If Tom Hardy had a spirit animal, it would probably be a chameleon. His versatility in not only the film industry, but the fashion world as well, is ridiculously insane. More often than not, we’ve heard some of you ask; what makes Hardy’s wardrobe stand out?
Well, the answer is, and has always been, his eyewear choices. It’s virtually impossible to think about Tom Hardy playing one of his iconic characters, without wearing a pair of sleek aviators, retro wayfarers, or glasses that add some degree of mystery to a particular cinematic scene. Those sunglasses have always been his secret ingredient, as they accentuate everything around him.
In today’s blog, we’ll be looking at some of his iconic eyewear. In addition to the ones worn while filming, we’ll also cover the brands he’s rocked to special events, such as red carpets. So, if you’re hoping to transform yourself into an eyewear aficionado, pull up a seat and start taking notes.
Tom Hardy’s Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
“Stars in Cars” was a TV mini-series that was filmed and released back in 2018. The concept of the show was simple; celebrities would be invited every week by a host, ride fancy cars around town for a couple of minutes, and just have light conversations about random stuff. The topics of discussion were mainly comical, because the goal was to entertain viewers. Sadly, being a mini-series, it was never renewed for a second season.
In one of the episodes, Tom Hardy made a cameo wearing his Ray-Ban Aviator RB 3025 9196/48 Sunglasses. This was no surprise, considering aviators are adaptable to any occasion. You can always find a pair that matches your style, seeing as they come in a wide variety of frame finishes and lenses.
Of importance is to note that this wasn’t the first time we’ve seen Tom Hardy sporting this classic aviator look. During the 68th Annual Cannes Film Festival, back in 2015, he wore a Gucci version in black with a formal outfit. Ostensibly, confirming his bias towards theis timeless style.
The truth is, we’d never fault him for playing favorites. If you think about it, who wouldn’t want to be part of the legacy of excellence built and managed by the Aviator fraternity?
This brand has withstood the test of time, given they made their debut in 1936. The only difference between now and then, is the fact that back in the day they were popularly known as “pilot glasses”. Designed by Bausch & Lomb, these glasses were initially meant to protect our pilots’ eyes against the sun’s glare, while flying.
“How did aviators become a staple in the eyewear fashion world?”
They became common and popular because most fashion connoisseurs found their teardrop-shaped designs quite appealing. This brand has a loyal fanbase, that includes celebrities who are always quick to update their collection once a new iteration pops up. Of course, we’re referring to the Rock, JLo, Tom Cruise, and Jennifer Aniston.
Tom Hardy wearing Cutler & Gross 1084 aviators in matte black.
At the 2016 Oscars, Tom Hardy made a bold fashion statement with his choice of eyewear, donning a pair of Cutler and Gross 1084 aviators. The British actor, known for his rugged charm and edgy style, accentuated his red carpet look with these tastefully designed sunglasses.
The aviators, with their distinct double-bridge design and polished metal frames, complemented Hardy's sharp suit impeccably, adding an air of understated elegance and sophistication. His choice of eyewear proved once again that Hardy is not only a formidable talent in the acting world, but also a trendsetter in the realm of fashion.
The Cutler and Gross 1084 aviators not only shielded Hardy's eyes from the glaring flashbulbs, but also shone a spotlight on his impeccable taste in eyewear.
Despite their discontinuation, the Cutler and Gross 1084 aviators continue to remain a sought-after piece of eyewear. Their iconic status, cemented further by Hardy's memorable Oscars appearance, has led to a surge in demand for pre-owned pairs and similar styles.
While they may not be available directly from the manufacturer, style enthusiasts and Hardy fans alike hunt them down in vintage stores and online platforms. No longer in production, these sunglasses now carry an air of exclusivity, making them even more desirable to those who appreciate the blend of style and allure that they offer.
For those who admire the style of Cutler and Gross 1084 aviators but find them hard to acquire due to their discontinuation, the Dolce&Gabbana DG2285 02/81 emerges as a compelling alternative. This model from the renowned Italian fashion house echoes the same rugged elegance and sophisticated allure that Hardy exhibited at the Oscars.
With a similar double-bridge design and polished metal frames, the Dolce&Gabbana DG2285 02/81 mirrors the iconic features of the 1084 aviators. Furthermore, these sunglasses offer the same level of protection against harsh lighting conditions, ensuring the wearer's comfort and vision are uncompromised.
The Dolce&Gabbana DG2285 02/81 sunglasses, therefore, not only pay homage to the esteemed style of the 1084 aviators but also offer an accessible and equally stylish alternative for fashion-conscious individuals.
Tom Hardy’s Sunglasses in Bronson
Charles Bronson — who also went by the name Michael Peterson — was the toughest English prisoner in the penal system during his time. His inveterate tendencies often got him into trouble with fellow prisoners, guards, and even the dogs.
In this brutal biopic, we see Charles (Tom Hardy) wearing what seems like an old version of the round, thick-rimmed Cartier Pasha de Cartier CT0279S 001. And it complements his already menacing persona perfectly.
Thick-rimmed sunglasses are one of those models that have also become a popular fashion accessory over the years, due to their versatility. They fit nearly all types of faces, and offer a vintage, classic vibe.
One other upside to investing in these glasses is that you’ll be spending your hard-earned money on a product made using premium materials. The downside is, anything ‘premium’ typically implies that you’ll be working with pricey tags, as they are durable. Hence, the reason why some eyewear fashionistas find them cost-prohibitive.
Tom Hardy’s Wrap-Around Sunglasses
Often abbreviated as TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival is a prestigious festival that usually provides a platform for producers to popularize or promote some of their upcoming or just-released films. On average, this annual 10-day event has more than 250,000 attendees, and screens close to 400 films from every corner of the earth.
In 2015, Tom Hardy was pictured leaving the event, wearing a generic pair of wrap-around sunglasses. We call them “generic” because it was difficult to figure out the brand from a distance, and he didn’t stop to answer any of the questions asked by the interviewers or reporters.
All we can say is, they looked sleek and futuristic, added a touch of edge and personality to this outfit, and had a wider field of view. We also took note of the grippy temple tips and nose pads featured, to enhance comfortability.
If we had to pick a pair that was close enough to what we saw, we’d go with the Maui Jim Local Kine B810-53B. Because firstly, they offer a clean and streamlined aesthetic (just like Hardy’s), and secondly, they were designed for eyewear enthusiasts who are mostly into a minimalist lifestyle — Or those looking to steer clear of paparazzi at all costs.
Tom Hardy’s Oakley Half Jacket Sunglasses
It took a while, but we finally understood why these sunglasses have managed to rapidly carve a niche for themselves in the fashion industry. You see, these pairs are carefully crafted using Oakley’s proprietary Plutonite — as the prime material — giving them high resistance to high-velocity impacts.
And to optimize vision, they’ve been designed with prizm lenses that also have the ability to completely block out UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. You’ll find the lenses banded together in a quick-release system, giving users the option of making swaps any time their ambient lighting conditions change.
There’s no need to get into a detailed review of their style and versatility, as we all know they often promise a sporty yet stylish aesthetic that can complement casual or formal wear. Tom Hardy had to let us know that he possesses an Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 XL OO9154 12, to solidify his status as a fashion icon.
Tom Hardy in Oakley’s Thinlink Sunglasses
Adding another dimension to his eyewear style, Tom Hardy was spotted on the set of "Mad Max" donning a pair of Oakley Thinlink frames. The Thinlink sunglasses, known for their lightweight design and comfortable fit, seem to be a departure from Hardy's preference for aviators.
However, these sporty frames perfectly suited the action-intense atmosphere of the Mad Max set. Their robust and durable construction, paired with Oakley's cutting-edge lens technology, ensured maximum eye protection under harsh filming conditions.
This sighting offers fans and eyewear enthusiasts a look at another facet of Hardy's versatile style, reinforcing his status as a trendsetter in both acting and fashion.
Experience the sleek Thinlink sunglasses - a perfect blend of style and performance! With its semi-rimless design and expanded rectangular lenses, these sunglasses offer a wider field of view. Made with lightweight O Matter™ frame material, they effortlessly combine fashion and function.
Oakley's O Matter™ is a proprietary material used in the construction of their eyewear frames. This material is a form of thermoplastic, which is renowned for its durability, flexibility, and lightweight characteristics.
Due to its low density and high resistance to stress and impact, O Matter™ frames offer an unprecedented level of comfort and protection. Additionally, they have the ability to retain their shape and fit even in extreme temperatures, making them highly suitable for a range of activities and environments.
For these reasons, O Matter™ is the material of choice for many of Oakley's high-performance eyewear, including the Thinlink frames worn by Tom Hardy.
Tom Hardy's Glasses in Legend
We couldn't write an article about Tom Hardy's eyewear without mentioning those infamous frames sported by Ronnie Kray.
In the 2015 film "Legend," Tom Hardy portrays both Ronald and Reginald Kray, infamous gangster twins who ruled London's East End in the 1960s.
This dual role showcases Hardy's exceptional acting prowess, as he seamlessly transitions between the two complex characters, each harboring distinct personalities and temperaments.
Ronald, a paranoid schizophrenic, is played with an unhinged intensity, while Reginald, the more rational and composed of the two, is portrayed with a cool, unflinching stoicism.
Hardy's performance, complete with the authentic Cockney accents and distinct mannerisms of the Kray twins, is a testament to his adaptability and dedication to his craft.
The frames worn by Hardy were vintage and an exact match to those worn by Ronnie himself. A French brand named Amor and hailed from the 1960s. They are no longer in production but you can get a hold of them occassionally through vintage shops or auction sites.
The vintage Amor spectacles were classic Browline style frames. These iconic frames, characterised by their distinctive 'brow line' design, were a fitting choice for the period-piece, perfectly encapsulating the 1960s aesthetic.
The Browline style, with a thicker upper rim creating a 'brow', and a thinner lower rim, helped differentiate the twins' personalities, adding a subtle but effective visual cue.
These frames added an air of intellectual sophistication and authority to the characters, further enhancing Hardy's compelling performance. Indeed, the vintage Amor spectacles, with their classic Browline style frames, became a defining part of the Kray twins' on-screen persona in "Legend".
If you can't get your hands on a vintage Amor version a clubmaster style frame is the next best option.
Wrapping Up!
Tom Hardy has never shied away from experimenting with different eyewear choices to add depth to his craft. That’s how we know this is just but a taste of what’s to come. So, the next time he shows up on your silver screen, or at an event near you, pay close attention to whatever eyewear brand he’s donning. He might be giving you a clue to future trends.
We’re hoping you found the information in this article useful. If you’d like to learn about other eyewear icons in the industry, check out our other posts.