1930s Style Sunglasses

Table of Contents

1930s style sunglasses evolved from basic eye protection into fashion icons during the Great Depression and Hollywood's golden age, driven by innovations like polarized lenses, affordable materials, and Art Deco influences. The article explores their historical rise, key design elements such as round frames and gold accents, cultural impact through celebrities like Greta Garbo and Cary Grant, technological advancements including UV tints, and modern styling tips with places to buy retro pairs.

Discover the historical rise of 1930s style sunglasses during the Great Depression and Hollywood era.

Sunglasses started as basic eye protection long before the 1930s.

Ancient folks used smoky quartz in China and Inuit carved bone slits to block snow glare.

By the early 1900s docs prescribed tinted lenses for light-sensitive eyes.

The 1930s changed everything turning 1930s style sunglasses into fashion must-haves.

From Function to Fashion in the 1930s

The 1920s set the stage with Hollywood pushing shades as cool accessories.

But the 1930s saw real growth thanks to tech and culture shifts.

Edwin H Land invented polarized lenses in 1936 cutting glare big time.

These made 1930s style sunglasses practical for drivers pilots and everyday folks.

Bausch and Lomb ramped up production making them cheaper and widespread.

The Great Depression's Role

The Great Depression hit in 1929 lasting through the 1930s.

People faced hard times but craved affordable glamour.

1930s style sunglasses fit the bill cheap yet stylish escapes from reality.

They symbolized sophistication without breaking the bank.

Mass manufacturing helped spread them to the middle class.

• Key economic factor: Low-cost materials like bakelite plastic kept prices down.
• Social impact: Shades became status symbols for the average person.
• Cultural shift: Escapism through fashion boomed amid hardships.

Hollywood's Big Influence

The 1930s marked Hollywood's golden age.

Stars wore 1930s style sunglasses on screen and off making them iconic.

Greta Garbo rocked oversized rounds adding mystery to her look.

Cary Grant sported structured frames for that refined vibe.

Marlene Dietrich mixed bold geometrics challenging style norms.

Movies like The Women and Gone with the Wind showed glamorous eyewear.

This pushed 1930s style sunglasses into pop culture.

By late 1930s they went from elite luxury to everyday essential.

Examine key design elements like round frames, gold materials, and emerging cat-eye styles in 1930s eyewear.

1930s eyewear drew heavy inspiration from Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles.

Designers focused on geometric shapes bold lines and luxury touches.

These elements made 1930s style sunglasses both functional and fashionable.

Frame Shapes in 1930s Sunglasses

Round and oval frames dominated early in the decade.

They offered a soft elegant look suiting most face shapes.

Teardrop shapes emerged as aviator precursors for pilots.

Cat-eye styles started appearing late in the 1930s with upturned corners.

These added a flirty dramatic flair inspired by feline grace.

• Round frames: Lightweight and intellectual vibe popular among artists.
• Oval frames: Versatile unisex option with thin metal rims.
• Teardrop frames: Protective large lenses for aviation needs.
• Emerging cat-eye: Bold brows and angles for Hollywood starlets.

Materials Used for Durability and Luxury

Gold-filled and white gold frames brought opulence on a budget.

Shell and tortoiseshell added natural warmth and pattern.

Bakelite an early plastic offered affordable lightweight alternatives.

Metal alloys ensured strength without heavy weight.

These choices balanced Depression-era costs with high-end appeal.

Lens Tints and Tech Touches

Yellow brown and green tints filtered glare effectively.

They provided UV protection long before it was standard.

Polarized lenses hit in 1936 revolutionizing clarity.

Decorative details like engraved temples and filigree added sparkle.

Small jewels or etched patterns elevated simple designs.

Gender-Specific and Unisex Trends

Mens frames leaned bold and structured for a masculine edge.

Womens styles featured delicate curves and finer details.

Unisex options blurred lines reflecting era's fashion fluidity.

Pince-nez nose-clip designs carried over for a scholarly feel.

Rimless frames kept things minimalist and modern.

Uncover the cultural impact of 1930s style sunglasses through celebrities and Art Deco influences.

1930s style sunglasses became cultural icons blending Hollywood glamour with artistic movements.

Celebrities turned them into symbols of mystery and status.

Art Deco influences added bold elegance to everyday wear.

Hollywood Stars and Their Signature Shades

Golden Age Hollywood made 1930s style sunglasses essential for stars.

Actors wore them to shield eyes and craft personas.

This sparked widespread adoption among fans.

Films showcased shades in glamorous scenes.

The Women from 1939 featured stylish eyewear for female characters.

Gone with the Wind highlighted them in high-society moments.

Art Deco's Lasting Influence on Eyewear

Art Deco peaked in the 1920s but shaped 1930s designs.

It emphasized symmetry luxury and geometric patterns.

Sunglasses adopted sleek lines and opulent details.

• Symmetry in frame shapes like ovals and rounds.
• Luxury materials such as gold and tortoiseshell.
• Geometric engravings on temples for artistic flair.
• Streamline Moderne curves in aviator precursors.

These elements made 1930s style sunglasses modern art pieces.

They reflected era's mix of innovation and escapism.

Social Shifts and Fashion Democratization

Sunglasses shifted from elite accessories to middle-class staples.

Celebs made them aspirational yet accessible.

Art Deco democratized luxury through mass production.

Women embraced bolder styles breaking traditional roles.

Men saw shades as marks of sophistication.

Overall they symbolized resilience amid economic woes.

Learn about technological advancements such as polarized lenses that defined 1930s sunglasses.

1930s style sunglasses benefited from key tech breakthroughs making them safer and more practical.

These innovations turned basic shades into essential gear for daily life.

They focused on glare reduction UV protection and comfort.

Polarized Lenses: The Game-Changer of 1936

Edwin H Land invented polarized lenses in 1936.

They block horizontal light waves cutting glare from water roads and snow.

This made 1930s style sunglasses ideal for pilots drivers and outdoor workers.

Originally for military use they soon hit consumer markets.

Polarization improved visibility and eye comfort dramatically.

UV Protection and Lens Tinting Advances

Scientists in the 1930s recognized UV rays harm to eyes.

Darker tints in yellow brown and green filtered harmful light.

These coatings reduced squinting and protected against sun damage.

Medical prescriptions for light-sensitive conditions boosted tinted lens popularity.

By mid-decade UV awareness drove better lens standards.

• Yellow tints: Enhanced contrast for hazy conditions.
• Brown tints: Warm tones for general outdoor use.
• Green tints: Natural color balance with glare control.
• Early coatings: Basic anti-reflective layers for clarity.

Lightweight Materials and Frame Innovations

Bakelite plastic debuted as a cheap durable frame material.

It allowed slim lightweight designs without sacrificing strength.

Metal alloys like gold-filled wires enabled thin rims and flexible temples.

These kept 1930s style sunglasses comfortable for all-day wear.

Rimless and pince-nez styles used advanced clips for secure fit.

Prescription and Specialized Options

The 1930s introduced tinted prescription lenses.

Bifocals combined vision correction with sun protection.

Aviator precursors featured large lenses for pilots needs.

These custom fits catered to professionals and everyday users.

Tech like this expanded sunglasses beyond fashion into utility.

Find tips on styling 1930s style sunglasses today and where to buy authentic retro pairs.

1930s style sunglasses work great in modern outfits blending vintage charm with current trends.

Focus on frames like rounds ovals or early cat-eyes for that timeless look.

Pair them with simple clothes to let the shades stand out.

Styling Tips for Women

Go for high-waisted pants and blouses to mimic 1930s silhouettes.

Add red lipstick and a scarf for Hollywood glam.

Round frames suit flowy dresses in boho styles.

Teardrop aviators pair with tailored suits for office edge.

• Cat-eye frames with swing dresses for retro parties.
• Tortoiseshell ovals over turtlenecks for casual chic.
• Gold rims with pearls for elegant evenings.

Styling Tips for Men

Structured frames match double-breasted jackets and ties.

Leather jackets with aviator precursors give old-school cool.

Fedoras top off round lenses for dapper vibes.

Slim metal rims work with modern button-downs.

Modern Twists on 1930s Eyewear

Mix round sunglasses with oversized hoodies and jeans for streetwear.

Boho looks combine tortoiseshell frames with maxi skirts and hats.

Corporate outfits elevate with gold-rimmed shades over blazers.

These blends keep 1930s style sunglasses fresh and versatile.

Where to Buy Authentic Retro Pairs

Vintage shops offer original 1930s style sunglasses in gold or bakelite.

Check Etsy and eBay for restored classics.

Specialty stores like Vintage Sunglasses Shop carry authenticated pieces.

Modern Brands with 1930s Vibes

Ray-Ban Clubmaster and Aviator lines echo teardrop shapes.

Persol 714 models feature thin rims and vintage tints.

Gucci GG0167 offers round frames with Art Deco details.

Barton Perreira crafts acetate in 1930s silhouettes.

Warby Parker Percey provides affordable round options.

• Online: Aviator sunglasses for pilot-inspired buys.
• Custom: Etsy makers do handcrafted metal frames.
• High-end: Moscot Lemtosh for intellectual round styles.

Look for polarized lenses in modern versions for better protection.

Authentic pairs often cost more but last longer.