The history of sunglasses: How did sunglasses come to be, and what have been some of the key innovations and changes over time?
Sunglasses have become a ubiquitous accessory in modern times, worn by people of all ages and backgrounds for both fashion and function. But where did this iconic eyewear come from, and how has it evolved over time?
The history of sunglasses can be traced back to ancient China, where judges wore smoky quartz lenses to hide their eyes and facial expressions during court proceedings. In the 18th century, James Ayscough, a British optician, began experimenting with tinted lenses to help improve vision for those with visual impairments. It wasn't until the early 1900s, however, that sunglasses became widely popular for protection against the sun's harmful UV rays.
One of the earliest proponents of sunglasses for sun protection was American inventor Sam Foster, who began selling affordable sunglasses on the Atlantic City boardwalk in the 1920s. These early sunglasses were made with celluloid frames and green-tinted lenses, and were marketed as a way to reduce glare and eye strain while driving.
The 1930s saw the rise of the first true fashion sunglasses, with brands like Ray-Ban and Foster Grant offering sleek, stylish frames that were designed to complement a variety of outfits. Sunglasses also became popular among Hollywood stars, who used them both to protect their eyes from the bright lights on set and to shield their faces from the paparazzi.
Throughout the 20th century, sunglasses continued to evolve in both style and function. In the 1950s, polarized lenses were introduced, offering even greater protection against glare and UV rays. The 1960s saw the rise of oversized frames, made popular by fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. And in the 1980s, mirrored lenses and neon-colored frames became all the rage, thanks in part to the popularity of sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Today, sunglasses continue to be a popular accessory for people around the world. From classic aviators to trendy cat-eye frames to high-tech sports sunglasses, there is a style of sunglasses to suit every taste and need. And with innovations like photochromic lenses, which darken automatically in response to sunlight, and smart glasses that can track fitness data and display notifications, the future of sunglasses looks bright indeed.
