--- title: "80s Glasses Mens: 5 Timeless Eyewear Styles" description: Classic eyewear is making a comeback. 80s Glasses in particular. Take a look at five timeless frames that can transform any man from fashion disaster to classic gentleman. image: https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/November%20Blog/Classic%20eyewear.png --- [![Precision Eyewear Lab](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/img/pel_logo.png?width=271&height=247&name=pel_logo.png "Precision Eyewear Lab")](https://www.pel-eyewear.com) - [English](https://www.pel-eyewear.com) - [中文](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/cn/) - [Services](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/) - [Eyewear Testing Services](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-lab-testing) - [Sunglasses Testing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/sunglasses-testing) - [Optical Frame Testing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/optical-frame-testing) - [Reading Glasses Testing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-supply-chain-compliance-solutions/eyewear-testing-product-types/reading-glasses-testing) - 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Your data will be stored securely and not shared with third-parties. If you would like to manage your subscriptions please do so in the email that will follow. # 80s Glasses Mens: 5 Timeless Eyewear Styles ![](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/November%20Blog/Classic%20eyewear.png) Posted by [Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) on 28 November 2017 Classic eyewear is making a comeback. We take a look at five timeless frames that can transform any man from fashion disaster to classic gentleman. Let’s admit it, the 80’s and 90’s were terrible for eyewear, with the exception of a couple of genuinely iconic frames of course, which were probably designed in the 60’s. However, for the sake of argument let’s compare, shall we? We’ll do what I like to call the “Caine Test.” If there’s ever been a true gentleman to use as a classic eyewear benchmark, then there’s no one better than actor Sir Michael Caine. Have a look at the picture below, and in your honest opinion which frame would you consider a classic, left or right?   *  **Michael Caine in the 60’s**                                            ****Michael Caine in the 80’s *** ![classic eyewear](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/qTGPpPIAAWmG4aNAd3VZ4UnTqQvPLrH6uu9pDB3Uk9x2D31aHVhIu84ld-wq9v38d71JZKSrpW-7oIpEo-16O_10AjaGrcrj04GUaO-XlFQPI0nQjycrK2HErtIYmua4J6lbTHzj "classic eyewear")   ### Nuff said! To be fair, we enlarged the image to the right somewhat for effect, and maybe we were all victim to the 80’s, but I for one am happy classic eyewear is back in fashion, it’s classic after all. I mean what would you rather drive, a 1985 IROC-Z Camaro (classic 80’s American great) or a 1967 Shelby Mustang (classic 60’s American Great):   Left or right?    ![classic eyewear](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ktGthbaIzmV8jYD37nwlahyYbY3Fjozlj2xfvV3j6fDzmqfsLh4nD58KIjlXCwWs2IkeMpkMoTTTa8Y-mw0POCYm5X1GAnCyBrDFPtH6PEbIXE6SNgxxVeb_ASilc4KEwKFygYiw "classic eyewear")    If you don’t know which way to lean at this point, perhaps you should fish out your replica Eddie Murphy Raw suit with matching eyewear rather than reading this article, we won’t judge. Ok, we’re not here to knock the 80’s, but you have to admit we make a good point. Men’s outfits and clothing choices aren’t as diverse as that of women, but it’s still easy to get it wrong. Choosing a classic pair of eyewear can literally change the face of style for any man, from hopeless fashion disaster to classic gentleman.   ## Classic Men’s Eyewear That Will Never Go out of Style  Eyewear is much more than an accessory today; it’s sartorial. Classic eyewear can bring out elegance and portray a certain level of charm which would be hard to do otherwise. Here are the eyewear styles we believe can transform any man if chosen wisely.   ## 1. Rectangular ![classic eyewear.jpg](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/November%20Blog/AAA%2002.jpg?width=1024&name=AAA%2002.jpg "classic eyewear.jpg")  *Harvey Keitel*   Rectangular frames are an absolute classic (and somewhat misunderstood) and therefore first on our list. Square frames go well with nearly any smart or formal attire and undoubtedly gives the wearer an elegant appearance. This style works well with both eyeglasses and sunglasses. The great news is that eyeglasses aren’t seen as “medical devices” anymore but rather as fashion accessories. Harvey Keitel’s go to eyewear is a pair of Persol 2857 square eyeglasses, as he was seen wearing at the premiere of "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" at the 47th Annual New York Film Festival.   ## 2. Browline or Clubmaster ![classic eyewear.png](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/November%20Blog/AAA%2003.png?width=1024&name=AAA%2003.png "classic eyewear.png") *David Beckham*   Yes, we know! Clubmasters became famous in the 80’s, but Browline glasses were invented way back in 1947 by [Jack Rohrbach](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Browline_glasses&sa=D&ust=1511862983941000&usg=AFQjCNG8_jMxA0RbaY5LIAI1oc6QlcWRFg), then vice-president of Shuron Ltd., an eyeglass company. That being said, Clubmasters make it to the second place on our list because they go so well with any suit - Armani, Gucci, bathing, you name it. David Beckham wears his pair with both formal and casual clothing and they stay classic, proving that this traditional style is a good overall pair to have.   [![Finding Suppliers for Eyewear Startups](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2723474/f04431bb-c089-454b-9c2d-86fec32011c4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2723474/f04431bb-c089-454b-9c2d-86fec32011c4)   ## 3. Wayfarer Probably the most commonly worn sunglasses today, but still a classic. It’s all about how you wear it! You can quickly fall into the frat boy douche look if you’re not careful, so take care to match it with smarter clothing i.e., plain white collared shirt and black chinos work great with a pair of Wayfarers. If you’re ever in any doubt as to how cool Wayfarers can be, just look at this photo of Jack Nicholson in his pinstripe suit:   ![classic eyewear](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/nRGmv0wbbfaOwFGWB5KMjMaRbOrpT4XgBNs7KPporZLugQI-zmZil6xq_AEzcHinGlZHBWfZa7XzhqbDGvK6Ss2MXSWFz3t52tj1uDAm8LZ6Okt4VXB_gn9SmyuhU3Capq4AU4yM "classic eyewear")  *Jack Nicholson*   ## 4. Tortoiseshell  The next on our list is not as much a shape as it is a pattern made famous by [Cary Grant](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/top-10-iconic-sunglasses-the-actors-and-movies-that-started-fashion-trends) in the Alfred Hitchcock thriller North by Northwest, the tortoiseshell isn’t a style you wouldn’t expect to be such a classic but it’s stood the test of time.  Lower end varieties can look more like tiger patterns than tortoiseshell so beware of cheap alternatives. That being said, it’s still one of the most relevant classic men’s styles today and works especially well with a smart casual wear for a perfect summer look, and for the not-so-serious business occasions and social events.   ![classic eyewear.png](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/November%20Blog/AAA%2004.png?width=746&name=AAA%2004.png "classic eyewear.png")  *Leonardo di Caprio*   ## 5. Round  Round sunglasses are the last, but definitely not the least, on our list. If not for anything else but for how badass Morgan Freeman with this tailor-made pair on the set of Oblivion:   ![classic eyewear.png](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/November%20Blog/AAA%2005.png?width=1024&name=AAA%2005.png "classic eyewear.png")  *Morgan Freeman*   These aren’t your average round sunglasses though, in fact, if you know of any suppliers we’d like to hear about it in the comments section, this pair was handmade for the movie. Morgan Freeman awe aside, a round frame is one of the best styles for men today. Pick a color that isn’t too flashy, and round glasses will work for nearly any face shape. Best used for smart casual and formal wear, and post-apocalyptic war attire, obviously.   Classic eyewear is more than just eye-protection or a pair of glasses. A well-selected classic pair can elevate your look, your personal identity and provide you with a solid signature style.The classic styles on our list are not merely a trend; they’re styles with the perfect balance of classic and trendy flare that will never go out of style, no matter the season.   *If you have any classic styles you’d like to add to this list please leave a comment below and we'll consider adding it to the list (we’ll be sure to credit you for it.) Any topics you'd like to see PEL to writing? Feel free to let us know*   If you liked this blog you might also like: **[Top 10 Iconic Sunglasses - Actors & Movies That Started Eyewear Fashion Trends](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/top-10-iconic-sunglasses-the-actors-and-movies-that-started-fashion-trends)**     [![Finding Suppliers for Eyewear Startups](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2723474/e51f0ff1-67ed-4613-8b0b-936231243f68.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2723474/e51f0ff1-67ed-4613-8b0b-936231243f68) Topics: [Eyewear Manufacturing](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/topic/eyewear-manufacturing) ### Share To Your Network - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/IMG_3766a-2.jpg) ### [Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) Zenobia Chan is PEL's General Manager, and has been working in the eyewear industry for over 17 years. She has been involved in the entire supply chain from research and development, to order fulfillment, quality management, auditing and product compliance. She established PEL from scratch and is an annual seminar speaker at the MIDO and Hong Kong Optical Fair. More Articles [by Zenobia Chan](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/eyewear-testing-and-inspection-blog/author/zenobia-chan) ### Recent Blogs ![The Truth About Acetate Glasses Frames: Durability, Design, and Hidden Challenges](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Images/August%20Blog%20Post%20Images/design_oxygen_a_photo_of_a_pair_of_acetate_glasses_on_a_wooden_aa761d3a_0c83_4203_a32f_8517f130a03d_1.webp) ### The Truth About Acetate Glasses Frames: Durability, Design, and Hidden Challenges Acetate frames have become a popular choice in eyewear, renowned for their exceptional durability, vibrant colours, and comfortable fit. Understanding what makes acetate frames unique, how they compare to plastic, their cost, and their durability can help you decide when choosing your next pair.   ![Achieving CBAM Compliance: A Strategic Guide for Eyewear Leaders](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/LI%20Featured%20Image%20(5).jpg) ### Achieving CBAM Compliance: A Strategic Guide for Eyewear Leaders With the implementation of the [EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)](https://www.globalcompliancenews.com/2024/02/02/https-insightplus-bakermckenzie-com-bm-energy-mining-infrastructure_1-european-union-the-new-european-carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_01162024/) in October 2023, achieving carbon neutrality has shifted from a voluntary commitment to a critical requirement for eyewear manufacturers targeting the European market. This new 'green tariff' initiative highlights the urgent need for brands to balance their carbon emissions with robust offsetting measures, directly impacting their market access and competitiveness. ![FDA Sunglasses Requirements: Guide to Importing Sunglasses into the US](https://www.pel-eyewear.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/An%20image%20of%20a%20pair%20of%20sunglasses.jpeg) ### FDA Sunglasses Requirements: Guide to Importing Sunglasses into the US A thorough understanding and adherence to FDA sunglasses requirements is crucial for sunglasses brands aiming to enter or sustain their presence in the US market. As Class I medical devices, general-use eyewear products such as reading glasses, ophthalmic lenses, and non-prescription sunglasses fall under the stringent oversight of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  At PEL, we ensure your eyewear adheres to all FDA certification requirements. Compliance not only fulfills legal requirements but also provides safety and reliability, setting the stage for a detailed look at these critical standards in the following sections. 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