Vintage-style sunglasses are an enduring fashion accessory that evokes the glamour and elegance of past decades, while still offering the practicality of modern eyewear. These sunglasses typically draw inspiration from iconic styles of the 1950s through the 1980s, featuring bold shapes, unique color palettes, and distinctive embellishments. As vintage fashion enjoys a resurgence, these sunglasses remain highly popular among fashion-forward individuals, as well as those looking to add a touch of retro flair to their wardrobes.
The production costs of vintage-style sunglasses are influenced by factors such as the materials used, the complexity of the design, and the location of production. With the rise of white-label manufacturing, particularly in countries like China, brands can produce high-quality sunglasses at lower costs, making them accessible to a wider market.
The typical cost distribution for producing vintage-style sunglasses includes:
- Materials (40-60%): Includes acetate, metal frames, lenses (polarized or non-polarized), and embellishments.
- Labor (15-25%): Assembly of frames, lens fitting, polishing, and quality control.
- Packaging and Branding (10-15%): Custom packaging, branding, and protective cases.
- Logistics and Shipping (5-10%): Shipping costs depend on the destination market and supplier location.
- Profit Margins (10-30%): The brand’s markup based on market positioning and demand.
1. Aviator Sunglasses
Description
According to Wilsonvintage.store, aviator sunglasses are one of the most iconic vintage styles, originally designed in the 1930s for pilots to protect their eyes from sun glare at high altitudes. Characterized by large, teardrop-shaped lenses and thin metal frames, aviators became a fashion staple in the 1960s and 1970s, made famous by celebrities and film stars. The design often includes a double or triple bridge and thin temples. Aviator sunglasses offer a timeless look that suits various face shapes and remain a popular choice for both men and women.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban | 1936 | New York, USA |
| Persol | 1917 | Turin, Italy |
| Randolph | 1972 | Randolph, USA |
| Tom Ford | 2006 | New York, USA |
| Carrera | 1956 | Austria |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $100 to $300.
- Popularity: Aviator sunglasses are consistently popular, appealing to both fashion enthusiasts and those seeking functional eyewear with a classic style.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $15 to $40.
- Product Weight: 25g to 45g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 200 to 500 units.
- Major Materials: Metal frames (stainless steel or titanium), polarized or non-polarized lenses, silicone nose pads.
2. Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Description
Cat-eye sunglasses are a quintessential vintage style that rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, often associated with old Hollywood glamour. These sunglasses are characterized by their upward-sweeping outer edges, resembling a cat’s eye. This feminine and flirty design remains a favorite among women looking to add a retro twist to their outfits. While cat-eye sunglasses are often bold and playful, they come in various sizes, colors, and embellishments, making them adaptable for both casual and formal settings.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Céline | 1945 | Paris, France |
| Prada | 1913 | Milan, Italy |
| Dolce & Gabbana | 1985 | Milan, Italy |
| Kate Spade | 1993 | New York, USA |
| Fendi | 1925 | Rome, Italy |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $150 to $400.
- Popularity: Cat-eye sunglasses are highly popular, especially among fashion-conscious women. They remain a favorite in vintage and retro-inspired collections.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $10 to $35.
- Product Weight: 20g to 35g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 200 to 1000 units.
- Major Materials: Acetate frames, polycarbonate or glass lenses, metal hinges.
3. Wayfarer Sunglasses
Description
Wayfarer sunglasses, first introduced by Ray-Ban in 1956, are known for their thick frames and trapezoidal lens shape. They became a defining look in the 1960s and again in the 1980s, thanks to their association with various celebrities and musicians. Wayfarers have a bold, angular design that offers a masculine look, but they have also been embraced by women for their unisex appeal. The versatility and durability of the Wayfarer style make it a timeless choice that suits almost every face shape.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban | 1936 | New York, USA |
| Oakley | 1975 | California, USA |
| Warby Parker | 2010 | New York, USA |
| Le Specs | 1979 | Sydney, Australia |
| Persol | 1917 | Turin, Italy |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $120 to $250.
- Popularity: Wayfarer sunglasses remain one of the most iconic and widely recognized styles, consistently popular among both men and women for their versatility.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $12 to $30.
- Product Weight: 30g to 50g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 300 to 1000 units.
- Major Materials: Acetate or nylon frames, polycarbonate or glass lenses, metal hinges.
4. Round Sunglasses
Description
Round sunglasses were a defining style in the 1960s and 1970s, often associated with musicians like John Lennon. Their perfectly circular lenses give off a bohemian or retro vibe, making them a popular choice among individuals looking for a unique, artistic flair. The frames can range from thin metal to bold acetate, and lenses may be tinted in various colors. Round sunglasses tend to suit those with square or angular face shapes, balancing out sharper features.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban | 1936 | New York, USA |
| Oliver Peoples | 1987 | California, USA |
| Saint Laurent | 1961 | Paris, France |
| Gucci | 1921 | Florence, Italy |
| Vint & York | 2012 | New York, USA |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $100 to $300.
- Popularity: Round sunglasses are popular in the vintage eyewear market, particularly among younger consumers and fashion enthusiasts seeking a retro look.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $10 to $25.
- Product Weight: 20g to 40g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 200 to 500 units.
- Major Materials: Metal or acetate frames, glass or polycarbonate lenses.
5. Clubmaster Sunglasses
Description
Clubmaster sunglasses, a retro design that gained popularity in the 1950s, feature a distinctive browline frame. The top part of the frame is thicker, usually made of acetate, while the lower portion is typically metal. This gives the glasses a sophisticated, intellectual look that has remained popular over the decades. Clubmaster sunglasses are often associated with 1950s and 1960s Americana, giving off a classic, timeless appeal that has seen numerous revivals in the fashion world.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban | 1936 | New York, USA |
| Tom Ford | 2006 | New York, USA |
| Warby Parker | 2010 | New York, USA |
| Oliver Peoples | 1987 | California, USA |
| Persol | 1917 | Turin, Italy |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $130 to $300.
- Popularity: Clubmaster sunglasses continue to be popular, especially among those seeking a smart, polished look with a hint of vintage charm.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $12 to $28.
- Product Weight: 25g to 45g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 300 to 800 units.
- Major Materials: Acetate browline, metal lower frame, glass or polycarbonate lenses.
6. Oversized Sunglasses
Description
Oversized sunglasses became a signature fashion accessory in the 1970s, symbolizing glamour and sophistication. These sunglasses feature large, often square or round lenses that cover a significant portion of the face. They are designed to offer maximum coverage from the sun while making a bold fashion statement. Celebrities and fashion icons helped popularize oversized sunglasses, and they remain a favorite among those looking to add a dramatic touch to their look.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Gucci | 1921 | Florence, Italy |
| Chanel | 1910 | Paris, France |
| Tom Ford | 2006 | New York, USA |
| Dior | 1946 | Paris, France |
| Fendi | 1925 | Rome, Italy |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $150 to $400.
- Popularity: Oversized sunglasses are highly popular, especially in the luxury fashion market, often seen on celebrities and influencers.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $15 to $45.
- Product Weight: 40g to 60g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 200 to 500 units.
- Major Materials: Acetate or metal frames, polycarbonate lenses, UV protection coatings.
7. Retro Square Sunglasses
Description
Retro square sunglasses, often associated with 1970s fashion, feature thick, square-shaped frames that provide a bold, structured look. These sunglasses tend to have a masculine edge but are often worn by both men and women looking for a strong, fashion-forward appearance. The frames are typically made from acetate or plastic, and lenses may be tinted in various shades. The square design complements rounder or oval face shapes.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Prada | 1913 | Milan, Italy |
| Ray-Ban | 1936 | New York, USA |
| Tom Ford | 2006 | New York, USA |
| Saint Laurent | 1961 | Paris, France |
| Céline | 1945 | Paris, France |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $120 to $350.
- Popularity: Retro square sunglasses are highly popular among fashion-conscious consumers who appreciate the bold, geometric design.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $12 to $35.
- Product Weight: 35g to 55g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 200 to 800 units.
- Major Materials: Acetate or plastic frames, polycarbonate lenses, UV protection coatings.
8. Hexagonal Sunglasses
Description
Hexagonal sunglasses are a unique, modern twist on the round sunglasses style, featuring six-sided frames that add an element of geometric intrigue. This design emerged in the 1970s and quickly gained popularity for its distinctive, edgy appearance. Hexagonal sunglasses offer a retro-futuristic aesthetic that appeals to individuals looking for eyewear that stands out from the crowd. The frames are typically made from metal, giving them a lightweight feel.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban | 1936 | New York, USA |
| Gucci | 1921 | Florence, Italy |
| Le Specs | 1979 | Sydney, Australia |
| Vint & York | 2012 | New York, USA |
| Oliver Peoples | 1987 | California, USA |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $100 to $300.
- Popularity: Hexagonal sunglasses are gaining traction among trendsetters and fashion-forward individuals seeking a quirky, unique style.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $10 to $30.
- Product Weight: 20g to 35g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 200 to 600 units.
- Major Materials: Metal frames, polycarbonate or glass lenses, silicone nose pads.
9. Butterfly Sunglasses
Description
Butterfly sunglasses are characterized by their large, wing-shaped frames that flare out at the edges, resembling butterfly wings. This design became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, often associated with avant-garde fashion. The exaggerated, dramatic shape of butterfly sunglasses makes them a bold fashion statement, perfect for those looking to make an impression. They are typically oversized and can feature a variety of colors, patterns, and embellishments.
Popular Brands
| Brand Name | Established | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chanel | 1910 | Paris, France |
| Gucci | 1921 | Florence, Italy |
| Dior | 1946 | Paris, France |
| Tom Ford | 2006 | New York, USA |
| Fendi | 1925 | Rome, Italy |
Retail Price and Market Popularity
- Averaged Retail Price on Amazon: $150 to $450.
- Popularity: Butterfly sunglasses are highly popular among fashionistas and celebrities, often seen as a symbol of high fashion and luxury.
Production Details
- White Label Production Cost in China: $20 to $50.
- Product Weight: 40g to 60g.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): 200 to 600 units.
- Major Materials: Acetate frames, polycarbonate lenses, UV protection coatings.
