Harry Potter’s round frames are one of the most iconic pieces of eyewear in literature! It’s been 18 years since the last book about him was published, but his character remains a fixture in pop culture. As a result, his glasses are still widely popular today.
As eyewear continues to evolve, round glasses stand as a symbol of individuality. So, why not flick your wand with an “Accio” and summon a pair for yourself? They’re certainly not leaving the fashion realm anytime soon, and we’re about to tell you why!
The Cultural Impact of Harry Potter Glasses
Round frames have been around for a long time. Dating back to the 13th century, they have moved through different eras. Famous Irish author James Joyce wore them in the 1880s. Icons like John Lennon and Elton John also wore them in the ’60s and ’70s.
The style gained massive popularity when J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series came out. Then, the film adaptation with actor Daniel Radcliffe cemented their status in pop culture. Merchandise and marketing materials consistently highlighted the round frames. As the franchise grew, the glasses transformed into a coveted fashion accessory.
Most significantly, Harry Potter’s glasses helped change how the public viewed his signature eyewear. Once considered “old-fashioned” or “nerdy,” round frames became associated with creativity and “main character energy.”
During an interview, Rowling confirmed she did this on purpose. “Because I had glasses all through my childhood and I was sick and tired of the person in the books who wore the glasses was always the brainy one and it really irritated me, and I wanted to read about a hero wearing glasses,” she said.
The Evolution of Round Frames in Fashion
Round-framed glasses emerged in the 13th century. One of the oldest surviving depictions of round frames appeared in Tommaso da Modena’s 1352 painting of Italian Cardinal Hugo of Provence (aka Hugh de St. Cher). Benjamin Franklin was also a notable fan of the round frame style! He can be seen wearing them in multiple paintings.
In the 1920s, circular frames became associated with scholarly motives and creative expression. As if that weren’t enough, they were also seen on notable figures like Mahatma Gandhi. Sightings of influential people worldwide continued until the late ’50s.
During the 1960s and ’70s, there was a shift in the perception of round frames. This was mainly due to figures like John Lennon, whose glasses were a key part of his iconic look. A pair he owned sold for $52,000 at a charity auction, demonstrating that there’s still admiration for the icon and his memorable style.
Later, Steve Jobs adopted round frames as part of his well-known but understated look. This association connected the style to innovation and forward-thinking in the tech world. On the other hand, Elton John wears his round glasses with colorful outfits, showcasing their potential for more fashion-forward and theatrical self-expression.
Why Round Glasses Are Still Trending Today
The allure of round glasses goes beyond modern fashion’s historical or cinematic roots. These glasses project an intellectual aesthetic and an artistic vibe that resonates with contemporary fashion styles. They’re particularly popular among creative professionals and style-conscious individuals.
Famous fashion and interior designer Iris Apfel made round frames her signature look until her passing in early 2024. Jack Antonoff, a singer-songwriter and record producer, often wears round glasses on award show red carpets.
What makes round glasses especially appealing is their adaptability. Modern eyewear designers continuously update their collections with different frame materials, such as metal and acetate. Plus, round glasses complement various face shapes and personal styles.
Styling Round Glasses for a Modern Look
Round glasses work particularly well on square or rectangular face shapes. This is due to the way they visually soften angular features. On the other hand, a slightly oversized pair might work best on someone with an oval face shape. Of course, with the right styling, a subdued unisex pair like these rose gold glasses from Sliik can complement almost any face:
Thin metal or subtle acetate frames in classic colors add vibrancy to business wear without appearing too bold. Round frames are versatile enough to pair with various outfits any day of the week. For instance, you could accessorize a casual look, like a chunky knit sweater and barrel jeans, with these Shiny Transparent Grey glasses by Polo:
For those wanting to make a statement, thick-rimmed round glasses in dark colors can instantly draw attention to the face. Bold color choices like deep greens, navy blues, and reds can also help the accessory stand out from the rest of your look. Consider these Modo TAU round glasses:
The Bottom Line
Thanks to Harry Potter and other historical figures who set the trend, round frames seem to have a little magic in them! If you want to channel a polished scholarly look or make a fashion statement, round glasses can help you get there. Don’t be afraid to play around with sizes, colors, and materials until you find that perfect pair.
