Glasses chains have officially gotten the high-fashion seal of approval. For a while, the trend was exclusive to your grandma and frat boys (a weird combo). This season, though, the retro style got the chic revival it deserved—now, the best eyeglass chains have officially evolved from strictly functional to being full-blown fashionable.
This season the accessory has been revamped with fresh-feeling materials like metal, chains, pearls, and multicolored beads to bring your look up a notch, making it one of the easiest trends of spring 2024 to get into right now, and the trend it is surely shaping out to be. Kendall Becker, Fashion Director at Trendalytics, explains, “Eyeglasses chains are currently seeing a 5 percent increase in market adoption over the past 30 days, meaning that brands and retailers are believing in this trend for spring/summer and including options into their offering for the season.”
Teyana Taylor brought the eyeglass chain trend to the red carpet at Daily Front Row’s 7th annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While eyeglass chains more clearly represent preppy, “office-siren” style (as TikTok likes to refer to it), Jessica Richards, trend forecaster and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, says the accessory is actually right in line with another one of this season’s biggest trends: the girlhood aesthetic. “Eyeglass chains are truly representative of this spring’s love of girly-core-inspired bits of something extra,” she tells Marie Claire. “In a season adorned with accessories and literally tied up with bows, the love of playful dressing continues with the aesthetics that are moving forward.”
So there you have it: there’s no better time to add a glasses chain to your jewelry collection. Whether you’re someone (like me) who is constantly losing your favorite pair of sunglasses or simply looking to spice up your affordable sunglasses from Amazon, this accessory will tick both those boxes. Check out our selection of the best eyeglass chains below, from a splurge-worthy chunky pearl option to a few more delicate picks.
The Best Eyeglass Chains
Frame Chain Jackie Oh Eyeglass Chain
If you’re just entering your foray into eyeglass chains, start with Frame Chain. The brand specializes in the accessory, with hundreds of different designs of all different materials and styles. What’s better is that all of their chains can be converted to jewelry by simply removing the glasses loops. This simple silver chain is a great starting point if you like all your accessories to be coordinated. Choose from either silver or gold finishes so that you never look mismatched.
ONESING Eyeglass Chain (Set of 4)
If you’re prone to losing jewelry and accessories as soon as you get them out of the box, pick up this pack of four sunglass chains from Amazon. Choose from 15 combinations of different colored beads and metals to suit your fancy, all for just $8. There’s silver, gold, pearl, multicolored beads of all shapes and sizes, and even big acrylic chain options to pick from. Keep your favorites then give one to the friend who’s always losing her sunglasses.
Gucci 60mm Rimless Round Sunglasses with Chain Charms (Was $695)
I’m a fan of Gucci anything, including this pair of sunglasses. This rimless style has a classic feel, but they get a modern upgrade with a logo’d chain. They are also currently on sale for over $300 off at Sunglass Hut, so I’d recommend adding these to your cart ASAP before they inevitably sell out.
This gold eyeglass chain is about as classic as it gets when it comes to the accessory. Think of it as your go-to curb-link chain necklace but for your sunglasses. Nordstrom shoppers love this chain too, giving it nearly all five-star reviews. One review says, “I’ve never used a sunglass chain before so I was a little hesitant to buy this piece. I’m so glad I did because it’s really a cool piece! I love how beautiful it is and now I won’t lose my sunglasses! Win win!”
CRIMMY Eyeglasses Glasses Chain
This is the top-selling sunglass chain on Amazon. The chunkier beads and stones that are speckled along the chain make for an earthy-yet-fashionable accessory. You won’t have to worry about these beads breaking either. One happy reviewer writes, “It’s not dainty, it’s lightweight but strong. It’s beautifully made and catches the light! I absolutely love it!!!”
Linda Farrow Chunky Sunglasses Chain
Bring on the chunk! This chunky chain is one sure-fire way to make a statement with your look. They come from Linda Farrow, a brand known for experimental sunglasses, so it only makes sense for the brand to venture into just-as-stylish eyeglass chains. This acrylic chain offers a bold pop of white to anything you wear, but I think it would pair especially well with your favorite summer dresses.
Urban Outfitters Delicate Pearl Sunglass Chain
Pearls and bows? There’s no eyeglass chain that fits the girlhood aesthetic trend quite like this one from Urban Outfitters. For just $15, you can add a touch of whimsical innocence to your look in an instant. I’d argue that they would go with any pair of sunglasses, from classic tortoiseshell and black to any rainbow shade under the sun.
H&M Beaded Eyeglass Chain (Was $10)
Leave to H&M to offer an eyeglasses chain that’s both pretty and affordable. Clocking in at just $8, this dainty beaded chain features small black and golden beads that will go great with any of the sunglasses in your collection. For about as much as a Starbucks latte, this isn’t a bad option if you’re wanting to dip your toes into the trend.
Frame Chain Pearly Princess Pearl Chain
The pearl jewelry trend is still very much a thing, so why not give it some freshness with an eyeglass chain? What makes this chain extra special is that it’s actually two(!) chains: the pearly strand is worn in front for some added flair, while the thin gold chain is worn on the back to keep your glasses secure.
Ink+Alloy Polly Small Color Blocks With Pearls Beaded Eyeglass Chain St. Tropez
Eyeglass chains allow you the unique opportunity to add a pop of color somewhere unexpected—your head! So I suggest really leaning into the trend with bright shades and fun color combinations as we see in this beaded chain. Known for their beaded accessories, Ink+Alloy hit the nail on the head with this handmade chain. The shades of pink, red, green, and navy combine beautifully and if you look closely, you’ll even find glimpses of pearls.
Missoma Two Tone Curb Eyewear Chain | 18ct Gold Plated/silver Plated
I don’t know about you, but I love a mixed metal moment. Intentionally combining silver and gold feels like a cool style move, plus it takes all of the work out of styling your favorite jewelry. Throw this chain on your sunnies to effortlessly complement your daily stack of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. And when the days aren’t sunny, this chain easily transforms into a bold necklace.
Missoni Square-Frame Chain Sunglasses
In case you still weren’t convinced about the far-reaching power of eyeglass chains, just take a look at these new sunnies from Missoni. These bold red frames feature Missoni’s signature striped pattern on the frames, but the real draw here is the accompanying chain. The chunky blue chain perfectly complements the red frames, but it’s also detachable so you can wear them on all of your sunglasses. We love a two-for-one moment!
Talis Chains Pastel Compote Sunglasses Chain
This pastel-tinted chain is the epitome of fun warm-weather fashion. Whether you’re styling it for Coachella weekend 2 or just walking around the city, this chain is so perfect to match with your latest summer OOTD, no matter the sunglasses you pair them with. The chain has a lightweight feel too, so you can wear it all day without a hitch.
Mango Sunglasses Beads Chain
How adorable is this eyeglass chain? Beaded cherries are the star of the show of this ultra-fun chain. Let them shine with an all-neutral outfit or add this chain as the cherry on top of a colorful spring outfit. You could even pair them with cherry earrings for a cutesy matching moment. Either way, this chain would look so great on your Instagram feed.
Vogue Eyewear Tortoiseshell Effect Sunglasses (Was $100)
Maybe you’re not quite ready to invest in a bonafide sunglass chain and that’s ok! You can get your feet wet with a two-in-one pair of sunglasses. This pair from Vogue Eyewear (which is currently 30 percent off, by the way!) is your classic, everyday type of sunglasses but the added chain strap makes a world of difference. Like jewelry for your face, the chain adds a pop of bling and keeps your sunglasses safe and secure.
Meet the Experts
Experienced in luxury editorial, trend forecasting, and strategic consulting, Kendall is the Fashion Director at Trendalytics as well as a freelance writer for Refinery29, The Zoe Report, LuisaViaRoma, WhoWhatWear, and Coveteur. Prior, she was the Assistant Fashion Director for Women’s RTW at Bloomingdale’s and contributed to global trend forecasting agencies. Plus, she’s a fashion media personality and expert that’s been featured in ABC, Cheddar News, Harper’s BAZAAR, GQ, Bustle, Sourcing Journal, Brides, and Vice.
Jessica Richards is a trend forecaster, style storyteller, and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, whose synergistic focus inspires what is now and next. With an extensive background in forecasting, concepts, and design for major North American retailers, she brings a forward-thinking yet commercially and brand-right viability to projects across the fashion and wellness industries.
