A Guide to Collector-Favorite Retro Sunglasses

Have you ever wondered if that old pair of sunglasses tucked away in a drawer is just an outdated accessory or a timeless classic? You’re not alone. This guide explores some of the most iconic and sought-after retro sunglasses that have become favorites among collectors, helping you identify these legendary styles.

The All-Time Classics: Styles That Defined Eras

Certain sunglass designs are more than just eyewear; they are cultural artifacts. They tell a story of innovation, celebrity influence, and timeless appeal. For collectors, owning an original piece from a specific era is like owning a piece of history. Here are some of the most significant styles that collectors and fashion enthusiasts prize today.

Ray-Ban Aviator: The Military Original

Perhaps no sunglass is more universally recognized than the Aviator. Its story begins in the 1930s when Bausch & Lomb developed it for U.S. military pilots to protect their eyes from high-altitude glare. The original models, featuring a lightweight frame and large, convex G-15 green lenses, were purely functional.

Why It’s a Collector’s Favorite: Authenticity and history are key. Collectors seek out early models made by Bausch & Lomb (before the brand was sold to Luxottica in 1999). These vintage pairs are often identified by a “B&L” etching on the lenses and specific markings on the frame. The connection to military history, and later their adoption by cultural icons like Marlon Brando and Tom Cruise in Top Gun, cemented their legendary status.
What to Look For: Pre-1999 Bausch & Lomb production, original cases, and frames made in the USA. Early military-issue pairs are the holy grail for serious collectors.

Ray-Ban Wayfarer: The Rebel’s Choice

Introduced in 1956, the Wayfarer was a radical departure from the metal frames that dominated the market. Its trapezoidal plastic frame, designed by Raymond Stegeman, was masculine, modern, and exuded a new kind of cool. The style was famously worn by cultural figures like Bob Dylan, Andy Warhol, and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Why It’s a Collector’s Favorite: The Wayfarer represents a turning point in design and culture. After a dip in popularity, the style was revived in the 1980s through a massive product placement campaign, appearing in films like The Blues Brothers and Risky Business. Collectors prize the original 1950s and 60s models for their distinct frame angle and build quality.
What to Look For: Original “Wayfarer” models from the 50s and 60s (model number RB2140 is the modern classic). Look for the B&L etching and sturdy, high-quality acetate frames that feel heavier than modern reproductions.

Persol 649 & 714: Italian Craftsmanship and Hollywood Cool

The Italian brand Persol has a rich history of quality and innovation. The Persol 649 was originally designed in 1957 for tram drivers in Turin, Italy, offering protection from dust and air. However, it was actor Marcello Mastroianni who made them famous in the film Divorce Italian Style.

The brand’s most famous model is arguably the Persol 714, the first-ever pair of folding sunglasses. They became eternally linked with Steve McQueen, who wore a custom pair with blue lenses in The Thomas Crown Affair.

Why It’s a Collector’s Favorite: The combination of innovative design (the folding mechanism of the 714) and the “King of Cool” endorsement makes these highly collectible. The brand’s signature “Meflecto” system, which allows the stems to flex for comfort, is another hallmark of quality.
What to Look For: Vintage Persol 714s, especially those from the 1960s, are extremely valuable. Check for the silver “Supreme Arrow” hinge, a brand trademark, and the “Ratti” inscription on the inner arm, which indicates production at the original factory in Turin.

Cat-Eye Sunglasses: 1950s Feminine Glamour

The cat-eye frame, with its upswept shape at the outer edges where the arms join the frame front, was the definitive feminine style of the 1950s and 60s. It was a bold, glamorous look sported by Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Unlike other styles dominated by one brand, many designers produced iconic cat-eye frames.

Why It’s a Collector’s Favorite: Vintage cat-eye sunglasses are collected for their variety and flamboyant designs. Collectors love the unique colors, embedded rhinestones, and intricate details that are hard to find in modern mass-produced eyewear. They represent a specific era of optimistic, post-war glamour.
What to Look For: Look for frames from brands like Tura, which was known for its ornate aluminum frames, or American Optical. Unique colors, patterns, and embellishments increase their value and desirability.

Teashades: The Counter-Culture Symbol

Teashades, also known as “John Lennon glasses,” are characterized by their perfectly round, often small lenses and a thin wire frame. While they existed for decades, they became a symbol of the 1960s counter-culture movement, famously worn by musicians like John Lennon and Janis Joplin. They were seen as anti-fashion and intellectual.

Why It’s a Collector’s Favorite: Their value comes from their immense cultural significance. While simple in design, they represent a powerful moment in social history. Collectors often seek out original 1960s frames, which can be delicate and hard to find in good condition.
What to Look For: Authentic vintage wire frames from the 60s are often unbranded. The value is in their condition and historical accuracy. Windsor-style frames, which have celluloid coating around the rims, are a particularly classic variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between “vintage” and “retro” sunglasses? Generally, “vintage” refers to items that are actually old, typically 20 to 100 years. “Retro” refers to new items that are made to look like they are from a past era. For collectors, true vintage pieces are far more valuable.

How can I tell if my old sunglasses are valuable? Check for brand names like Ray-Ban (with B&L markings), Persol (with Ratti markings), American Optical, or Carrera. Look for signs of quality craftsmanship, unique materials, and good condition. The cultural significance of the style and its rarity also play a huge role.

Where is the best place to find vintage sunglasses? You can find them at specialized vintage stores, high-end flea markets, and reputable online dealers. Be cautious when buying online and always ask for detailed pictures of any markings or etchings to verify authenticity.