When it comes to eyewear, classic men’s sunglasses do more than block the sun – they make a statement. With iconic silhouettes, enduring appeal, and a fit that feels just right, classic sunglasses styles offer the kind of timeless confidence that never goes out of fashion.
At MOSCOT, we’ve been handcrafting men’s classic sunglasses for over 110 years. From bold aviators to wire-rimmed minimalists, each frame we make carries a piece of New York history – and a whole lot of style. Whether you’re channeling a 1950s movie star or just want a pair of designer sunglasses that’ll still look good ten years from now, this guide is for you.
Let’s take a walk through the decades and spotlight the most iconic sunglasses from the MOSCOT archives that continue to define cool, generation after generation.
1910s: The Start of Something Spectacular
The HAMISH SUN
This P-3 style frame with cable temples nods to our early days on Orchard Street—simple, strong, and built to last. THE HAMISH brings turn-of-the-century style into the now, offering classic sunglasses for men who value a snug fit and a refined look.
Just like Grandma Sylvia’s living room, which was a delightful home-base for The Moscot family, The HAMISH emanates the same cozy embrace. Give this frame a nose to straddle and ears to grip with authentic cable temples that love to hug.
1920s: Round Frames & Modern Rebels
The ZOLMAN SUN
It doesn't get any more cool and classic than this - the perfectly round ZOLMAN is great Grandpa Sol's frame. Yes, that great Grandpa Sol. As we said, cool and classic. Fun fact: Zolman was Sol's name on his birth certificate.
1930s: Understated Sophistication
The MILTZEN SUN
Named after Uncle Heshy Moscot, The MILTZEN debuted in the '30s and hasn’t looked back since. With its rounded shape and subtle silhouette, this is one of our most enduring classic sunglasses styles. It’s quiet. It’s confident. It’s as timeless as it gets.
The round, full-vue MILTZEN, first introduced in the 1930s, is eponymously named for our uncle Heshy, who inexplicably everyone called Uncle Miltzen. And it stuck. So there you go, world… The MILTZEN.
1940s: Style Meets Strength
The VILDA SUN
Sleek with just a hint of attitude, The VILDA puts a masculine spin on the cat-eye shape. It’s sharp, structured, and straight from the WWII era, where form and function marched in step. These classic men's sunglasses bring retro edge to modern wardrobes.
Pure FDR style that enters the room before you do. Worn by strong, industrial, bold individuals who know how to keep it cool.
1950s: The Birth of an Icon
The LEMTOSH SUN
Our signature frame – and arguably one of the most iconic sunglasses in the world. The LEMTOSH has been a MOSCOT staple for over 70 years, worn by artists, thinkers, and rebels alike. With its rounded lenses, keyhole bridge, and bold browline, this is the frame that put us on the map.
The LEMTOSH stands the test of time with its iconic design and continues to uphold a legacy of its own. This rounder classic has served as the calling card for generations of creative, thoughtful, free-spirited intellectuals, artistes, and auteurs.
1960s: Chunky, Funky, and Fearless
The NEBB SUN
Thicker, bolder, and built for those who want to be seen, The NEBB channels the rebellious spirit of the ‘60s. These iconic sunglasses men's styles are perfect for guys who want to make a statement – without saying a word.
The NEBB is chunky, rectangular, raw, aggressive, and in your face – just like a real New Yorker (except for the chunky and rectangular part).
1970s: Oversized & Outspoken
The SHTARKER SUN
The ‘70s were all about bigger, bolder choices – and The SHTARKER fits right in. With its oversized aviator-inspired shape, this frame delivers maximum style and presence. These classic men's sunglasses styles are perfect for men who want their frames to speak first.
No matter what type of empire you sit atop of, you’ll project an air of strength that says you’re not to be trifled with… even if you’re just leader of the pack.
1980s: Power in Every Detail
The SHEISTER SUN
Wrap-around teardrop lenses and a no-nonsense silhouette make The SHEISTER the ultimate power move. Born in the boardroom, ready for the street, these iconic men's sunglasses are for those who want bold style with serious substance.
Throw on some shade without looking too shady in The SHEISTER. A family masterpiece, say saluti to five generations of eyewear expertise. Father, Son, House of MOSCOT.
1990s: Less is More
The MOYEL SUN
The ‘90s made minimalism cool again, and The MOYEL followed suit. With wire-thin frames and a barely-there look, these classic sunglasses men styles are for the understated guy who knows that subtlety speaks volumes.
A cut above the rest, The MOYEL takes heritage craft into the 21st century. Pair the vintage-esque frame with colorful Custom Made Tints™ and you’ll have a striking style to last generations.
2000s: Old-School Meets Innovation
The ZEV SUN
Crafted from metal and Italian acetate, The ZEV fuses vintage inspiration with modern materials. A P-3 shape with sleek lines and MOSCOT heritage baked in, this frame is a nod to the past with an eye toward the future.
Inspired by the British Public Health Service “Poor Boy” Spectacles of the 1960s, The ZEV is named for GREAT Grandpa Sol’s cousin and neighborhood lawyer, Zeyfer Braunstein (or Zev for short), who wore this clever, dapper frame (British accent included) when he needed to put his best face forward, helping neighbors whose reputations were on the line, get off the hook.
2010s: Heritage, Remixed
The ARTHUR SUN
Built on the bones of The LEMTOSH, but slimmed down for a more modern silhouette, The ARTHUR keeps all the character of the original while refining the fit. These men’s classic sunglasses are for those who want a modern frame with vintage roots.
This frame is based on The LEMTOSH silhouette, but with a slimmed down look, a thinner gauge, and a key hole bridge that’s just a bit more business. They say not to mix business with pleasure, but we couldn’t help ourselves.
2020s: Loud, Proud, and Personal
The DAHVEN SUN
With bold block acetate and tonal hues, The DAHVEN is unapologetically confident. This is classic men's sunglasses design turned up a notch – ideal for guys who want their frames to do more than just protect their eyes.
No need to pray for a sunny day with these iconic frames! Crafted from thick block acetate in rich tonal hues, The DAHVEN brings good fortune – and good looks – wherever you take it.
Why MOSCOT? Because Classic Never Quits
For five generations, MOSCOT has handcrafted eyewear that honors the past while looking ahead. Our classic men’s sunglasses are built with real rivets, sturdy hardware, and premium acetate – and they’re designed to be worn for decades, not just seasons.
- Handcrafted from premium materials.
- Multiple sizes for the perfect fit.
- Unmistakable New York heritage.
Final Thoughts: Classic Sunglasses, Modern Legacy
Whether you're drawn to the intellectual charm of The MILTZEN, the bold edge of The SHTARKER, or the easy confidence of The LEMTOSH, one thing is certain: classic sunglasses for men aren’t just a trend – they’re a tradition.
So, go ahead – find the frame that speaks to your style and tells your story. Because when you wear MOSCOT, you’re wearing something iconic.
Explore our full collection of classic men's sunglasses at MOSCOT.COM
Classic never looked so good.
