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the-evolution-of-sunglasses

When Were Sunglasses Invented

Speaking of sunglasses, which are not available today, they have become popular in modern times. From the earliest appearance in the form of a pilot’s flying mirror, it has become an indispensable accessory for the public to block ultraviolet rays. After several changes, it has followed the stars at the forefront of fashion, with the pulse of fashion.

Colorful frames sunglasses
Colorful frames sunglasses

Sunglasses are now commonplace in fashion. A pair of high-quality sunglasses is indeed necessary for us. We rely on pupil dilation to regulate light flux. When light intensity exceeds the eye’s ability to accommodate it, it can cause damage. Sunglasses can effectively block light and alleviate the damage to the light to our human eyes.

Now, sunglasses already have the function of UV protection. In addition to protecting our eyesight, it can also prevent the skin around our eyes from developing fine lines due to UV rays.

But when were sunglasses invented, and who invented them?

Movie stars initially wore sunglasses
Movie stars initially wore sunglasses

The “Past Life” of Sunglasses

About sunglasses – shading – protecting eyes. Such association cognitions are almost ingrained in our minds. But in the past, they were not used that way.

In China, glasses similar to sunglasses appeared in the 12th century. They are made of smoky gray quartz lenses. The magistrate will carry it with him at the trial. People think judges should be tough and fair, so the judge wore dark glasses to prevent others from seeing his expression through their eyes.

The earliest “sunglasses” can be traced back to 2000 years ago.

The Inuit people living in the Arctic region made a strip of goggles from ivory, antlers, driftwood, bone, etc., to reduce the glare reflected by the snow. Goggles at the time had no lenses. The Inuit cut two thin slits in the center of these opaque materials to minimize the incidence of light without obstructing the line of sight. These “goggles” brought them a benefit – better focus when hunting.

The Inuit people made a strip of Snow goggles: the first sunglasses
The Inuit people made a strip of Snow goggles: the first sunglasses

The Most Expensive Sunglasses From Ancient Rome. Pliny the Elder mentioned in his book “Natural History.” The famous tyrant Nero in ancient Roman history would watch gladiator fights through polished emeralds to protect his eyes from the glare of the sun.

Habach Valley Emerald
Habach Valley Emerald

It was not until the 18th century that the prototype of modern sunglasses began to appear.
A doctor named James Ayscough believed that blue and green glass lenses could improve certain visual impairments and made several attempts. The lenses are held together with wire, and the frame continues to the ears, allowing the glasses to be attached to the face.

Green glass lenses
Green glass lenses

The dawn of modern sunglasses

Sunglasses are starting to have modern features that are to prevent strong light from entering the eyes. It was already in the early 20th century. At that time, patients who contracted syphilis developed symptoms of photophobia. So they started wearing sunglasses made of yellow and brown lenses.

At that time, the acceptance of glasses differed from country to country. At that time, in France, nobles with poor eyesight only used glasses in private. When using it in public, put it away quickly after use. The same for the British. The Spaniards did not think so. They think wearing glasses will make you look more dignified and a status symbol.

1938 LIFE MAGAZINE
1938 LIFE MAGAZINE

Soon after, starting in the 20s, sunglasses became a celebrity symbol. Movie stars initially wore sunglasses because the flash was too harsh. Since then, sunglasses have been completely popular.

Left: 1938 Marlene. Dietrich, Right: 1938 Carol. Lombard
Left: 1938 Marlene. Dietrich, Right: 1938 Carol. Lombard

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, round-frame glasses were extremely popular among women. Pastel floral frames sunglasses and playful silhouettes sunglasses can be found almost everywhere on the beach.

Round Frame Sunglasses
Round Frame Sunglasses

In the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn led the trend of cat eye sunglasses.

Left: 1961 Hepburn Right: Marilyn Monroe
Left: 1961 Hepburn Right: Marilyn Monroe

Then, the term “oversized” swept through the 1960s and 1970s. Of course, it also led to the development of sunglasses. Sunglasses with bold colors and exaggerated silhouettes are sought after by women.

oversized Sunglasses
Oversized Sunglasses

In the 1960s, full of social changes, narrow-framed “granny sunglasses” were also extremely popular. Roger McGinn, a member of the smashing Birds band in the 1960s, loved the square and narrow-frame grandma glasses.
Beatles John Lennon first wore the glasses in the 1967 film “How I Won the War.” And then, grandma’s glasses became almost his trademark for most of his life.

Left Roger Mcguinn Right John Lennon Granny sunglasses
Left Roger McGinn, Right John Lennon

In the beginning, the cat eye sunglasses form has more. In the later stage of development, it becomes more and more square cat eye sunglasses.

1966 Sofia Loren
1966 Sofia Loren

At the end of the century, Hollywood stars began to prefer 90s small oval sunglasses. Thin metal edges with dark lenses. Established a unique style of the 90s.

Left 1933 Drew Barrymore,  Right 1999 Academy Awards
Left 1933 Drew Barrymore, Right 1999 Academy Awards

Entering the 21st century, sunglasses began to show an “a hundred flowers blooming” posture. Laser mirrors, special-shaped frames, or retro styles began to appear.

Left 2020ss UMA Wang, Right 2020ssNina Ricci
Left 2020ss UMA Wang, Right 2020ssNina Ricci

Choosing the Right Sunglasses Can Have an Excellent Modification Effect on Our Face Shape. So while paying attention to fashion trends, we must find a style that suits us.

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