From futuristic smart glasses to nostalgic throwbacks, this year’s eyewear scene is refreshingly diverse. Whether drawn to bold statement pieces or preferring understated elegance, there’s something exciting for every face.# The eyewear trends taking 2025 by storm

The question of what’s trending in eyewear right now is one of the most frequently asked by clients seeking new frames. The truth is, 2025 has brought an incredible variety of eyewear trends that cater to every personality and style preference.

From futuristic smart glasses to nostalgic throwbacks, this year’s eyewear scene is refreshingly diverse. Whether you’re drawn to bold statement pieces or prefer understated elegance, there’s something exciting waiting for your face.

The year of bold choices and smart technology

2025 has established itself as the year where eyewear truly embraces both fashion and function. We’re seeing a beautiful balance between cutting-edge technology and timeless style, with sustainability becoming more important than ever.

The overarching theme? Confidence. This year’s trends encourage wearers to view their glasses not just as vision aids, but as powerful style statements that can transform an entire look.

Shape trends dominating 2025

The rise of the oval

This year’s fastest growing frame shape for women is without question the oval. Over the past few years, cat-eyes have dominated as the most prominent shape for women, but in 2025, feminine oval styles are taking over in peak popularity for those looking to switch things up.

From narrow oval metal designs in black, gold or silver that offer a chic look for Gen-Z customers, to wider ’60s-inspired designs that are playful when paired with bright colours or patterns, the oval trend offers something for everyone.

Cat-eye frames with geometric twists

While ovals are gaining ground, cat eye glasses continue to dominate the fashion scene as one of the most popular eyewear styles for 2025. Geometric cat eye glasses are a major eyewear trend, known for their ability to enhance facial features while making a bold fashion statement.

These modern interpretations feature sharper angles and more dramatic upswept corners. Brands like Dita, Francis Klein, and Caroline Abram have showcased variations that range from subtly updated classics to dramatically oversized statement pieces.

Oversized frames make their mark

The bigger-is-better philosophy continues to reign supreme. Oversized frames continue to dominate in 2025, recalling the bold aesthetic of the 2000s. These frames aren’t just about making a statement – they offer practical benefits like better UV protection and can be incredibly flattering when proportioned correctly.

For those worried about overwhelming their features, remember that going deeper rather than wider can achieve the oversized look without drowning smaller faces.

Geometric shapes gaining momentum

Both classic and on-trend, geometric frame shapes are getting more popular by the day. These frames can be any non-traditional shape, incorporate any design detail, and use any frame material, meaning there’s something that will flatter every face in this expansive category.

According to industry data, geometric is the fastest growing frame shape by percentage growth, up 73 percent. Customers show a disproportionately high interest in geometric frames when browsing online, making this a trend worth stocking.

The return of narrow frames

In a surprising twist from the oversized trend, narrow shaped frames are making a triumphant comeback that are minimal in size but mighty in statement-making style. Today’s narrow shapes go beyond the traditional rectangle of decades past, with curves and slight uplifts softening the look while retaining the elongated shape.

According to industry data, 26 percent of customer searches are for narrow frames, with eye sizes of 50 or less as the second most searched frame size. This trend has taken many of its viral cues from social media, with celebrities and style setters sporting narrow shapes on red carpets and in everyday street style.

Aviators with a modern edge

Adopted by creative types in recent years, this style has become a favourite amongst the style set for its universally flattering shape. The classic aviator silhouette has been refreshed with new materials, updated proportions, and contemporary colour palettes while maintaining its timeless appeal.

Colour palettes setting the tone

Green – the colour of the moment

When it comes to eyewear colours, black remains a classic and forever trend, but editors undeniably declare green as the frame colour of the moment. Green is the fastest growing colour by percentage growth, with a 76 percent increase when comparing newly added frames to the entire database.

There’s a bountiful variety of shade variations on the green spectrum. Brighter greens such as kelly green and lime green are great for those who want to make a bolder colour statement, while darker hues such as olive green and hunter green lean more neutral for those who prefer a subtler shade.

Yellow has emerged as the standout colour of the season. For spring/summer 2025, the standout eyewear trend takes on various shades of yellow, with butter yellow leading the way. This optimistic hue adds instant warmth and personality to any outfit.

Black frames – the little black dress of eyewear

There’s nothing more iconic than a little black dress, and the same goes for the little (or oversized) black frame. Like the LBD, a black frame can be dressed up or dressed down and worn every day or on special occasions.

Black creates the perfect canvas for special detailing such as wood panelling, metallic decor, and crystal accents. Because black is such a classic, this trend offers something for everyone and is found in every price point and shape. Industry data shows that black remains the most common colour offered by manufacturers, with 23 percent of frames and the most searched colour by customers online.

Transparent and barely-there

In keeping with the minimalist style which has graced catwalks for the last few seasons, transparent frames pair well with neutrals and monochromes. Clear frames continue to be popular because they’re universally flattering and won’t clash with your wardrobe or natural colouring.

Tortoise – the eternal favourite

When it comes to patterns and prints on eyewear, there is no question: tortoise takes first place. A true classic in both sunwear and optical frames, tortoise remains a reliable favourite and a forever trend.

Traditional brown tortoise, also known as Havana, will always be a perennial favourite, but tortoise has diversified its colour palette to expand its wearability. Light yellow takes on Havana offer a brighter iteration on traditional tortoise, while blues, pinks, and even oranges and purples have staked their claim as solid tortoise options.

According to industry data, tortoise is among the top three frame colours searched by customers browsing for frames online, with 10 percent of searches for tortoise frames in 2024.

Material innovations and sustainability

Eco-friendly options

Sustainability is no longer a niche trend—it’s a mainstream movement. Expect to see eyeglass frames made from eco-friendly materials like recycled plastic, bamboo, and even biodegradable or plant-based options.

Progressive brands are leading the charge with innovative materials that don’t compromise on style or durability. The industry’s move towards taking responsibility while creating beautiful, functional eyewear is encouraging to see.

Ultra-lightweight frames

Ultra-lightweight frames, often known as featherlight, are a defining trend in 2025, offering a sleek solution for those seeking comfort without sacrificing aesthetics. These frames use advanced materials like titanium and polycarbonate to create glasses you’ll forget you’re wearing.

Minimalist metal designs

“Personally, I think that the trend is moving back towards intricate metal eyewear. We are definitely ready for it,” says industry expert Sven Götti. Precision-crafted metal frames with clean lines and technical sophistication are gaining popularity among those who appreciate understated elegance.

Statement details and embellishments

Statement temple details

Unique temple designs including embellishments, funky patterns, cutouts, filigree and drop temples are statement-making details that never go unnoticed. This year, there’s a rise in eyewear with unexpected design details, especially dropped, curved and angular temples.

Logos are back and bigger than ever, with companies splashing their trademark branding all over temples to create an over-the-top and noticeable fashion statement. Embellished temples offer a glamorous touch with crystals, studs and jewels that provide a bit of sparkle and shine.

Wraparound and curved frames

This sport-inspired style has received a ’90s revival and has become ultra-popular with Gen-Z. Wraparound and curved sunglasses have become a mainstream hit with this stylish generation, cycling back into the eyewear world with rising popularity.

The futuristic-inspired look continues to trend, and wraparound and curved frames are the perfect accessory to achieve this style. Fashion designers are placing more eyewear than ever on their models, with a huge uptick in wraps this season making their presence known on runways around the world.

Key brands to watch

Several brands are leading the innovation charge in 2025:

ic! berlin – Created with an ingenious interlocking hinge. ic! berlin glasses are pure design and award winning

De Lotto – Classic lines while avoiding fad faux pas. Each frame is a little work of art that is unique and precious

Johann von Goisern – The unique lamination technique brings colour to eye wear like we’ve never seen it before

Lindberg – Lightweight, technically advanced frames that take inspiration from the minimalist aesthetic and impeccable craftsmanship

Etnia Barcelona – Celebrating cultural storytelling through design

Maison Jean-François Rey – Choose from their original collections presented each year in Paris, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, or Tokyo

Making trends work for you

Remember, the best trend is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. The glasses that are best for you are the ones you like most.

Consider your lifestyle, face shape, and personal style when exploring these trends. A bold yellow frame might be perfect for your weekend wardrobe, while sleek metal frames could be ideal for professional settings.

Don’t feel pressured to adopt every trend – choose elements that resonate with personal style and enhance natural features. An optical dispenser can help navigate these options and find frames that work specifically for individual face shapes and prescription needs.

The bottom line

2025’s eyewear trends offer something for everyone, from tech enthusiasts to vintage lovers, sustainability advocates to statement-makers. The key is finding the perfect balance between what’s current and what works for your unique style and needs.

Whether drawn to futuristic smart glasses, nostalgic aviators, or bold geometric shapes, this year’s trends celebrate individuality and self-expression. Glasses should be an extension of personality – so choose frames that bring a smile every time they’re worn.

Ready to explore 2025’s hottest eyewear trends? Book a consultation with a frame specialist to discover which styles will work best for individual face shapes, lifestyles, and vision needs.