As winter blankets much of the world in frosty temperatures, the thought of a sunny holiday becomes irresistible. Whether you're jetting off to an island in the pacific, cruising through exotic waters or simply basking on the golden sands of a sun-drenched beach, one accessory should be at the top of your packing list – sunglasses.
Combining fashion with functionality, selecting the ideal sunglasses for your winter sun escape is a meticulous process. In this guide, we'll delve into the art of choosing vintage sunglasses, exploring styles that not only elevate your fashion game but also shield your eyes from the sun’s rays.
Finding Your Frames
Embracing Elegance: The Cat-Eye Silhouette
When it comes to vintage sunglasses, few styles are as iconic as the cat-eye silhouette. This timeless design, characterised by upswept outer edges, exudes an air of sophistication reminiscent of Hollywood's golden era.
Cat-eye sunglasses, donned by legends like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, not only make a bold fashion statement but also provide excellent coverage, shielding your eyes from the sun at every angle. For a tropical getaway, opt for cat-eye sunglasses with warm-tinted lenses, such as amber or brown, to add vintage charm to your beachside ensemble.
Pair these Think Pink cat-eye frames with a black and white striped swimsuit, wide-brimmed sun hat and a bold red lipstick to replicate that true vintage beachwear aesthetic.
Classic Aviators: A Fusion of Cool and Functionality
Originally crafted for pilots navigating the skies, aviator sunglasses have transcended their utilitarian roots to become a symbol of coolness. The teardrop-shaped lenses and thin metal frames of aviators offer a sleek and sophisticated look that complements various face shapes.
Ideal for a beach getaway or a cruise, aviators with polarised lenses help reduce glare from water and sand, ensuring optimal visibility in bright conditions.
Retro Vibes: The Charm of Round Sunglasses
Channelling the free-spirited vibes of the '60s, round sunglasses have staged a triumphant comeback in recent years. With their circular lenses and thin metal frames, round sunglasses are the epitome of retro style, perfect for a laid-back city break in the Mediterranean.
Opt for lenses with a gradient tint to add a modern twist to this vintage style, ensuring you're ready to explore beach towns or sip cocktails by the poolside with an effortlessly chic aesthetic.
The Wayfarer: For Every Occasion
The Wayfarer style, immortalised by Ray-Ban, is a versatile choice suitable for a myriad of occasions. Characterised by a trapezoidal shape and thick frames, Wayfarer sunglasses exude a casually refined vibe.
For a winter sun escape, consider bold colours or patterned frames to inject a playful element into your look. Whether you're strolling through local markets or enjoying a sunset dinner, Wayfarer frames effortlessly blend classic charm with contemporary flair.
Easily suited to all genders, these versatile Gian Marco Venturi Wayfarers feature gold screws that add a unique decorative touch whilst remaining sophisticated.
Oversized Glamour: Maximum Impact, Maximum Protection
For those who appreciate drama and glamour, oversized sunglasses are the epitome of vintage-inspired luxury.
Popularised by Hollywood stars in the '60s and '70s, oversized frames provide maximum coverage, ensuring your eyes stay protected in style. Frames adorned with gold accents or intricate patterns add a touch of opulence to your winter sun wardrobe, making a bold statement as you soak up the sun's rays.
Browline Sophistication: Classic Elegance Reimagined
Browline sunglasses, also known as clubmasters, feature bold upper frames that mimic eyebrows, infusing sophistication into your look. This vintage-inspired style offers a seamless blend of elegance and modernity, making it an excellent choice for an overseas escape.
Explore various materials and colours to express your personal style while basking in the warm glow of your chosen winter destination. These gold plated Lancetti clubmaster sunnies feature a marble browline that adds a unique textural effect to pair with your outfits.
Butterfly Beauty: A Feminine Flourish for Sun-Drenched Days
Butterfly-shaped sunglasses are the epitome of feminine elegance. With their oversized and slightly angular shape, butterfly sunglasses add a hint of drama to your ensemble, making them perfect for an international getaway.
Embrace this vintage-inspired style for a beachside stroll or a leisurely afternoon browsing local markets and vineyards in your chosen destination, radiating confidence and sophistication.
Choosing the Right Lens Features for Tropical Adventures
Beyond the frame style, selecting the right lens features is essential to ensure your vintage sunglasses offer optimal protection and visual clarity during your sunny winter escape.
UV Protection: Guarding Your Eyes Against Harmful Rays
The primary function of sunglasses is to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays. Prioritise sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, safeguarding your eyes against both UVA and UVB rays. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience under the sun.
Polarised Lenses: Enhancing Visibility in Bright Conditions
For beach days or activities near reflective surfaces, opt for sunglasses with polarised lenses. These lenses reduce glare from water and sand, providing enhanced visibility and comfort in bright conditions. A polarised pair is especially beneficial for those planning water adventures or simply lounging by the pool.
Tinted Lenses: A Splash of Style and Functionality
Different lens tints serve various purposes. Dark tints are ideal for intense sunlight, while lighter tints are suitable for overcast days. Choose a tint that complements your destination's weather conditions and adds a stylish touch to your overall look.
Gradient Lenses: Balancing Style and Function
Gradient lenses transition from a darker shade at the top to a lighter shade at the bottom, offering a stylish and functionally versatile solution. This design allows you to maintain clear vision while reading or engaging in activities that require better visibility, whilst effectively protecting your eyes from the sun’s rays when you’re out and about.
Mirrored Coatings: Futuristic Style with Practical Benefits
Mirrored coatings not only add a futuristic and trendy appeal to your sunglasses, but also reflect more sunlight. This reduces glare, keeping your eyes comfortable in bright conditions. Mirrored sunglasses are a fusion of fashion and functionality, making them an excellent choice for a winter sun escape.
Caring for Your Vintage Sunglasses
Once you've selected the perfect pair of vintage sunglasses for your tropical getaway, taking proper care of them is crucial for longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips to keep your sunglasses in pristine condition.
1. Protective Cases
When not in use, store your sunglasses in a durable and protective case. This prevents scratches, breakage and exposure to dust and debris, ensuring your vintage eyewear remains in top condition throughout your holiday.
2. Gentle Cleaning
Use a microfibre cleaning cloth to gently wipe away smudges and fingerprints on your lenses, preserving their clarity and shine. Avoid using tissues or clothing, as these may scratch the lenses. Regular cleaning ensures that your sunglasses provide clear vision and maintain their aesthetic appeal.
3. Avoid Extreme Heat
Excessive heat can damage both the frames and lenses of your sunglasses. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or exposing them to direct sunlight for prolonged periods. By protecting your sunglasses from extreme heat, you preserve their structural integrity and ensure they accompany you on many more stylish adventures.
4. Rinse in Fresh Water
If your sunglasses come into contact with harsh elements like saltwater or chlorine, rinse them with fresh (ideally filtered) water to remove any corrosive residue. This simple step helps protect the materials and finishes of your vintage eyewear, ensuring they remain in top-notch condition.
5. Tighten Loose Screws
Regularly check the screws on your sunglasses and tighten them if needed. Loose screws can lead to misalignment, affecting the overall fit and comfort of your eyewear. By ensuring a secure fit, you enhance both the style and functionality of your vintage sunglasses.
Shop High Quality Vintage Glasses
As you embark on your warm winter getaway, the perfect pair of vintage sunglasses don’t simply act as a practical accessory, but also as a statement piece that encapsulates your style. Whichever you’re drawn to, each vintage-inspired style offers a unique blend of fashion and functionality.
Prioritise lens features such as UV protection, polarisation, tinting and gradient lenses to ensure your eyes are shielded against the sun's intensity. With proper care and attention, your vintage sunglasses will not only accompany you on this winter sun-soaked adventure, but become a timeless companion for future stylish escapes.
Embrace the quality of vintage eyewear and let your sunglasses be a testament to your fashion-forward sensibilities as you soak up the sun in paradise.
With a wide range of authentic vintage sunglasses available, along with a selection of custom lenses, we’re confident that we’ve got the perfect pair of holiday frames for you here at Ed & Sarna Vintage Eyewear. Get in touch today with any enquiries or for more information on how we source our stock.
