In the modern world, sunglasses have become an irreplaceable fashion accessory, blending style with eye protection. Yet, this wasn’t always their primary purpose. Sunglasses have journeyed through centuries, cultures, and continents, evolving from practical eye shields to iconic fashion statements. Let’s take a journey back in time and discover the intriguing history of sunglasses, from Roman emperors to Hollywood stars.
The Dawn of Sunglasses
Our journey begins in Rome, where emperors like Nero are said to have watched gladiator fights through polished gems to reduce the sun’s glare. While these can hardly be considered sunglasses in the modern sense, they were one of the first recorded instances of humans using materials to shield their eyes from the sun.
The Middle Ages & the Inuit Snow Goggles
Fast-forward to the Middle Ages, the Inuit people had already begun using flattened walrus ivory “glasses,” creating narrow slits to block out harmful reflected rays of the sun. This brilliant yet simple solution effectively protected their eyes from “snow blindness,” a temporary but debilitating condition caused by the sun reflecting off the snow.
The Advent of Tinted Lenses
By the 18th century, glasses with tinted lenses began to appear. James Ayscough, an English optician, believed that blue or green tints could help alleviate specific vision impairments. While his idea didn’t immediately catch on, it paved the way for future developments in sunglasses technology.
From Function to Fashion
In the decades that followed, sunglasses quickly moved from practicality to a symbol of glamour and mystery. Hollywood stars started wearing them to shield their eyes from the flash of cameras, inadvertently making sunglasses synonymous with style, glamour, and mystery. Brands like Gucci and Chanel entered the market, introducing high-end frames that reflected the fashion trends of the time.
The Icons Emerge
The mid-20th century saw the emergence of now-iconic sunglasses styles. Ray-Ban introduced the Aviator in the 1930s for military pilots, and it became popular among civilians after World War II. The 1950s gave birth to the Wayfarer, another style that still defines cool.
Sunglasses Today
Today, sunglasses are a billion-dollar industry, with countless styles, designs, and technologies. Brands such as Oakley and Maui Jim cater to the performance eyewear market for athletes. High-fashion brands like Prada, Dior, and Tom Ford provide an array of designer frames that cater to different tastes. Meanwhile, brands like Warby Parker have revolutionized the industry by offering stylish and affordable frames online.
Did You Know?
The Origin of the Term ‘Sunglasses’: While sunglasses have been around for centuries in various forms, the term “sunglasses” was not introduced until the early 1900s. The term comes from the idea of “screening or shadowing the eyes from the sun”.
Sunglasses for Dogs: Yes, you read that right! Doggles, a popular brand, makes sunglasses designed specifically for dogs. They provide UV protection and make a great fashion statement!
In Space, Sunglasses are Essential: Astronauts use sunglasses during space walks to protect their eyes from the unfiltered rays of the sun. Without the Earth’s atmosphere to filter sunlight, it can be much more intense.
Quality Over Price: Expensive sunglasses aren’t necessarily better at protecting your eyes. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays. You don’t always have to break the bank to find a pair that does this!
Sunglasses were Originally Sold as Medical Devices: In the past, sunglasses were primarily marketed as protection for eyes, not as a fashion accessory. They were often found in pharmacies and recommended by doctors to patients with sensitive eyes.
Where to Buy These Brands?
Looking for a new pair of shades? Here’s where you can find the brands mentioned in our historical journey:
Ray-Ban: Shop directly from their official website or authorized retailers like Sunglass Hut.
Gucci: Find their luxury frames on the Gucci official website or in high-end department stores like Neiman Marcus.
Oakley: Shop performance eyewear on the Oakley official website or sports retailers like REI.
Warby Parker: Purchase stylish and affordable frames directly from the Warby Parker official website. They even offer a Home Try-On program!
Remember, always buy from reputable sellers to ensure you’re getting authentic products. Happy shopping!
The Review
Early to Present: Sunglasses
From Roman emperors viewing gladiator matches through polished gems to Hollywood celebrities donning chic designer frames, the evolution of sunglasses reflects our history and cultural shifts. Today, they're more than just a tool for eye protection; they are a fashion statement, a status symbol, and an essential accessory that defines our personal style. Brands like Ray-Ban, Gucci, Oakley, and Warby Parker continue to innovate and inspire new trends in the industry, pushing the boundaries of design while ensuring the comfort and health of our eyes. With their rich history and promising future, sunglasses will undoubtedly remain a staple accessory in our lives.
