The History Of Sunglasses

Sunglasses are being used to protect our eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. These days, sunglasses are a must-have accessory. They can make an outfit more elegant and come out from an ordinary one to fabulous. They can also make us feel like we are on the trend.

Nowadays, sunglasses are a style statement, and these correlate with summer and sunshine. They always define our signature look, a mystery and sophistication to any outfit. A good pair of sunglasses is genuinely fantastic, and especially its history.

How Sunglasses Started   

In prehistoric times, ivory glasses block the harmful gleam of the sun. The historical reference to sunglasses dates back to ancient China and Rome. The Roman emperor watched the gladiator fights through polished gems.

During the Renaissance, it was believed that the first creation of sunglasses was made between 1268 and 1289. It then appeared by 1352, in a painting by Tommaso da Modena which after being seen by the rich and powerful it was used as a status of distinction and honour.

In China, sunglasses were being used in the 12th century or possibly earlier. These glasses were made of lenses that were flat panes of smoky quartz. In the early 1900s, the sunglasses become more extensive, especially among Hollywood movie stars.

In the 20th and 21st century, sunglasses with UV ray protection have become a staple. These have been seen with stars rocking and parading on the red carpet.  

Inexpensive production of sunglasses started in 1929. Sam Foster introduced this in the US. It was sold in the beaches of Atlantic City, New Jersey under the name of Foster Grant from a Woolworth on the boardwalk. These glasses are made to protect the eyes from the sun's rays.

Sunglasses even played a significant role during World War II, Rayban created anti-glare aviator style sunglasses, using polarization. It became popular with the celebrities and community in 1937 when they started to sell this in public.

The History of Each Sunglasses

Let's take a look at how each pair of sunglasses has started and how this has become popular throughout the years. The history of sunglasses was not solely to protect the eyes but more on to hide the facial expression instead of sunlight. Since then, sunglasses have been used for anything from blocking harmful rays or to enable the wearer to see through water.  

Wireframe Round Sunglasses in 1910. The original sunglasses are all round, and they have wireframes. They were pretty much necessary. This particular style could be seen in a manner that has stood up in the test of time. This is just because it was seen in the 21st century and many designers and manufacturers are still nowadays influenced by it. There's something about the wireframe sunglasses that makes them look all about the shape of the lens itself. It is indeed a trend for every season, and they are the best sun-shielding accessory.

Play on Frames in the 1940s. Many manufacturers and designers have started to emerge, and they have created eyewear that would stand out. The rise of the interesting frames started in the 1940s. During this era, round frames were still popular; however, structures become thicker and have different patterns. It was also during this time that plastic frames have become popular with women.

Cat Eye Emergence 1950s. During this era, everyone was wearing sunglasses because they were the undisputed must-have item. It was also during this era that the cat-eye sunglasses were famous. The frames were plastics and had a dab of sparkle on it. This is one of the favourite eyewear shapes for women, and this is still popular up to this day.

To recognize a cat eye authentic frames, it must have raised temple edges which give the appearance of feline eyes. They add a lifting effect on the face, and these make the frame as the sudden and most convenient way to elevate your look to the new heights.

Wayfarer First Introduction 1950s. Wayfarer can be worn by anyone, and this applies to any size and shape of the face. Everyone is not in favour with these sunglasses because of the masculine look. While some women prefer cat eye sunglasses, some men prefer this look in sunglasses.

Ray-Ban first introduced wayfarer sunglasses, and the designer was inspired by a mid-century classic. The typical trapezoidal frame spoke a nonverbal language that hinted at unstable dangerousness, and it was later branded as frames with a masculine look.

Browline Glasses 1950s. Browline glasses were fashionable for men in the 1950s. This sunglasses are popularly known as the clubmaster-style which refers explicitly to a sunglass variation and was popularised in the 1980s. Browline glasses give a particular focus to the wearer's eyebrow by having a thick or dark material along with the frames and temples.

Square Sunglasses 1960s. This is an era in sunglasses wherein it was a continuation of the thick and white frames, and the only difference is the colour of the shade. Square sunglasses usually does not go along with all face frames. This is best worn by people with small faces. Sunglasses with round rims can soften your facial features.

The Must Love Aviators 1970s. The Aviator has become a fashion statement only in the 1970s. They were initially created by Bauch & Lomb Rayban, to protect the eyes of the pilot from the sun. This was regularly worn by Elvis Presley as well as other big stars. It is also a well-known design for General Douglas Mcarthur which newspaper photographers captured during World War II.

The Oversized Trend 1970s. It becomes famous for women in 1970s, an individual who can carry out this kind of trend is Jacqueline Kennedy Onnasis. Women all over the world followed her classic look. Iconic Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's also wore an oversize sunglasses. The secret to looking good in your oversize sunglasses is to find the right frames and lenses to compliment your style and taste. When wearing oversize sunglasses, make sure you try out different glasses for you to become aware of which gives you an air of mystery.

The Aviators Return 1980s. Aviators made a triumphant return in the 1980s, and this is due to the movie of Tom Cruise Top Gun. One thing that's best to appreciate with Aviator shades is that the shape doesn't change that much compared to other styles.

Colourful Retro Sunglasses 1990s. Colourful sunglasses are the trend in the 90s, and celebrities are normally seen wearing this kind of sunglasses. The 90s brought too many colour lenses in the forefront. This may not be favoured by many, but this fashion style has emerged from the 90s, and this has contributed to the interesting trend. The three characteristics that define a 90s inspired sunglasses: they are small, they have coloured lenses, and they have thick frames.

Bedazzled Sunglasses 2000s Oversized sunglasses made a comeback in 2000. It becomes the biggest and better sunglasses than ever before. It is full of bling that made the sunglasses eye-catching and went beyond a little more extra than expected from sunglasses.

Mirrored Sunglasses 2010s. Mirrored sunglasses have been found with different style trends such as aviators, cat eyes etc. The mirrored sunglasses will make you fixated from the colours being reflected. Mirrored sunglasses makes a strong statement in the summertime. Just one look at them, you know that they have been the fashion statement of this era.