Tortoise shell glasses are a look that won’t be going out of style any time soon. They are a timeless option and the tortoise shell frame remains a staple fashion choice.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what the tortoise frame is, how to find the best options, and explore the broad selection of options available at Felix Gray.
What are Tortoise Shell Glasses?
As the name implies, tortoise shell glasses are glasses that replicate the look and pattern of a tortoise shell. In fact, up until 1973, these glasses were actually made from real tortoise shells. Thankfully, the practice has since been outlawed.
Today, these glasses are made from high-quality stained acetates, which have all of the functionality and style without the negative impact on endangered tortoise species. You can find tortoise eyeglasses frames in various shades, but the traditional look includes yellow, honey, and brown shell spots scattered across the frame.
These glasses were immensely popular for a large part of the 20th century, with various styles and patterns being developed in the process. Over the past few decades, their popularity was declining a little. However, with the recent surge in popularity for all things vintage, the tortoise frame is making a huge comeback. In fact, it is quickly becoming one of the hottest styles on the market today.
How to Shop for Tortoise Shell Glasses
Even though tortoise shell eyewear belongs to a single group, there are actually many things that you need to consider when choosing a pair of glasses that will accentuate your appearance. After all, even though tortoise shell glasses look great, not all of the frame styles will suit you. As a result, it’s always a good idea to examine the different options available before committing.
For instance, depending on the shape of your face and your personal preference, you might want to go with round, square, cat-eye, oversized, or aviator tortoise shell glasses, as each of them will give you a completely different look despite the pattern being similar.
There’s also the question of the pattern itself. Tortoise shell patterns at Felix Gray come in many variations. This includes the “sazerac” style that has a similar color scheme and pattern as tortoise shell. You should also consider the quality of the glasses, as the plastic that it’s made of will have a significant impact on how the glasses look, how they feel, and how long you will use them before they break or wear down.
Finally, you should take into account the thickness of the lenses that you’ll require. If you have a strong prescription, the lenses in a larger frame can become bulky. In this case, it might be smarter to go with a smaller frame to make the glasses lighter and more enjoyable to wear.
Top 7 Felix Gray Tortoise Shell Glasses
1. Nash
Nash tortoise shell glasses are one of the most universal on this list, suitable for a wide range of face shapes. As such, these are an excellent option for those searching for both tortoise shell glasses, men’s and women’s alike.
2. Roebling
Want something more sophisticated? Roebling’s signature keyhole bridge while looks beautiful and provides absolute comfort.
3. Jemison
Jemison is another throwback tortoise shell frame inspired by the 50s and brought to the 21st century with a beautiful design that’s ideal for larger faces.
4. Lovelace
Lovelace’s subtle, cat-eye shape with soft, round curves makes this unisex frame an easy crowd pleaser.
5. Volta
Volta’s strong and square frame instantly captures attention and is perfect for those with a broader face, making them an excellent men’s tortoise shell glasses option.
6. Turing
The beautiful round shape of Turing tortoise shell glasses is ideal for the sophisticated professional of today.
7. Kepler
As mentioned before, Sazerac is very similar to tortoise shell, so it deserves a spot on this list even if it isn’t technically in the same category. The Kepler glasses offer a modern twist to a classic 50s look, making them a timeless choice suitable for various occasions.
Why Buy from Felix Gray?
Felix Gray has become a leader in glasses for a reason. When you choose us, you not only get the most popular styles, such as the tortoise shell glasses but can also take advantage of our cutting-edge Blue Light filtering technology. Our Blue Light glasses help you avoid eye strain all while maintaining comfort.
In addition to our glasses protecting your eyes from Blue Light, they also help eliminate glare, all while providing you high-quality and stylish options to choose from. If you want to learn more, check out our selection of glasses or reach out to us if you have any questions.