Sunglasses Through the Ages: How They’ve Evolved over Time
For many of us, the thought of leaving home without sunglasses is enough to break us out into a cold sweat. Not only do they perform the primary function of protecting our eyes from the dangers of harmful UV rays, but they can also make us look stylish, mysterious, sexy, and even hide our hangovers! But have you ever stopped to wonder how your favorite pair of Ray-Bans, Maui Jims, or Oakley Sunglasses came to be?
In this post, we’ll explore how sunglasses have evolved through the ages, all the way from prehistoric times to the present. You’ll be surprised how far they’ve come from their earliest incarnation.
Prehistoric Times
Although it has yet to be definitively proven, it is believed that the origins of sunglasses go back over 2000 years. Some historians believe Indigenous groups fashioned eyewear from walrus ivory or wood to protect their eyes from the blinding glare of the sun on snow.
These early ‘sunglasses’ did not have lenses, but instead, they had narrow slits, which reduced the amount of light that entered the eyes.
Roman Times
Fast forward to ancient Rome, and we find that Emperor Nero used polished emeralds to shield his eyes while watching gladiator games. While it isn’t exactly a pair of sunglasses as we know them today, it is one of the first recorded instances of people using tinted lenses to reduce glare.
12th Century China
Sunglasses, as we would recognize them today, started to take shape in China in the 12th century. Interestingly, these glasses weren’t originally intended for sun protection. They were actually used by Chinese judges to maintain a neutral expression and conceal their emotions while they interrogated witnesses.
They comprised quartz lenses that were smoked to darken them, which created a tinted effect that ensured nobody could see their eyes.
18th Century
Over the next five centuries, sunglasses started to infiltrate and were developed in other parts of the world. In Europe, for instance, tinted lenses were invented initially for medical reasons and not for protection against the sun.
Indeed, people believed that blue- or green-tinted lenses could help with various vision impairments, like sensitivity to light, which reduced conditions like eye strain.
1920s & 1930s
The profile of sunglasses really started to rise during the Roaring 20s and 1930s. At this time, Hollywood stars like Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich famously wore them on and off the screen, which, of course, made them making them a popular fashion accessory.
They further made their way into the mainstream when Sam Foster, founder of Foster Grant, began mass-producing them in 1929. The first pair was sold in Atlantic City at Woolworths.
1940s
World War II spurred major advancements in sunglass technology. In this decade, The U.S. Army Air Corps, in partnership with Bausch & Lomb, designed anti-glare sunglasses for pilots.
This led to the creation of the iconic Ray-Ban Aviators with polarised lenses (as worn by Tom Cruise in Top Gun) that were very effective in cutting down glare and enhancing visibility.
1950s & 60s
During the 1950s and 60s sunglasses really took off, again partly due to Hollywood and popular culture. Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor famously rocked cat-eye frames, infusing a dash of seduction and sexiness into their auras.
Then, in 1961, when Breakfast at Tiffany’s came out, Audrey Hepburn personified chic in oversized shades. Many other notable figures wore iconic styles during this period, including the wayfarers Bob Dylan rocked (or should that be folked?) in the rebellious spirit that defined this time of social change.
1970s–1980s
These decades marked an era where sunglasses became synonymous with high fashion and self-expression. Major designers like Dior and Gucci introduced bold styles that reflected the trends of the day. These were introduced to the masses in the 1970s by icons like John Lennon, whose tinted rounds became symbols of love and peace, and Elvis, whose aviators attracted as much attention as his iconic hip thrusts.
Then, of course, Elton John, Madonna, Prince and David Bowie wore flamboyant styles that perfectly complemented their showmanship. In the mainstream, UV protection and polarisation started to become standard in everyday wear, blending fashion with functionality to an audience that was increasingly craving both.
1990s–2000s
The 1990s saw a rise in sports eyewear, with brands like Oakley leading the way by offering durable, high-performance designs.
Sunglasses specially designed for these athletes used lightweight, shatter-resistant materials, which proved ideal for events like skiing, cycling, and triathlons. They comprised materials like polycarbonate and Trivex lenses, which were not only lighter but also safer and provided better visual clarity overall.
This period also saw the birth of the wraparound style, which offered more extensive eye protection for those who wore them.
2000s and 2010s
In the subsequent decade after the turn of the millennium, sunglasses started to evolve way beyond mere function and fashion into products that matched people’s lifestyle choices. Brands like Warby Parker and Ray-Ban expanded to offer prescription sunglasses, and frames made from sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled plastics gained popularity.
Additionally, sunglasses became accessible to a much wider audience, thanks to the increase in online shopping and direct-to-consumer business models that make designer styles much more available and affordable.
Today
Modern sunglasses have changed unrecognizably since those early designs, to the point where they are now considered marvels of engineering.
Several brands offer aspects like 100% UV protection, polarisation, anti-scratch coatings, and even blue-light filtering technology, which are vital to eye health.
Moreover, the likes of Bose and Ray-Ban now offer sunnies that integrate audio systems and smart technology, which allow users to listen to music, take calls, and use voice assistants directly through their shades.
You’ve probably seen them all over social media!
