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The History of Sunglasses

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Dr. Marc Weinstein

2 MINUTES READ
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The history of sunglasses is an interesting one. Since the inception of eyewear in the 13th century, sunglasses have come a long way and are now a staple accessory in many people’s wardrobes.

It is believed that the first sunglasses were invented by the Chinese in the 12th century. They used small polished lenses made of quartz that were worn to block out the sun’s rays. It wasn’t until the 17th century that sunglasses became more mainstream, when they were worn by Chinese judges to hide their facial expressions during trials.

In the 18th century, sunglasses became popular in Europe. They were mostly worn by men of high social standing and were often made of glass with a tinted coating. During this time, sunglasses were primarily used for aesthetic purposes, rather than for protection.

The modern sunglasses we know today were invented in 1929 by American Sam Foster. His invention was inspired by the eye protection worn by American soldiers during World War I. He was the first to mass produce sunglasses and sold them to the public for the first time.

The invention of sunglasses also led to their use in popular culture. During the 1930s, movie stars such as Clark Gable began wearing sunglasses, making them a fashion statement. This trend continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and sunglasses became a regular part of the wardrobe of the rich and famous.

In the 1960s, the popularity of sunglasses exploded. This was due to the emergence of the hippie movement in America, which embraced the use of sunglasses as a style statement. At the same time, plastic frames replaced metal frames, making them more affordable and popular with the masses. The 1980s saw the invention of the wrap-around style of sunglasses, which gained popularity due to its sleek and modern design. This style is still popular today. In the late 1990s, manufacturers began to experiment with new materials, such as titanium, and new technologies, such as polarized lenses, were introduced.

Today, sunglasses are considered a fashion must-have, and there are many styles, colors, and designs to choose from. They are also used for protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Whether you are looking for a classic style or something more modern, sunglasses are sure to add a touch of style to any outfit.

The history of sunglasses is a fascinating one, and it’s amazing to think of how far we’ve come in terms of eye protection and fashion. From the first Chinese sunglasses to the modern styles of today, sunglasses continue to be a popular accessory. So, the next time you’re looking for a stylish accessory, don’t forget to consider a pair of sunglasses from 39dollarglasses.com!