It's hard to imagine a day without your favorite pair of shades, right? Sunglasses have been around for centuries and have become an essential part of our daily lives. But have you ever wondered where were glasses invented originally? Or when were sunglasses invented? And why did we even start wearing them in the first place? In this post, we dive into the backstory of men’s sunglasses.
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History of Sunglasses
Wondering when were sunglasses invented? The first recorded instance of sunglasses dates back to the 12th century. This is when Chinese judges wore them to conceal their facial expressions during trials. In the 13th century, sunglasses made their way to Italy, worn by Venetian noblemen to protect their eyes from the bright Mediterranean sun.
However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that sunglasses became a fashion accessory. The rise of mass-produced, stylish sunglasses, particularly with the introduction of popular brands like Ray-Ban, played a significant role in making sunglasses a fashion staple. In the 1930s, Hollywood stars like Cary Grant and Greta Garbo also popularized sunglasses as a glamorous must-have.
Evolution of Sunglasses
To answer the question of when were sunglasses invented, James Ayscough began experimenting with tinted lenses in the 18th century, believing blue-green glass could correct certain vision impairments. Although his glasses were not very successful, they marked a significant step forward in eyewear development.
In the early 19th century, Johann von Goethe explored the protective properties of blue-green tinted glass, and Sir Humphrey Davy later proved his theories. By 1885, British optician George Massias patented the first successful pair of sunglasses with dark green lenses that absorbed light. These became popular among the British military for their effectiveness in battle under bright conditions.
Building on these earlier designs, French optician Louis Bausch developed sunglasses with a lightweight frame made of Catalin, an early plastic, in the early 20th century, contributing to the modern form of sunglasses. They gained widespread popularity due to their comfort and practicality compared to previous versions.
Why Were Glasses Invented?
While it is significant to know when were sunglasses invented, understanding the purpose behind their invention is also essential. Sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These invisible rays emitted by the sun can cause a variety of eye issues, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and pinguecula, all of which can lead to vision loss over time.
Although sunglasses have existed for centuries, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that they became widely used. This was largely due to the growing popularity of outdoor activities like tennis and golf, coupled with a rising awareness of the dangers of UV radiation.
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Treehut’s Wooden Sunglasses: A Modern Take On Classic Eyewear
Now that we’ve explored the history of when were sunglasses invented, let’s bring things into the present – if you’re looking for something unique and eco-friendly, check out Treehut's collection of wooden sunglasses. True to its values, the brand combines craftsmanship and sustainability, using responsibly sourced materials to create each pair. They are a nod to how far eyewear has come since its invention, blending functionality with contemporary design. Plus, you can add an engraving, making them a personalized accessory or a thoughtful gift for someone special.
