Can’t choose between thick-frame glasses and thin-frame glasses? It can be tricky to decide which of these frame styles to buy.
If you’re stuck, the best and most fun solution is a style off! Let’s see which of these eyeglasses styles wins our hearts and our eyes.
A Little Bit of Fashion History
Before we get into the style-off, let’s go through a bit of glasses history! Thick-frame glasses first appeared in the 13th century in Italy. These glasses were typically made from wood, horn, or leather, and they were clamped around the nose. Around the 15th century, tortoiseshell and whalebone frames came into fashion. Thin metal frames became more common around the 17th century when material technology improved.
Once the 20th century rolled in, we had a lot more choices. Eyewear was no longer just something you needed to wear. Eyeglasses became fashion accessories, too.
The 1950s had thick-rimmed Wayfarers, which were sported by popular music icons Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. By the 1960s, it was all about John Lennon and his metallic granny glasses.
Several popular personalities who came after have likewise been identified by their signature eyewear. From Jackie O’s signature thick frames to the barely-there eyeglasses worn by Apple founder Steve Jobs, eyeglasses have become all about choosing what looks and feels good for you.
Now that you know more about the frames, let’s get into the style-off!
Thick-Frame Glasses
Thick-frame glasses are bold and demand attention. You can’t miss those prominent rims, usually made from solid black, tortoiseshell, or multi-colored acetate!
There’s a wide range of thick-frame glasses available. The frames come in a variety of shapes and colors. You literally could have matching glasses for every color shirt that you own!
There are many retro and modern styles of thick-frame glasses available. Let’s get into some of my top picks for thick-frame glasses. I’ll also go through some celebrities who often wear these types of glasses!
Thick-Frame Glasses to Try
Olive Peoples Sheldrake Glasses
The Oliver Peoples Sheldrake are retro-style thick frames that come in Black, Cocobolo, Matte Raintree, Bark, Navy Gradient, and Tokyo Tortoise hues. They’re bold and perfect for those who love vintage-inspired style.
One celebrity who’s worn these glasses is Tina Fey. She famously wore this pair for her iconic role as Ms. Norbury in Mean Girls. She also often wears thick-framed glasses in her everyday life.
Cutler And Gross CGOP139754 Glasses
The Cutler And Gross CGOP139754 glasses are ’70s-inspired but with a modern twist. They’re distinguished by their high browline and sloped saddle bridge.
Pedro Pascal has been spotted in similar glasses. Pedro often plays larger-than-life characters, from Prince Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones to Joel Miller in The Last of Us. In his off-screen life, he also favors big, bold glasses, like this Cutler and Gross pair!
Persol PO3007V
The Persol PO3007V is a classic acetate pair of glasses. They’re available in numerous colorways, including Havana, Olive Transparent, Striped Gray, and Striped Brown.
For celebrity inspiration, look to Johnny Depp. Johnny Depp has played a wide variety of characters on-screen, from a youthful school-bound cop to a reclusive writer. Many of his on-screen characters wear glasses. In real life, Johnny is famous for wearing thick acetate frames that are similar to these Persol glasses.
Prada PR 09YV
The Prada PR 09YV eyeglasses are a stylish pair that will definitely get you compliments. They feature a cat-eye shape, and they’re made from acetate. They’re available in a variety of colors, from classic black to a funky blue tortoiseshell option.
For celebrity inspiration, look to Anne Hathaway. She’s a big fan of cat-eye glasses like this Prada pair, and she also often goes for thick, black frames.
Thin-Frame Glasses
Thin-frame glasses are typically sleek and minimalist. They appeal to men and women who want a more subtle look. The vibe is more subdued and less ‘in your face.’ Of course, this is not equivalent to keeping quiet in the corner. Sometimes, the loudest fashion statement is that barely noticeable eyewear that brings your whole aesthetic together!
There’s a good range of thin-frame glasses available in metallic hues of black, gray, silver, and gold, among others. They are typically comfortable to wear and lightweight.
Let’s get into some of my top picks and some celebrities who favor thin-frame glasses!
Thin-Frame Glasses to Try
Vera Wang VA34
The Vera Wang VA34 eyeglasses are made from metal and acetate, and they work with most face shapes. They’re versatile and effortlessly charming. The bright teal will add a pop of color to your outfit as well.
Meryl Streep has been seen in glasses similar to this pair. Meryl is regarded by many as the GOAT when it comes to acting, and she’s known for her big characters. For her glasses, though, she often goes for more subtle looks. She favors comfortable and thin frames like this Vera Wang pair.
Oakley OX3136 TOP SPINNER 4B
The Oakley OX3136 TOP SPINNER 4B are light, sporty frames with a sleek rectangular design. They’re durable and come in Polished Black and Pewter options. You can also choose a pair with red arms to add a pop of color.
For celebrity inspiration, look to Billie Eilish. She has been seen out and about in these Oakley prescription glasses. In fact, these glasses even made an appearance in her “Birds of a Feather” music video!
Oliver Peoples OV7983T DENIER OV7983T
The Oliver Peoples OV7983T DENIER OV7983T glasses are a classic, subtle pair. They come in a few different colorways, including brown, black, and gray.
Kit Harington is sometimes seen in Oliver Peoples glasses, and they suit him. They fit his casual and unassuming but still charming persona.
Flexon Autoflex
The Flexon Autoflex is a modern take on ’70s-style glasses. They feature a wire-rimmed aviator shape, and they’re made from durable titanium.
Justin Timberlake often wears subtle glasses like the Flexon pair. He’s a big fan of thin aviator-style glasses!
Choosing Your Glasses: Comfort and Wearability
Now, let’s look at thick-frame glasses and thin-frame glasses head-to-head. We’ll start with comfort and wearability.
You want to be able to wear your glasses for the whole day without any stress. So, consider these factors when you choose a pair.
Thick Frames: Their bulk can mean they’re on the heavier side. You might feel the stress on your nose and ears. However, there are lighter acetate frames that don’t have this issue.
Thin Frames: Thin frames are lightweight in nature. As long as they fit well, you can look forward to wearing them comfortably for extended periods of time.
Prescription and Lens Options
When you’re choosing your frames, you’ll want to consider your prescription and lens thickness.
Thick Frames: Thick frames can accommodate thicker lenses, which is great for people with strong prescriptions. The chunkiness of the frames can mask lens thickness.
Thin Frames: Thin frames typically work best for those with low to moderate prescriptions. Then, you don’t have to worry about hiding thick lenses. However, nowadays, there are also some thin lenses available for those with higher prescriptions. For instance, you could go for high-index lenses, which are thinner and lighter.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor to consider when making your eyewear choice.
Thick Frames: Many thick frames are made from acetate, a plant-based plastic, which can be more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastics. Some brands even focus on recycled or biodegradable materials.
Thin Frames: Metal frames can be recycled more easily than plastic ones. Titanium frames, while resource-intensive to produce, are durable and long-lasting.
Material Differences
The materials used to make your glasses affect their durability and feel.
Thick Frames: Typically made from acetate or plastic, these frames are sturdy and durable. They can stand some rough handling (but try not to, of course). However, they may be on the heavier side.
Thin Frames: These frames are usually made from titanium, stainless steel, or aluminum. They’re typically lightweight and corrosion-resistant, so they could last you a long time. Thin frames made from metal are also easier to adjust for the best fit.
Thick Frame Glasses vs. Thin Frame Glasses Comparison Chart
| Thick Frame Glasses | Thin Frame Glasses | |
| Style | Bold, retro, statement-making | Sleek, minimalist, elegant |
| Material | Acetate/plastic, durable, heavier | Metal (titanium, stainless steel), lightweight |
| Comfort | Heavier, may cause pressure | Lightweight, more comfortable for long wear |
| Prescription Suitability | Good for strong prescriptions (hides lens thickness) | Better for low to moderate prescriptions |
| Fashion Trend | Popular in retro styles and in creative circles | Favored in professional, minimalist styles |
| Environmental Impact | Some eco-friendly acetate options | Recyclable metals, durable but resource-intensive production |
As you can see, thick frames and thin frames can both work well for different types of glasses wearers. So, which type of frame are you choosing?
TL;DR
- Thick-frame glasses came out in the 13th century. Thinner-framed options became more prevalent in later centuries as manufacturing techniques evolved.
- Thick-frame glasses are bold and attention-getting, much like the people who wear them. Some top options for thick-frame glasses include Olive Peoples Sheldrake glasses, Cutler And Gross CGOP139754, Persol PO3007V, and Prada PR 09YV. Some icons seen in these glasses include Tina Fey, Pedro Pascal, Johnny Depp, and Anne Hathaway.
- Thin-frame glasses are more subtle and sophisticated. Some top options include Vera Wang VA34, Oakley OX3136 TOP SPINNER 4B, Oliver Peoples OV7983T DENIER OV7983T, and Flexon Autoflex. Icons who wear them include Meryl Streep, Billie Eilish, Kit Harington, and Justin Timberlake.
- When choosing between thick and thin glasses frames, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider. This includes the comfort level of your glasses. Thick-frame glasses can be bulkier and on the heavy side. However, if you get acetate frames, you can avoid this issue.
- Also, consider your prescription when choosing frames. If you have a high prescription, thick-frame glasses might be better.
- The material used to make your glasses can also affect their feel and durability.
- Lastly, consider the environmental impact of the eyeglasses that you choose.
