The Different Types of Sunglasses - A Comprehensive List

1. Wayfarer Sunglasses

Wayfarer sunglasses are a style of sunglasses first designed by Ray-Ban in the 1950s. They have a distinct, rectangular shape, with a slightly curved top edge and straight bottom edge, and were popularized by celebrities such as James Dean and Audrey Hepburn. They are known for their bold, iconic look and are considered a classic style of sunglasses.

The Wayfarer design was first introduced by Ray-Ban in 1952, and quickly gained popularity due to its unique, modern design and the use of new materials such as plastic in the frames. They were worn by many celebrities in the 1950s and 1960s, including James Dean in the movie "Rebel Without a Cause," and Audrey Hepburn in the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

Wayfarers also had a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s, thanks in part to the film "The Blues Brothers" where actor John Belushi wore them, and again in the early 2000s with the help of various movies and TV shows that featured them prominently. Today, the Wayfarer is still a popular style and is available from a variety of brands, often with updated materials and lens technology.

In summary, Wayfarer sunglasses are a classic, rectangular shaped sunglasses that were first designed by Ray-Ban in the 1950s, gained popularity due to the iconic look and use of new materials, and have been worn by various celebrities in movies and TV shows, making them a timeless style.

2. Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that were originally designed for pilots in the 1930s by Bausch & Lomb. They have a distinct, teardrop-shaped lens, and are characterized by their thin metal frames and double or triple bridge. The frames are usually made of metal, but now can be found in plastic as well. They have a very distinctive look and are known for their ability to reduce glare and provide maximum coverage of the eyes.

The Aviator design was first introduced by Bausch & Lomb in 1936 as a military-issue eyewear for the US Air Force pilots, with the intention to protect pilots eyes from the sun's glare and high altitude UV rays. The design quickly gained popularity with the public and became a style of its own. They were worn by many celebrities in the 1930s and 1940s, including General Douglas MacArthur and Ray-Ban made a civilian version in the 1950s.

Aviators also had a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s, thanks in part to the film "Top Gun" where actor Tom Cruise wore them, and again in the early 2000s and even now. Today, the Aviator is still a popular style and is available from a variety of brands, often with updated materials and lens technology.

In summary, Aviator sunglasses are a teardrop-shaped sunglasses that were originally designed for pilots in the 1930s by Bausch & Lomb, gained popularity due to the iconic look and protection they provide, and have been worn by various celebrities in movies and TV shows, making them a timeless style.

3. Clubmaster Sunglasses

Clubmaster sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature a distinctive, half-rim design, with the upper portion of the lens being framed and the lower portion being semi-rimless. They often have a retro, vintage-inspired look and are characterized by their keyhole bridge and thin metal frames. They have been popularized by various films and celebrities, and are available from a variety of brands. The design is also known as browline sunglasses.

The Clubmaster design was first introduced in the 1930s and 1940s, and made a comeback in the 1980s and early 2000s. They are often associated with the intellectual and academic look, as they were popular among professors and intellectuals in the 1950s. They were worn by many celebrities in the 1950s and 1960s, including Malcolm X and other political activists, and also by actors in the movies and TV shows of that era.

Clubmasters have continued to be popular in the modern era, thanks in part to various movies and TV shows that feature them prominently. They are also popular among individuals who want to achieve a vintage or retro look.

In summary, Clubmaster sunglasses are a half-rim design sunglasses that were first introduced in the 1930s and 1940s, gained popularity due to the intellectual and academic look, and have been worn by various celebrities in movies and TV shows, making them a timeless style.

4. Square Sunglasses

Square sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature a square-shaped lens and frames. They have a distinctive, modern look and are characterized by their sharp angles and straight lines. They have been popularized by various films and celebrities, and are available from a variety of brands.

Square sunglasses have been popular among celebrities and fashion icons for decades, from the 1960s and 1970s, when they were worn by actors and musicians, to the present day. They were worn by many celebrities in the 1960s and 1970s, including John Lennon, who popularized the "Round" version of square sunglasses and Michael Jackson.

Square sunglasses also had a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s, thanks in part to the film "Risky Business" where actor Tom Cruise wore them, and again in the early 2000s with the help of various movies and TV shows that featured them prominently. Today, square sunglasses are still a popular style, often worn by individuals who want to achieve a modern, stylish look.

In summary, Square sunglasses are a square-shaped sunglasses that have been popular among celebrities and fashion icons for decades, gained popularity through various films and TV shows, and have a modern and stylish look.

5. Cat Eye Sunglasses

Cat eye sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature a distinctive, upward-swept shape on the outer edges of the frames. They often have a retro, vintage-inspired look and are characterised by their curved frames and dramatic, winged shape. They have been popularised by various films and celebrities, and are available from a variety of brands.

The Cat Eye design was first introduced in the 1950s and quickly gained popularity due to its unique, feminine look. They were worn by many celebrities in the 1950s and 1960s, including Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.

Cat Eye sunglasses also had a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s, thanks in part to the film "Flashdance" where actress Jennifer Beals wore them, and again in the early 2000s with the help of various movies and TV shows that featured them prominently. Today, cat eye sunglasses are still a popular style, often worn by individuals who want to achieve a retro, vintage look or add a touch of femininity to their outfit.

In summary, Cat Eye sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature a distinctive, upward-swept shape on the outer edges of the frames and have a retro, vintage-inspired look. They were first introduced in the 1950s, and have been worn by various celebrities in movies and TV shows, making them a timeless style.

6. Wrap Around Sunglasses

Wrap-around sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature frames that wrap around the temples and extend towards the cheeks, providing additional coverage and protection from the sun. They are designed to provide a more secure fit and to reduce the amount of peripheral light that can reach the eyes. They have been popularized by various athletes and celebrities, and are available from a variety of brands.

The Wrap-around design has its origins in sports, where they were used by athletes to reduce glare and improve performance. They were particularly popular among cyclists, skiers, and other outdoor sports enthusiasts. They were worn by many athletes in the 1970s and 1980s, including famous cyclist Greg LeMond.

Wrap-around sunglasses also gained popularity in the fashion world and were worn by many celebrities in the 1990s and 2000s. They were worn by many celebrities in movies and TV shows, including Will Smith in the movie Independence Day and in TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. They are also worn by many professional athletes and are popular among individuals who engage in outdoor activities, like hiking, fishing and running.

In summary, Wrap-around sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature frames that wrap around the temples and extend towards the cheeks, providing additional coverage and protection from the sun. They were first designed for sports, but also became popular in the fashion world and have been worn by various celebrities in movies and TV shows. They are popular among outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.

7. Geometric Sunglasses

Geometric sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature unique, geometric shapes and patterns in their frames and lenses. They have a distinctive, modern look and are characterized by their sharp angles, straight lines and bold shapes. They have been popularized by various fashion icons and celebrities, and are available from a variety of brands.

Geometric sunglasses have been around for a while, but have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. They were worn by many fashion icons in the 2010s, including models and street-style stars. They are often worn by people who want to make a bold fashion statement and stand out from the crowd.

Geometric sunglasses have also been featured in several movies and TV shows, for example in the series "Stranger Things" where the character Dustin wears them, giving them a retro-futuristic look. They are also worn by various celebrities in the music industry and on red carpets.

In summary, Geometric sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature unique, geometric shapes and patterns in their frames and lenses. They have a distinctive, modern look, and are characterized by their sharp angles, straight lines and bold shapes. They have been popularized by various fashion icons and celebrities, and have been worn in movies and TV shows as well. They are a choice for people who want to make a bold fashion statement.

8. Keyhole Bridge Sunglasses

Keyhole bridge sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature a keyhole-shaped cutout on the bridge of the frames, where the frame sits on the nose. This design allows the frame to sit closer to the face and provides a more secure fit. They often have a vintage-inspired look and are characterised by their keyhole bridge, and thin metal frames. They have been popularised by various films and celebrities, and are available from a variety of brands.

Keyhole bridge sunglasses have been around since the 1930s and 1940s, and have been popularized by various movies and TV shows. They were worn by many celebrities in the 1950s and 1960s, including Malcolm X, who popularised the Clubmaster style, which is known for its keyhole bridge.

Keyhole bridge sunglasses also had a resurgence of popularity in the early 2000s, and continue to be popular today. They are often worn by individuals who want to achieve a vintage or retro look. They are also worn by various celebrities in the music industry and on red carpets.

In summary, Keyhole bridge sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature a keyhole-shaped cutout on the bridge of the frames, allowing them to sit closer to the face. They have a vintage-inspired look, and have been popularised by various movies and TV shows, celebrities and have been worn by individuals who want to achieve a vintage or retro look.

9. Oversized Sunglasses

Oversized sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature larger-than-average frames and lenses. They have a distinctive, bold look and are characterized by their size, which can range from slightly larger than average to significantly larger. They have been popularised by various fashion icons and celebrities, and are available from a variety of brands.

Oversized sunglasses have been around for decades and have been popularised by various celebrities and fashion icons. They were worn by many celebrities in the 1970s and 1980s, including Jackie Onassis, who popularised the "Jackie O" sunglasses, which were oversized and round. They were also worn by many other celebrities in movies and TV shows, including Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.

Oversized sunglasses also had a resurgence of popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, thanks in part to the film "Clueless" where actress Alicia Silverstone wore them, and again in the early 2010s with the help of various movies and TV shows that featured them prominently. Today, oversized sunglasses are still a popular style, often worn by individuals who want to achieve a bold, fashion-forward look or simply to protect their eyes from the sun.

In summary, Oversized sunglasses are a style of sunglasses that feature larger-than-average frames and lenses. They have a distinctive, bold look, and have been popularized by various fashion icons and celebrities, and worn in movies and TV shows. They are often worn by individuals who want to achieve a bold, fashion-forward look or simply to protect their eyes from the sun.

10. Clip-On sunglasses

Clip-on sunglasses are a type of sunglasses that can be easily attached and detached to a pair of eyeglasses, allowing the wearer to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses easily. They typically have a small clip or magnetic mechanism that attaches to the frame of the eyeglasses. They have been popularized by people who wear eyeglasses and want to have the option to use sunglasses without having to switch to a different pair of glasses.

Clip-on sunglasses have been around for decades and have been popularized by individuals who wear eyeglasses and want to have the option to use sunglasses without having to switch to a different pair of glasses. They are especially popular among people who have prescriptions glasses that they need to wear all the time, but also want to protect their eyes from the sun.

Clip-on sunglasses have also been featured in several movies and TV shows, for example in the series "Mad Men" where the character Don Draper wears them. They are also worn by various celebrities and public figures, who are often seen wearing clip-on sunglasses over their regular glasses when in public.

In summary, Clip-on sunglasses are a type of sunglasses that can be easily attached and detached to a pair of eyeglasses, allowing the wearer to switch between regular glasses and sunglasses easily. They have been popularized by people who wear eyeglasses and want to have the option to use sunglasses without having to switch to a different pair of glasses. They have been featured in several movies and TV shows and have been worn by various celebrities and public figures.