Few industries, if any, have seen a convergence of men's and women's fashion trends as eyewear. Unlike clothing or jewelry, where fashion cues often don't overlap or influence, eyewear has been one category where there are still plenty of unisex options on the market that will appeal to both men and women.

Women may seek an androgynous, "non-female" frame because they want to convey a serious, professional image at work, or because they don't like a girly look, or because such styles match their wardrobe and activities. For men the distinction between men's and unisex styles is less obvious, but the latter may offer a broader choice of colors and designs than those traditionally found on the men's shelves.

What is Unisex?

So what makes a frame unisex? Shape, material, color, detailing and branding all come into the mix. Brand image and positioning are probably the most important factors. Some brands are so strongly associated with women that it would be a brave man indeed who bought a frame under that label, no matter how "unfeminine" its design. Others, however, have been carefully positioned to appeal to and be associated with both sexes.

Color is a vital factor in determining whether a frame is unisex or not. Pale colors and red tend to be favored by women while blues or greens tend to attract men. But color is a tricky area, where an individual's choice may be affected not only by their own taste but by what is considered acceptable in their work and leisure lives. Black, browns, tortoiseshell and metallic colors such as bronze, gunmetal, silver or gold are universal in their appeal.

Eye shapes and overall design need to be simple and clean, with eye rims taking a more angular or possibly oval form. Angular eye shapes such as squares and rectangles are currently very popular and suit both men and women. Slender or rimless frames also appeal to both sexes for their discreet appearance, and are currently trendy. The simplicity of unisex designs makes them easy to wear and suitable for a wide spectrum of occasions.

The overall design must, of course, take into account the different bone structures of men and women. Materials are truly unisex. Lightness is likely to be the only important criterion related to materials, and equally important to both men and women. Detailing must be subtle and decoration on temples or end pieces should be minimalist and avoid motifs such as flowers.