The invention of sunglasses have a long and storied history. While the exact origins of sunglasses are unclear, we do know that they were used by the ancient Chinese and Greeks to protect their eyes from the sun. While in the early millenium, aviators became a must-have fashion accessory, and they’ve been popular ever since.
History of Where the First Sunglasses Was Made
12th century: According to legend, the first sunglasses were invented by a Chinese judge in the 12th century. To prevent the glare of the sun from dazzling horsemen, he wore a pair of clear quartz crystals over his eyes.
18th century: European aristocrats adopt sunglasses as a fashion accessory. It began to be used as a fashion accessory in the 18th century, when European aristocrats started to wear them to protect their eyes from the sun.
19th century: Sunglasses become popular with celebrities and the general public. It became increasingly popular with celebrities and the general public. Film stars such as Mary Pickford and Rudolph Valentino wore them, and they were also used by military personnel to protect their eyes from the bright glare of the sun.
When Were Sunglasses Invented?
The earliest known history of sunglasses were invented in China in the 12th century. They were made of smoky quartz, which was believed to protect the eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. However the first commercial sunglasses were invented in the early 1920s, but it took a few more years for them to become a popular fashion accessory.
Invention of Modern Sunglasses
20th century: Sunglasses become a must-have fashion accessory. Celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy were often seen wearing them, and they were also used by athletes to protect their eyes from the sun.
21st century: Sunglasses are now a global fashion phenomenon, with people of all ages and cultures wearing them. They are no longer just a practical item to protect your eyes from the sun – they are also a stylish fashion statement.
Facts about Sunglasses
- The Roman emperor Nero is said to have watched gladiator fights through polished gems.
- In the 18th century, James Ayscough began experimenting with tinted lenses in an attempt to reduce eye strain.
- In the early 20th century, Sam Foster introduced mass-produced sunglasses to the US market.
- In 1929, Edwin Land invented the first polarising filter, which cut out glare and made sunglasses more effective.
- Sunglasses became popular in the United States in the 1930s. Celebrities like Dorothy Dandridge and Cary Grant wore them, and they were seen as a symbol of Hollywood glamour.
- The invention of the sunglasses with polarized lenses was first became available to the public in 1936. It was when the inventor, Edwin H. Land tried and tested hiss research with his patented Polaroid filter.
- In 1936, Ray-Ban created the Aviator, the first sunglasses designed to protect pilots from the sun’s glare.
- In the 1950s, sunglasses became a fashion item, thanks in part to their use by Hollywood stars.
- Sunglasses became a must-have fashion accessory in the 1960s. They were worn by celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy.
- In the 1980s, Oakley introduced the wraparound style of sunglasses, which became popular in sports.
Conclusion
Sunglasses have been around for centuries, and their history is as fascinating as their style. From the early days of the Roman Empire to the modern day, sunglasses have been used to protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Today, sunglasses are a fashion statement as much as they are a necessity, and there are a wide variety of styles to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a classic aviator style or something more modern, there’s a pair of sunglasses out there for everyone.
