Eye On The Future: 7 Men’s Glasses & Spectacles Trends For 2025

It’s surprising how many people treat glasses as an afterthought. For those who need them, they’re one of the only things you’re likely to wear every single day. And yet it feels as though a large portion of men simply pick a frame on a whim and never look back. This is a shame, because a good pair of glasses can completely alter your look. They can become a signature, framing the face and pulling outfits together with ease.

If you’re in the market for a new pair, we’re here to help. The landscape of eyewear trends is in a state of perpetual flux, but certain trending styles have proven their worth over decades and earned their place.

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the key styles currently popular, but only those worthy of your consideration. Because while these frames are in vogue at the moment, they haven’t come from nowhere. These shapes and designs have a solid track record, which means there’s a high chance they’ll look as good a decade down the line as they do today.

Black And Bold

Johann Wolff

If you’re looking for something striking and impactful to frame your face and solidify your look, a thick and strong black acetate frame is a good place to start. Popularised in the 40s and 50s, these rock ‘ n ‘ roll relics can still look and feel relevant today, just as long as you avoid cosplaying Buddy Holly with the rest of your outfit.

A classic Wayfarer-style frame will work well for those with oval or round faces, while those with more angular features may want to consider a frame with softer edges to balance their features.

Brow Bar Revival

Moscot

Another retro eyewear style that has been gathering pace is the brow-bar frame. These bold glasses feature a prominent bar above the bridge of the nose, linking both lenses across the brow line.

They were huge in the 70s, and while some unfortunate serial-killer connotations dragged them down, they can offer a strong look for the right person.

…And Browlines

Moscot

If a full browbar feels like a bit too much, you might be more at home with a pair of browline glasses instead. These throwback frames still accentuate the brow but in a slightly softer, less in-your-face manner.

They’re typically wire frames finished with acetate along the tops. The Ray-Ban Clubmaster is probably the most notable example. Think of them as a halfway point between wire and acetate – a compromise for those who struggle to make decisions.

Seeing Clearly

Jimmy Fairly

Glasses don’t have to be all, “ooh, look at me!” to give your outfit an edge. They can be low-key, subtle, barely there, and still impart your style with a bit of character – a unique visual hook. Case in point: clear acetate frames.

Either crystal clear or with a subtle hint of colour, these transparent frames draw attention without demanding it. They’re a bit different, slightly offbeat and alternative, but all without making a song and dance about it.

Vintage Frames

Moscot

 

Quite often, it’s the past that serves as the greatest source of inspiration. Of course, there are many old frame designs that remain hugely popular today. However, there are also plenty of forgotten yet trending styles from decades past that are well worth revisiting.

If you’re bored of the standard eyewear options on the market today, search instead for styles from the 50s, 60s and 70s, and either get yourself on eBay or find a brand making quality reproductions today.

A few of our favourites are Oscar Deen, Banton Frameworks and Moscot.

Statement Makers

Jimmy Fairly

Whether it’s a brightly coloured acetate frame or something slim and metal with an unusual shape, eye-catching glasses are an easy way to elevate your look. Look for something that commands attention and use it to sign even the most bland of outfits off with a flourish.

Lots of the styles already mentioned above fall squarely into this camp, so there’s plenty to choose from – from bold black acetate to frame the face to big brow-bar styles that give a not-so-subtle nod to the Seventies.

Oversized

Johann Wolff

Tiny little sunglasses may be trending right now, but when it comes to spectacles, the opposite is true. Here, massive frames are flourishing, with numerous brands ramping up their oversized offerings to cater to the increased demand.

We like them because they’re bold, impactful and give you a bit of punch. Not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re looking for something to cut through the noise and grab people’s attention, this is an excellent way to go.

Paddy Maddison

Paddy Maddison is Ape's Style Editor. His work has been published in Esquire, Men’s Health, ShortList, The Independent and more. An outerwear and sneaker fanatic, his finger is firmly on the pulse for the latest trends, while always maintaining an interest in classic style.