio Armani AR7074 eyeglasses are distinguished, like the Oliver Peoples OV5439U Nilos pair. But they are a bit more fun with their striped matte dark brown frame hue.
These are great quality eyeglasses, befitting the new idealistic version of Superman/Clark Kent.
Oakley OX3248 SELLER
Yes, it’s another Oakley pair! The Oakley OX3248 SELLER eyeglasses are made from the company’s proprietary C-5™ alloy, which is a lightweight combination of five metallic compounds, including steel, aluminum, and titanium. This is the perfect alternative to new Clark Kent’s hypno-vision acetate frames!
They’re ultra-slim, ultra-light, and sporty, and they hug the temples perfectly. No matter the action, this pair will keep your secret identity a secret!
Verified buyer Richard O. likes his pair! He says:
“Might buy a spare pair, they’re so good. I wanted square navy blue thin full frames with ‘skull hugger’ temples. These are perfect… I like metal because they’re thinner and have adjustable nose pads.”
Modo 6543
And finally, the Modo 6543 is a great alternate pair for 2025’s Clark. These are beautifully subdued eyeglasses that are minimalist in design, but they pack a punch when it comes to material technology.
The glasses are engineered to be as light as possible through slim acetate rims and beta-titanium temple arms. Plus, they come with Modo’s screwless technology. Amazing!
The Power of Subtlety
Arguably, the true power of Clark Kent glasses lies in their subtlety. Strength doesn’t have to be brutish; heroism isn’t always immediately revealed.
Clark Kent’s legacy lies in the fact that the world now has an everyman’s hero, and his eyewear has become an enduring symbol of quiet strength.
They’re not disguises—they make a statement, inviting you to look beyond the mild-mannered demeanor and be mind-blown by fortitude, resolve, and all the qualities we look for in modern supermen.
TL;DR
- There have been so many iterations of Superman/Clark Kent, and each iteration has its own eyewear style.
- For the 1940s Clark Kent look, check out the minimalist metal stylings of the Flexon Edison 600 glasses. The Versace VE1287, Oliver Peoples OV1186 COLERIDGE glasses, Ic! Berlin Mercedes-Benz IM5005 MB 18, and Giorgio Armani AR5154 are other good options.
- 1950s Superman disguised himself with tortoiseshell glasses like Persol’s PO3283V. You can also try the Dolce & Gabbana DG3384, Tom Ford FT5542-B, Saint Laurent SL 469 OPT, and Dunhill DU0003O.
- It’s bold and black frames, like Oliver Peoples OV5298U FINLEY ESQ eyeglasses, for ‘70s/’80s Clark Kent. For more classic black frames, try the Oakley OX8055 EXCHANGE, Gucci GG1117O, Montblanc MB0229O, and Saint Laurent SL 459.
- Quippy 1990s Superman has an alter ego who wears browline semi-rim glasses, such as the Emilia VP 131, the Oakley SOCKET 5.5 OX3218, Prada PR 54TV HERITAGE, Versace VE1264, and Dita Eyewear UNION-TWO.
- The powerful, brooding Superman of the early 21st century, as performed by Henry Cavill, wore eyewear similar to Prada’s PR 08ZV glasses. The Dolce & Gabbana DG5101, Versace VE3328 glasses, Alexander McQueen AM0307O, and Dunhill DU0056O are also similar to the ones he wore.
- It’s vintage-inspired premium glasses for the newest Clark Kent iteration by James Gunn. Try the Oliver Peoples OV5439U Nilos eyeglasses, Dolce & Gabbana DG5101, Versace VE3328, Oakley OX3248 SELLER, or the Modo 6543.
