Summer 2021 was all about statement sunglasses: XXL square frames, classic aviators, retro rounds, skinny rectangles, frameless diamond-cut styles, cat-eyes, tortoiseshell patterns, sporty silhouettes, ’80s-style shields, and mood‑boosting colorful lenses. If you’re revisiting these trends now—whether for personal wear, nostalgic styling, or resale—the key decision is which shapes fit your face and lifestyle and whether you want to source them from a cross‑border marketplace like DHgate or a mainstream US retailer.
DHgate’s marketplace sunglasses category gives you broad trend discovery from multiple sellers, while US retailers such as Macy’s or Net‑a‑Porter lean toward named brands with clearer specifications. The sections below walk through each of the ten 2021 trends, practical fit and protection checks, and how those choices play out across different marketplaces.
The 10 Sunglasses Trends That Defined Summer 2021
1. XXL oversized square frames Big, square lenses were the go‑to “look at me” accessory in 2021. Think thick acetate frames, dramatic coverage, and a very fashion-forward vibe.
- Best for: Medium to large faces; often good on round and oval shapes because the strong lines add structure.
- Use case: Beach days, city outfits, content creation—less ideal for sports or driving where you need a very secure fit.
2. Aviators Aviators stayed mainstream. Their teardrop shape is popular because it tends to block sun effectively for many wearers while still looking casual and cool.
- Best for: Many face shapes, especially oval and square; they’re a safe choice if you’re unsure.
- Use case: Everyday driving glasses, travel, and work‑to‑weekend outfits.
3. Retro round frames Round “John Lennon” style lenses came back on runways, often in thin metal or acetate frames.
- Best for: Square and angular faces—the curves can soften sharp features.
- Use case: Fashion and nightlife; they can be less practical if you need maximum side coverage.
4. Rectangle-shaped sunglasses Narrow rectangular styles in 2021 looked almost like 3D glasses: slim lenses, straight lines, and a very Y2K feel.
- Best for: Small to medium faces; heart-shaped faces often do well because the straight top line balances a wider forehead.
- Use case: Street style and photos, not high-intensity sun exposure because the lenses typically cover less vertical area.
5. Frameless & diamond-cut designs Diamond-cut sunglasses usually skip a traditional frame. Lenses are cut in angular shapes and attached with visible hardware for a minimal, luxe feel.
- Best for: Shoppers prioritizing fashion over rugged durability.
- Use case: Parties, events and resale into trend-conscious audiences who care more about the look than heavy-duty use.
6. Cat-eye sunglasses Cat-eye shapes stayed big in 2021. The upswept corners lift your features and add instant vintage glamour.
- Best for: Heart-shaped and round faces, where that upward angle visually balances the cheek area.
- Use case: Everyday outfits when you want polish—great with dresses and tailored looks.
7. Tortoiseshell patterns Tortoiseshell isn’t a shape; it’s a pattern that keeps coming back. In 2021 it appeared on everything from vintage round frames to modern squares.
- Best for: Buyers wanting something less stark than black but still neutral; works on most face shapes.
- Use case: Office, brunch, and situations where you want subtle pattern rather than loud color.
8. Sporty sunglasses Sporty styles mixed frame shapes, colors, and experimental lens tinting. Some recent designs leaned into orange and yellow gradient lenses.
- Best for: Active wearers—running, cycling, beach sports—who still care about fashion.
- Use case: Outdoor exercise and travel; check that the shape hugs your face so they don’t slide.
9. Shield sunglasses Shield styles take their cue from ’80s retro: one large lens spanning both eyes and the bridge of the nose, usually with visible top bars.
- Best for: Medium to large faces and buyers who want maximum front coverage and a futuristic look.
- Use case: Strong sun in open spaces, city style, and editorial photos; often better on wider faces.
10. Mood‑boosting colors Pastel and rainbow lenses were everywhere in 2021, often paired with colorful frames. Think pink, blue, lavender, and multi‑tone tints.
- Best for: Fashion-first shoppers, content creators, and resale buyers targeting younger audiences.
- Use case: Late afternoon hangs, indoor photo shoots, or lower‑intensity sun—some lightly tinted lenses may feel too bright at midday.
How to Choose Your 2021 Trend: Fit, Protection and Quality
Choosing a trend is about more than aesthetics. To make a smart purchase, especially online, filter your options through face shape and lifestyle, UV protection, and construction quality.
Match the shape to your face and lifestyle
Here’s a compact view of how some key trends typically line up with everyday use:
| Trend style | Face shapes it often flatters | Best everyday use case |
|---|---|---|
| XXL square | Round, oval | Fashion, casual wear |
| Aviator | Oval, square, many in‑between shapes | Driving, daily wear |
| Cat-eye | Heart, round | Polished outfits, events |
| Sporty | Most, if the wrap matches your width | Sports, outdoor activities |
| Shield | Medium–large faces | Strong sun, bold city looks |
If you mainly drive, aviators or larger squares give good coverage without looking too niche. For resale, cat‑eyes and mood‑boosting colors tend to photograph well and signal trendiness, while tortoiseshell offers a safer “will still look good next year” option.
Don’t let trend override UV protection
For any 2021 style you buy now:
- Look for UV400 or “100% UV protection” in the product description. This is a common baseline many quality sunglasses meet.
- Consider polarized lenses for driving or water sports—they help reduce glare, though they aren’t required for fashion wear.
- With colorful or pastel lenses, check whether they’re described for full sun or more for style; lightly tinted lenses may be better kept for softer light.
On cross‑border marketplaces, UV claims can be vague. If a listing only says “fashion sunglasses” with no UV spec, treat it as a style piece, not your primary sun protection.
Inspect construction, especially frameless and sporty styles
Since you can’t handle the product first, use listing photos and descriptions:
- Hinges and temples: Metal hinges and solid screws generally last longer than ultra‑thin plastic clips. On sporty and shield styles, look for firm-looking hinges and thicker temples that don’t appear flimsy.
- Nose pads: Aviators and shields often use adjustable metal pads; they’re helpful if your nose bridge is narrow or you have trouble keeping frames in place.
- Frameless/diamond‑cut: Because the lens itself is the structure, confirm how the arms attach (metal hardware, multiple screws). If the attachment points look sparse or uneven in close‑up photos, durability may be limited.
If you’re buying for resale, it’s worth favoring construction that can survive a few returns and exchanges—classic tortoiseshell frames and full‑rim cat‑eyes are usually sturdier than very experimental frameless cuts.
Finding These 10 Trends on DHgate and Alternative Marketplaces
DHgate hosts a dedicated marketplace sunglasses category where multiple sellers list different styles of eyewear. Because it works as a multi‑seller platform, the exact items and details you’ll see depend on each individual listing rather than a single standardized catalog.
How to search each trend on DHgate
Use specific keywords, often combined with “sunglasses” or “women/men” when you browse DHgate’s sunglasses category:
- XXL oversized square: “oversized square sunglasses” or “large square frame”.
- Aviators: “aviator sunglasses”; add “polarized” if you want glare reduction.
- Retro round: “round metal sunglasses” or “retro round eyewear”.
- Rectangle: “small rectangle sunglasses” or “90s rectangle shades”.
- Frameless/diamond cut: “rimless diamond cut sunglasses” or “frameless fashion sunglasses”.
- Cat-eye: “cat eye sunglasses”; heart- and round-faced buyers can look for medium-sized versions rather than micro cat-eyes.
- Tortoiseshell: “tortoiseshell frame sunglasses” or “tortoise pattern glasses”.
- Sporty: “sport sunglasses”, “wraparound”, or “cycling sunglasses”; add “orange gradient lens” if you want that 2021 tint look.
- Shield: “shield sunglasses” or “single lens sunglasses”.
- Mood‑boosting colors: “tinted sunglasses”, “pastel lens”, or “rainbow lens sunglasses”.
For any DHgate listing, double‑check:
- UV specification (UV400 or 100% UV).
- Lens material (polycarbonate is common for sport; other plastics show up in fashion styles).
- Seller photos from multiple angles to judge frame thickness and hinge quality.
DHgate vs US retailers: choosing where to buy
When you compare DHgate with US retailers like Macy’s or Net‑a‑Porter, focus on how each channel supports your specific purchase.
Marketplace discovery (DHgate)
- Good when you want multiple interpretations of the same trend (for example, many frameless diamond‑cut or mood‑boosting colored lenses at different price points).
- Better suited to experimenting with shapes and colors where brand name is less important than the look.
- Requires careful reading of listing descriptions and close‑up photos, because specs and construction vary by seller.
Named-brand retail (Macy’s, Net‑a‑Porter)
- Helpful when you want one pair for heavy use (like daily driving) with clear lens and material information.
- Often focuses on recognizable brands, which some buyers prefer for consistency and customer service.
- Product pages typically emphasize style plus practical details such as frame dimensions.
A simple way to decide is to pick one practical style (like aviators or tortoiseshell squares) from a retailer that gives you the detail level you want, and use DHgate or another marketplace to explore more playful 2021 trends—like mood‑boosting colors or skinny rectangles—after you’ve carefully vetted each listing.