Retro sunglasses are back in the shops. Sunglasses have been a fashion item since the 1920s. We thought it would be great to look at how styles have changed over the decades. People first wore sunglasses in the 20s and 30s, when being out in the sun first became fashionable. Sun glasses were essential and practical beach wear. Ever since then sunglasses have been a great way to put on the style.
1930s sunglasses
The 20s and 30s were the first days of sunbathing. Sunglasses were literally made of glass. Round frames were in fashion and lenses were small. 20s and 30s sunglasses offered no UV protection. In those days it was thought that basking in UV rays was good for the health. Sun bathing in the South of France was the most stylish way of spending the summer in the 20s and 30s. People sunbathing in the UK would also have worn this type of shade too. Green shades were used in Ray Ban Aviators, which were developed in the 1930s by Bausch and Lomb, for use by the US Military. In 1945 General Douglas MacArthur (left) liberated the Philippines sporting a pair of Ray Ban Aviators. The cult status of the brand was sealed.
 1950s sunglasses
On 22 July 1952, Rayman F E Stegman filed a patent for a new design of sunglasses for Bausch and Lomb. The patent was granted in 1953 and the Ray Ban Wayfarer was born. Audrey Hepburn made Ray Ban Wayfarers famous when she wore a pair in the 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany's. In the fifties and sixties, the rich and famous in America bought Ray Bans. The brand was less well known in the UK. James Dean and Marilyn Monroe were other celebrities also seen sporting Ray Bans Wayfarers during the 1950s.
1960s sunglasses
Around 10 million pairs of sunglasses were sold each year in the 60s. They cost from a few shillings a pair to nearly £10 for Zeiss glass lenses. Ray Bans sold for £4 10s 6d in 1968. Polarising lenses were common in the 60s. Edwin Land, founder of the Polaroid Corporation, first used polarising glass in sunglasses in 1936. The Polaroid brand was well known in the US and the UK. People may remember the strange pattern you could see in car windscreens when wearing Polaroid lenses. Another brand of sunglasses popular with celebrities in the 1960s was Persol. Steve McQueen was known to wear them on and off screen. He particularly favoured the Persol 0714 folding sunglasses .
 1970s sunglasses
With the growth in foreign holidays, sunglasses grew in popularity in the 70s. Lenses were large. The large, angular frames are typical of this period. Large lenses are enjoying a revival and 70s style retro sunglasses are hot these days. Photochromatic lenses, that changed colour according to the light, were popular in the 70s. Reactolite Rapide being the best known brand.
1980s sunglasses
In the 80s, sunglasses were cooler than ever. Everything went matt black. There was a wider than ever choice of styles. The sunglasses Samco by Mazzucchelli is a popular fashion brand. They show distinct 80s style detailing. There is a touch of geometrics and the pink and grey colour combination was very fashionable in the 80s. Ray Ban Aviators and Wayfarers returned to popularity and became the sunglasses to own. There were numerous copies available.
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