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Dec 13, 2023

Best glasses for men in 2023: Stylish frames to wear every day

20/20 vision never looked so good Ryan Reynolds n often overlooked accessory, glasses have the power to define your entire image. From John Lennon to Elton John, Ryan Reynolds to Samuel L. Jackson,

20/20 vision never looked so good

Ryan Reynolds

n often overlooked accessory, glasses have the power to define your entire image.

From John Lennon to Elton John, Ryan Reynolds to Samuel L. Jackson, there are countless style icons across all generations who’ve proven that a pair of specs can do so much more than bring the blurry world into focus.

So, consider this is your cue to join the Hall of Specswearing Fame and capitalise on the accessory yourself. Whether you’re blessed with 20/20 vision and your intentions are purely fashion-led, are guilty of wearing your contact lenses day in and day out and need a break or perhaps just need to upgrade your current style, there’s not a man out there who wouldn’t benefit from investing in some stylish opticals.

This year, the trend on every fashion insider’s lips is ‘quiet luxury’, so designs that are understated and timeless should be on your wish list - and are sure to retain their style kudos for years to come. Think Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley and you’ll be on the right track.

With countless independent eyewear brands on the market, including Cubitts, Jimmy Fairly and Linda Farrow, as well as high-street stalwarts Vision Express and Specsavers, it’s never been easier to find a frame that fits the brief.

The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon

The all-important question - how do you know what shape best suits you? Well, according to Marie Wilkinson, Style Director at eyeglasses expert Cutler & Gross, it’s not as hard as you think: “Choose a frame that compliments your face shape - square and rectangular frames give structure to rounder face shapes whilst rounded shapes will soften chiselled looks.”

Then, you need to decide whether you’re an acetate or wire frame kind of guy. The former is bolder, with options from sleek monochrome to versatile tortoiseshell, whilst the latter, which could be crafted from steel or even a precious metal like titanium, is the more delicate of the two.

Wilkinson continues: “Wire frames are a good choice if you want the most lightweight of glasses. Acetate has more visual impact and is more robust. Our latest precious metals collection, our first in nearly 10 years is proving to be extremely popular – it’s very sought-after because of its extreme shine and reflectiveness.”

“The general rule is that square and rectangular frames give structure to rounder face shapes whilst rounded shapes will soften chiselled looks”, explains Wilkinson. “Be honest with yourself and ask for advice - our opticians, for example, know the collections inside and out and will know what will fit you well. Let them know about the environment in which the frames are to be worn; if you work in an office and on Zoom then choose a pair that looks professional with the colour suiting your colouring.”

“When it comes to acetate glasses, I would look for a hand-polished frame for the most durable finish, as opposed to one that has been varnished which, like nail varnish, can flake off over time”, suggests Wilkinson. “Know how to check? Look at the end of the temple where it joins the front: a hand-polished frame has an unpolished end, whereas a varnished end will be shiny”.

She also advises to “Look for handmade acetate crafted in Italy: the acetate is cured for longer, producing a more stable frame. I would look for after-care service too, where you can return to have the frame adjusted, realigned, repaired and repolished to return it to pristine condition - all of which we have done for over 50 years.”

Samuel L. Jackson wearing wire frame opticals

According to Wilkinson, “Personalised prescription lenses are the newest technology and provide the clearest vision”. She explains that at the Cutler & Gross Knightsbridge store, “we have a state-of-the-art optical measuring system that tracks how the eye moves through the lens. Using in-built eye code technology and H3D analysis, it measures with pin-point accuracy - the optician will then recommend a personalised lens, which is made to order to suit your specific needs”.

For those with extensive screen time, “high-quality anti-reflective coatings can be a great choice”, says Wilkinson “as they repel blue light and support comfortable vision. And finally, you want to make sure the frame sits comfortably on your face, otherwise, it will slide down and cause your eyes to work even harder.”

“In the same way that you would not wear the same pair of shoes for different activities and occasions, different glasses should be worn for different purposes. For instance, glasses for computer use ease eye strain and block blue light. If you frequently switch environments, you might want a frame with transition lenses. Glasses for work and glasses for downtime have different purposes,” she concludes.

Keep scrolling for the best glasses frames for men

A shape that’s favoured by the designer himself, where better to buy a pair of aviators than Tom Ford?

From interiors to fashion, the Seventies is the decade of the moment - and who does it better than Gucci? Aviators are an easy way to get the look - now all you need is the flares to match.

If you’ve got a penchant for precious metals, Linda Farrow is a brand that should be on your radar. Whether you prefer yellow gold, white gold or rose gold, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Founded in 2013, Notting Hill-based eyewear brand Taylor Morris has been designing classic yet fashion-forward collections for 10 years. Our favourite frame? The Hampton. It’s a softly rectangular silhouette that’s crafted from gold-tone stainless steel.

Attention to detail is at the heart of Montblanc. Featuring padding at both the temple tips and the bridge, this frame boasts both form and function in one easy-to-wear design.

From the gold-tone titanium to the label’s signature tri-colour temple tips, Thom Browne’s glasses are a masterclass in luxury - and we’d expect nothing less from the luxury American designer.

You’d be hard pushed finding someone Ace & Tate’s Neil doesn’t suit. Available in four sizes, from small to extra large, and countless finishes, including matte black and gold tone, there’s an option for everyone.

If you’re in the market for stylish reading glasses that don’t break the bank, Parisian label IZIPIZI has you covered.

Specialising in bold, acetate designs, Retrosuperfuture’s collections are for those who like to make a statement.

Whilst you may know Paul Smith for its impeccable tailoring, the brand offers a great range of accessories too. Somewhere in between square and round, the Gower is perfect for those who want the best of both.

If Matt Damon as Tom Ripley is on your eyewear moodboard, Oliver Peoples’ Sheldrake specs should be going straight in your basket. The good news? They come in three colourways.

Whether you’re watching Denzel Washington in Malcolm X or Bruce Willis in Death Becomes Her, it’s clear that browline frames are a Hollywood favourite - and Ray Ban’s Clubmasters are the best in the business.

Finlay & Co’s 2023 update of the classic aviator would do well in any man’s glasses collection - especially those with a soft spot for the 70s.

Add some definition to your facial features with Jimmy Fairly’s rectangular frame. Even better, they’re crafted using plant-based, biodegradable fibres.

Channel your inner Clark Kent with Cutler & Gross’ square design. A classic through and through, it’s a frame that works on nearly every face shape.

Craftsmanship is at the core of cult favourite label Dita Eyewear - and these expertly-made frames offer an acetate-wire hybrid for anyone struggling to pick a side.