Sunglasses have become a suit of armor for public figures, especially U.S. politicians. President Joe Biden never goes anywhere without his aviators, while Vice President Kamala Harris‘ go-to is her round, oversized Mykita Lahti shades.
Former U.S. presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush all wore them, although Donald Trump chooses to eschew them, looking the cameras — and the U.S. public — straight in the eye.
Wearing them — or not — says a lot about a person. Glasses can signal personal style and cool — and they can intimidate, too.
“Image-wise, sunglasses send out a multitude of messages,” said Sunita Kumar Nair, author of “CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion.” She added that while they can signal style and the sophistication, “it’s not essential for a president to wear them.”
As the 2024 presidential race goes full steam ahead, here WWD recaps some top eyewear moments at the White House.
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Who: Kamala Harris
Style of choice: Mykita Lahti
What does it mean: If there’s one image that encapsulates Harris’ online presence, it’s the viral video of her from 2020 in which she declares, “We did it, Joe!”
In the video she’s wearing sunglasses from German brand Mykita. “She chose a very politically correct brand. It’s worn by trendy people such as Cate Blanchett or Jason Statham, handcrafted modern design with advanced technology. Good choice, good philosophy and good style,” said Dominique Gaulme, who coauthored “Power and Style: A World History of Politics and Dress” with her husband François.
Who: Donald Trump
Style of choice: None
What does it mean: The former president and current Republican presidential nominee has a signature look, and it’s not changing anytime soon. It’s clear he will not let anything come between his Oompa Loompa tan and orange-tinged hair.
“I feel there is a relatability factor. Trump, who may not be instantly likable or popular with his rhetoric, could deliver more of his personality by choosing not to wear sunglasses,” said François Gaulme.
Who: Joe Biden
Style of choice: Ray-Ban 3025
What does it mean: President Joe Biden’s aviators are a nod to his military days and are a constant in his life. When he joined Instagram in 2014, it wasn’t with a selfie, but a close-up of his aviators. But since dropping out of the 2024 race, they’ve become a topic of some mockery.
Dominique Gaulme added that it might be time for a change of style: “Unfortunately, Joe Biden seems to hide his old and tired eyes with his spectacles, not to show how lost he feels. President [Emmanuel] Macron offered him a nice pair of Vuarnets, a famous French brand, when he paid a state visit to Paris.”
Who: Barack Obama
Style of choice: Ray-Ban 3217
What does it mean: The former U.S. president is the image of cool with his action hero Ray-Ban 3217s. They’re classically American, but with a twist — just like the suits he wore in office with two-button jackets instead of three.
Who: Bill Clinton
Style of choice: All American
What does it mean: U.S. presidents love their Ray-Bans, and Clinton’s pair is the hippest of the bunch with their circular lenses and gray frames.
He wore them when he accepted the Charlemagne Prize in 2000 for his work on European unification. “His sunglasses reveal his slightly [more] hippie student side,” said Nair.
The old adage is “real eyes, realize” and for Clinton, his sunglasses have the word “America” engraved on the side. What could be more patriotic than that?
Who: George W. Bush
Style of choice: Ray-Ban Wayfarer
What does it mean: The Wayfarer is a midcentury classic and for a long time, Bush was the image of America. “He looks resolute and efficient. He is the no-nonsense president. The man of action who doesn’t care for frivolity,” said Dominique Gaulme.
Who: John F. Kennedy
Style of choice: American Optical Eyewear’s Saratoga
What does it mean: Kennedy routinely wore his sunglasses when he was off duty and spending time with his friends. On the job, he never hid behind dark lenses.
“I do remember reading this anecdote about President Kennedy, who asked Jackie to take off her sunglasses the day he was assassinated, and they were traveling in a motorcade with the top down, the purpose of the trip was to meet the people of Dallas, Texas,” said Nair.
Kennedy supposedly told his wife to “take them off, Jackie, the people need to see your eyes.”
“The old adage that the eyes are the gateway to the soul must have been one that President Kennedy felt important,” added Nair.
Who: Lyndon B. Johnson
Style of choice: Multiple
What does it mean: The 36th POTUS was an avid eyewear collector. He left 53 pairs of eyeglasses at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in Texas. He had frames in every color, from clear ones to yellows and greens.
“Lyndon Johnson couldn’t do without his spectacles. Even in a pool with his dog and a baby girl,” said Dominique Gaulme.
