Vintage Browline and Clubmaster Eyewear

As with other design classics like the cateye and butterfly-shaped frames, the browline frame takes its name from its distinguishing design feature. A vintage browline frame will have a thicker upper portion and often a slim metal trim around the base of the lenses which draws the eye to your browline!

A distinguished history

First released in 1947, by the Shuron company under their Ronsir brand. The browline glasses style was a roaring success across the US during the 1950s and 1960s. These original designs featured interchangeable brows, nose bridges and eye wires, which allowed customers to customised their frames to match their look. Much like our custom UV lenses can be customised onto any of our vintage browline frames.

Whilst the browline style was never the most popular frame of their era, they developed an iconic status through their association with Malcolm X and James Dean, two very different legends, both equally stylish. The original browlines were almost exclusively worn as a pair of glasses rather than having UV lenses fitted, it wasn’t until the early 80s that this would become a style seen en-masse.

Clubmasters or Browline?

It is a common mistake to think that a vintage browline frame should actually be called a clubmaster after the popular Ray-Ban models. However, surprisingly the Clubmaster was only introduced by Ray-Ban during the 1980s in response to the growing popularity of early browline sunglasses such as the pair worn by Bruce Willis in the TV series Moonlighting. 

Will a pair of vintage Clubmasters suit you?

A classic vintage browline frame is a universal style staple that you need in your regular style rotation. The proportions of a pair of vintage browlines are favourable for most face shapes and make an excellent choice for the baby faced as they add a little extra maturity to your look. 

How to style vintage browline frames

Equally at home when worn with t-shirt and jeans as with a sharp suit, ala Don Draper in Mad Men, you can never go wrong with a pair of vintage browline frames. Like to be bold with your style? Take a look at 1980s vintage angular browline shades from MAGA Design or if you want to up the glamour stakes choose a vintage Gucci all-metal browline frame.