Last year, Action Comics # 1 (1938), which first introduced Superman as the original superhero, was sold for $6 million, becoming the first comic book to sell for seven figures. This makes Superman’s first issue the world’s most valuable comic book — a testament to the character’s enduring popularity. Superman’s influence is also evident in cosplay, where he remains a popular character alongside Batman and Spider-Man, according to a Forbes report.
This year, fans of Kal-El are in for a treat with the upcoming film release of Superman in July. The film features David Corenswet as both Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent, who works as a reporter for The Daily Planet. Clark Kent plays a crucial role as the superhero’s second identity, and his glasses are as well-known as Superman’s red and blue suit.
Before Corenswet, there were several iconic iterations of Kent and Superman, each with their own costuming and accessories. If you’re looking to portray the beloved superhero’s alter-ego in your own cosplay adventures, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a quick guide to Kent’s glasses for Superman cosplayers:
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Picking the right glasses
As mentioned, there have been various film versions of Kent in the past, each with a unique glasses style that helped disguise his identity. However, not all of these frame styles might complement your face. Rounder wireframes like Kirk Alyn’s 1948 stint as Kent are suited for angular faces, while the classic square frames of Christopher Reeves and John Haymes Newton can better balance soft facial features.
If you’re still trying to decide which frames to go for, you can try looking online for glasses. This is generally more convenient than going to a brick-and-mortar store yourself. Retailer LensCrafters even allows you to search by frame shape to make it easier to find those iconic Superman glasses. This will allow you to find frames that can add a touch of realism to your cosplay, ensuring that your chosen glasses don’t look awkward or out of place on your face.
According to American psychologist Mark Travers, cosplayers strive for accuracy and authenticity, and trying out various specs online can help you find similar frame styles to the ones seen in the movies. With the right frames, you can better channel the spirit of Clark Kent and hopefully put together a more accurate cosplay.
If you don’t know where to start, here are some famous glasses styles used to cover up Superman through the years:
Clark Kent glasses through the years
Oversized tortoiseshell glasses
Christopher Reeves, considered the definitive actor to play Superman, set the standard for future movies about the Man of Steel. From the 1970s to the 1980s, Reeves wore oversized tortoiseshell glasses. This glasses style features a mottled design that perfectly balances boldness and elegance. In the films, the large frames help Kent look unsuspecting, effectively contrasting and hiding his superpowers. If you’re looking for a more retro-inspired cosplay look as an homage to Reeves’ version of Kent, check out Celine’s Havana acetate glasses.
Clubmaster specs
In the 1990s, Dean Cain took on the role of Kent and Superman in the television series Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Cain’s Kent sported a more stylish pair of horn-rimmed glasses, also known as Clubmasters. These glasses are characterized by a thick, distinctive shape that resembles animal horns. If you’re more accustomed to this kind of eyewear design, you can grab a pair of the Ray-Ban Clubmaster Optics to help you rock a 90s Kent/Superman look in your cosplay.
Rectangular frames
In 2006, Brandon Routh became the new Kent in the film Superman Returns, where he wore specs with a subtle rectangular style in a deep brown Havana pattern similar to the Armani Exchange AX3116. Meanwhile, Henry Cavill, who starred in the top two highest-grossing Superman films, Man of Steel (2013) and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), also wore rectangular glasses in thick black acetate frames similar to the Moncler ME3001. This frame style is perfect for rounder features, as the glasses’ sharp angles help contrast the face’s soft curves.
Square frames
Corenset, who’s set to fly into the theaters this year as the new Man of Steel, wears a vintage-inspired pair of glasses, as seen in the trailer for Superman (2025). This latest iteration of the Kent glasses features a high bridge and a deep square lens shape perfect for setting up a disguise. If you want to cosplay the modern-day version of Kent, check out the Oliver Nilos eyeglasses from Oliver Peoples.
From tortoiseshell glasses and Clubmaster specs to square and rectangular frame shapes, Clark Kent’s glasses have undergone significant transformation through the years. Picking the right frames for you is essential in staying committed to the Superman era you plan to cosplay, so make sure to do your research before stepping into the Man of Steel’s boots.