Tortoise Shell Glasses

Tortoise shell glasses are the perfect way to level up your eyewear wardrobe. They’ve been a staple for the fashion-forward throughout the decades, and can be found in a huge range of shapes for both men and women.
 
We love how this pattern looks in vintage silhouettes like cat-eye or oversized frames. But there are lots of exciting modern variations you can play around with too!
 

What are tortoise shell glasses made of?

Rest easy – no tortoises were harmed in the making of our frames! They’re named that way because early forms of these glasses (in the 1920s) were made of real shells.
 
Thankfully, the use of real tortoise shell was banned in the 1970s to prevent the extinction of animals such as the hawksbill sea turtle.
 
These days, tortoise shell frames are made from alternate materials like acetate and manufactured in a way that mimics the look of real shell. The process typically involves making plastic sheets of several different colors, dicing them up, and blending them together to create the distinctive mottled or flecked effect. The cool thing? No two tortoise shell glasses are exactly the same!
 

How to wear tortoise shell glasses

Because tortoise shell glasses allow for a range of different colors on one frame, they can catch the light beautifully and are one of the most fun to pair with different outfits. They add personality without being over-the-top loud.
 
The classic dark tortoise shell pattern comes in deep browns, golds and blacks which are a great option if you prefer darker-frame glasses but find solid black frames too harsh. You can also wear this distinctive pattern in unconventional colors such as pink, white and pastel shades.
 
They look polished and professional and are perfect for work or formal occasions – but also work great as a casual everyday staple.
 

Are tortoise shell eyeglasses right for me?

These classic frames can be found in every shape variation – from round and oval, to square and rectangular frames and much more.
 
If you’re having trouble picking, check out our guide on how to match your frames to your face shape!
 

Shopping for eyewear at Mouqy

At Mouqy, we sell a wide variety of gorgeous glasses in this design. You’ll be able to buy them in several forms:
 

• Prescription glasses
• Non-prescription glasses
• Sunglasses

 
Buying prescription glasses online from Mouqy is super simple – you’ll just need your eyewear prescription. Here’s our full guide on buying eyeglasses online.
 
And if you’re curious about how the glasses will look on you, try our Virtual Try-On Tool for a preview!