Cat-Eye Frames: Prescription Eyewear for Women

Published on November 29th, 2024

Updated on December 4th, 2024

Cat-eye glasses are emblematic of style and glamour in the eyewear world. Cat-eye glasses refer to glasses with a rounded lens and inclined corners, a distinctly feminine silhouette. From their conception in the late 1930s, cat-eye glasses frames have found themselves on the faces of iconic female celebrities and beyond. Cat-eye glasses are a great option for women’s prescription frames or sunglasses as they combine both beauty and practicality. Read on for all there is to know about the timelessly chic glasses frame.

What Are Cat-Eye Glasses?

Cat-eye glasses refer to glasses with a rounded lens shape and distinct upsweeped lens corners, resembling its namesake. It is known for being a feminine design that has been at the forefront of many iconic fashion looks throughout the years. Cat-eye glasses represent femininity and sophistication and continue to be an accessory of many fashion-forward looks.

Why are Cat-Eye Glasses Popular?

Cat-eye glasses continue to be popular amongst women as the design was made with femininity in mind. According to Helen Temple Cooke Library, in the late 1920s American artist and sculptor Altina Schnasi worked as a window dresser on Fifth Avenue in New York. She saw various optician’s displays and wanted a more stylish, feminine design to be amongst the selection. She found inspiration from Venetian Harlequin masks that inspired the initial name of cat-eye glasses, which was Harlequin glasses. By the late 1930s, the frames had been successfully created and her partnership with department stores saw the glasses’ popularity with American women. She received the Lord & Taylor Annual American Design Award for transforming the eyewear industry with the creative cat-eye frames. By the 1950s, celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn were wearing them in public. Hepburn, through her role as Holly Golightly in Breakfast in Tiffany’s, cemented these frames into pop culture iconography as her character wore glamorous oversized cat-eye frames. This saw cat-eye frames peak in popularity in the 1960s, though they continue to remain on the faces of many women to this day.

Can Cat-Eye Frames Function as Reading Glasses?

Cat-eye prescription glasses can function as reading glasses. Cat-eye reading glasses with prescription lenses or magnification ensure the wearer can read clearly. While cat-eye prescription glasses are mainly associated with fashion and glamour, they are practical for everyday tasks that require clear vision, such as reading.

How do I Choose the Right Cat-Eye Glasses for My Face Shape?

Choosing the right cat-eye glasses for your face shape is important, so you can have a pair that truly complements your features. To choose the best cat-eye glasses you should identify your face shape, choose the right size, consider frame colours and patterns, test for comfort and consider lens options. The ways to choose the right cat-eye glasses are listed below.

Identify Your Face Shape:Identify your face shape to choose a cat-eye shape that will truly complement it well. Round faces will stun in cat-eye frames with particularly angular, sharp corner upsweeps. It will add definition and elongate your face. Square faces will benefit from rounder and more subtle cat-eye frames to soften their features. Heart faces are complemented by the sharp upsweeps that balance out the typically narrow chin that they have. Oval faces, while more of a neutral shape will benefit from contrasting wider frames.
Choose the Right Size: Make sure the frames fit comfortably and proportionally to your face. Cat-eye frames that are too large may overwhelm your features, and smaller ones will not provide optimal vision enhancement. Ensure the temples align well with the width of your face, and the lenses don’t extend too far past your cheekbones. A store member at Oscar Wylee can assist you with this.
Consider Frame Colours and Patterns: Consider frame colours that reflect your personal style. Lighter shades such as pastels are good for a softer, subdued look while bold colours such as metallics add a striking focal point to your face. If you’re looking for versatility with a variety of outfits, neutrals such as blacks and browns will be ideal.
Test for Comfort: Try on your cat-eye frames in-store to test for comfort. Ensure the cat- eyeglasses fit snugly on your nose bridge without sliding down. The arms rest comfortably on your ears.
Consider Lens Options: Think about the lens type you need. You may need the lenses fitted with your required prescription or want to add on a blue light filter to have protection against excess digital screen usage. Whatever lens you require, ensure you pick a lens option that is suited to your eye care needs.

Are Cat-Eye Glasses Suitable for Prescription Lenses?

Yes, cat-eye glasses are suitable for prescription lenses. When choosing cat-eye frames, it’s important to ensure the frame’s size and shape allow for proper prescription lens fitting, especially around the upsweeped corners. Oscar Wylee optometrists can adjust the frames to ensure comfortability and a perfect lens fit.

What Materials are Cat-Eye Glasses Frames Made From?

Cat-eye glasses are often made from metal, acetate, or wire. Some cat-eye glasses are even created from a combination of the two. The materials that cat-eye glasses can be made of are listed below.

Metal:Metal cat-eye glasses offer a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic. They are known for their durability and resistance to damage or bending. Metal cat-eye glasses are also lightweight for long-term comfortable use.
Acetate: Acetate cat-eye glasses offer vibrant colours, patterns and designs. They are lightweight for easy wearing and resistant to scratches and general wear and tear.
Titanium: Titanium cat-eye frames often have thin, elegant frames that offer a sleek look. They create a strong foundation and ensure durability for the wearer.

What is the Difference Between Cat-Eye and Round Frames?

The difference between cat-eye and round frames is in their shape, mostly towards the edges of the frames. Cat-eye frames have a distinct, upsweeped corner on both lenses creating a dramatic, retro look. Round frames have a completely circular shape for a more classical, intellectual appearance.

How do Clear Cat-Eye Glasses Compare to Traditional Frames?

Clear cat-eye glasses are a departure from traditional frames as they combine the bold shape of traditional cat-eyes with a modern flair with frame transparency. Clear frames complement various outfits and skin tones, offering a minimalist appeal. They are a more subtle variation of coloured or patterned frames, making them suitable for casual or professional settings. For a more striking focal point, you may want to opt for coloured glasses instead. However, clear cat-eye glasses are ideal for those who appreciate the stylish subtlety they can offer.

Where Can I Find Cat-Eye Prescription Glasses in Australia?

In Australia, you can find cat-eye prescription glasses both online and in-store. Ultimately, in-store browsing will allow you to physically see and try on the glasses yourself to get a feeling for the best fit. You can also talk to store members and get advice face-to-face. However, online stores will provide the whole catalogue of potential eyewear options they have to offer. Some have virtual try-ons, and others might have a physical store location that you can go to to try glasses on physically, and then have them delivered to your doorstep. At Oscar Wylee, we have a range of cat-eye glasses available. Come to one of our many conveniently located stores to try some out today or shop them online from our website.

Can Men Wear Cat-Eye Glasses, and What Styles Suit Them?

While it may not be a popular choice for men, they can also wear cat-eye glasses. They may prefer frames with subtle, angular corners and muted rectangular shapes for a more traditionally masculine aesthetic. There are frames that come in neutral colours such as black, brown and metallic for a modern, unisex appeal.

Are Oversized Cat-Eye Sunglasses Still in Style?

Oversized cat-eye sunglasses are still in style. The main functionality of cat-eye sunglasses is to provide UV protection for the eyes, unlike cat-eye glasses. However, cat-eye sunglasses can also function as prescription sunglasses if required. Oversized cat-eye sunglasses in particular are still a popular choice amongst many women and even celebrities. Oversized cat-eye sunglasses are truly versatile. In casualwear, they are a striking accessory that adds a glamorous flair to street attire. In formal outdoor settings, they pair wonderfully with dresses and jumpsuits whether at a garden party or picnic.

How can I Pair Cat-Eye Glasses with Different Outfits?

Cat-eye glasses add a glamorous edge to many outfits. Most notably maxi dresses, chic streetwear attire, and leather jacket ensembles pair seamlessly with these striking frames. Pair a floral or bohemian-style maxi dress with tortoiseshell cat-eye glasses for a modern twist on a classic look. Complete with stylish sandals or ankle boots, perfect for a warm summer day. For more laidback but chic streetwear, a fitted blazer, high-waisted jeans and a tucked-in blouse are effortlessly chic paired with clear cat eye sunglasses. For an edgy look, combine a leather jacket, jeans and combat boots with oversized, black or brown cat-eye sunglasses. This contrast between the chic, neutral attire and the traditionally feminine cat-eye glasses makes for a striking ensemble.

A woman wearing Oscar Wylee cat-eye glasses.

Which Colours and Patterns Are Most Popular for Cat-Eye Frames?

The most popular colours and patterns for cat-eye frames are black, clear and tortoiseshell frames. These are all more neutral colours and patterns that add a modern flair to the vintage cat-eye. Black cat-eye glasses offer a bold, timeless look that exudes sophistication, making it versatile for any outfit. Clear cat-eye glasses provide a minimalist aesthetic with their subtle colouring, allowing them to blend seamlessly into many ensembles. For those with an affinity for pattern, the tortoiseshell is a popular option to add more bold visual interest to your look.

Which Lens Colour is Best for Cat-Eye Sunglasses?

There is no best lens colour for cat-eye sunglasses. Typically, cat-eye sunglass lens colours will come in grey, brown or mirror lenses. The lens colours that are best for cat-eye sunglasses are listed.

Grey:Grey lenses offer a sleek style as an accessory to any outfit. Providing UV protection and style, it is a perfect lens colour for a timelessly chic cat-eye.
Brown: Brown offers a warmer tint and retro vibe alongside their UV protective properties which provide contrast and depth. They are perfect for those who want a more summery cat-eye.
Mirror: Mirror lenses are perfect for those who want an eye-catching, practical accessory. Mirror lenses have a reflective coating that conceals your eyes while also protecting against sun and glare. They are a striking accessory perfect for a hot day at the beach. At Oscar Wylee, Mirror lenses can only be bought in-store.

How do I Care for and Maintain Cat-Eye Glasses?

To care for and maintain cat-eye glasses they should be cleaned regularly, stored securely, and checked for maintenance issues. The ways to care for and maintain cat-eye glasses are listed below.

Cleaning Regularly: Use a microfibre cloth and lens cleaner solution to gently wipe the lenses. Avoid paper towels or harsh cloth that can scratch the surface.
Store Securely: Store your cat-eye glasses in a hard case when they are not being used to protect them from scratches, dust or accidental damage.
Check for Maintenance Issues: Regularly check your cat-eye glasses for maintenance issues. Inspect the screws and hinges for tightness to prevent them from loosening. At Oscar Wylee, we have highly capable staff to repair your Oscar Wylee glasses when needed.

A photo of a pair of glasses being wiped with a cloth.

Are Cat-Eye Glasses Suitable for All Age Groups?

Cat-eye glasses are suitable for all age groups, though the style preferences may differ amongst them. Younger people such as teens prefer subtle colours and even clear acetate, both options which exude modern aesthetics. People in their 20’s and 30’s may like more refined tones such as black and tortoiseshell, both trendy and suitable for corporate and social environments. Older adults often prefer larger cat-eye glasses to make a playful statement in their attire.

What are the Best Cat-Eye Frames for Small or Petite Faces?

The best cat-eye frames for small or petite faces are smaller in size with more subtle corner upsweeps. This allows for a frame that doesn’t overwhelm the smaller face. Thin metal or acetate frames in neutral colours help balance out the face without turning attention away from the more delicate features.