The '70s are back in fashion. This includes oversized, chunky glasses.
Back in the '70s, bold frames, big hair, and bright colors were huge. Now, we're seeing these trends again in the fashion industry.
Designer glasses brands are releasing more options with thick frames. Influencers and celebrities have also been spotted in chunky glasses.
There are great frames available for both men and women. Let's go through some options.
When choosing your pair of chunky glasses, make sure to keep your face shape in mind. For round faces, square frames work well since they provide contrast. Oval faces are flattered by rectangular, square, or round chunky frames.
If you have a square-shaped face with a prominent bone structure, show off those angles with curved glasses. Slightly rounded frames will complement your features.
Heart-shaped faces work with a wide variety of glasses. This includes cat-eye, round, and aviator frames. Just be sure they're not too oversized.
Make sure the glasses aren't so big that they slide down your nose. They also shouldn't be so wide that the frame's edge extends past your face.
A well-fitting pair of glasses should enhance your face, not drown it. That’s why you should try the glasses on before you buy. Or, if you’re buying online, many online retailers offer a virtual try-on feature. With this feature, you can upload a photo of yourself and ‘try on’ countless styles.
In the 1970s, stars like Elton John, Lynda Carter, and Jackie Kennedy rocked oversized sunglasses and glasses.
Fast forward to 2026, and there has been a shift toward nostalgia in the fashion industry. You might have seen the year 2016 trending on social media recently. But all this is no surprise, as fashion always looks to the past for inspiration. Most trends have been recycled in some way.
This year, the trend is seen in both chunky sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses. This proves that specs are now officially a fashion accessory as well as a medical device.
Men's glasses have been getting more trendy in recent years. Many top actors have embraced glasses, and they're showing how stylish they can be.
Horn-rimmed glasses are a retro look that's becoming popular again. These frames are usually made from acetate or plastic, and they curve slightly at the corners.
Jeff Goldblum is one of the stars leading this trend. He's been spotted in rectangular or square horn-rimmed frames many times. These work well with his heart-shaped face.
You can't go wrong with a thick square pair of men's glasses. They suit chiseled faces well. Robert Downey Jr. is a good example of this. He has been spotted in stylish square frames.
Square frames also look equally good on oval or round faces. Make sure the frame doesn't sit above your eyebrows so they don't look ill-fitting.
You could go for traditional black frames. Or, if you want to ride the ‘70s wave, try brown tortoiseshell frames for a retro look.
If you want a pair of glasses that are less angular and have a softer look, try curved chunky glasses. They don't have to be completely round. Actors Ryan Reynolds and Brad Pitt often go for rectangular or square glasses with a slight curve.
If you want to step outside the box, try transparent frames. These frames are also trendy. Or, go for a bold color like blue.
Women shouldn't feel like they need to wear dainty, elegant glasses. Chunky women’s glasses will make you stand out.
The square frame is a classic chunky style that works with a variety of face shapes. They shouldn't take up half of your face, though. Instead, follow the two-thirds rule. If the bottom of your glasses ends beyond two-thirds down your nose, they are probably too big.
The glasses should showcase your bone structure and eyes rather than distract from them. If you think black is too harsh, then select a pair of brown, transparent, or beige glasses instead.
Take a note from the fashion books of legends Oprah and Meryl Streep, and try thick cat-eye glasses. This shape plays further into the ‘70s retro trend, and it looks especially great with summer clothes.
These chunky glasses will uplift any outfit with minimal effort. Play it safe with a traditional color. Or, you could opt for something bright, like red, to add a pop of color this summer.
Rounded chunky frames are a versatile option. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Bella Hadid love this style.
One good, rounded option to try is aviator glasses. They'll give you a nerdy-chic look. If you're feeling like something daintier, choose a pair of chunky oval specs. They evoke the '90s since oval sunglasses were popular then. But thick oval frames show that minimalism doesn't need to be boring.
Choosing your chunky glasses doesn't have to be tricky. Start by determining your face shape; this will help you decide which glasses will best complement it. Then, consider what color will bring out your best features, such as your eye color and hair color.
If you’re still unsure, look through an online eyewear retailer like EZContacts, where you’ll find thousands of affordable frames. You can virtually try on glasses to see which ones make you feel good and confident.
