What Are Vintage Sunglasses, Exactly?

The term ‘vintage’ has become increasingly popular within the fashion industry. We love that celebrities, influencers, and fashion editors have become avid supporters of the vintage world, but its rise to mainstream success has caused some confusion for shoppers. Vintage has been used so much by fashion companies that its meaning has become convoluted. Nowadays, it seems like anything can be vintage! So, what exactly are vintage sunglasses? We’ll be sharing the true meaning below, so that you can tell the genuine pieces from the imitations.

When Do Sunglasses Become Vintage?

Sunglasses must be at least 20 years old to be considered genuinely vintage. That’s why most vintage frames are from the 70s, 80s, or 90s. Of course, our entire archive of vintage sunglasses falls into this category.

Why Choose Vintage Sunglasses?

So, why is the fashion world so in love with vintage sunglasses? They look amazing, but there are several other reasons that contribute to their popularity.

High Quality. Vintage sunglasses, especially ones from designer brands, are often handmade by skilled artisans in countries with high quality standards. These styles came from a pre-consumerist era when fashion designers valued quality and aesthetics equally. Vintage sunglasses were made to last a lifetime, and their still-flawless appearance proves it.

Unique Designs. Since most vintage sunglasses have now reached a limited edition status, they’re the perfect way to add a unique touch to your outfit. Owners of vintage sunglasses don’t have to worry about wearing the same designs as everyone else, as only a handful of each style remains in the world. Vintage sunglasses are one of a kind pieces that come from eras when fashion was about elegance and beauty, rather than fleeting trends.

Sustainability. Choosing to buy vintage styles is an excellent way to support the sustainable/circular fashion movement. You’ll be giving these styles a new lease on life while reducing your carbon footprint. Shopping for sunglasses that already exist means that you’re eliminating the need for companies to use up energy and resources to create new styles.

Vintage, Retro & Antique

You’ll likely come across all three terms when shopping for vintage items. It’s important to note that they are not all interchangeable. Make sure you understand the difference between each term so that you can find what you’re looking for.

• Vintage indicates an authentic piece from a past decade.

• Retro is a word that describes the appearance of a piece from any period of time. This means that new styles can be retro. For example, any round ‘John Lennon’ sunglasses can be called retro, but unless they’re actually from the 60s or 70s, they won’t be vintage.

• Antique is the step after vintage. If a piece is over 50 years old, it’s considered an antique.

So there you have it! Vintage isn’t just a trendy adjective; it’s an indicator of the timeless style and impeccable quality of decades past. Enhance your eyewear collection today with genuine vintage sunglasses!