Shady Business: The History of Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a popular accessory that are worn to protect the eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays and glare. The history of sunglasses can be traced back to ancient times, when people used various materials, such as smoky quartz and flat panels of metal, to shield their eyes from the sun.

The modern concept of sunglasses, however, can be traced back to the 18th century, when James Ayscough developed glasses with tinted lenses to help alleviate specific vision impairments. Ayscough believed that blue or green lenses could help alleviate specific vision impairments, such as sensitivity to light and glare. However, these glasses were not popular and were not widely worn for fashion purposes.

It wasn't until the 20th century that sunglasses became a popular fashion accessory. In the 1930s, sunglasses with dark lenses were introduced to the market, and soon became popular with movie stars and celebrities. These sunglasses were designed to protect the eyes from the bright lights of the film set, but also became a fashionable accessory that was worn off the set as well.

In the 1950s, sunglasses underwent a significant design change when Ray-Ban introduced the Wayfarer, a sleek, stylish sunglass with a plastic frame. The Wayfarer quickly became a fashion icon and was worn by many celebrities and trendsetters.

Today, sunglasses come in a wide range of styles and materials, from classic metal frames to trendy, oversized plastic frames. They are worn by people of all ages and are considered a must-have accessory for protecting the eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

In conclusion, the history of sunglasses is a long and varied one, with the accessory evolving from a functional item used to protect the eyes to a fashionable and must-have accessory that is worn by people around the world.