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Once upon a time, thick-rimmed glasses were reserved for nerdy TV characters and cartoon scientists in lab coats. Sure, these pop culture icons suggested that people who wore chunky glasses had brains—but mostly they were a symbol of geekiness. Luckily, that cliché is dead and gone (plus, being nerdy is cool again, haven't you heard?), and more and more people are opting for thicker glasses frames as an expression of personal style.
The chunky glasses trend is fully alive and well, and most glasses retailers have no shortage of thick frames in all sorts of colors, patterns, and shapes available. So, where to start? Whether you wear reading glasses, blue light-blockers, or are just interested in exploring prescription-free frames as an accessory, we've got you covered with 10 thick, chunky glasses frames to try out for yourself.
Best chunky glasses at a glance
- Best rounded: Warby Parker Kimball Frames, $95
- Best angular: Zenni Optical Rectangle Glasses, $26
- Best oversized: Yesglasses Piper Frames, $55
- Best medium thickness: Pair Eyewear The Payton, $60
- Best geometric: EyeBuyDirect Gerania Glasses, $54
- Best thick cat-eye: Zenni Optical Cat Eye Glasses, $24
- Best medium cat-eye: Pair Eyewear The Zuri, $60
- Best half-rim: Eyeshells Geometric Glasses, $60
- Best narrow-lens: Yesglasses Kirn Frames, $55
- Best tortoise shell: Warby Parker Sonia Frames, $95
10 styles to join the chunky glasses trend
Frame sizes: Medium, Wide | Colors: 4 | Lenses available: Prescription, non-prescription, readers
If you're hoping to dip your toe in the chunky glasses trend, this sleek style from Warby Parker is a great place to start. The Kimball frames are available in a range of prescription and non-prescription options, two widths, and four pretty (and versatile) colors—we especially dig this Tanzanite tortoise color. One great thing about Warby Parker is that the brand has a virtual try-on feature and a home try-on service, so you can get a sense of how they actually look on your face before committing. You might also find them in-store at a Warby location near you.
Pros:
- Two widths to choose from
- Sleek, yet chunky silhouette
- At-home try-on option (for medium size only), plus in-store availability
Cons:
- Not all colors available in wide
- Pricier option
Frame sizes: Adult Large | Colors: 4 | Lenses available: Prescription, non-prescription, readers
Cool and chunky, this rectangular silhouette from Zenni is super stylish, but green too—and we're not just talking about the color. The angular frames are made from the brand's eco-friendly ReMakes plastic, which uses recycled PET plastic and plant-based materials. Try on any of the four color options using the virtual try-on option to see how they look.
Pros:
- Fun, chunky style
- Virtual try-on option
- Eco-friendly materials
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Only one size available in this style
Frame sizes: Medium | Colors: 6 | Lenses available: Prescription, readers, non-prescription, blue-light, sunglasses
This pair from Yesglasses takes "chunky" to the next level. The Piper frames have angular edges and cute square details, but still feel light on your face. With such a bold silhouette, you can opt for basic black or jazz it up even further with one of the brand's more colorful options. And, while Yesglasses doesn't have a virtual try-on option, the brand does offer free shipping and a 14-day style and fit warranty to help with returns and exchanges.
Pros:
- True chunky style
- Variety of color choices
- Also available as sunglasses or blue-light glasses
Cons:
- Only one size option (medium)
- No virtual try-on option
Frame sizes: Medium | Colors: 5 | Lenses available: Single-vision, progressive, readers, non-prescription
If you're a little unsure how the chunky glasses trend will play out on your face, might we suggest starting with a medium-thick frame? This retro style from Pair Eyewear is bold but not too thick, making it particularly great for smaller faces. Plus, you can use the brand's virtual try-on to see what any of the Payton's five colors look like before you commit.
Pros:
- Medium-thickness helps ease into the chunky style
- Virtual try-on option
- Free shipping and returns
Cons:
- Only one size
Frame sizes: Large | Colors: 2 | Lenses available: Single vision, bifocal and progressive, readers, non-prescription
If you're going for statement glasses, why not try a fun shape while you're at it? The Gerania style from EyeBuyDirect is round, yet angular, with thick rims to boot. We also appreciate that the frame (which is available in this pretty tortoise color, as well as a funky yellow hue) is made from recycled materials.
Pros:
- Unique geometric shape
- Virtual try-on option
- Made from recycled materials
Cons:
- One size (large)
- Not as many color options
Frame sizes: Medium | Colors: 4 | Lenses available: Prescription, non-prescription, readers
A friend of mine has thick cat-eye glasses like this pair from Zenni Optical and they look so cool on her. Whether you opt for the basic black color or something more bold, the angular, chunky style is bound to make a statement. Plus, this style's anti-scratch coating on the lenses and durable frame make for a pair you'll have for a long time.
Pros:
- Cool cat-eye silhouette
- Durable design
- Virtual try-on option
- Budget-friendly price
Cons:
- Only one size (medium)
Frame sizes: Medium | Colors: 5 | Lenses available: Single-vision, progressive, readers, non-prescription
If you're into the cat-eye style but want a little softer silhouette compared to the angular option above, the Zuri frames from Pair Eyewear are a great pick. They're definitely oversized (in a cool way!), but the rounded lenses and slight cat eye looks great on almost any face shape—luckily you can use the brand's virtual try-on option to see for yourself before you commit.
Pros:
- Cool, oversized cat-eye style
- 5 color options to choose from
- Virtual try-on option
Cons:
- Only one size option (medium)
Frame sizes: Medium | Colors: 8 | Lenses available: Single vision, progressives, bifocals, non-prescription, frame only
How fun are these half-rim frames!? Sure, they're not as chunky as the other styles on this list, but the bold acetate rims are still great for making a statement. Plus, Eyeshells sells this style (say that five times fast) in a variety of cute color combinations, which might just convince you that half-rim glasses are indeed for you. They're also available in a variety of prescription and non-prescription options, including a "frame-only" choice if you prefer to fill your prescription lenses locally.
Pros:
- Artsy and stylish silhouette
- Lots of fun color combinations
- Anti-scratch and anti-UV coated lenses
Cons:
- No virtual try-on option
- Only one size option
Frame sizes: Medium | Colors: 4 | Lenses available: Prescription, readers, non-prescription, blue-light, sunglasses
This narrow-lens style has all of the chunk without too much height. The Kirn frames are rectangular and thick in a unique shape that exudes coolness (the black color is giving Jeff Goldblum). Yesglasses uses anti-scratch and anti-glare lenses in this style, plus UVA and UVB protection. Plus, you can order the brand's sunglasses in this style and choose from a variety of colored tints for a totally customized look.
Pros:
- Unique rectangular shape and narrow silhouette
- Lots of lens options
- Bold color options
- Tinted sunglasses option
Cons:
- No virtual try-on
Frame sizes: Medium, Wide | Colors: 3 | Lenses available: Single-vision, progressives, readers, non-prescription
Just because chunky glasses make a statement doesn't mean you can't wear them every day. That's especially true if you opt for a versatile, timeless pair of tortoise shell frames. The Sonia silhouette from Warby Parker is available in aventurine and oak barrel colored tortoise options (if you have green eyes, the aventurine color would be incredible!), as well as basic black. No matter which frames you choose, you can rest easy knowing your lenses will be scratch- and reflection-free.
Pros:
- Pretty tortoise shell options
- Virtual try-on
- Two sizes available
Cons:
- Pricier pair
- No home try-on option for this pair
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