Sunglasses are not just for style; they also shield our eyes from the sun’s damaging light. They’ve become a common item in many people’s outfits. But, do you know when sunglasses first came about and how they’ve changed over the years?
Checkout an eyewear shop for a stylish and protective sunglasses collection and elevate your look today!
Let’s take a journey through history to uncover the origins and development of these essential eyewear pieces.
The Early Beginnings
Eye protection from the sun has been around for a long time. The Inuit people in North America used walrus ivory with slits to protect their eyes from the sun’s glare on snow. These early “sunglasses” stopped snow blindness well, even though they didn’t have lenses like modern ones.
Ancient Rome
Ancient Roman Emperor Nero used polished emeralds to watch gladiator fights, which lessened glare and improved contrast, making them a basic form of eyeglasses. Although not very useful for daily life, his emeralds were one of the first examples of using materials for better vision in bright light.
Medieval China
The first real sunglasses, like today’s, appeared in China around the 12th century. They were crafted from flat pieces of smoky quartz, which helped block out glare but didn’t improve eyesight. Chinese judges wore these sunglasses in court to hide their eye movements, ensuring they remained fair. This was the first time sunglasses were used for practical reasons and to hide one’s eyes.
The 18th Century
Tinted lenses started to be used in the 18th century in Western societies. James Ayscough, an English optician, tried using tinted lenses to help people with vision problems. He thought that blue or green-tinted lenses could make vision better. Even though these lenses weren’t made for blocking the sun, they helped create the sunglasses we have today.
The 20th Century: Sunglasses Enter the Mainstream
The widespread use of sunglasses began in the early 20th century, largely thanks to advancements in manufacturing and increased awareness of the harmful effects of UV rays.
- 1920s and 1930s: Sam Foster started making and selling sunglasses in the U.S. in 1929. He sold his first pair at Woolworth on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. This time also saw sunglasses becoming popular in Hollywood, where actors wore them to protect their eyes from bright lights and to look mysterious. Celebrities made sunglasses a trendy fashion item.
- 1936: Edwin H. Land, along with his partner, created polarized lenses. These lenses had a unique filter that reduced glare, making it easier to see clearly in sunny environments. They were especially liked by people who enjoy outdoor activities and sports.
- World War II: During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Corps asked Bausch & Lomb to make sunglasses for pilots to shield their eyes from the sun at high altitudes. This resulted in the famous Aviator sunglasses with big lenses and a thin wire frame. After the war, Aviators became a trendy fashion item for everyone.
The Rise of Designer Sunglasses
The latter half of the 20th century saw the rise of designer sunglasses, with brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Persol leading the way.
- 1952: Ray-Ban introduced the Wayfarer, a bold new style that quickly gained popularity for its sleek design and durable frame. The Wayfarer became a cultural icon, worn by celebrities and featured in numerous films.
- 1980s and 1990s: Designer sunglasses became a status symbol, with luxury brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Versace entering the market. These high-end sunglasses combined functionality with fashion, often featuring unique designs and high-quality materials.
Modern Day: A Blend of Fashion and Function
Today, sunglasses come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and colors, catering to diverse tastes and needs. Technological advancements have led to the development of lenses with enhanced UV protection, polarization, and even transition lenses that adjust to changing light conditions.
- Eco-friendly materials: The modern consumer is increasingly concerned about sustainability, leading to the rise of eco-friendly sunglasses made from recycled or biodegradable materials.
- Smart sunglasses: The latest innovation includes smart sunglasses equipped with features like built-in headphones, voice assistants, and augmented reality capabilities, blending technology with traditional eyewear.
Conclusion
Sunglasses have changed a lot since they started as simple eye protectors. From the basic smoky quartz ones in ancient China to modern, stylish, and high-tech sunglasses, they’ve become more than just useful. They’re now a fashion choice and show how creative humans can be. Looking ahead, it’s clear that sunglasses will keep protecting our eyes and looking good for a long time.
Discover Quality Sunwear at Vision Gallery
Sunlight is good for us but has harmful UV rays. At Vision Gallery, we offer sunglasses that protect your eyes and look great. Visit us in Katy for safety and style.
Be fashionable, stay safe, and walk into the sunshine fearlessly. Visit Vision Gallery today and elevate your eyewear game!
