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Days are growing longer, and the sun is shining brighter. You know what that means? Summer is right around the corner and it’s time to stock your shop with shades that will be flying off the shelf. Luckily for you, we’ve scoured nearly a dozen sources across various industries and analyzed common themes and expert trend predictions to find the best forecast for this summer’s hottest sunwear trends. We searched fashion magazines from Vogue to Marie Clare and poured over SS22 releases from several fashion designers. Here’s what we found: there are 5 sure-bets to become super hot trends for sunglasses this year - so we put together a list and compiled it all - styles, colors, and silhouettes - into one helpful breakdown so you can prepare to have them in your optical shop before summer heats up! Let’s dive in:

#1 Playful colors will POP!

Trendy colorful sunglasses for summer 2022 are already starting to pop up on the catwalk, so be sure to stock them in your store to keep up with the demand. The use of color is used to create a mood and evoke emotion. As your customers aim to express their feelings, we will see everything from joyful orange lenses to gentle pastels. Check out the rainbow of colors for luxury sunglasses trends.

Soft pastels are making a quiet statement

Not everyone is suited for loud neon colors. Luckily, pastel frames are totally in right now. This is perfect for people with a more reserved sense of style, as pastel-frame sunglasses can offer a gentle and subtle touch of personality to any outfit. They can express themselves without being over the top.

Libera Sun in Crystal Blue & Forte Sun in Palladium Violet by UNIQUEDESIGNMILANO (UDM)

Whether you choose pink or blue, it is the softness of these colors that work so well with the pastel trend. Your clients will love the baby blue or feeling pretty in pink!

Slip into summer with gradient lenses

As Y2K nostalgia makes a comeback, with gradient lenses on the rise. The lenses start out dark at the top and gradually get lighter as they reach the bottom. This style is perfect for shielding your eyes from the sun while still looking stylish. Gradient lens sunglasses come in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect pair to carry in your practice.

Vega by Roundten & Oasi Sun by L.G.R

Gradient lenses are going to be popular for at least the next few summers. Luckily, there are so many options available that you can keep your clients excited with just this one trend. Go bold with the purple to blue lenses in the Vega by Roundten, or go chic with the black to clear lenses and tortoise-shell frame of the Oasi Sun.

Go bold with bright and colorful lenses

Brighter, bolder colors are also in play in sunglasses in summer 2022. Who doesn’t want to exude positive energy and happiness? Choosing exciting colors is a great way to do so. We will mainly be seeing bolder colors on lenses instead of frames this year. Keep an eye out for neons too.

Brivido in Black/Palladium (Red) & Thunder Sun in Matte Black (Blue) by UNIQUEDESIGNMILANO (UDM)

There are so many options for playfully colored lenses. The red in the Brivido is made for your most expressive and fashionable clients, while the blue in the Thunder Sun is for those who like to play it cool. This trend will be popular amongst both men and women. The bright lenses in these glasses stand out even more in contrast to the black frames.

#2 Look extra fly with butterfly frame sunglasses

What better way to keep your clients looking fly than with the butterfly silhouette. There’s no need to sacrifice style for sun protection this summer. These butterfly-shaped sunglasses add a touch of luxury and fun to any outfit. They will make a great addition to your client’s summer wardrobe. Perfect for a day at the beach or a night out on the town!

Accra Sun by L.G.R & Tuvalu S60 by Roundten

The best part about the butterfly shape trend is there are so many aesthetics that can pair well with it. The Accra Sun creates a sexy and mysterious look that will please your modern and forward facing clients. You can also satisfy your more feminine clients with the softer colors and fuller shape of the Tuvalu by Roundten. You can’t go wrong with either of these luxury sunglasses.

If that wasn’t enough love on the butterfly style, here’s some cold-hard data:

Based on Google search volume, the butterfly shaped sunglasses have been steadily growing in popularity. Search volume spikes every summer, and it is predicted to spike even higher this year. It will be a major silhouette this summer.

#3 Roll into summer with wide-angle oval-framed shades

Hexagonal and circular shapes have dominated eyewear trends for the past several years, but we are seeing wide angle ovals starting to take over. The wide angle oval sunglasses have been a popular choice coming in and out of fashion for decades. Endorsed by celebrities, most notably, Kurt Cobain, this style is not going away anytime soon.

Dalia Sun and Teos Bold by L.G.R

Wide angle oval frames come in many different styles. There is certainly one out there for everyone. The wide angle oval frames will be a men’s sunglasses trend in summer 2022, just as much as it is for women. The Dalia Sun is more trendy and feminine, while the Teos Bold is more versatile and masculine.

#4 Keep it super classy with a cat eye frame

Have cat eyes seriously ever gone out of style? This timeless sun-protection staple has been around for over a millennium! Although this frame can hardly be considered a “trend,” as it is more a must-have basic, it will most definitely be a popular style this summer. What makes cat eye sunglasses so special is their versatility. They can be dressed up or down, and can be worn with virtually any outfit. Plus, they add a touch of glamor and vintage flair to any look. If you’re looking for a new pair of sunglasses to carry in your practice this summer, consider picking up some cat eyes.

Stand out while looking timeless with a dramatic cat eye

There are a few things that can make you stand out from the crowd, and one of them is having a signature look. And what could be more timeless – and versatile – than a dramatic cat eye? This is certain to be one of the top trending silhouettes for women’s sunglasses in 2022.

Orchid Skin by L.G.R & Molina Sun by Roundten

Dramatic cat eyes go all the way back to the 1920s. You can provide your clients with the option to emulate the classic dramatic style with the Orchid Skin by L.G.R, and also give a more modern and angular approach with the Molina Sun by Roundten.

Be a little nostalgic with retro-inspired cat eyes

There’s something about cat eye sunglasses that just screams retro. Maybe it’s the timeless shape, or the fact that they were uber-popular back in the 1950s and 60s. But whatever it is, this style is making a comeback. And we’re not just talking about regular cat eye sunglasses. We’re talking about retro-inspired cat eye sunglasses. These sunglasses have a more vintage look, with rounder lenses and a more delicate frame.

Twiga by L.G.R & Gold Beach by Blackfin

Retro-inspired cat eye sunglasses have a fuller, more rounded look. They are chic and playful. The Twiga by LGR is perfect for your feminine clients looking for a touch of sass, and the Gold Beach by Blackfin is a great choice for clients looking to exude class.

#5 A fresh look: White-framed sunglasses

This year, the sunwear industry is going all in on white-framed shades. This look is endorsed by A-list celebrities such as Hailey Beiber and the Hadid sisters. Perfect for the beach or a classy brunch, they will definitely be trendy sunglasses in summer 2022.

Sunnyside by Blackfin & Nidawi by UNIQUEDESIGNMILANO (UDM)

White frames are bold, but can still match with a wide array of customer styles and outfits.. They are chic and can elevate any look. Your clients will love the luxurious quality of the Sunnyside shades by Blackfin, and the Nidawi sunglasses are a perfect addition for a standout beach look.

Looking for new sunglasses (or any of the above trends) to carry in your optical practice?

Get in touch with us today to find more luxury sunglasses that will elevate your shop’s collection. Join our newsletter for more trend forecasts and tips for success in the eyewear industry.