Who invented sunglasses?

The history of sunglasses is as fascinating as their function is essential in everyday life. These accessories, which have become symbols of style, fashion and sometimes status, have origins and an evolution that reflects human ingenuity and changing social and cultural needs.

The Ancient Origins

The history of sunglasses can be traced back thousands of years, well before they became a fashion accessory. The Inuit, for example, used lenses carved from animal bones, with narrow slits, to protect their eyes from the blinding light reflected from the snow. These early versions were not transparent or colored, but significantly reduced exposure to bright light.

The Invention of Modern Sunglasses

The concept of sunglasses as we know them today began in the 18th century. James Ayscough, an English optician, began experimenting with colored lenses in 1752. Ayscough believed that colored lenses could correct specific vision defects and help protect the eyes from bright light. Its lenses, often in a tone of blue or green, were not intended to block sunlight but to improve vision in bright conditions.

Evolution in the twentieth century

The evolution of sunglasses took a significant turn in the early 20th century, with innovation and mass adoption turning these accessories into fashionable items absolutely necessary for the outdoors. In 1929, Sam Foster began selling plastic sunglasses, Foster Grants, from a counter in Atlantic City, New Jersey. These glasses quickly became popular among the general public, marking the beginning of sunglasses as a fashion accessory.
In the 1930s, Bausch & Lomb's introduction of Aviator sunglasses, originally designed for U.S. Air Force pilots to protect them from bright light at high altitude, marked another major milestone. These glasses not only offered protection, but also defined an aesthetic that has become iconic.

Contemporary innovations and trends

Today, sunglasses are more than ever an expression of personal style, as well as providing essential protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. From their humble beginnings to indispensable accessories of contemporary fashion, sunglasses continue to evolve, adapting to and anticipating changes in culture and society's needs.
The history of sunglasses reminds us how a simple object can span centuries of history, changing meaning and function, but always remaining a fundamental element of the human experience. And if you also want to enrich your history and experience, find the most suitable sunglasses for you on www.mrshadeshop.com at prices, as always, unbeatable.