The Iconic Barnett Glasses of Velma from Scooby-Doo

The Iconic Barnett Glasses

Glasses have become an iconic part of many memorable characters over the years. One pair that truly stands out is Barnett's glasses from Scooby-Doo. These classic black frames and angular shape are instantly recognizable to any fan of the beloved cartoon series.

The Origins of Barnett's Signature Styles

Velma Dinkley, the brains of the Scooby gang, has sported her signature glasses since the show first aired in 1969. The black wayfarer style frames accentuated her quirky nerdy persona. Her large angular lenses and dark frames stood out from the typical cat eye and round styles that were popular for women at the time.

The frames were eventually revealed to be made by Dr. Barnett, the optometrist on the show. While we don't know much about this mysterious optometry brand, the name Barnett has become iconic amongst Scooby-Doo fans.

How Barnett Glasses Became an Integral Part of Velma's Look

In later remakes and movies based around Scooby-Doo, Velma's appearances have evolved but she rarely removes those quintessential black frames. The Barnett glasses are such an integral part anything else would feel out of character.

Without her glasses, Velma is basically blind as a bat. She embodies the brainy, nerdy girl who prefers books over looks. The dark heavy frames contrast against her orange sweater and skirt ensemble adding a gravitas that matches her serious intellect.

Even when she's not solving mysteries, you can count on Velma wearing her trademark black frames. They are just as much a part of her iconography as her red hair and freckles.

Why Barnett Glasses Are Still Popular Today

Years after Scooby-Doo first aired, replica Barnett glasses remain a popular staple for Velma costumes and cosplay. Any girl trying to channel their inner mystery-loving smartypants knows that the costume isn't complete without Barnett's iconic frames.

Nostalgia for Retro Cartoon Styles

Today vintage styles from the 60s and 70s have come back around in fashion. Thick black plastic eyeglasses hark back to Velma's retro nerdy style in a chic modern way. Throwing on a pair of angular frames like Barnett's glasses is an easy way to add a nostalgic accent to your ensemble.

Cosplay and Halloween Costume Fun

For cosplay or Halloween, Barnett glasses tie your Velma costume together perfectly. The bold black frames next to that bright orange immediately evokes the connection back to Scooby-Doo making it perfect for comic conventions and trick or treating.

Even plus sized women can pull off a Velma inspired costume flawlessly when they add Barnett's signature glasses. The dark color and angular shape perfectly balance out the face to create a stylish nerdy look in any size.

Where to Find Barnett Style Glasses Today

While you won't find glasses actually branded as Barnett's, the style lives on. Many eyewear companies produce glasses inspired by Velma's signature frames for an easy way to get the look.

Online Eyeglass Retailers

Plenty of affordable options exist online through retailers like Zenni, Eyebuy Direct, and Glasses USA. Searching for women's black wayfarers will reveal many adjustable nose bridge versions reminiscent of Barnett glasses.

Specialty Cosplay Sites

For the most accurate costume replicas, check out specialty anime and cosplay accessory sites. Eloquent Eyeglasses has an incredible Scooby-Doo Velma Barnett glasses dupe for under $20. They also offer classic cat eye and round frames inspired by Daphne and Fred.

No matter your reason for wanting to emulate Velma's signature styles, Barnett glasses add a nostalgic retro vibe. Slipping on those dark angular frames makes you instantly feel like a sleuth ready to tackle mysteries and puzzles galore!

FAQs

Who made Velma's original glasses on Scooby-Doo?

Velma's signature black-framed glasses were made by the fictional eye doctor Dr. Barnett, as revealed in the original cartoon series.

What style are Barnett glasses?

Barnett glasses have an iconic wayfarer style with thick black plastic frames and angular shaped lenses.

Where can I buy Barnett style glasses online?

Many online eyeglass retailers sell women's wayfarer styles that look similar to Velma's Barnett glasses, like GlassesUSA, Zenni, and EyeBuyDirect.

Are replica Barnett glasses good for costumes?

Yes, sites like Eloquent Eyeglasses sell nearly identical Scooby-Doo approved costume replicas of Velma's iconic Barnett frames.