Tortoise Shell Glasses for Women and Men

Some styles never go out of fashion, and tortoise shell glasses certainly belong in that category. Timeless eyewear styles are rarely achieved, but tortoise shell specs are certainly that, and have remained a popular fashion choice throughout most of the 20th century, and still do today.

Up until the early 1970s, these frames were made out of actual tortoise shells, but this practice is now thankfully illegal. Modern frames are made from a stained, high-quality acetate material that combines the authentic tortoise shell look, with the durability and functionality of the contemporary design.

Tortoise Shell Glasses for Women and Men
  • Lennon Leopard TR90 Eyeglasses from ANRRI, Front View
    Lennon $45
  • Topper Tortoise Acetate Eyeglasses from ANRRI, Front View
    Topper $45
  • thando round tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Thando $55
  • lebelo black tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Lebelo $75
  • Squire Tortoise Metal Eyeglasses from ANRRI, Front View
    Squire $45
  • Kate Cateye Black Eyeglasses from ANRRI
    Kate $45
  • Nova Ivory Tortoise Acetate Eyeglasses from ANRRI
    Nova $45
  • Tristan Tortoise Acetate Eyeglasses from ANRRI, Front View
    Tristan $45
  • Tene Tortoise Metal Eyeglasses from ANRRI, Front View
    Tene $45
  • Carter Browline Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Carter $45
  • hago rectangle tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Hago $45
  • Tayte Tortoise Metal Eyeglasses from ANRRI, Front View
    Tayte $45
  • Langston Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Langston $55
  • ventro metal tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Ventro $45
  • dakota semi-rimless tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Dakota $45
  • kingsley acetate square tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Kingsley $45
  • Tempest cateye nebular blue Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Tempest $45
  • Palermo cateye metal gold Eyeglasses from ANRRI,front view
    Palermo $45
  • janbah tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI
    Janbah $45
  • Whitley Rectangle Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Whitley $45
  • Setlla Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Setlla $45
  • Tegan Cateye Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI
    Tegan $45
  • Alejandro Rectangle Black Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Alejandro $55
  • Tate Rectangle Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Tate $45
  • Joseph Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI
    Joseph $55
  • Arad round tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Arad $45
  • Monisola round tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Monisola $45
  • Angela Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Angela $45
  • Rayan Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Rayan $55
  • Caiden Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Caiden $45
  • Francesca Geometric Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Francesca $45
  • Winifred Cateye Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI
    Winifred $45
  • Shelby Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Shelby $45
  • Tammy Geometric Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Tammy $45
  • Papaya Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Papaya $55
  • Tetra Aviator Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Tetra $55
  • Teniayo round tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Teniayo $45
  • phoenix acetate tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Phoenix $45
  • Caroline Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI
    Caroline $45
  • Beatrice Cateye Red Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Beatrice $45
  • Carol Cateye Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Carol $45
  • novis cateye tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Novis $45
  • elgrad rectangle tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Elgrad $45
  • Gotzon Tortoise Metal Eyeglasses from ANRRI, Front View
    Gotzon $45
  • Dorothy Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Dorothy $45
  • Chaya Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Chaya $45
  • Lvy Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Lvy $45
  • Darby square tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Darby $45
  • Malakai Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Malakai $45
  • Amari Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI front view
    Amari $45
  • Alexis Browline Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Alexis $45
  • Dillon Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Dillon $45
  • Allyson Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Allyson $45
  • Onyx Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Onyx $45
  • Canterbury Rectangle Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Canterbury $75
  • Koa Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Koa $55
  • Alia Geometric Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Alia $45
  • Emberly Round Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Emberly $55
  • Zariah Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Zariah $45
  • Azalea Square Tortoise Eyeglasses from ANRRI, front view
    Azalea $45

Tortoise Shells - The Beginnings of Eyewear Fashion

Until the beginning of the 20th century, eyewear wasn't exactly a fashion accessory. Glasses were utilitarian, made of natural materials such as wood or cow bone, and lacked any sense of fashion. But this was all about to change.

When Harold Lloyd, a young Hollywood actor, graced the motion picture scene in 1917 with his comedic short film 'Over the Fence', the stigma of wearing eyeglasses was erased practically overnight.

His plain attire and tortoise shell glasses, that he wore like an everyday American chap, made his portrayal relatable, especially to people with the need to wear corrective lenses. Lloyd's spec'd appearance in 'Over the Fence' took center stage in the film, making his character a smash hit.

After that, eyewear fashion was born, thanks to a trendsetting actor and tortoise shell glasses.

Design

Classic tortoise shell glasses combine rich tones of mottled honey, different shades of brown and black, but can be found in many variations of the classic patterns, colors and shapes. While it can be said that their popularity had been declining, but the recent popular surge of vintage design has certainly brought them back. Tortoise shells are one of the most desirable styles on the eyewear market today.

The many shapes and colors of tortoise shells can be worn with many types of outfits, from classic to modern, formal to casual, conservative to hipster. This means that there are shapes and sizes available to match just about every facial type, and look great on both men and women.

It's important to remember, that because tortoise shell patterns are quite detailed, the glasses are best worn avoiding busy patterned clothing, it will go clash with the frames. Solid colors go best with tortoise shells.

Choosing the right glasses

Although tortoise shell glasses are considered a category of their own, there and many shapes, sizes, colors and patterns available, so it's there are a few things to consider when picking the pair that's right for you. The shape of your face will determine the width of the frame, and the shape will help you achieve the look you're going for.

Aviator, square, round, cat eye, Wayfarer, Turing, oversized, etc., will all give you a different look, and then there are also the colors to consider. Although the pattern itself is usually quite similar, there are many color combinations available beyond the classic honey, brown and black. You may want to consider your eye color, skin tones, and the type of clothing you typically wear.

Then there is the quality to consider. Inexpensive glasses are often made from cheap plastics that can not only look unappealing, but can wear out prematurely, break easily, feel shabby and disposable. High-end tortoise shells are made from quality acetates that 'look and feel' expensive.

Tortoise shell frames remain a popular choice for fully rimmed glasses, the mottled tones of amber, honey and black are a traditional style that matches the majority of skin tones and fashions for both men and women. Best of all, they are no longer made of real tortoise shell, and can be worn guilt free. All you have to do is chose the pair that looks best on you!