Sunglasses are more than a tool to help us see better in the bright light of midday; they’ve also become fashion statements that express our unique personalities. Chances are, you slip on a pair of sunglasses every time you go for an afternoon drive or explore the outdoors, but have you ever wondered how this iconic accessory came to be?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the fascinating history of sunglasses, from ancient inventions to modern technological advancements.
The Early History of Sunglasses
The history of sunglasses begins with the indigenous peoples of the Arctic. Thousands of years ago, they developed snow goggles to shield their eyes from the bright sunlight reflecting off the snow, preventing a condition known as snow blindness. These goggles were made from a strip of bone, wood, ivory, antlers, or other material and featured small slits for the eyes. They worked much the same as squinting, allowing only a small amount of light to reach the eyes.
In the 12th century, Chinese judges are believed to have worn glasses made from pieces of smoky quartz to hide their facial expressions and appear impartial during court proceedings; however, there is not a wealth of substantive evidence to support this claim. While we do know that people in China used smoky quartz as vision aids, it’s hard to know for certain when the practice was first adopted and for what reason.
The Introduction of Tinted Lenses
Next up in the history of sunglasses is English optician James Ayscough, who is known for introducing eyeglasses with blue- or green-tinted lenses sometime around 1752. While these spectacles were primarily intended for vision correction rather than sun protection, they are still considered the precursor to modern sunglasses.
The first tinted eyeglasses worn specifically for sun protection emerged in late 18th-century Venice, Italy. Named after a famous playwright who popularized the style, Goldoni glasses were popular among gondoliers who wanted to shield their eyes from the bright sunlight while rowing through the city’s famous canals.
20th-Century Innovation and Style

In 1913, a British chemist named Sir William Crookes became the first to develop lenses that blocked ultraviolet light. Using an element called cerium, the “Crookes lenses,” as they came to be known, were an unintended byproduct of his research on how to protect glassworkers from cataracts.
The year 1929 marked a significant moment in the history of sunglasses, with the first affordable, mass-produced sunglasses being developed by Sam Foster. In the 1930s, Edwin H. Land introduced polarized lenses, revolutionizing sunglasses by significantly reducing glare.
Sunglasses didn’t become a fashion accessory until the 1920s and 1930s, with Hollywood stars making them a symbol of glamor and sophistication. In the late 1930s, Ray-Ban introduced aviator sunglasses. Originally designed for the U.S. Air Force pilots, this style soon became a cultural icon we still wear today.
As history marched on, celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Bob Dylan cemented sunglasses’ status as an essential accessory, becoming synonymous with rebellion, coolness, and style. By the 1970s, many countries adopted standards for sunglasses with UV protection.
With the designer fashion craze starting in the 1980s, brands like Gucci and Oakley helped shape the modern sunglasses market by introducing a wide range of styles, shapes, materials, and colors.

Modern Advances in Sunglasses Technology
Modern sunglasses are the product of thousands of years of history, building upon the technological innovations of the past. Innovative new materials like Trivex and polycarbonate have made both lenses and frames more durable, lightweight, and resistant to impacts, providing unparalleled comfort and functionality.
Today, we have endless options when it comes to sunglasses. Prescription sunglasses are an excellent choice for individuals with vision impairments. For maximum convenience, Transitions lenses use photochromic technology to automatically adjust their tint to suit the amount of light in a given environment.
Sunglasses have never been more protective, customizable, or technologically advanced, and we have a long list of individuals throughout history to thank for our modern conveniences.
Block the Sun in Style with Wolcott Optical
As you put on your sunglasses next time you step outside, make sure you spare a moment to look back on the rich history of this iconic accessory. And if you need new sunglasses, stop by Wolcott Optical to browse our wide selection of designer brands and take advantage of the eyewear innovations of the past. With a new pair of sunglasses from Wolcott Optical, you can navigate the world with both comfort and style.
To learn about the history of eyeglasses, check out this blog post: “When Were Eyeglasses Invented?”