Tortoise Shell Glasses for Men and Women

Tortoise shell glasses are chic, elegant, and classic styles that have been around for decades.

This trend becomes popular every few years, but its popularity in the 50s and the sixties has made it synonymous with retro-chic and hipster culture.  Among the earliest materials used to make spectacles, real sea turtle shells inspire the colour patterns of this trend.  However, turtle shells are not used today, rather haven’t been used in a long, long time in the manufacture of eyewear.  Today, the turtle shell pattern is created in plastic materials, more importantly in acetate. It is also printed on some metal frames.

What are Tortoise Shell Glasses?

Tortoiseshell glasses, often called horn-rimmed glasses, mimic the look of real tortoise shells to provide you with a unique and stylish look. These frames were originally made from real tortoise shells, but nowadays, they are mostly made up of durable and often in eco-conscious plastic.  So, although throughout this article you will read “tortoiseshell” frames or eyewear, it does not refer to frames made of tortoiseshell, but rather frames inspired by the tortoise shell's colours and patterns.

Their tortoise shell frames are a darker yellow, honey, and brown, strikingly similar to certain tortoises' colours. The intriguing speckles won't go unnoticed by you. Tortoiseshell frames are a softer and more elegant alternative to these basic black ones or any other solid colour. Also, they complement skin tones.

Tortoiseshell eyeglasses are versatile and fashionable and work well with various outfits. They've become more trendy over the last few years and can be found in different shapes & sizes for both men and women.

This pattern looks charming in vintage silhouettes like cat-eye or oversized frames. There are also new design variations that you can experiment with and create your style with.

Styles Available in Tortoiseshell

Tortoiseshell glasses come in various shapes to match the various tastes and preferences of the wearers.

• Round Tortoise Shell Glasses 

Round glasses are classic, elegant and chic. Tortoiseshell glasses look great on outfits like casual jeans and t-shirts. A simple outfit like blue denim and a white t-shirt will also be perfect with these glasses.

• Cat-eye tortoiseshell glasses

If you're looking for a fashionable and versatile pair of glasses, high-street chic cat-eye glasses with tortoiseshell are an excellent choice! They can be worn on any event or occasion, and no one will be able to take their eyes off you.

• Oversized tortoiseshell glasses

Whether you're looking for a vintage touch or want something you can wear daily, oversized glasses are worth considering. It doesn't matter if you're male or female; people will notice you without much effort. The look will also be classic and in perfect fashion because it takes inspiration from the retro style of big & bold glasses.

• Shell topped Full rim frames 

These are unique frames.  They are made of metal rims topped with a plastic shell only in the top rim.  This gives the frames a half-plastic - half-metallic appearance.  Though this style is popular in many colour combinations, the tortoise colour combination with gold rims is a classic right out of the 50s.  This style is also an iconic RayBan style called the Clubmaster.  You'll never go wrong with these; they are the way to go if you want something edgy and subtle. They work well with any outfit and can even make your appearance look more mature.

What are Tortoise Shell Glasses Made of?

Relax! No tortoises are harmed while making these frames. The name comes from the early forms of these frames, made of real shells generations ago.

Thankfully, real tortoise shells were banned to prevent animal extinction  

These days, tortoiseshell frames are made from materials like acetate and manufactured to mimic the look of real tortoise shells. The process typically involves:

• Making plastic sheets of several different colours.
• Dicing them up.
• Blending them to create a distinctive mottled or flecked effect.

The cool thing? No two tortoiseshell glasses are the same!

However, one consideration is the quality. Low-quality glasses are often made from cheap plastics, which can look unappealing and wear out quickly. On the other hand, high-quality tortoise shell frames are made of quality materials that are more appealing, last longer and feel nicer to the touch.

Tortoiseshell Frames Suitable for Your Skin Tone

It would be ideal to go with tortoiseshell frames that complement your skin tone.

• If you are fair –

Frames with brown-honey shades will provide the contrast you need to compliment your fair skin tone.

• If you have a lighter complexion –

Brown tortoiseshell frames will compliment light skin tones well.

• If you have a dark skin tone –

People with darker skin tones can opt for tortoiseshell frames in shades of brown. However, when experimenting with new frames, you should choose a thin, lighter-colored tortoiseshell frame.

Tortoiseshell frames are unisex; some male celebrities have been spotted wearing them. This sunglasses style suits anybody in many shapes and shades, so you should try them out.

Tortoise Shell Glasses for Men

Men's tortoiseshell glasses always look smart, sophisticated, and stylish. As a result, they're a popular choice for any intelligent and sharp dresser.

This pattern is perfect for round and square frames. Square glasses suit faces with a longer, rectangular shape. Round glasses are best for round or oval faces.

Tortoise Shell Glasses for Women

The tortoise shell style can also be a great option for women. Tortoiseshell glasses come in many colours and shapes, so there's something for everyone. Browse our top tortoiseshell frames to find the right tortoiseshell option that will work for your look.

Conclusion

Knowing the latest trends in eyeglasses helps you pick the right frame for yourself, but they need to match your style. So check out our wide range of designer glasses here: Find a style that captures your unique personality. Because truly expressing yourself is the key to style!

You can easily find the latest and newest trends in tortoiseshell sunglasses at an affordable price. These glasses will make your summers comfortable and will provide 100% protection!