The year may be wrapping up, but there are still some cool current eyewear trends to treat yourself to. Gone are the days when glasses were predictable (and you barely ever changed them).
This has been a year when eyewear has taken center stage for men and women, from big styles to chunky retro frames. I’ll walk you through what’s trending!
At a Glance
- Eyewear trends may come and go, but they often come back in style.
- This winter, it’s all about reinvented classics, subtle, sophisticated styles, and new fun frames.
- When it comes to eyeglasses, thick acetate frames and thin wire frames are in. The key is playing with proportions.
- For sunglasses, oversized shades are on trend. But this time, they come in a variety of shapes, including mask-shaped sunglasses. If you want to try a different shape, geometric shades are also in.
- One notable shift in 2026 has been the evolution of timeless looks like aviators. Designers have updated them through unexpected materials, proportions, and frame treatments.
Major Eyeglasses Trends
Thick Acetate Frames
This style has taken over eyewear in 2026 and isn’t going anywhere this winter. Thick frames have been trendy before, but they’ve traditionally been more common in square-shaped styles.
This winter, forget the rules; thick acetate frames work for all shapes and styles. Love aviators? Try a pair with chunky frames. Enjoy oval glasses? Skip the metal frame for a thick acetate one.
These frames work for both eyeglasses and sunglasses. The key is to pick a pair that suits your face shape and fits your proportions, because thick frames shouldn’t look overwhelming.
Men Shouldn’t Overlook Thick Frames
Men’s eyewear is embracing bolder shapes and materials, too! So, instead of playing it safe, try venturing out with chunky acetate.
These Oakley glasses are a great example of frames with personality. While still a classic square shape, the arms feature quirky curves, and the wide frames give them a retro look.
Thick Frames Bring Out Women’s Features
For many women, thick acetate frames can enhance their best features. Think of these glasses as a way to frame your face (pun intended). If you’re a bit apprehensive about whether they’ll overpower you, then opt for semi-transparent frames.
These transparent Miu Miu glasses are a good example of versatility. They suit a variety of faces and also come in a black version for those who want a striking look.
Sleek Wire Frames Are Perfect as ‘Barely There’ Glasses
These are basically the opposite of thick, chunky glasses. So if you’re convinced thick frames aren’t for you, this could be the eyewear trend to try. These eyeglasses have thin, wire-like frames and come in a variety of shapes.
Calling All Men Who Love Retro Fashion
Wire frames have an intellectual, retro appeal. They work well if you love vintage-inspired fashion, wear a lot of brown tones, or just want a pair of cool glasses that don’t scream for attention.
These Gucci glasses are a polished example of the trend. They combine a slim metal front with distinctive Havana-colored temples.
For Women Who Indulge in Bling
If you love some sparkle and enjoy matching your eyeglasses to your jewelry, this trend is for you. Try a different shape, such as oval or round, if it suits your face shape.
This pair by Tory Burch is perfect if you want a subtle pair of glasses that also look trendy.
Sunglasses That Won’t Quit
Oversized Sunglasses Are Sticking Around
This trend has been huge since the Y2K comeback (that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere). Oversized glasses are one of the biggest eyewear trends around!
Oversized Glasses Are for Men Too
In previous years, oversized usually meant big square-ish frames. And they were mostly tailored to women. Now, men’s styles are also going big.
You can choose oversized aviators, which are everywhere right now. Or, swap sporty sunglasses for shield-shaped styles like these retro-inspired Givenchy sunglasses.
For Women: Oversized Is Everything
Oversized sunglasses have been a celebrity trend for decades. Think Paris Hilton or J.Lo in the early noughties; the photos of them in their blingy shades will live on forever!
For winter 2026, try one of the year’s biggest styles: oversized mask-shaped sunglasses. They cross over with the thick acetate trend.
Many of these models, such as these futuristic Tom Ford sunglasses, take features from aviator glasses and combine them with acetate frames. These glasses are unapologetically bold and charismatic, making them a great statement piece.
Geometric Shapes Are in, But With a Twist
When I say geometric glasses, you’re probably thinking about those very hexagonal, ’70s-looking glasses with a thin metal frame. Now they are back, but the current eyewear trends are about playing with geometric shapes and proportions.
Men Don’t Need to Look Like Harry Potter
If you’re worried that geometric metal frames will make you look like Harry Potter, you’re not alone. On some men, they can lean a little too far into that high-school-era look. If that’s not your style, skip the hexagonal eyeglasses and try the trend in sunglasses instead.
These Givenchy black sunglasses are a good choice. They’re officially classified as round, but their subtle angles give them a bit more edge.
Women’s Geometric Sunglasses Are Versatile
When it comes to women’s geometric sunglasses, you can get experimental. For example, these Prada sunglasses are very geometric but also have a cat-eye look and trendy thick frames.
FAQs
What are the current eyewear trends to try?
Right now, geometric eyewear, thick acetate frames, slim metal styles, and oversized sunglasses are all on trend. Updated aviators and shield-style sunglasses are also having a moment.
Are oversized sunglasses still in style?
Yes, eyewear trends this winter include oversized styles in a variety of shapes. This includes mask-shaped sunglasses and aviators.
Are metal frames on trend?
Yes, thin wire-like frames are great for eyeglasses and sunglasses. You can choose something a little different, like an oval pair.
If you’re ready to update your glasses, check out all the options available on EZContacts!
