When Were Sunglasses Invented? A Historical Look at the Invention of Sunglasses

Introduction

People often wonder when sunglasses were invented. After all, it seems like such a simple question – yet the answer is surprisingly complex. The invention of sunglasses has a long and fascinating history, stretching back thousands of years. To provide an answer to this question and an overview of the history of sunglasses, this article will explore the origin story of sunglasses, the evolution of sunglasses over time, and a timeline of sunglasses from ancient times to present day.

A Historical Look at the Invention of Sunglasses

The use of “sunglasses” dates back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Inuit people used flat pieces of ivory or bone with narrow slits cut in them to reduce the glare of the sun during hunting expeditions. In China, during the 12th century, the judges of the Chinese imperial court used smoke-colored quartz lenses to shield their eyes from the bright lights of the courtroom. By the 17th century, the use of sunglasses had spread to Europe, where they were used as a fashion accessory. In fact, King Louis XIV of France was known to wear green-tinted lenses to hide his facial expressions while playing cards.

By the early 20th century, sunglasses had become increasingly popular as a fashion statement. In 1929, Sam Foster introduced the first mass-produced pair of sunglasses. He sold them on the beaches of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and called them “Foster Grants”. Soon after, sunglasses became a must-have accessory for Hollywood stars, inspiring the creation of iconic styles like aviators and wayfarers. As sunglasses grew in popularity, designers began experimenting with new materials and styles, leading to the modern day designs we know today.

Exploring the Origin Story of Sunglasses

So who actually invented the first modern sunglasses, and when? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the credit goes to Edwin H. Land, the founder of the Polaroid Corporation. In 1936, Land unveiled the Polaroid filter, which allowed him to create sunglasses that could both block out the sun’s glare and enhance contrast. He went on to launch the first mass-market sunglasses, called “Polaroid Sunglasses”, in 1937. From there, the popularity of sunglasses spread around the world.

An Overview of the Evolution of Sunglasses

Since then, sunglasses have undergone a significant evolution. With the introduction of new materials and styles, sunglasses have taken on a variety of forms. Today, sunglasses come in a range of shapes and sizes, from classic aviators to trendy cat eye frames. In addition, new technologies have allowed manufacturers to create lenses that offer more protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, making sunglasses safer and more effective.

Sunglasses have also grown in popularity over the years. It’s estimated that more than one billion pairs of sunglasses are sold worldwide each year. This is partly due to the fact that sunglasses have become a fashion staple, with many celebrities and influencers sporting the latest styles. But it’s also due to the fact that sunglasses offer more than just a stylish look – they can also protect our eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

The Surprising History of Sunglasses

In addition to their practical uses, sunglasses have also been used in some unusual ways. For example, during World War II, pilots wore special sunglasses to reduce glare and improve visibility while flying. In the 1950s, doctors began using sunglasses to treat patients with a condition called photophobia, or sensitivity to light. And in recent years, sunglasses have even been used to make art – artist Yayoi Kusama famously created a series of sculptures made out of hundreds of colorful sunglasses.

Sunglasses have also taken on a cultural significance. In the 1980s, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses became a symbol of rebellious cool thanks to films like Top Gun. More recently, oversized sunglasses have become a popular choice among hipsters and trendsetters. And in some cultures, sunglasses are seen as a sign of status, with wealthy individuals wearing expensive designer brands.

A Timeline of Sunglasses from Ancient Times to Present Day

To better understand the history of sunglasses, it’s helpful to take a look at how they have evolved over time. Here’s a quick timeline of the most important milestones in the history of sunglasses:

• Ancient Times: Sunglasses were used by ancient civilizations, including the Inuit people and the judges of the Chinese imperial court.
• 17th Century: Sunglasses become fashionable in Europe, with King Louis XIV of France wearing green-tinted lenses.
• 1929: Sam Foster introduces the first mass-produced pair of sunglasses, which he sells on the beaches of Atlantic City.
• 1936: Edwin H. Land unveils the Polaroid filter and launches the first mass-market sunglasses, called “Polaroid Sunglasses”.
• 1980s: Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses become a symbol of rebellious cool thanks to films like Top Gun.
• Present Day: Sunglasses continue to evolve, with new materials and styles being introduced every year.

Conclusion

To summarize, sunglasses have been around for centuries, but the invention of the first modern sunglasses is credited to Edwin H. Land in 1936. Since then, sunglasses have undergone a significant evolution, with new materials and styles being introduced every year. They have also become increasingly popular, with many people wearing them for both fashion and protection. Finally, sunglasses have taken on a cultural significance, becoming a symbol of rebellious cool and a sign of status in some cultures.

So when were sunglasses invented? The answer is 1936, when Edwin H. Land unveiled the Polaroid filter and launched the first mass-market sunglasses.