Universal Eyewear & Fashion: Inclusive Designs That Work for Everyone

Introduction: Bridging Style Without Boundaries

Fashion and accessories have long been categorized into “men’s” and “women’s” segments. From clothing racks to eyewear counters, the labels guide choices, sometimes even limiting them. Yet, style is evolving beyond these divisions. Increasingly, people are embracing universal designs - pieces created to flatter and function for everyone, regardless of gender.

This blog explores how universal designs are breaking stereotypes, why they matter in today’s fashion landscape, and how brands like Augussto are making style more inclusive with eyewear that transcends categories.

Thesis statement: Universal designs in fashion and eyewear demonstrate that true style is not about labels—it’s about versatility, comfort, and individuality.

Why Universal Designs Are Becoming Essential

Shifting Cultural Norms

• Society is transforming gender norms, and style is evolving too.

• Generations younger than our own, most noticeably Gen Z, reject rigid binaries in favor of inclusion.

• We are seeing more fashion weeks, campaigns, and luxury houses highlight all-inclusive designs. 

Fact:  WGSN ((Worth Global Style Network))  research identifies that 56% of Gen Z consumers favor brands with unisex designs.

Functional Advantages

• Universal designs frequently are designed with comfort and fit in mind rather than decorative differences in the gendered designs.

• Things like eyewear and sneakers are universal because they serve the variety of lifestyles of our customers whether it be an everyday work, leisure or professional.

Opinion: Universal fashion feels practical and timeless. By reducing the focus on gender, it enhances the importance of design quality.

Understanding Universal Design in Fashion

Definition

Universal design means that apparel, accessories, and products are designed for everyone. This means that the product does not require adjustments to wear, it is designed for neutral usage! Access is contingent on:

• Neutral Aesthetic (colors, shapes, patterns)

• Adaptive Size Dimensions

• Balanced Proportions to address the various face shapes or body types

Example in Eyewear

Balanced widths/face shape/nose-bridge fits while utilizing shape variety for male or female face types. For example, round frames diminish angular features, while rectangular shape can enhance a softer feature. Each has universal benefits.

Men vs Women: Traditional Distinctions in Design

Before exploring universality, it is essential to see how designs for men and women have traditionally been differentiated.

Fashion 

• Men: Structured tailoring, solid or muted colors, practicality-based design. 

• Women: Soft lines, decorative details, broader palette of colors. 

Eyewear 

• Men's eyewear tends to come in typically larger sizes, darker colors, practical styling 

• Women’s eyewear is smaller (typically), comes in thinner frames, and has a higher proportion and variability of more decorative or stylish options. 

Fact: Generally, when displayed, men's eyewear is called "classic" while women's collections typically refer to "style" or "glamour." 

The Problem With Gender Separation

• It causes limitations to options: A woman who may prefer bold, larger frames will feel limited. 

• It reinforces stereotypes: Men are fact based and women are fashion based.

The Rise of Universal Eyewear

Basic Design Principles

Universal eyewear maintains style and functional use which can appeal to all. Significance to consider:

• "A broad selection of neutral colorways": Black, tortoise shell, clear acetates, and finishes in most metals appeal to all genders. 

• "Balanced size in frames": A consistent medium width frame size with an adjustable nose bridge, frames can be modified to fit all. 

• "Shape versatility": Uniquely shaped frames such as wayfarers, aviators, and round shapes, can accommodate all variant face shapes and facial geometries. 

Industry Research Findings

The vision council recently revealed that 65% of all eyewear consumers in 2023 stated they based their decision on comfort and whether the frame suited their face and not their gender. 

My speculation: As more of the world is becoming aware of identity expression, eyewear will likely be among the first accessories types to evolve to the full unisex type in consumer markets.

Benefits of Universal Designs

1. Choice and Inclusivity

Universal designs allow individuals to pick the style that fits their personality instead of what is assigned based on gender category. 

• Example:-  A simple sleek matte-black square frame looks equally impressive in a board room by either a man or woman. 

 2. Cost Effectiveness for Brands and Consumers

• Brands simplify collections by designing fewer styles that have multiple usages.

• Consumers find timeless pieces that can be shared across partners or family members.

3. Sustainability Through Timelessness

Universal designs avoid fleeting trends tied to gender roles. They stay relevant longer, reducing overconsumption.

• Fact: McKinsey’s 2023 State of Fashion report highlighted that unisex collections have 30% higher longevity in consumer wardrobes compared to gendered seasonal items.

4. Confidence and Identity

Universal pieces allow individuals to express their personal style with confidence without fear of being "out of place."

• Opinion: True confidence comes from wearing what feels authentic to you, not what a label tells you to wear.

Universal Eyewear Styles That Work for Everyone

1. Aviators

• Classic teardrop shape suits most face types.
  

• Originally designed for pilots but now a global staple.
  
  

2. Wayfarers

• Iconic angular design balances both round and sharp facial features.
  
  Works in professional and casual settings.
  
  

3. Round Frames

• Add softness to angular faces while enhancing creativity-driven looks.
  

• Timeless vintage appeal.
  
  

4. Clear and Transparent Frames

• Minimalist design enhances natural features.
  

• Neutral color complements any skin tone.
  
  

Example: Augussto’s Amber Tint Collection offers a refined universal appeal with its translucent finish and balanced frame width.

Men vs Women: How Universal Designs Bridge the Gap

Breaking Stereotypes

• Men no longer feel confined to “bold and dark” styles.
  

• Women are free to explore bolder, functional frames without judgment.
  
  

Everyday Scenarios

• At Work: Neutral designs blend seamlessly in professional attire for both genders.
  

• At Leisure: Universal eyewear transitions easily from corporate to casual outings.
  

• For Travel: One pair can be shared or styled differently by two people.
  
  

Speculation: As social spaces become more blended, eyewear may soon be marketed primarily as lifestyle-driven rather than gender-driven.

The Augussto Perspective

At Augussto, universal eyewear is more than a creative preference, it is a philosophy. Our collections are:

• Designed and engineered with comfort: An adjustable fit for different face shapes.

• Designed and engineered for inclusivity: Styles that enhance individuality for all identities.

• Configurable and constructed to endure: Abolishing poor quality materials allowing you longevity and durability with designs.

Example: The Whisky Havana Collection has earthy colourways and bold frame designs, creating versatility for a fashionable statement piece for all genders.

How to Choose the Right Universal Frame

Step 1: Determine Your Face Shape

Regardless of whether you have an oval, round, square or heart shape, you will look much better trying on eyeglass frames with balance once you identified your face shape.

Step 2: Be Comfortable

• When you are looking at eyeglasses, limit your search parameters to the lightest materials and adjustable bridge styles.

Step 3: Take A Look At Your Lifestyle

• Are you in a formal office? If so, use minimalistic metal eyeglass frame options.

• Are you a casual creative? Then bolder acetate shapes are your best bet.

Step 4: Let Your Personality Shine 

• Use colours and finishes that express you or your person - neutral colours and finishes will communicate more subtle while tints and textures will always communicate louder!

Conclusion: Style Beyond Labels

Global designs, particularly in the fashion and eyewear categories, are redefining how we think about style as no longer a marginalized category but rather a state of freedom, inclusivity, and timelessness.

• Fashion brands are abandoning the antiquated man/women category and feel free to adopt universal styles.

• Eyewear is leading the way with designs that combine comfort, function and looks.

• Universal pieces add value for both the consumer—freedom, confidence, sustainability—and brand—pushing out timeless collections and upgrading their overall style premise.

Augussto embodies this philosophy by creating eyewear that enhances individuality for all.

Discover how universal eyewear and fashion designs bridge men’s and women’s styles. Learn why inclusivity, comfort, and timeless design define modern fashion with Augussto.