National Sun Glasses Day

Sunglasses reflecting a sunny beach, a fashionable person with colorful shades, summer vibes, palm trees in the background.. — National sun glasses day illustration

Get ready to shade those peepers, because it's National Sunglasses Day! We have detected a whopping 179 mentions online, with the a peak on June 28th, 2018. So, put on your favorite pair of shades and let's dive into the history of this sun-blocking celebration.

When is Sun Glasses Day?

It's national sun glasses day on the 28th June.

The Origins of National Sunglasses Day

Did you know that sunglasses have been around for centuries? Okay, okay, maybe not in the style you're used to seeing on Insta-famous celebrities, but the concept of protecting the eyes from the sun's rays can be traced back to ancient Rome and China.

The Romans used to watch gladiatorial games through glasses made of smoky quartz to reduce the glare from the sun. Talk about ancient swag! Meanwhile, the Chinese invented sunglasses made of flat panels of smoky quartz as early as the 12th century. They were primarily worn by judges in courtrooms to hide their facial expressions. So, sunglasses have had both a practical and stylish role throughout history.

The Birth of National Sunglasses Day

Now that we've got a bit of historical context, let's fast forward to modern times. National Sunglasses Day was born through the combined efforts of The Vision Council and eyewear designers in the year 2014. They wanted to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our eyes from harmful UV rays.

So, on this special day, people all over the world are encouraged to show off their favorite shades and spread the word about the significance of wearing sunglasses. Whether you sport a timeless aviator look or prefer the oversized Jackie O vibes, National Sunglasses Day celebrates all types of sunglasses and reminds us to prioritize eye health in style.

Did You Know?

Did you know that sunglasses aren't just fashionable accessories? They also protect our eyes from harmful UV rays, which can lead to serious eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. So, wearing sunglasses isn't just a cool statement—it's an investment in your eye health! Now, isn't that a bright idea?

History behind the term 'Sun Glasses'

1929

The Invention of Sun Glasses

In 1929, American scientist and inventor Sam Foster revolutionized eyewear by introducing mass-produced sunglasses. Foster originally intended sunglasses to protect eyes from harmful UV radiation.

1936

Aviators Take Flight

In 1936, the iconic aviator style of sunglasses was developed. Bausch & Lomb, an American company, created these sunglasses specifically for pilots to reduce glare and enhance vision during high-altitude flights.

1960s

Popularity and Fashion Statement

During the 1960s, sunglasses gained popularity as a fashionable accessory. Celebrities and musicians like Audrey Hepburn and John Lennon played a significant role in making sunglasses a fashion statement.

1970s

Rise of Designer Sunglasses

In the 1970s, designer brands began to capitalize on the growing demand for sunglasses. Companies like Ray-Ban and Oakley emerged as leaders in the industry, offering a wide range of stylish and high-quality sunglasses.

1982

Wayfarer Resurgence

In 1982, the release of the movie 'Risky Business' featuring Tom Cruise wearing Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses sparked a renewed interest in the iconic style. The Wayfarer became a symbol of coolness and remains one of Ray-Ban's most popular sunglasses to this day.

2000s

Technological Advancements

In the 2000s, sunglasses saw technological advancements. Polarized lenses became widely available, reducing glare and enhancing visual clarity. Additionally, sport-specific sunglasses with specialized features, such as wraparound designs and impact resistance, gained popularity.

Present Day

Versatile and Iconic Accessory

Today, sunglasses have become an indispensable accessory. They not only protect eyes from harmful UV rays but also serve as a fashion statement. From classic styles like aviators and wayfarers to trendy designs, there is a wide variety of sunglasses available to suit individual tastes and preferences.