Ah, the 80s. I remember them like they were yesterday.
Except I wasn’t born yet.
Like all good 90s kids, I’m dissatisfied with the decades I’ve seen, and yearn deeply for a time when things were quaint and simple: you know, the 80s.
Back then, folks used to wear gigantic suits, synthesizer was the national pastime, and they had sick sunglasses (which they’d wear at night, I hear—what a time to be alive).
So how can you get your hands on a pair of those sweet, sweet shades? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here are the best 80s sunglasses on the market right now.
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5 Best 80s Sunglasses
1. Blenders Eyewear Full Speed
The Blenders Eyewear Full Speed feels like a midnight drive past neon lights. These full visor shades made the top of our list because they not only have the look you want in 80s sunglasses, but they’re legitimately great sunglasses.
I’ve tried out five different frames from Blenders, and I love the ones that fit my face shape. It’s been about a year now, and I still rock my Hexagon’s almost every day.
The Full Speed offers 100% UV protection and it’s polarized, so if you’re an active person or spend any time at the beach, you’ll want a pair.
What I Like
100% UV protection, full visor, and polarization mean these are a great safeguard for your eyes.
Blender’s ships these with a case, a microfiber pouch, and a bunch of fun stickers.
The brand has top-notch customer service.
What I Don’t Like
These fit on the large side, which works if you have a very petite face (for the oversized look), or a large face.
What Other Reviewers Say
These shades have racked up a 4.9-star average with over 150 reviews on the Blender’s site. A lot of folks use them for long-distance biking and running. The hinges are solid, so a lot of active people recommend the Full Speed.
The Verdict
The world of 80s sunglasses is filled with gimmicky costume stuff, and while there’s a time and place for that (specifically, our third pick), if you’re looking for a cool pair of sunglasses that you want to hold on to, the Full Speed from Blenders is the go.
The polarized beauties offer 100% UV protection with all that 80s goodness. Plus, with rubberized frames, the Full Speed make for a great running or biking companion.
2. Ray-Ban Wayfarer
The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is probably the most copied sunglasses silhouette of all time. It was also the best selling pair of shades in the 80s.
Worn by famous singers and movie stars, one could say these Tom Cruised their way to massive popularity in the decade that brought us the glory of Betamax.
What I Like
Wayfarers are timeless—they’ve been popular since the 50s.
With two different sizes available, most people find these frames flattering for their face shape.
They’re made with acetate for better durability and feel.
What I Don’t Like
They’re a bit pricey for how ubiquitous the style is, but they’re still the brand-name classic.
What Other Reviewers Say
The reviews on this one are tricky. If you decide to buy from Amazon, don’t choose any other sellers. There are a lot of scammers shipping out counterfeits. You’ll get genuine products if you buy through Ray Ban’s store (which we’ve linked).
The Verdict
Ray Ban Wayfarers we’re classics in the 80s, and they’re still classics now. There’s a reason why this style is so enduring. If you want to rock the Top Gun look, there’s no better way than the Wayfarer.
You know these already---these were the go-to sunglasses for 80s icons Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tom Cruise, and more. If you want to look like a movie star from the 80s, the Wayfarer is the way to go.
3. Flawless Eyewear ZigZag
Are you looking for some 80s glasses more as a gag or costume? If so, check out the Flawless Eyewear ZigZag sunglasses.
I’ll be honest, these aren’t great shades. But they’re cheap and they have a cool 80s vibe that’s perfect if you want to nail the look without dropping much more than a $10 bill.
What I Like
They’re the only sunglasses to wear if you have a mullet and mustache.
They’re very inexpensive.
Flawless offers an insane variety of color combos.
What I Don’t Like
They’re made with cut-rate materials, so don’t expect a ton of longevity from them.
What Other Reviewers Say
On Amazon, these sunglasses have amassed a 4.6 rating with over 650 reviews. Mulleted reviewers noticed their powers rising after their purchase, and while a few folks found QC issues, the majority of buyers are happy.
The Verdict
If you want a pair of costume 80s glasses on the cheap, the Flawless Eyewear ZigZag glasses are the way to go. When wearing them, you’re not likely to blow anyone away with your taste and refinement, but these shades offer a low-cost way to get some of that 80s feel right onto your face.
Don't these make you want to say, ohhhh, yeahhh? Yeah, we know they do. These are a bit cheap-o, but they'll get the job done if you need that 80s look on the fly.
4. Blenders Eyewear Eclipse
Blenders Eyewear makes it back on the list with their Eclipse. These single mirrored lens shades have a distinct 80s vibe, and are an excellent choice for active folks and anyone looking for a durable pair of sunglasses.
Available in four different color varieties, these all feature rubberized frames, which helps keep them placed securely on your head and also enhances their look and feel.
What I Like
With 100% UV protection and polarization, these offer real protection against the elements.
The rubberized frame helps keep them secure on your head in active sports.
The spring-loaded hinges feel premium.
What I Don’t Like
I’d like to see Blenders add more color options.
What Other Reviewers Say
With over 250 reviewers giving the Eclipse a 4.9 out of 5 rating, it’s safe to say buyers are happy. There are so many exclamation points in the reviews, it’s dizzying. Customer service stands out as one of the big bonuses of shopping with Blenders, too.
The Verdict
The Blenders Eclipse mixes retro style, good quality, excellent protection, and a low price point. If you’re a fan of those four things, you’ll be a fan of the Eclipse.
The Eclipse has all the 80s vibes you want but doesn't look out of place on the beach volleyball court.
5. zeroUV Cyclops
Ok, here we are again with another pair of prop sunglasses. But I recently watched RoboCop and I can’t help myself.
The zeroUV Cyclops shades have a healthy dose of futuristic flair that’ll have you wondering: are we ever going to get hover-cars?
Like Flawless Eyewear, zeroUV makes cool looking 80s glasses on the cheap. These aren’t the type you wear to impress your girlfriend’s parents, nor will they be able to handle too many drops. But they’re the best at what they do and for under $20, this is all the futuristic style you need.
What I Like
The Cyclops has a unique shape that’s hard to find anywhere else.
They feature a nose bridge for comfort.
Available in a huge variety of colors.
What I Don’t Like
The shape of the lens distorts your peripheral vision, so they’re no good for driving.
What Other Reviewers Say
One word that came up over and over throughout the reviews was “practical.” As in, “these aren’t practical, but they’re awesome.”
That said, nearly 1000 reviewers give them a 4.1-star rating, so who cares about practicality, anyway?
The Verdict
The zeroUV Cyclops either speaks to you or it doesn’t. At a sub-$20 price, don’t expect the greatest quality, though you can expect to look badass. While these aren’t perfect, they have a unique style that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Want to look like a space man? Here's how you do it. The zeroUV Cyclops are great costume classes at an inexpensive price.
Time to Choose
If you’re not sure which of these stellar shades to pick up, let me hit you with a quiz.
What’s your favorite 80s movie?
If you said Weekend at Bernie’s, first of all, you’re correct. Second, your glasses are the Blenders Eyewear Full Speed.
The polarized beauties offer 100% UV protection with all that 80s goodness. Plus, with rubberized frames, the Full Speed make for a great running or biking companion.
Top Gun lovers go for the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. The Flawless Eyewear ZigZag’s are great for Bowie and Labyrinth fans. The zeroUV Cyclops just looks straight out of RoboCop.
And if you want that Jeff Bridges in the 1982 Tron type sex appeal, look no further than the Blenders Eyewear Eclipse.
The Eclipse has all the 80s vibes you want but doesn't look out of place on the beach volleyball court.
FAQs
What sunglasses were popular in the 80s?
The most popular sunglasses of the 80s were the Ray Ban Wayfarers. Aviator-style sunglasses were also very popular because they were Michael Jackson’s preferred style.
When did sunglasses become fashionable?
Sunglasses became widely popular in the 30s, usually with round frames and simple designs. 30s-era shades look quite similar to many popular styles today, surprisingly enough.
