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HomeBlog Fashion InspirationThe top 8 fun and funky 70s sunglasses

The top 8 fun and funky 70s sunglasses

The top 8 fun and funky 70s sunglasses

Vintage fashion lovers are rediscovering their love for 70s sunglasses — and it’s easy to see why. The decade that defined bold self-expression, creative freedom, and statement accessories that refused to blend in. Today, those iconic styles are making a confident comeback.

From disco dancefloors to laid-back bohemian looks, 70s sunglasses captured the spirit of the era with oversized shapes, tinted lenses, and colourful acetate. Whether you’re drawn to glamorous curves or oversized silhouettes, these retro designs prove that great style never dates. 

Oversized angular 70s sunglasses: disco-ready and daring

Few styles capture retro cool quite like 70s oversized sunglasses — from large square frames to quirky geometric shapes. Thanks to advances in lightweight plastics during the 70s, frames became bigger, bolder, and more comfortable. 

Celebrities like Elton John and Diana Ross turned these big-frame sunglasses into signature pieces, pairing them with flamboyant outfits and undeniable rock ‘n’ roll stage presence. Today, these vintage sunglasses are back in the spotlight, worn by modern icons like Jennifer Lopez and The Weeknd, and spotted in hit TV shows like The Serpent and Poker Face.

A woman with reddish brown, wavy hair looking sideways. She's wearing large square sunglasses with a green frame and red lenses.

☀️ For a modern take on disco-era glamour, choose tinted sunglasses with 100% UV protection — ideal for standing out while keeping your eyes protected.

Try these styles:

Oval and butterfly sunglasses: 70s glamour at its finest

In-keeping with the oversized theme, big black oval designs and bold butterfly sunglasses were among the most glamorous eyewear styles of the 1970s. Fashion icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, and Sophia Loren made these oversized sunglasses symbols of confidence and mystery. 

A young blonde woman wearing oversized black sunglasses and a patterned headscarf looks upward in warm sunlight, with a rocky coastal arch and water softly blurred in the background.

Perhaps the most iconic of all were Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s signature oval sunglasses, which cemented the “Jackie O’“ look as a vintage style staple.

Men embraced the trend too. David Bowie, Marc Bolan, and Freddie Mercury wore oval frame sunglasses as part of the glam rock movement — a look later revived by trendsetters like Lady Gaga and Harry Styles.

🎸 Add a touch of rock’n’roll to your everyday style with thick frame black or tortoiseshell sunnies, available with prescription lenses for practical, wearable glamour and a classic retro vibe.

Try these styles:

Round retro sunglasses: effortlessly cool and artistic

Nothing says “retro” quite like a pair of round 70s sunglasses. From John Lennon’s iconic metal frames to Andy Warhol’s tortoise and transparent designs, this shape defined the era’s artistic and countercultural spirit. 

Lightweight, unisex, and endlessly versatile, round sunglasses suit square and angular face shapes particularly well, softening features while keeping a bold look.

A young brunette woman wearing small round metal sunglasses and a pale yellow summer dress reclines on a striped blue and white towel on a pebble beach, gazing to the side with the sea softly out of focus in the background.

Vintage 70s round sunglasses with tinted lenses are perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia to any outfit. 

🕺 For a true vintage 70s finish, try gradient lenses in warm brown or amber tones — perfect for festival season or everyday wear.

Try these styles:

A man with medium-length brown hair wearing amber-tinted aviator sunglasses, a dark turtleneck, and a brown leather jacket stands outdoors beneath autumn leaves, with a misty urban building blurred in the background.

Aviator sunglasses: rock ’n’ roll rebellion

No list of 70s eyewear icons would be complete without aviator sunglasses. Originally designed for pilots, aviators became a symbol of confidence, rebellion, and effortless cool throughout the decade. 

Stars like Elvis Presley, Gloria Steinem, and Stevie Nicks embraced aviators as part of their signature rock’n’roll look. Double-bridge designs and metallic finishes reflected the era’s military influences and anti-establishment attitude.

😎 Today, aviator sunglasses come in a wide range of shapes and colours. Choose a pair of square aviators for a modern twist, or stick with the classic vintage-style pilot shape in gold or silver metal for timeless 70s style.

Try these styles:

A young woman with long brown hair wearing aviator-style sunglasses with tinted lenses, an orange turtleneck, and a neutral-toned coat looks to the side in soft sunlight, with potted plants and foliage blurred in the background.

Style sunglasses the 70s way

From oversized square sunglasses to tinted aviators, 70s sunglasses styles are more than just accessories — they’re statements of personality, creativity, and confidence.

So, whether you prefer subtle retro touches or full disco glamour, you’ll find your perfect pair at Glasses Direct. Use our Frame Size Guide  and Best Fit Machine to find the right fit and try on your favourites at home with our Free Home Trial,. With next-day delivery available, you can get ready to rock your favourite vintage outfits with trendy 70s style sunnies in no time.