Have reading glasses become the ultimate status symbol?

Every few years, a newspaper or magazine declares a new "middle-class status symbol". It might be a sourdough starter, a fancy coffee machine, or a vegetable patch. This year, however, a rather unexpected item has entered the conversation: reading glasses.

A recent tongue in cheek article in Good Housekeeping explored the changing world of middle class status symbols, suggesting that today's markers of success are often less about extravagance and more about thoughtful, everyday choices. Among the trends highlighted was the idea of owning multiple pairs of affordable reading glasses rather than a single expensive pair.

And at London Mole, we can see the appeal.

For years, many people treated reading glasses like prescription eyewear: one pair, carefully guarded and constantly misplaced. This resulted in endless hunts around the house and your reading glasses never being there when you needed them!

Today, more people are embracing a far more practical approach: having several pairs of reading glasses strategically placed wherever they're needed. One on the bedside table, one in the handbag, one in the car, one in the kitchen drawer, one at the desk… Suddenly, life becomes much easier.

The shift towards multiple pairs has only been possible because reading glasses have become stylish in their own right.

Rather than choosing a single expensive pair and wearing them for everything, people are increasingly treating reading glasses as a fashion accessory. Different frames for different outfits, different colours for different moods. It's a trend that reflects a broader move towards accessible luxury; products that feel special, look great, and fit seamlessly into everyday life, without breaking the bank. Eyewear designers such as London Mole are at the forefront of this trend, pioneering stylish, cool reading glasses without the associated price tag that you’d normally expect from designer frames.

At London Mole, we've always believed that reading glasses should be something you enjoy owning, not simply something you need.

Our collection combines designer inspired styling with accessible pricing, making it easy to build your own collection of stylish reading glasses.

Having several pairs often makes more sense than investing heavily in a single set of readers. You'll always have a pair close to hand, you'll have options to suit your style, and you'll spend far less time searching for them!

If owning multiple pairs of stylish, affordable reading glasses is now considered a middle class status symbol, we're more than happy to embrace it.

After all, there are worse ways to demonstrate good taste than being able to find your reading glasses exactly when you need them.