Today's luxury men's glasses are shaping modern masculine fashion by transforming prescription or protective eyewear from simple health necessities into something wearers like you would be proud to use as fashion accessories and statement pieces. Available in various styles and designs, they're a combination of stylish men's eyewear products, prescription lenses, and, in many cases, UV protection.
Such flexibility can be particularly valuable if you're among the Americans who prefer or rely solely on prescription glasses. According to a new YouGov survey, the same applies to nearly half of American adults it has surveyed (46% of men and 49% of women).
Understanding high-end glasses trends and the roles they play in modern fashion can help guide your purchasing decisions.
What Are Luxury Glasses?
Luxury glasses are eyewear products crafted with materials superior to those used in typical or standard prescription glasses. Men's luxury frames, for instance, often consist of high-quality acetate, stainless steel, or even titanium.
Regular glasses, on the other hand, typically use inexpensive plastic or basic metal alloy components.
What Are the Luxury Men's Eyewear Brands?
There are several, with some of the most popular ones being Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana, and Burberry eyeglasses for men. Dior Homme, Gucci, and Prada also manufacture luxury, designer men's eyeglasses.
How Are Luxury Men's Glasses Shaping Modern Masculine Fashion?
The earliest form of glasses has been around for hundreds of years. According to a paper published in the University of Oxford's Cabinet, eyeglasses were first manufactured in Italy, most likely in Pisa, in the late 1200s.
Fast forward to modern times, and the earliest form of spectacles, from the pince-nez to lorgnettes and opera glasses, have become more fashion-forward. They're no longer just simple tools for improving clarity and vision; they have also become a critical element of their wearer's personality and confidence.
Combining Form and Function
According to the American Medical Association, in the U.S. alone, about 12 million adults 40 and older have vision impairment. Over 90 million adults are also at a high risk of developing severe vision loss.
Designer men's glasses are often prescription eyeglasses, designed to help correct various eyesight problems or improve vision. They feature corrective lenses, engineered to bend light and allow it to focus correctly on the retina.
At the same time, manufacturers of luxury men's glasses craft their products with superior materials. Whether it's stainless steel or titanium, such materials make for eyewear that is more comfortable and lightweight while also being durable.
Designer glasses also undergo a meticulous design process, which allows luxury brands to offer eyewear collections featuring unique shapes and styles and varying color combinations. Some examples of modern eyeglasses trends for men include:
- Oversized styles
- Retro-inspired frames
- Geometric shapes
- Multi-colored swirls
Some eyecare professionals may even work with you to design and create a bespoke pair specifically tailored to your needs and preferences. Made-to-measure, such custom-designed glasses can include specific sizing, colors, materials, and lens features.
Providing a Way for Self-Expression
Because luxury men's glasses are customizable, they can serve as a male wearer's tool for expressing their personality and their take on masculine fashion.
Large frames with unique shapes or bright colors, for instance, can be a way to express your bold and daring personality. Through your luxury eyeglasses, you can "quietly" tell people that you are as creative as you are confident.
If your taste leans more toward the refined and traditional, you can opt for high-fashion eyewear designed with an elegant metal frame or the classic tortoiseshell.
There are also minimalist, rimless frames that provide a clean and classic appeal. If you want something more contemporary with a touch of playfulness, go with translucent frames featuring swirls of color.
Don't forget retro styles; they're making a successful comeback. If you want your new pair of glasses to be classic and vintage, opt for luxury glasses that feature round frames and thin metal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can You Buy Luxury Men's Glasses?
You can buy luxury men's glasses in both brick-and-mortar retailer stores and online shops that carry designer brands.
An advantage to shopping at a brick-and-mortar store is that you can try the frames in person. Doing so allows you to confirm the fit, feel, and actual look of the glasses. You can also get professional, in-person guidance from the eyecare specialists and staff, such as which style best suits your face's shape and facial features.
Online retailers of luxury eyewear brands, on the other hand, often carry a more extensive catalogue of products, so you'll have more options to choose from. Since the shop is online, you may also find that their products cost less than they would in-store. Special promotions are also common among online retailers of eyeglasses and sunglasses.
What Are the Disadvantages of Shopping for Glasses In-Person and Online?
Shopping in person may mean access to a limited selection of eyewear collections. The in-store prices may also be higher than those you'll find online, given that physical stores have more overhead expenses.
The primary disadvantage to buying online is that you'll have a hard time judging the comfort and fit of the eyeglasses. A good workaround for this is to ensure the shop you'll purchase from has a quick and easy return and exchange policy.
What Should You Avoid When Buying Glasses Online?
Avoid an online retailer that has either a very short period or has no clear terms and conditions about their returns or exchange policy. You want to be able to return or swap the glasses if they don't fit you well or if they turn out to be uncomfortable.
You should also avoid an online shop that has too few reviews or has 100% 5-star reviews without meaningful content. A perfect rating without any explanation may indicate manipulated or fake reviews.
Make Your Vision-Improving Glasses a Fashion Statement
Today's prescription (or even non-prescription) eyewear is no longer just for improving or correcting vision. With luxury men's glasses, you can maintain your eyesight while also making a fashion statement that speaks volumes about your identity and personality.
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