They may not have been cool when you were a kid, but more and more kids are choosing "geek" glasses these days. And they're doing it voluntarily!

Why? Because "geek chic" is in.

It has been for awhile in fact. First reports of the trend started popping up in the mid 2000s, and while the initial surge of clip-on suspenders and high waters died out quickly, the glasses stuck around.

Tour any school and you're bound to find examples of geek chic glasses in the wild — big thick plastic-framed glasses that look straight out of the 1950s.

The kids love 'em, and here's why — 

#1 - The celebrities are doing it.

If you want to know what’s in style, it never hurts to look to the stars. Celebrities are often dressed behind the scenes by an entourage of fashion experts. When it comes to glasses, what was once considered geeky has never been cooler.

#2 - Intelligence is in.

In today’s technological world, being brainy is cool (and it pays). Now that geeks are churning out the apps and gadgets that shape our lives, we all want to be one of them.

The nerds have finally had their revenge!

#3 - Go big or go home.

There’s one undeniable quality of geek glasses — they’re hard to miss. And that’s kind of the point.

Wearing bold, thick-framed glasses shows the world that you’re confident and a little edgy, two characteristics that appeal to teenagers.

If your kid is asking for a pair of geek chic glasses to start off the school year, don’t worry — they’re on to something.

Need Ideas?

Many brands carry styles of geek glasses. Here's one example from Ray-Ban. You can also check out their Facebook page for more ideas.

But the easiest way to find the hottest styles of geek chic glasses is to schedule your kid or teen's next eye exam at your nearest Vision Source office. Vision Source opticians know which frames are trendy and are also trained to help your child select the best styles of glasses for their face shape. Allow your child to embrace their inner #geek and make a bold statement at school this year!