Summer 2022: Sunglasses Trends

Whether you’re after a new pair of sunnies for your next vacation or you just need a new staple pair to get you through the sunnier months, jumping onto the latest sunglasses trends will keep you looking fashionable all summer long.

After scouring fashion magazines, runway trends, Instagram influencers, and new arrivals in our favourite online stores, we’ve put together this essential guide to the top sunglasses trends for summer 2022.

Pastel frames

Pastels are already shaping up to be one of the biggest fashion trends this summer, and sunglasses are no exception to the trend. Sunglasses with lilac, baby blue, mint green, or peachy pink frames will add a touch of colour to your look and keep you on-trend.

Slimline

2021 saw micro sunglasses with super slim specs on every celebrity and influencer. In 2021, the micro spec has grown into a slimline spec – which is great as it offers more UV protection than the tiny retro sunglasses that were everywhere last year. This year, you can be fashionable and still take care of your eyes – which is important when you’re on vacation, and you can find out more about that in this infographic from All About Vision.

Y2K shield shades

Speaking of sunglasses with great UV protection, if you want to really protect your eyes and jump on what’s looking to be a huge trend in summer 2022, get yourself a pair of shield sunglasses. Shield sunglasses don’t have the traditional bi-frame of most shades, instead, they have a single, shield-style mono lens that covers both eyes – giving you a futuristic look.

Sporty sunglasses

Shield shades form part of a broader sunglasses trend this year – sport shades. Mono-lenses, wraparound sunglasses, and bright frames with gradient lenses have been growing in popularity since last fall and we can expect to see even more of them this summer.

Retro cat eye

If shield shades are a bit too futuristic for your taste, luckily retro sunglasses are still in. This year, we can expect to see plenty of retro cat-eye sunglasses. Cat-eye shades were popular in 2021, but this year we can expect to see even more of them, especially oversized and brightly coloured cat-eye sunglasses.

Rimless shades

Another Y2K trend we can expect to see more of this summer is rimless sunglasses. Whether you opt for oversized shades with a gradient lens, a pastel-coloured lens in a square shape that gives off a mid-2000s feel, or a micro spec that perches on your nose, opting for minimalistic sunglasses without a rim will keep you on-trend this summer.

Black all over

Many of the 2022 sunglasses trends opt for bright colours, pastels, statement frames and lenses, and gradient colours. But there is another trend that more minimalist fashionistas will appreciate – all-black sunglasses. Shades with a true black frame and matching lenses will look chic and complement any outfit this summer. Thicker black frames and angular shapes are popular for this trend, but ultimately you can opt for whatever shape suits your face best if you choose this simple but stylish trend.