National Shades Day

Are you ready to celebrate National Shades Day? Grab your coolest pair of sunglasses and get ready for a day of stylish sun-blocking! This national day is all about embracing your inner coolness and protecting your eyes from the blinding sun.

When is Shades Day?

It's national shades day on the 27th June.

The Birth of National Shades Day

Ever wondered who came up with the idea of celebrating shades? Well, you can thank the internet for that! National Shades Day first gained popularity on June 27th, 2016. It quickly became a trending topic online, with 36 mentions detected across various social media platforms. On this day, people from all walks of life shared their love for sunglasses and showcased their unique sense of style.

The Internet's Love Affair with Shades

The internet has played a significant role in popularizing National Shades Day. Social media influencers, celebrities, and even pets donning their favorite sunglasses flooded our feeds with fashionable eyewear. The hashtag #NationalShadesDay trended for hours, capturing the attention of millions.

Stylish Shades Through the Years

Sunglasses have come a long way since their invention. In the early 20th century, sunglasses became a fashion statement, and iconic figures like Audrey Hepburn and James Dean helped popularize them. Today, we have an endless variety of sunglasses to choose from, ranging from aviators to wayfarers, and everything in between.

An Ode to Sunglasses

So why do we love shades so much? Well, besides making us look effortlessly cool, sunglasses also protect our eyes from harmful UV rays. Not only do they shield our peepers, but they also hide any evidence of a late-night Netflix binge or lack of sleep.

Enjoy National Shades Day, Your Way!

On National Shades Day, you have the freedom to celebrate in your own unique style. Whether you rock an oversized pair of sunglasses, sport a retro look, or go for a sleek and modern design, the choice is entirely up to you. Don't forget to snap some pictures and share your fashionable eyewear with the world.

History behind the term 'Shades'

12th century

The Early Beginnings

Shades, as a term, can be traced back to the 12th century. Derived from the Old English word 'sceadu', meaning shadow, it originally referred to dark areas or places shielded from the direct rays of the sun. People sought these shaded areas to escape the scorching heat and sought respite from the sun's harsh glare.

1550

Early Origins

The term 'shades' traces its roots back to 1550 when it first appeared in the English language. Derived from the Old English word 'sceadu', which meant 'shadow', 'shades' initially referred to a dark or darkened area. It was commonly used to describe a shaded region under a tree or a sheltered place away from the scorching sun.

12th century

The Early Origins

In the 12th century, the term 'shades' first appeared, referring to a piece of protective eyewear made from sheets of smoky quartz. These early shades were mainly used by judges and magistrates to hide their facial expressions in courtrooms and maintain a neutral demeanor.

16th century

Evolution as a Fashion Accessory

During the 16th century, shades began to take on a new meaning. They transformed from being just protective shelter to becoming a fashionable accessory. In Venice, Italy, people started wearing tinted lenses made from smoky quartz to protect their eyes from the intense sun. This marked the beginning of shades as both a practical and stylish item.

18th century

The Rise of Tinted Glasses

In the 18th century, the concept of protective eyewear evolved, and tinted glasses became popular. People wore tinted shades not only to shield their eyes from the harsh glare of the sun but also to enhance their vision in specific conditions. Tinted lenses made from various materials, including glass and tinted gelatin, started to gain traction.

1849

Sunglasses Enter the Scene

In 1849, a significant development occurred with the introduction of sunglasses. J. S. Foster & Sons, an optical firm based in London, created glasses with tinted lenses designed to protect the eyes from intense sunlight. These glasses quickly gained popularity, and the term 'shades' started being associated with this particular type of eyewear.

18th century

Introduction of Green Goggles

In the 18th century, shades took a significant step forward with the introduction of green goggles. These tinted lenses were made from green glass and were primarily used by those suffering from specific eye conditions, such as syphilis or cataracts. However, they quickly became popular among the general population as a way to block out excessive light and glare.

1929

Introduction of Polarized Lenses

In 1929, the American physicist Edwin H. Land invented polarized lenses, revolutionizing the eyewear industry. Polarized shades effectively reduced glare by filtering out horizontal light waves, providing better visual comfort and clarity. These lenses quickly garnered popularity among fishermen, pilots, and outdoor enthusiasts.

1929

The Popularity Soars

During the 1920s, sunglasses, commonly referred to as 'shades', became a fashionable accessory. As Hollywood celebrities sported sunglasses, they became a symbol of style and glamour. With the popularity of sunglasses on the rise, the term 'shades' started to become synonymous with any type of sunglasses, regardless of the brand or style.

1970

Shades in Hip Hop Culture

The term 'shades' further evolved in the 1970s when it became deeply associated with the emerging hip hop culture. Sunglasses, particularly those with large, dark lenses, became an integral part of the hip hop fashion style. Artists like Run-D.M.C. and Grandmaster Flash often referred to sunglasses as 'shades' in their lyrics, cementing the term's connection to urban street culture.

1929

Mass Production and Popularity

The 20th century witnessed a major shift in the history of shades. In 1929, the famous American entrepreneur Sam Foster started mass-producing sunglasses, making them accessible to a wider audience. This marked the beginning of shades becoming a mainstream fashion item. Celebrities, such as movie stars and musicians, played a crucial role in popularizing shades, making them an essential part of their trendy and glamorous image.

1936

Aviator Sunglasses and Ray-Ban

The term 'shades' gained further prominence in 1936 with the introduction of aviator sunglasses by the company Ray-Ban. Initially designed for pilots, aviator shades featured large, tear-drop-shaped lenses and a thin metal frame. The military-inspired design struck a chord with the public, making shades not only a practical accessory but also a fashion statement.

1990s

Mainstream Popularity and Beyond

In the 1990s, with the rise of pop culture icons and the influence of music videos, sunglasses, or 'shades', achieved mainstream popularity. The term became widely recognized and used across various cultural contexts. 'Shades' came to symbolize not just eye protection from the sun, but also a fashion statement and a way to project a sense of coolness and mystery.

1980s

Shades as a Pop Culture Phenomenon

The 1980s witnessed the rise of shades as a pop culture phenomenon. With iconic movies like 'Top Gun' and 'The Blues Brothers', sunglasses became an integral part of fashionable attire. The era saw a surge in the popularity of oversized shades, aviators, and wayfarers, with various brands competing to create unique designs and styles. Shades had become the ultimate symbol of coolness, attitude, and expression.

1960s

Pop Culture and Iconic Trends

During the 1960s, shades became a symbolic accessory associated with pop culture and iconic figures. Musicians like John Lennon adorned round, reflective lenses, while Audrey Hepburn popularized oversized shades in the movie 'Breakfast at Tiffany's.' Shades became synonymous with coolness, rebellion, and a touch of mystery, captivating the imagination of the masses.

1980s

Tinted Lenses and Sports

In the 1980s, tinted shades made a comeback, particularly in the world of sports. Athletes began wearing shades with colored lenses to enhance their visual perception and improve their performance. Various tints were used for specific sports, such as yellow lenses for tennis to enhance contrast or red lenses for shooting sports to block certain wavelengths of light.

Present Day

A Timeless Fashion Statement

In the present day, shades continue to be an enduring fashion statement. They have transcended their functional purpose of protecting eyes from harmful UV rays and have become a symbol of personal style. From classic designs to bold and futuristic frames, shades offer endless options for individuals to express their personality and enhance their overall look. The term 'shades' has become synonymous with coolness, sophistication, and a touch of mystery, making it an integral part of our cultural lexicon.

Present

Fashion and Sun Protection

Today, shades have transcended their functional purpose and become a fashion statement. With countless shapes, designs, and lens options available, shades play a significant role in completing one's outfit. Additionally, the importance of UV protection has gained prominence, and shades with high-quality lenses offer both style and safeguarding against harmful rays.

Did you know?

Did you know that sunglasses were initially designed to protect the eyes of Chinese judges from showing any facial expressions during court proceedings? Talk about a shady origin story!