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What are wig spectacles?

Published in Eyewear History 1 min read

Wig spectacles are a type of eyewear specifically designed to be worn with wigs. They are characterized by their unique temple design.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  • Temple Design: The defining feature of wig spectacles is their temples. Instead of the traditional ear rests, they have sliding temples with a loop on the end.

  • How They Work: The looped ends of the temples are designed to be inserted into the wig itself, providing a secure and comfortable fit.

  • Historical Context: Wig spectacles were particularly popular in high society circles, especially during the 18th century (e.g., 1725-1820). Interestingly, many individuals wore them as a fashion statement, even if they did not require vision correction.

  • Materials: Historically, wig spectacles were often crafted from materials like brass, with round lenses.

In essence, wig spectacles were a clever solution for wearing glasses with wigs, offering both functionality and style, particularly in eras when wigs were a common part of fashionable attire.

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