Click to download a PDF of Slim Silhouettes.
Who: Fans of Mini Coopers, Smart Cars and the Tiny House Movement. Men who wear slim suits; women who are philosophically opposed to lugging around huge handbags; and cult members of the EDC (Every Day Carry) community.

What: Nothing looks as good as skinny feels… or something like that. This season’s ophthalmic styles are getting slim, slim, slim. Modern technology is to thank for this current crop of eyewear styles that, thanks to some innovative twists and turns, fold down to often more slender than a smartphone. Especially compelling for men and women who get frustrated with bulky frames sticking out of their pockets, these optical styles provide a handy solution for those wearers looking to streamline.

Wear: (L to R) The Prodesign 7909 features a matte full rim aluminum front and a hinge that doesn’t fold at all; the brand’s patented 90° hinge turns down to open and up to close, aligning the bend of the temple with the bend in the frame for a flat profile when closed. Götti offers an extensive collection featuring their patented and award winning Spin & Stow temple with an integrated 360° rotating mechanism; just twist the temple and fold down for a super slender contour perfect for breast pocket stashing—here the classic Tilo. The iHuman collection from Mad Vision is inspired by the idea of introducing technology to spectacle wearers; in their Pocket Series (the PS13020 shown) they offer FlexiSolid temple technology made of a metal alloy that collapse flat with slight pressure to the center of the closed temples, as well as retractable temple tips. The new CEO-V collection from Signature Eyewear offers a double extension magnetic security leash and the CL-314 in purple with fold-flat hinge technology offers women a compact option.

Why: Because sometimes big things really do come in small packages, or at least slim ones. We are all looking to downsize in one way or another and those seeking more compact and lighter products are on the rise. Anything that helps us reduce bulk, simplify and is pocket-sized but is still packed with utility is a winner at retail and compact frames are no exception.

dcarroll@jobson.com