Round glasses are versatile — as chic as they are quirky, and as “rock star” as they are intellectual. And it’s been this way for hundreds of years. No matter what your style or profession is, there’s a pair of round glasses for you.
Circular glasses have been around for centuries. In fact, historians say they’ve been around since the 13th century, when glasses were invented. Since then, round glasses have been worn by 17th-century artists and poets, 1960s hippies, and rock stars like John Lennon — and they’ve even been spotted on several modern movie and cartoon characters.
Other famous fans of circle frames include Mahatma Gandhi, Steve Jobs, Andy Warhol, Harry Potter, Daria Morgendorffer, Albert Einstein, Whoopi Goldberg — and the list goes on.
These role models — both fictional and non-fictional — helped put round glasses on the map and continue to influence the trend today. As circular glasses have evolved and expanded in popularity, a variety of styles have made their way into mainstream fashion.
With so many styles, materials, and colors available, choosing a pair of round glasses can be a challenge. But there are several things to consider to help narrow down your options. Here are a few tips:
Your ideal pair of round glasses may meet one or more of these guidelines, blending style, fit, and functionality to match your unique taste.
Whether you prefer round metal glasses or plastic frames, there’s a perfect pair out there for you. We gathered some of our top picks for rounded glasses that offer a classic, yet on-trend feel for both men and women.
Best round clear-frame glasses:
Best circle wire glasses:
Best plastic circle frames:
Best small circle glasses:
Best big circle glasses:
Best round square glasses:
Best vintage round glasses:
Real “vintage” glasses are a bit older than what FramesDirect sells, but a browline feature on a round frame can give you the vintage-inspired look you desire!
Aside from our picks above, there are some very on-trend styles to look for when shopping for round and circle glasses. These include thicker frames, pops of color, aviator-inspired round lenses, and more.
Round glasses frames for men are popular in all age groups. The most favored styles often feature tortoiseshell frames, small round frames, classic black frames, and those with a hint of an aviator shape.
Some popular round glasses for men at the moment include:
Round glasses frames for women can be very chic. They can also highlight your uniqueness depending on the shape and color. Red, for example, is a very trendy color in glasses frames — and it looks even more eccentric in a rounder shape. Currently, many round frames feature one or even two fun colors to highlight the wearer’s style.
A few trendy round glasses for women include:
If you’re looking to make a bold statement, we recommend a bright color or pattern. For an intellectual feel, try a smaller pair of round glasses or one with a metal frame. And for a timeless look, round black glasses styles are a terrific choice.
The round shape isn't just a great look for eyeglasses — there are plenty of round sunglasses out there, too. And many have the same fashionable benefits: classic, bold, sophisticated, and beyond.