Retro 70s Glasses: Big Squares and Soft Aviators Today
Retro 70s glasses are back. Learn how to wear big squares, soft aviators and warm tortoise tones today, with sizing tips and frames to shop.
5 min di letturaDi IGIOO Optical
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Retro 70s glasses come down to three things: generous lens shapes, softly rounded corners and warm colours such as tortoise, amber and gold. To make the look feel current, keep one of those elements bold and let the rest of your outfit stay simple. A big square or a soft aviator sized to your face will read as modern, not as costume.
What makes a frame look 70s
The decade moved away from the narrow, sharp lines that came before it. Eyewear grew larger and more relaxed, and it became an obvious part of an outfit. You do not need a true vintage pair to get the effect. Look for these signals instead:
- Height in the lens. A deep lens sits closer to the cheek and gives the frame its period presence.
- Rounded corners. Even a square shape should feel soft, with curves where a modern frame would have an edge.
- Earthy colour. Tortoise, honey, amber, olive and warm metal tones all point back to the era.
- A visible bridge. Double bridges and keyhole bridges add character without adding size.
Two or three of these signals are enough. A frame with all four, worn with a wide collar and flared trousers, starts to feel like fancy dress.
Big squares: the easiest way in
A large square in acetate is the most wearable version of the trend. The material has enough thickness to carry the size, and the straight top line sits comfortably close to most brow shapes. Choose a softened square over a hard-edged one if your features are delicate, because rounded corners stop the frame from overpowering the face.
Browse our square frames and pay attention to lens height as well as width. If the frame looks wide but shallow, it leans closer to a modern rectangle. Those can still work well for the office, but they carry less of the 70s attitude.
Soft aviators: rounder than you remember
The aviators of this era were often broader and softer than the slim metal teardrop many people picture. Thin metal keeps a large lens from feeling heavy, which is why this shape works well for people who find thick acetate too strong. A gold or warm metal tone adds to the period feel, while darker metal looks more restrained.
A soft aviator also has an advantage for everyday wear: the double bar breaks up the width of the frame, so a big lens can look lighter than its measurements suggest. See the full range in our aviator glasses collection.
Big square or soft aviator?
If you are torn between the two, this quick comparison can help you decide.
| What to compare | Big square | Soft aviator |
|---|---|---|
| Usual material | Acetate | Metal |
| Visual weight | Strong, graphic | Light, open |
| Flatters most | Round and oval faces | Square and heart-shaped faces |
| Best colours for the look | Tortoise, olive, honey | Gold, bronze, warm grey |
| Feels most at home with | Knitwear, denim, tailoring | Open collars, suede, leather |
These are starting points, not rules. Our face shape guide goes deeper if you want to test a shape against your own proportions.
Getting the size right on a large frame
Oversized styles are where fit mistakes show most. A big frame should look deliberate, and that depends on a few simple checks:
- Width first. The frame front can extend slightly past your temples, but the arms should not bow outward or press against your head.
- Watch the cheeks. Deep lenses can rest on the cheekbones when you smile. If yours do, look for a slightly shallower lens or a higher nose fit.
- Keep your brows in mind. A top line that sits roughly along the brow tends to look more natural than one floating well above it.
Compare the measurements of a pair you already own using our frame size guide. It takes a few minutes and removes most of the guesswork. If you plan to add a prescription, keep in mind that a larger lens means more lens material, so it is worth considering this when you choose your lens options.
How to wear the look without going full costume
The modern version is about contrast. Pair a period frame with clothes that are clearly from today, and the glasses become the interesting detail in an otherwise clean outfit.
- For work: pick a tortoise rectangle with some height, then wear it with a plain shirt or fine knit.
- For weekends: a soft aviator looks easy with a white T-shirt and a worn-in jacket.
- For evenings: a warm gold metal frame can replace a piece of jewellery, so keep earrings and necklaces minimal.
- For hair: a scarf, curtain bangs or loose layers all echo the decade. Choose one of them and leave it there.
Prefer clear lenses to tinted ones? Retro shapes work just as well as everyday eyeglasses. Our tortoise frames are a sensible first step, because the pattern carries the mood even in a fairly restrained shape.
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Frequently asked questions
Are 70s-style glasses still in fashion?
Yes. Large lenses, warm tortoise and soft metal shapes keep returning because they are flattering and easy to wear. A well-fitted pair tends to outlast any single season's trend.
Can I wear big retro frames with a small face?
You can, but scale the idea down. Look for a medium frame with a deep lens and rounded corners, so you get the proportions of the era without the width pulling at your temples.
Can retro frames take prescription lenses?
The eyeglasses in our range are made to take prescription lenses, and you choose them in the lens selector. If you have a strong prescription, smaller lens sizes usually make for a more comfortable result, so check the size before you commit to a very large frame.
Which colour feels most 70s?
Tortoise is the safest choice since it suits most skin tones and looks at home with almost everything. Amber and olive are bolder, while gold metal gives a lighter take on the same palette.
Find your retro pair
Start with the shape that feels most like you, then let colour do the rest. Explore our acetate frames for big squares or our aviators for a lighter finish. Add your prescription in a few clicks with our lens selector.
