Tortoise Shell Glasses: Always in Style!

There is one look in eyeglasses that has been around since the 1950s and I, personally, don’t think it will ever go out of style.  That classic look: the tortoise shell frame.

Originally, eyeglass frames were truly made from the shells of actual tortoises.  The organic material had a nice color that looked good on almost all skin tones and felt warm against the skin. It was also easily moldable making it a popular material for other items like hair clips, jewelry, or guitar pics.

Then in 1973, an international law was passed that banned the use of the shell of the Hawksbill Turtle, in order to protect it as an endangered species.  So manufacturers had to find ways to recreate the beautiful brown color blends out of moldable synthetic materials.

In the 50s you were most likely to find tortoise shell on the infamous horn-rimmed (like Ray-Ban^® Wayfarers™) glasses.  But, today you can find the color scheme replicated on frames of every shape and size — and frequently on sunglasses! Most commonly, the color “tortoise shell” is used to categorize a frame with a dark brown and amber pattern.  But, you may also find eyeglass frame colors like light tortoise or demi-amber which describe lighter–more amber toned– versions of the pattern.  Here is great new eyeglass frame by 7 for All Mankind in a traditional tortoise color and then a cute new frame by Anne Klein in a lighter shade.

What else is hot now with tortoise shell frames? Well, color of course!  Eyeglass World has a great selection of the pattern combined with some of the hottest colors of the season.  Personally, I love it with pink! Take a look at these pretty frames by Cover Girl and Rue De Arts!

Tortoise shell is so versatile that it looks great on men, women, and even kids!  Check out my favorite men’s eyeglass frame in tortoise shell, like this more traditional and oh-so-smart looking frame by Bronx.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a person that doesn’t look good in a tortoise shell colored frame.  Head to your closest Eyeglass World and pick out a few pairs! I think you’ll love it too!