Framing fashion: How eyewear is becoming Bangladesh's everyday style statement

Bangladeshi brand Rodchoshma handcrafts frames from Burma teak, one of the country’s priciest woods. Photo: Rodchoshma

Baker Bhai, from the TV drama Kothao Keu Nei, is probably one of the most iconic characters in Bangladesh's television history. Played by actor Asaduzzaman Noor, the character is remembered for his outfit — a red shirt, denim trousers, a jacket, and the unforgettable black shades.

Or Anis Bhai, the character played by actor Jahid Hasan in the TV drama Aaj Robibar, was memorably nerdy because of those thick, numbered glasses.

Glasses and shades therefore operate as defining accessories — framing not only the face but also personal identity. A well-chosen pair of shades can sharpen a minimalist wardrobe, soften a structured look, or inject drama into an otherwise understated ensemble.

In February 2025, New York-based label Khaite brought striking frames and shades to the runway for its Fall 2025 ready-to-wear show. Models accessorised chunky knits, sharp trousers, and tailored jackets with statement handbags and a collection of elegant eyewear. Mostly square-shaped, the frames defined looks fit for a powerful, boss-like aesthetic.

Globally, this shift is reflected in the numbers. According to Grand View Research, the global eyewear market was valued at over $170 billion in 2023, with steady projected growth driven by both prescription demand and fashion consumption.

Bangladeshi brand Rodchoshma handcrafts frames from Burma teak, one of the country's priciest woods, known for its natural shine and texture. Rodchoshma ships eyewear to 18 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Germany, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, Portugal, Ireland, Turkey, and the Netherlands. According to the owner, Russel, about 80% of buyers are expatriate Bangladeshis, through whom foreign customers discover and order products.

Each frame is sold for around Tk4,000 at Rodchoshma.

Data from Statista also indicates rising consumer spending on premium eyewear, particularly in urban markets where frames are increasingly treated as style investments.

Fashion authorities agree. Recent runway coverage in Vogue highlights oversized acetates, tinted lenses, and sleek 1990s silhouettes as key styling tools rather than secondary accessories. Meanwhile, Business of Fashion has reported on eyewear's evolution into a strategic category for both luxury houses and independent labels, underscoring how frames now sit at the intersection of utility and design.

Over the past three and a half years, Glass Hut has built a following of more than 93,000 on Facebook — a sign that eyewear is resonating strongly as both a necessity and a style accessory in Bangladesh's online market.

Owner Mustakim Khan notes a clear pattern in purchasing behaviour.

"More than goggles and sunglasses, people buy glass frames for regular use. And for lenses, they prefer blue-cut glass, as more and more people are spending time in front of screens," he said. "More than fashion, functionality is prioritised nowadays. Customers choose frames and shades to protect their eyes from dust and sunlight," Mustakim added.

Glasses and shades operate as defining accessories — framing not only the face but also personal identity. Photo: Rajib Dhar

Proportion, polish and personality

Understanding face shape remains a useful foundation. Comparing the widths of the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline helps identify silhouettes that complement natural structure.

Angular frames often balance round faces, while rounded or oval shapes soften sharper features. Oval faces carry most styles effortlessly, and heart-shaped faces tend to benefit from frames that add subtle weight at the bottom.

Yet fashion today resists rigid formulas. What once felt like rules are now treated as suggestions. Bold, oversized frames are deliberately worn on petite faces; narrow, retro silhouettes sit on broader jawlines with intention. The focus has shifted from correction to character.

Colour selection adds another layer of refinement. Warm undertones typically harmonise with tortoiseshell, caramel, and gold finishes, while cooler complexions often lean towards silver, black, slate, and muted blues. Transparent acetates and smoky neutrals have emerged as versatile in-between choices, especially for those building capsule wardrobes.

Mostly square-shaped, the frames featured in Khaite's 2025 fall collection look fit for a powerful, boss-like aesthetic. Photo: Collected

Trend forecasters at WGSN describe this moment as one of "expressive essentials" — everyday items that quietly signal individuality. In eyewear, that translates into sculptural metals, softened rectangular frames, vintage-inspired cat-eyes, and experimental lens tints that subtly transform the mood of a look.

Comfort as the new luxury

If aesthetics draw attention, comfort secures loyalty. Lightweight acetates, titanium blends, flexible hinges, and carefully calibrated bridge fits are no longer bonuses — they are expectations. Frames must endure long workdays, screen time, and commutes without slipping or pinching.

Representatives at Farsight BD observe this growing awareness locally.

"People are far more aware now," they explained. "They don't just ask what looks good; they ask what will feel good after wearing it for hours."

They note that measurements such as lens width, bridge size, and temple length are often overlooked when shopping online, leading to discomfort despite visual appeal.

This shift towards conscious selection is also visible among Bangladeshi eyewear brands. Labels like Dukpion have built a reputation by combining contemporary silhouettes with accessible pricing and wearable colour palettes. "Although most of the frames are imported, we assemble and customise the frame's look here in our workshop," a representative from Dukpion said.

The shift towards practical, everyday eyewear is also evident in the rise of digital-first retailers. According to Mustakim, people prefer blue-cut lenses for their frames. Designed to filter high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted from digital devices, these lenses have become particularly popular among students and office-goers. Marketed as a way to reduce digital eye strain and improve visual comfort during prolonged screen exposure, they often carry a faint yellowish tint and are paired with anti-reflective coatings.

Colourful rikshaw-art frames by Beshideshi

In Bangladesh, blue-cut eyewear typically ranges from around Tk 300 to Tk 1,500 or more, depending on additional coatings such as anti-glare or photosensitive layers.

While scientific consensus continues to evolve regarding the long-term retinal effects of blue light exposure, consumer demand is clearly tied to lifestyle changes — remote work, online classes, and extended screen time have made visual comfort a daily priority rather than an occasional concern.

When it comes to sunglasses, Mustakim observes a more aesthetic shift. "For sunglasses, my customers prefer matte glass frames for regular use," he added.

Matte-finish frames — characterised by their non-glossy, light-absorbing surface — are gaining popularity for both stylistic and practical reasons. Unlike polished frames, matte surfaces minimise light reflection and resist visible fingerprints, making them easier to maintain. The finish also lends a contemporary, understated edge, aligning with the global preference for subtle, texture-driven accessories seen across fashion markets.

In many ways, these preferences reflect the broader trajectory of eyewear: practical enough for daily wear, expressive enough to elevate an outfit, and adaptable enough to keep pace with changing lifestyles.

For Priyota Fabiha Ferdous, a student at North South University, square frames offer structure and versatility.

"I like frames that look sharp but are still comfortable," she said. "Square glasses balance my face and work with almost everything I wear."

Nahian Khan from BRAC University prefers cat-eye silhouettes for their expressive edge.

"They add personality instantly. Even a simple outfit feels styled when I wear it."

Such choices echo a wider cultural confidence. Eyewear is no longer chosen to disappear into the background; it is selected to participate in the outfit.

▪ Trend Watch 2026

According to business owners and experts, in Bangladesh this is the kind of frames and shades that will reign the sunglass and frame market in 2026. 

• Soft Rectangle Revival: Slim, elongated frames inspired by late 90s minimalism
   
• Sheer Acetates: Transparent and milky neutrals replacing solid black as everyday staples
   
• Sculptural Metal: Ultra-light titanium frames with architectural lines
   
• Subtle Tints: Pale amber, smoke grey, and muted rose lenses for understated drama
   
• Oversized Opticals: Statement frames paired with monochrome tailoring