Eyeglass chains are in style again!
These chains were once associated with an older generation, but now, Gen Z is making them their own.
Eyeglass chains are a great accessory to add a pop of color to your glasses. They’re also functional. They allow you to express your personal style while keeping your glasses securely around your neck.
If you’re interested in trying this trend, here’s how to go about choosing your eyeglass chain.
At-a-Glance Summary
This post helps readers choose between eyeglass chains and understand different ways to style them. Although this accessory used to be seen as old-fashioned, it’s now back in style with some modern updates.
| Key Fact | Details |
| Products reviewed | 4 eyeglass frames |
| Brands featured | Modo, Prada, Miu Miu, Coach |
| Styles covered | Rectangular, cat-eye |
| Best for | Daily wear |
| Frame materials | Acetate, metal, mixed materials |
| Prescription compatible | Models can be fitted with prescription lenses |
| Price range | $190-$290 |
| Who this guide is for | Shoppers looking for stylish everyday frames that can be worn with eyeglass chains |
Why Are Eyeglass Chains Seen as Old-Fashioned?
A Century-Old Trend
First, let’s go back in time a little to see if eyeglass chains were a style icon before they got an unfashionable reputation.
This style started in the Victorian era. Back then, eyeglasses weren’t quite the same as they are now. Sometimes, they were just a single lens that people would hold up to their eye when they wanted to see clearly (like at the opera). It was a convenience thing for those who didn’t have to or want to wear glasses all the time.
To avoid losing the lens, eyeglass chains became all the rage. But beyond practicality, they were also a sign of wealth; a Victorian-era status symbol for well-dressed women. The chain would often drape across the chest. And because it was ornate, featuring gold and gems, it was stylish at the time.
By the early 20th century, iconic public figures like Teddy Roosevelt helped normalize wearing glasses in public. As more people started wearing glasses regularly, eyeglass chains also grew in popularity. They offered a way to keep spectacles close while adding a fashionable touch.
The Rise of Fashion for the Masses
Following World War II, mass-produced fashion made stylish accessories more accessible than ever. Eyeglass chains were back in fashion again, and they became glitzy and fun. A larger variety of materials was used, with more color options.
The Downgrade to Granny Accessory
The 1980s saw the downfall of the eyeglass chain from fashionable accessory to “granny” staple. It fell out of fashion and was mostly associated with older women who needed the eyeglass chain for practicality. They also went from more ornate and flashy to simpler for everyday wear.
The Celebrity Revival of Eyeglass Chains
Fast forward to the last few years, and there have been waves of celebrities wearing eyeglass chains. They’ve gone from being an out-of-date accessory to something that major designers have been recreating.
Long gone are the boring, plain, or barely-there chains. Now, major designers have been creating flashy, jewel-encrusted styles, like the ones seen on Bella Hadid attached to her sunglasses.
Or, they’ve been fun and bold, like the acetate style that Teyana Taylor wore with her Chanel shades.
Two things that have changed. First, celebrities including Bella, Teyana, and Rihanna are wearing glasses chains on the red carpet. They’re not just about practicality, but they’ve become an accessory in their own right.
The second thing is that now eyeglass chains are in style with glasses and sunglasses. They can make a pair of simple black shades pop, and the best part is you can remove them (in most cases) when you feel like it.
Modern Ways To Style Eyeglass Chains
In the last few decades, you’ve probably seen simple eyeglass chains that are thin silver or gold pieces. They look quite flimsy and don’t exactly inspire compliments.
However, these chains have been reinvented in a way that brings back Victorian-era glamor with a modern edge. Here are some of the eyeglass chains that are trendy right now.
Metal Eyeglass Chains
Metal eyeglass chains are always chic, and they’re very versatile. Some popular options include gold, rose gold, and silver.
This is probably the most classic style available, but you can also find options that mix beads, jewels, and metal. These little details can easily upgrade your glasses chain and transform it from granny chic to, well, just chic.
Beaded Eyeglass Chains
Beaded chains are also in, and there are tons of great styles to choose from!
If you like a mature, old-money look, go for a pearl chain or one with neutral-toned beads. Or, if you want something whimsical and colorful, try matte ceramic beads. Wooden beads can also give you a Bohemian, minimalist look.
Chunky Acetate Chains
Big acetate chains are also a fun choice. They’re lightweight and made from durable and eco-friendly materials. They often feature large ovals looped together.
There are even beaded acetate chains, similar to the one that Teyana Taylor was spotted wearing.
The fun thing with acetate is that you can choose from a variety of colors, from sleek black to bright pink to whimsical multicolored chains.
Match the Chain To Your Frames
Now, let’s talk about how to pair your chain with your eyeglass frames. The best results come when your eyeglass chain works with your frames, not against them.
When both feel aligned, your entire look becomes more intentional and visually balanced. Try to treat the chain as an extension of your frames!
Match the Chain Thickness To the Frame Structure
Glasses frames can be either thick or thin. Both styles can coordinate with a range of different chains.
If you love thick acetate frames, chunkier chains complement them for a bold, attention-grabbing look. It’s perfect if you want your glasses to be the focal point of your outfit.
The Modo 6534, with its thick frame, would pair well with a silver, chunkier chain. That pairing would give off a futuristic aesthetic, which is currently trendy.
If you prefer something a little subtle, then thin metal chains work well with both thick and thin frames. Paired with thick frames, they add an extra touch without overpowering your glasses.
When paired with thin metal frames, a slim, minimalist chain can add some bling without trying too hard. This is a great choice if you enjoy elegant silver or gold jewelry because the chain won’t compete.
The Prada PR B55V is a good example of glasses with thin metal frames. Just picture them with a simple, slim gold chain! It’s a match made in heaven.
Top Tips:
- Match the thickness of your eyeglass chain to your frames for a balanced look. Thick chains often work well with bolder, chunky frames. Thin chains complement thinner glasses.
- If you prefer a more understated, subtle style, a delicate chain can also soften the look of thicker frames.
Coordinate Materials and Colors
You’ll also want the choice of metal to be consistent between the frames and the chains. Gold frames would coordinate well with a brass, champagne, or gold chain.
Silver frames would go well with silver, white gold, or stainless steel chains.
If you have a mixed metal frame, choose a mixed metal chain as well!
On the other hand, if you have acetate frames, then you could pair them with either an acetate or metal chain. The key is choosing colors that complement each other.
For example, these popular pink transparent Miu Miu glasses could work with a thin gold chain to match the logo. Or, they could be paired with a white or pink acetate chain, if you want something more striking.
Top Tips:
- Dark colored eyeglass frames generally go well with similarly toned colors for the chain.
- Light colors are usually complemented by metals.
- Mixed materials can work, but it’s a good idea to look at overall harmony and what looks good on your face.
Styling Your Eyeglass Chain
When you’re styling your eyeglass chain, you’ll want to do so with intention. Give these techniques a try.
Match the Chain With Your Outfit
Match your eyeglass chain to your outfit by treating it like jewelry. If your outfit is bold and patterned, create contrast by choosing a simple eyeglass chain. If your outfit is monochrome, pair it with a bright and colorful chain if you want to stand out.
The flexibility of a chain makes it a great accessory for women with busy schedules who sometimes forget about jewelry. It’s the best of both worlds: an eyeglass chain adds an extra touch, but unlike matching earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, it’s a no-brainer. You can simply attach the chain and head out the door.
These trendy Coach glasses are a good example of a pair that would go well with either a thin metal or acetate frame. They can be worn with everything from a casual summer button-down to a winter pullover.
Top Tips:
- For those who like the more-is-more look, you can really choose any eyeglass chain that works with your personal style.
- If you’re worried about feeling like your outfit is ‘too much,’ then choose a simple look and an understated chain.
FAQs
Can I wear an eyeglass chain and jewelry?
The key is to make sure your jewelry doesn’t clash with your chain. Jewelry that’s oversized and expressive doesn’t need more competition. And a loud eyeglass chain with equally loud jewelry risks a ‘I just threw all this on and left the house’ kind of look.
To create a cohesive look, try to pick a chain that matches your typical jewelry. If you tend to wear more gold jewelry, go for a gold chain. Or, if you gravitate more toward silver, pick a silver chain.
How do I choose an eyeglass chain that doesn’t look cheap?
When you’re picking your chain, prioritize quality and durability. Sturdy, well-made chains look more polished and last longer than flimsy or tarnish-prone options. By choosing high-quality options, you’ll be able to get more use out of your eyeglass chain, and it will look more expensive.
Are eyeglass chains practical?
Eyeglass chains are a fun and stylish way to keep your glasses secure! They serve a practical purpose for those who don’t wear their glasses all the time; it’s easy to lose them. The chain keeps them secure around your neck so you can pop them on when you need them.
TL;DR
- Eyeglass chains have evolved from purely functional accessories into modern style pieces that can elevate your overall look when chosen intentionally.
- Some popular styles include metal chains, beaded chains, and thick acetate chains.
- Always match the chain thickness to your frame structure. Thick acetate frames pair best with chunkier chains, while thin metal frames look better with slim, minimalist chains.
- Coordinate metal finishes between your frames and chain. Gold frames work best with gold chains, and silver frames pair naturally with silver chains.
- Treat eyeglass chains as an extension of your frames and outfit, not an afterthought, to create a cohesive and intentional look.
- Style eyeglass chains subtly by letting them fall naturally behind your shoulders or under clothing rather than placing them front and center like a necklace.
- Prioritize quality and durability when picking an eyeglass chain.
