An often overlooked accessory, glasses have the power to define your entire image.
From John Lennon to Elton John, Ryan Reynolds to Samuel L. Jackson, there are countless style icons across all generations who’ve proven that a pair of specs can do so much more than bring the blurry world into focus.
So, consider this is your cue to join the Hall of Specswearing Fame and capitalise on the accessory yourself. Whether you’re blessed with 20/20 vision and your intentions are purely fashion-led, are guilty of wearing your contact lenses day in and day out and need a break or perhaps just need to upgrade your current style, there’s not a man out there who wouldn’t benefit from investing in some stylish opticals.
This year, the trend on every fashion insider’s lips is ‘quiet luxury’, so designs that are understated and timeless should be on your wish list - and are sure to retain their style kudos for years to come. Think Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley and you’ll be on the right track.
With countless independent eyewear brands on the market, including Cubitts, Jimmy Fairly and Linda Farrow, as well as high-street stalwarts Vision Express and Specsavers, it’s never been easier to find a frame that fits the brief.
What should you look for in a glasses frame?
The all-important question - how do you know what shape best suits you? Well, according to Marie Wilkinson, Style Director at eyeglasses expert Cutler & Gross, it’s not as hard as you think: “Choose a frame that compliments your face shape - square and rectangular frames give structure to rounder face shapes whilst rounded shapes will soften chiselled looks.”
Then, you need to decide whether you’re an acetate or wire frame kind of guy. The former is bolder, with options from sleek monochrome to versatile tortoiseshell, whilst the latter, which could be crafted from steel or even a precious metal like titanium, is the more delicate of the two.
Wilkinson continues: “Wire frames are a good choice if you want the most lightweight of glasses. Acetate has more visual impact and is more robust. Our latest precious metals collection, our first in nearly 10 years is proving to be extremely popular – it’s very sought-after because of its extreme shine and reflectiveness.”
How do you choose glasses to suit your face shape?
“The general rule is that square and rectangular frames give structure to rounder face shapes whilst rounded shapes will soften chiselled looks”, explains Wilkinson. “Be honest with yourself and ask for advice - our opticians, for example, know the collections inside and out and will know what will fit you well. Let them know about the environment in which the frames are to be worn; if you work in an office and on Zoom then choose a pair that looks professional with the colour suiting your colouring.”
What features should you look out for when choosing a quality pair of glasses?
“When it comes to acetate glasses, I would look for a hand-polished frame for the most durable finish, as opposed to one that has been varnished which, like nail varnish, can flake off over time”, suggests Wilkinson. “Know how to check? Look at the end of the temple where it joins the front: a hand-polished frame has an unpolished end, whereas a varnished end will be shiny”.
She also advises to “Look for handmade acetate crafted in Italy: the acetate is cured for longer, producing a more stable frame. I would look for after-care service too, where you can return to have the frame adjusted, realigned, repaired and repolished to return it to pristine condition - all of which we have done for over 50 years.”
What should I look out for when it comes to prescription lenses?
According to Wilkinson, “Personalised prescription lenses are the newest technology and provide the clearest vision”. She explains that at the Cutler & Gross Knightsbridge store, “we have a state-of-the-art optical measuring system that tracks how the eye moves through the lens. Using in-built eye code technology and H3D analysis, it measures with pin-point accuracy - the optician will then recommend a personalised lens, which is made to order to suit your specific needs”.
For those with extensive screen time, “high-quality anti-reflective coatings can be a great choice”, says Wilkinson “as they repel blue light and support comfortable vision. And finally, you want to make sure the frame sits comfortably on your face, otherwise, it will slide down and cause your eyes to work even harder.”
Is it better to stick to the same pair of glasses or to have a collection that you wear on rotation?
“In the same way that you would not wear the same pair of shoes for different activities and occasions, different glasses should be worn for different purposes. For instance, glasses for computer use ease eye strain and block blue light. If you frequently switch environments, you might want a frame with transition lenses. Glasses for work and glasses for downtime have different purposes,” she concludes.
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Wire Frames
Tom Ford FT 5830-B (028) Glasses
A shape that’s favoured by the designer himself, where better to buy a pair of aviators than Tom Ford?
Buy now £340.00, Vision Express
Gucci GG 0833O (001) Glasses
From interiors to fashion, the Seventies is the decade of the moment - and who does it better than Gucci? Aviators are an easy way to get the look - now all you need is the flares to match.
Buy now £300.00, Vision Express
Linda Farrow The Marlon in White Gold
If you’ve got a penchant for precious metals, Linda Farrow is a brand that should be on your radar. Whether you prefer yellow gold, white gold or rose gold, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Buy now £695.00, Linda Farrow
Taylor Morris Hampton Glasses
Founded in 2013, Notting Hill-based eyewear brand Taylor Morris has been designing classic yet fashion-forward collections for 10 years. Our favourite frame? The Hampton. It’s a softly rectangular silhouette that’s crafted from gold-tone stainless steel.
Buy now £165.00, Taylor Morris
Montblanc Square-Frame Silver-Tone and Acetate Optical Glasses
Attention to detail is at the heart of Montblanc. Featuring padding at both the temple tips and the bridge, this frame boasts both form and function in one easy-to-wear design.
Buy now £320.00, Mr. Porter
Thom Browne Eyewear Square acetate and titanium glasses
From the gold-tone titanium to the label’s signature tri-colour temple tips, Thom Browne’s glasses are a masterclass in luxury - and we’d expect nothing less from the luxury American designer.
Buy now £650.00, Matches
Ace & Tate Neil
You’d be hard pushed finding someone Ace & Tate’s Neil doesn’t suit. Available in four sizes, from small to extra large, and countless finishes, including matte black and gold tone, there’s an option for everyone.
Buy now £120.00, Ace & Tate
Acetate Frames
IZIPIZI #C Reading square-frame glasses +1.5
If you’re in the market for stylish reading glasses that don’t break the bank, Parisian label IZIPIZI has you covered.
Buy now £35.00, Selfridges
Retrosuperfuture Drew Mama glasses
Specialising in bold, acetate designs, Retrosuperfuture’s collections are for those who like to make a statement.
Buy now £190.00, Farfetch
Paul Smith Black 'Gower' Spectacles
Whilst you may know Paul Smith for its impeccable tailoring, the brand offers a great range of accessories too. Somewhere in between square and round, the Gower is perfect for those who want the best of both.
Buy now £245.00, Paul Smith
Oliver Peoples Sheldrake Glasses
If Matt Damon as Tom Ripley is on your eyewear moodboard, Oliver Peoples’ Sheldrake specs should be going straight in your basket. The good news? They come in three colourways.
Buy now £177.00, Fashion Eyewear
Ray-Ban Clubmaster Optics
Whether you’re watching Denzel Washington in Malcolm X or Bruce Willis in Death Becomes Her, it’s clear that browline frames are a Hollywood favourite - and Ray Ban’s Clubmasters are the best in the business.
Buy now £149.00, Ray-Ban
Finlay & Co. Wallace
Finlay & Co’s 2023 update of the classic aviator would do well in any man’s glasses collection - especially those with a soft spot for the 70s.
Buy now £135.00, Finlay & Co
Jimmy Fairly The Calvin
Add some definition to your facial features with Jimmy Fairly’s rectangular frame. Even better, they’re crafted using plant-based, biodegradable fibres.
Buy now £129.00, Jimmy Fairly
Cutler & Gross 1386 Optical Square Glasses
Channel your inner Clark Kent with Cutler & Gross’ square design. A classic through and through, it’s a frame that works on nearly every face shape.
Buy now £325.00, Cutler & Gross
Dita Eyewear Altrist Round Frame Glasses
Craftsmanship is at the core of cult favourite label Dita Eyewear - and these expertly-made frames offer an acetate-wire hybrid for anyone struggling to pick a side.
Buy now £665.00, Browns Fashion
