The History of Sunglasses: From Gladiators to Influencers
Whether you love a vintage cat-eye, sporty wraparound, or oversized glam moment, sunglasses carry more than just UV protection... they carry centuries of history, culture, and cool. So the next time you slide on your shades, remember: you’re part of a timeless legacy
---> In ancient China (around the 12th century), judges used flat panes of smoky quartz to mask their facial expressions during court proceedings.
---> Meanwhile, the Inuit people crafted goggles from bone, leather, or wood with narrow slits to reduce sun glare off the snow, early eye protection with genius simplicity.
---> But even earlier, there are whispers of Roman emperor Nero watching gladiator matches through polished emeralds-an ancient attempt at "tinted lenses," though probably more for status than UV protection.
-----> 1700s-1800s: The Birth of Tinted Lenses
It wasn't until the 18th century that tinted lenses started to appear for more than ceremonial or spiritual reasons. British optician James Ayscough experimented with blue and green lenses, not for sun protection, but to correct vision impairments. The idea of sunglasses as a health aid began to gain traction.
By the late 1800s, amber and brown lenses were prescribed to people with certain eye diseases, which made people unusually sensitive to light.
-----> 1920s-1930s: Shades Hit the Spotlight
The 1920s brought the first real boom in sunglass popularity, especially thanks to the rise of film. Silent movie stars often wore sunglasses off-set to protect their eyes from harsh studio lighting or to hide from fans.
In 1936, everything changed when Ray-Ban introduced the Aviator, originally designed for pilots dealing with intense sun exposure at high altitudes; Not only were they functional, but they also had undeniable cool factor. Aviators became a fashion staple and remain one of the most recognizable styles today.
-----> 1940s-1950s: Hollywood Glamor & Iconic Frames
Post-WWII America saw sunglasses explode in popularity thanks to movie stars like Audrey Hepburn, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe. Hepburn's oversized cat-eye sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany's became instantly iconic, helping sunglasses transition from practical accessory to full-on fashion statement.
Wayfarers entered the scene in the 1950s, adding a bold, structured alternative to wire frames.
Once again, Ray-Ban was leading the charge, cementing their dominance in sunglass style history.
-----> 1960s-1970s: Funky, Free-Spirited Flair
As culture and fashion got groovier, so did sunglasses. The '60s and '70s brought experimentation: round John Lennon lenses, tinted visors, oversized glam frames, and bold colors. Sunglasses reflected the spirit of rebellion, individuality, and artistic expression of the time.
From Woodstock to Studio 54, eyewear was oversized, dramatic, and often mirrored the psychedelic aesthetics of the era.
-----> 1980s-1990s: Designer Boom & Pop Culture Power
The 1980s ushered in a designer eyewear revolution. Think D&G, Chanel, Versace --> luxury labels were now selling statement sunglasses. Pop culture moments like Top Gun brought Aviators back into mainstream popularity, and The Blues Brothers kept Wayfarers cool.
In the 1990s, minimalist wire frames, oval lenses, and sporty wraparound styles (thank you, Oakley) took over. It was a mix of Matrix-cool and dad-on-vacation vibes.
-----> 2000s-Today: Influencer Style & Endless Options
From Y2K blinged-out frames to today's micro-lenses and oversized shield shades, sunglasses have become a staple of influencer fashion. Instagram and TikTok are filled with new trends weekly, retro revivals, bold geometric shapes, tinted lenses in every color, and luxury brand drops that sell out in minutes.
What once protected Roman emperors' eyes now polishes a celebrity's red-carpet look or completes your everyday "hot girl walk." Today, sunglasses are as much about identity as they are about eye health.
??? What's Next ???
With advancements in lens technology (think blue light filtering, polarization, and even AR integration), the future of sunglasses will likely blend fashion with high-tech function. But one thing's for sure: from gladiators to influencers, sunglasses will always be a stylish shield from the spotlight (*and the sun).
Share Come Paint With Us | More Interesting Facts About Sunglasses