The Best Disco Glasses

Buying Guide

Disco glasses are a fun throwback to a bygone era and come in various frame and lens colors, with or without accents like rhinestones and logos.

Although small, circular eyeglasses have been around practically since spectacles were invented, John Lennon popularized them in the 1970s. He eventually experimented with different and unexpected colors for the lenses, like blue and orange, which would eventually become a staple of disco glasses. Lennon had poor vision and wore prescription lenses, but today’s inexpensive versions of disco glasses like these are often for aesthetic purposes only.

Another popular style of glasses in the 1970s was oversized plastic frames, which were usually square or hexagonal instead of strictly round. They were also tinted, and if you can find a pair with both characteristics, they will look very authentic.

People enjoy wearing disco glasses to indoor parties and concerts, but you’ll often also see many stylish people wearing them at outdoor festivals. If you plan to wear yours outside regularly, shop for ones that have ultraviolet protection and anti-reflective coatings on the lenses.

Not every eyeglass style looks good on every face shape. As a general guideline, shop for pairs that balance out your most prominent facial features. Square faces tend to look good with thin, round frames, for example. However, you should always wear what makes you feel good, regardless of what the guidelines of style state.

You may also want to match up the frame and lens color with your hair and skin color. Remember that these kinds of eyeglasses are only for fun. If you need prescription glasses, you should be able to find similar retro styles that serve both purposes, helping you see and making you look great. If you are worried you can’t afford eye exams or prescription glasses, contact the National Eye Institute for possible aid.

• If you are only getting disco glasses for aesthetic purposes, you likely won’t need to spend as much money as you would if buying prescription glasses.
• Never put a pair of glasses face down on a surface, because doing so can scratch them.
• If the glasses don’t come with a case or pouch, invest in one or use something that you already have that is non-abrasive.
• The best way to clean lenses is to rinse them under tap water, apply a tiny drop of dishwashing liquid (lotion-free) to the lenses, then rub them and the frames gently with your (clean) hands. Finally, rinse with water, and dry with a clean, lint-free towel.