FIVE SUNGLASSES TRENDS TO KNOW IN 2024

The resurgence of aviator frames accompanies a handful of other incoming sunglasses trends in 2024 collections.

Fashion is constantly subject to the ebb and flow of trends. Some return to open arms while others have a harder time working their way into the zeitgeist, and being able to spot them as they begin their journey is a skill that pays dividends. Trends are arguably most apparent in accessories. While things like outerwear and apparel last for several seasons or a lifetime, accessories like sunglasses and bags work on a season-to-season basis.

This year sees a continuation of several of 2023’s biggest sunglasses trends with a sprinkling of something new. Trends like the ’90s aesthetic continue strongly into 2024, with brands like Coperni and Marni leaning wholeheartedly into the style with nostalgic frames; elsewhere, expect to see a return of technical sunglasses with sporty silhouettes and mirrored lenses. One of 2024’s biggest sunglasses trends is a glorious return to form for the aviator—the once-outlawed frame is led back into the spotlight by exciting names like Bottega Veneta and DITA. As a whole, 2024 sunglasses trends show a move towards dramatic shapes that reference classic styles: They’re familiar but have renewed personality.

Hot librarian

A scroll through 2024 latest arrivals pages will uncover a wealth of sunglasses with thin rims. On the back of the “hot librarian” or “hot nerd” look championed by Bella Hadid, thin metal frames are having a moment. Brands like Matsuda and Versace offer striking takes on the look that centers around embellishment on the arms while Ray-Ban and MYKITA keep things tamer but no less attractive.

Matsuda Silver M3137 Sunglasses

Since it was founded in 1967, Matsuda has represented the highest levels of craftsmanship and original style. The M3137 Sunglasses align with 2024 sunglasses trends while never losing sight of the brand’s timeless appeal.

MYKITA Silver Alcott Sunglasses

MYKITA’s Alcott Sunglasses boast thin, stainless steel frames with a distinctive doubled-up detail that is sleek and refined.

Ray-Ban Gold RB3719 Sunglasses

It would be difficult to find a year when Ray-Ban sunglasses aren’t trending. The iconic label’s RB3719 Sunglasses fall into multiple trending moments this year, with a taste of aviator style as well as a ’90s-leaning design, which all fits comfortably under the hot librarian category.

Versace Gold Medusa Deco Oval Sunglasses

Versace sunglasses have long been in the spotlight, famously favored by the likes of Biggie Smalls and the Kardashians. With tinted pink lenses, this pair brings a cute edge to a hot nerd look.

The ’90s

Love it or hate it, the ’90s are here to stay for the foreseeable future. In 2023, the Y2K trend burned so brightly that it was never going to disappear in 2024, and while the desire for faux-fur and low-rise jeans might be slowly waning, the ’90s sunglasses trend is still one of the clearest of the year. From Coperni to Marni, few brands have been able to resist the nostalgic pull of the aesthetic.

Marni Black Mavericks Sunglasses

Not one to follow trends, Marni usually exists in its own universe of bold color and texture. The brand’s 2024 sunglasses definitely side with the ’90s, though.

Courrèges Black Vision Sunglasses

Courrèges’s Vision Sunglasses wouldn’t look out of place in a Destiny’s Child music video thanks to the rimless wraparound lens.

Coperni Silver Cycling Sunglasses

Fluid shapes and a distinctive sporty style characterize Coperni’s Cycling Sunglasses, which roll the years back.

Rigards Black RG1039TI Sunglasses

Rigards takes inspiration from vintage frames, so the RG1039TI’s original reference likely originated in the ’90s.

Angular frames

Sharp angles are a recurring theme in 2024 sunglasses. Classic shapes are modernized by subtle changes in the orientation of the lenses—typically angled inward to give an elegant cat-eye shape. This is a style that dates back to the ’60s but has remained a flattering and striking aspect of sunglass design ever since. For 2024, the angles are more abrupt and eye-catching than ever before, with elements of other trends like the ’90s trend and the technical trend often working alongside.

Eckhaus Latta SSENSE Exclusive Tortoiseshell ‘The Tilt’ Sunglasses

Eckhaus Latta’s ‘The Tilt’ Sunglasses feature a softer angle than most but perfectly exemplify how a tilted brow brings new life to the narrow-lens style that has been popular for several years now.

Port Tanger Brown Niyyah Sunglasses

Angled brows ensure that this pair of square-lens sunglasses feels refreshed and new while retaining a sense of timeless style.

RETROSUPERFUTURE Green Motore Sunglasses

Green lenses complement the green marbled effect of the RETROSUPERFUTURE Motore Sunglasses.

Bottega Veneta Black Pointed Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Bottega Veneta modernizes a classic cat-eye shape with a chunky black acetate frame and softened interior angles.

Technical Sunglasses

The evolution of gorpcore has played out for us all to see over the past five years or so, and it’s not done yet. With many backing 2024 as the year for gorpcore 2.0—the next generation of the style venturing into more experimental designs that meld disparate worlds like tailoring and formalwear with outdoors technology—it’s no surprise that technical, sporty sunglasses are a major trend for the coming year.

LOEWE White Wave Mask Sunglasses

While LOEWE’s Mask Sunglasses don’t have the streamlined shape of other sports sunglasses, the mirrored shield-style lens is an unmistakable aspect of the trend.

Balenciaga Silver Reverse Xpander 2.0 Sunglasses

Sleek, brimming with nostalgic appeal, and sporty as you like, Balenciaga’s Xpander 2.0 Sunglasses are tipped to have a big 2024.

Briko Gray & Green Load Modular Sunglasses

Briko’s modular sunglasses revel in the technicalities of outdoorwear. With detachable nose pads and shield lenses, they can be customized and optimized depending on the situation.

Kuboraum Black E50 Sunglasses

A perfect distillation of the gorp 2.0 mindset, this pair of Kuboraum E50 Sunglasses melds tech with conceptual aesthetics.

Aviators

Whether it was fueled by Top Gun’s return to the big screens or not, aviator frames have jumped back into the limelight for 2024. For many years, the classic frame has been overlooked for less flashy designs, but a renewed taste for striking eyewear sets the stage for its return. While TOM FORD keeps things classic with sweeping round lenses and a double bridge, frames from Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta offer a sleeker, more contemporary interpretation of the style.

TOM FORD Gold Leon Sunglasses

Sticking to the aviator rulebook, TOM FORD’s Leon Sunglasses are a blueprint for the classic.

DITA Gold & Black Kudru Sunglasses

DITA’s Kudru Sunglasses satisfy Top Gun cosplay desires with squared lenses and gold-tone frames.

Balenciaga Gunmetal Tag 2.0 Navigator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses are usually fitted with gold-tone frames that contribute to the flashy aesthetic, but Balenciaga bypasses this with a dark gunmetal tone and a streamlined frame.