Steampunk being science fiction in the Victorian era, it is not surprising to see all sorts of glasses, each more retro futuristic than the last. But...
Did steampunk goggles exist?
Key points
- 🕶️ Historical origin : Steampunk goggles are inspired by the protective glasses used by workers, scientists, and railway workers in the Victorian era.
- ⚙️ Functionality : Historically, these glasses protected against mechanical hazards, fumes, and ashes.
- 🚂 Use by railway workers : "Cinder goggles" protected railway workers and passengers from ashes and fumes.
- 🎩 Fashion accessories : The wealthy of the time also wore decorative glasses such as monocles or dandy glasses.
- 👓 Choice of glasses : Choose steampunk glasses that suit your style, whether for cosplay or everyday use.
- 🌞 Sunglasses : For a more discreet steampunk look, opt for Victorian-influenced sunglasses.
- 🛠️ Cosplay and accessories : Real vaporists use more extravagant glasses for complete cosplay outfits.
- 🎩 Wear on a hat : A common way to wear steampunk goggles is to attach them to a hat.
- 🚴 Goggles : Big biker or aviator goggles can also be used for a steampunk look.
- 🕶️ Lens quality : Ensure the quality of steampunk glasses, particularly in terms of UV protection.
Large goggles were often worn for their functionality, like welders' goggles or scientists' goggles with magnifying glasses and other wacky gadgets that are overdone these days for a steampunk look .
At that time, engineers and workers had to be protected from steam jets and other mechanical hazards. Fumes and ashes were common.
This is also why there were cinder googles to protect railway workers but not only them. Passengers on trains used them because at the time there were neither windows nor roofs on many lines.
Finally, for the more fortunate, there were already decorative glasses such as small dandy glasses, sometimes magnificently decorated monocles and certain very coquettish women's glasses .
Why choose steampunk glasses?
This is certainly the iconic accessory of the retro futuristic style. Once your steamsona is determined it is easy to choose. Remember that no steampunk outfit can ignore a pair of glasses.
Then the real vaporists equip themselves in cosplay with more fanciful accessories. After all, it's Victorian science fiction ! In cosplay, almost anything goes... you have to protect yourself when you're at the controls of a zeppelin or other machines that project vapors and sparks.
How to wear steampunk glasses?
The most common in a cosplay style is to integrate the glasses on the hat. A way to accessorize your hat and give it a classic steampunk look. The glasses will not necessarily be usable or even detachable ... it's up to you.
There are also large goggles for bikers or aviators, also most often in cosplay . They can also be worn on the head or slung around the neck and are rather decorative, even if some models will be perfectly functional.
Finally, we recommend steampunk sunglasses . They are wearable both in cosplay and in life, many models being very elegant and not too extravagant . To have a "city" steampunk look, a pair of glasses and an accessory like a pocket watch or a piece of jewelry will be enough to feel steampunk without breaking the recalcitrant conformism of those around you.