Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than just UV protection for your eyes. They have long become a part of the image and style of people around the world, regardless of gender and age. Let's take a closer look at them.
History
Ancient world
The first sunglasses were discovered in Egypt, in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. They consisted of two very thin emerald plates (the so-called lenses), connected to each other by a bronze bow. Only representatives of the nobility could use this device; ordinary Egyptians simply covered themselves from the sun with a sheet of papyrus.
A similar device was found in ancient Roman excavations. Emperor Nero had an emerald lorgnette through which he watched the battles of gladiators.
In ancient China, judges used two smoked pieces of quartz. Such "glasses" not only protected from the sun, but also helped to hide emotions, while remaining outwardly impartial.
Creation of the first points
Initially, glasses were made only of precious stones, in addition to emeralds, rubies and sapphires were also used. With the development of technology, lenses began to be made from ordinary glasses. At first, glasses with tinted lenses were worn only by blind people, and green glasses were intended for those who suffered from glaucoma.
The first sunglasses that were not intended for people with vision problems, the world saw in the 19th century. It was a custom-made batch especially for Napoleon's army. Since the soldiers were heading for Egypt, it was difficult to do without special eye protection.
The beginning of mass use
Even in the days of Napoleon, the advantage of sunglasses became obvious, but not everyone could afford them. They became widespread only in the twentieth century.
They began to be used by pilots during the First World War. After graduation, glasses became part of the image of public people, athletes and Hollywood stars.
Inexpensive sunglasses appeared in the 30s in New Jersey. Then they began to be sold on the beaches, after which they gained maximum popularity, because they really protected from the sun.
Polarized lenses were invented in the mid-30s, and since then they have not lost their relevance. During the Second World War, the famous Ray Ban brand invented anti-reflective lenses that protected the eyes of pilots from excess light. Since then, aviator glasses have become fashionable.
Characteristic
When choosing sunglasses, first of all, you need to pay attention not to their attractive appearance, but to comfort and good protection for the eyes.
Degree of protection
The most important indicator is UV protection, it must block the radiation of ultraviolet rays. The UV400 marking indicates that the glasses protect against absolutely all UV rays.
The most common glasses are UV380, they provide only 95% protection, but this is enough for everyday wear in urban environments.
According to the degree of protection, they are divided into several categories:
- Category 0 - almost transparent glasses that let in the maximum amount of light, but at the same time they can well protect from UV rays. Most often they are used by drivers and athletes.
- Category 1 - glasses with light lenses, used in low sunlight, for example, in the winter season.
- Category 2 - glasses with moderately dark lenses, suitable for low to medium sunlight.
- Category 3 - glasses with dark lenses, transmit no more than 20% of sunlight, used in bright light.
- Category 4 - glasses with very dark lenses, let in a minimum amount of sunlight.
Material
It is important to take a responsible approach to the choice of the material from which the lenses are made. They can be polycarbonate (lightweight plastic) or glass. There is also a plastic called CR-39, but most often these glasses are made with a prescription.
There is always a choice between glass and plastic, modern technologies have made the latter of high quality, but at the same time it is light and safe. It is easier to apply various coatings on it, for example, anti-reflective.
True, it is believed that plastic has worse resistance to physical influences, which can cause optical defects.
Advantages
The main advantage of sunglasses is the protection of the eyes from bright light and clarity of vision. There are special models with anti-reflective coating that are required by drivers of cars, motorcycles and other vehicles.
Also, the glasses protect the eyes from UV rays, preventing the appearance of various diseases, from cataracts to snow blindness.
There are prescription sunglasses that are ideal for people with vision problems. They are also extremely important, because, in addition to correcting vision, they additionally protect the eyes from the sun.
Sunglasses have long become not just eye protection, but a fashion accessory, part of the image. This is also their special advantage, because they give a special charm to the image, add special charm to it.
For girls, they can do a special service - they will save them from the need to put on makeup when, for whatever reason, they do not want to do it. By covering your eyes and part of your face, they will make you feel confident and comfortable!
Views and styles
Polarized
Polarized glasses are glasses whose lenses have a polarized filter. What is he like?
The polarizing lens allows for control over sunlight, reducing glare. Especially the effect of wearing glasses with such lenses is noticeable for those who spend a lot of time watching water and other mirrored surfaces.
Polarized goggles are ideal for fishermen, snowboarders, drivers. They reduce the contrast of what is seen and reduce eye fatigue. Therefore, they are often recommended to be worn by people with hypersensitivity to light.
Photochromic
These glasses change their color depending on the lighting, they are often called "chameleons". Indoors or at night, they become almost transparent, and in sunlight they darken, turning almost into sun protection. They are specially created for people with poor eyesight, because they eliminate the need to buy several pairs of glasses.
Mirrored
Mirrored sunglasses came to us from the police, popularly called them simply "DSLRs". This effect is provided by a special sputtering of metal particles; the use of zirconium or titanium oxides is popular.
The main advantage of these glasses is that they absorb the rays of heat, so you will feel comfortable even in extreme heat.
Gradient
The main feature of glasses with gradient lenses is a soft smooth transition from one shade to another, usually from dark to light. There are also options for two-tone tinting, in which the saturated color smoothly turns into transparent.
"Wayfarers"
Ray Band Wayfarer - legendary, one might even say classic glasses, created in 1952. The company made an innovative move and released a model of glasses with a plastic frame. Its name can be literally translated as "wanderer" or "traveler".
Before that, glasses were produced only in metal frames, so such an unexpected move, like glasses made of plastic, delighted society. The glasses were instantly named a symbol of the new era of Art Nouveau. They gained immense popularity thanks to Audrey Hepburn, who appeared wearing Wayfarer glasses in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
At the beginning of the 2000s, a rebranding was made - the frame became a little smaller, the corners were softer, and the plastic was lighter. The improved model was named Wayfarer New.
Over time, the Wayfarer Folding model appeared - these are compact folding glasses that take up minimal space in a bag or even in a pocket. Thanks to the hinge mechanism, you can reduce the size of the vyfarers in half. Interestingly, in the wake of Ray Ban, folding glasses appeared in almost all famous brands.
Today, wayfarers continue to change and modernize, in the assortment you can find models with different frames and lenses. For example, frosted glasses, wooden frames and retro models with folding glasses have been in demand lately.
Today this is one of the most popular models - unisex, which has not gone out of fashion for 65 years.
Automotive
Car goggles are designed specifically for drivers, they have several darkening filters that are arranged in layers. This reduces eye strain and helps you stay focused on the road, even when you're on the go.
The penetration of horizontal rays is prevented by the polarizer, which is located in the middle, between the UV filters.Glasses with anti-reflective lenses prevent reflections on metal, water surface, wet pavement, car windows and other shiny surfaces.
Among other things, they protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation, the sun's rays are screened out and not perceived by the eye.
Alpine skiing
Ski goggles and goggles protect not only from the sun, but also from pieces of ice, snow and strong winds. They help preserve vision and prevent physical injury due to loss of vision.
Today, glasses are more popular than masks. The only caveat is that it can be problematic to choose a model that would fit perfectly without causing you any discomfort. Therefore, you need to choose them in advance, treating the purchase very responsibly.
Sports
Sports are fashionable, which is why sports eyewear can be found today in almost every manufacturer, including luxury brands. For example, the D&G brand offers its fans exclusive ski goggles with Swarovski crystals.
A large assortment of models for a wide variety of sports is presented: goggles for swimming with an elastic band, for water sports, running, cycling, triathlon, tennis, golf. Each model has its own nuances, but the basic concept remains the same.
With replaceable glasses
Glasses with replaceable lenses are most often used by drivers, cyclists and people who are accustomed to active sports. The main advantage of these glasses is cost savings, since you will be spared the need to buy several pairs of expensive glasses.
There are several types of lenses: yellow - for evening and night driving, gray - for daytime, blue-green are suitable for bright lighting and mountainous areas, blue protects from the sun's rays.
With blinders
Blinders are plates-shields located on the sides of the lenses, in the area of the arches, which close the eyes from the side, significantly increasing the sun-protection effect, because they prevent the sun's rays from entering. Usually they are made of plastic, but there are also removable blinders made of genuine leather.
Often blinkers adorn round models in the steam-punk style, because it is believed that this particular shape of glasses is the worst protecting the eyes from the sun.
With folding windows
The flip-up double sunglasses look unusual and eye-catching. There are models in which tinted lenses swing up and to the sides. The latter create the effect of Mickey Mouse ears, which is why they are very popular among young people.
Rimless
Rimless glasses have recently become very popular, although they appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. They were designed to be more comfortable to wear, since the frame was made of metal or mineral glass and weighed a lot. Then and now, rimless glasses looked light and stylish, without overloading the face.
Today, rimless models are most often made of polycarbonate, which is lightweight, durable and not resistant to mechanical damage.
With a camera
Glasses with a built-in camera are not new, but only a few years ago they became widespread. Today you can find models with a variety of designs that record crisp, bright, high quality video even in low light conditions.
They are ideal for people who are accustomed to an active lifestyle. For example, those involved in airsoft, cycling and motor sports, fishing or hunting.
Winter
The sun in winter is just as harmful to the eyes as it is in summer. Snow reflects 80% of the sunlight, which is much more than earth, sand or grass the rest of the year. Therefore, wearing sunglasses during this period is not just a part of your image, but first of all a necessity.
Give preference to models with translucent glass, which will protect your eyes from the winter sun, but will not look unnatural.Make sure they are UV protected, and polarizing lenses and anti-reflective coatings will do the trick.
Vintage
Vintage glasses are in vogue today, however, they are preferred mainly by fans of retro or hipster style, to which they fit perfectly. If you prefer a different style of clothing, such glasses may look foreign on you, because they will be the only element "from the past."
On guys, they look great with an elegant curled mustache or a stylish beard. Girls can pair them with retro hairstyles and red lipstick for a feminine, playful look.
The most popular forms are "cat's eyes", round, "drops" and, of course, "vayfarers". Usually frames in vintage glasses are always of high quality, it can be made of plastic, metal, titanium and even wood.
Vintage eyewear will help highlight your unusual style and will attract increased attention to you, so you must look great when choosing them!
Fashion models 2017
A wide variety of sunglasses are in fashion, from classic feminine to outright shocking. Designers suggest choosing bright and catchy models that will definitely not let go unnoticed.
Glasses in plastic, horn and metal frames are relevant. Separately, it is worth highlighting the wooden frame, which will surely appeal to fans of eco style.
Most of the designers presented glasses with abundant decor: sculpting, rhinestones, floral prints, lace and various metal elements.
The most current models:
- Oversized - huge glasses of various shapes are in fashion;
- Cat Eye. Glasses - "kitties" were in vogue last season, and this is also not going to leave us;
- "Butterfly wings". Retro style glasses with plastic frames are one of the brightest trends of this year;
- Aviators is a classic popular model;
- Round glasses with and without various frames;
- With colored lenses;
- With a translucent frame;
- With black lenses;
- With ombre effect.
The color of the frame is of great importance, in the top there is a khaki color, shades of blue, green, red. This color scheme will look great on dark-skinned and dark-haired girls. If you have blonde hair and fair skin tones, go for pastel frames.
This year, designers offer us to make glasses not just an accessory, but a bright and expressive accent of the image. Therefore, you can afford the most daring experiments.
Sizes and shapes
Rectangular
The rectangular shape is one of the most popular. Glasses can be narrow and wide, almost square. Today, medium-sized models are popular, which are found in many manufacturers. Rectangular glasses are perfect for girls with an oval face, they help to emphasize the cheekbones and curves of the face.
Narrow
Slim, streamlined goggles are most often used for sports, outdoor activities or driving. In everyday life, they are not very popular, although designers periodically introduce them into fashion.
Heart
Heart-shaped glasses are popular among young people and girls who are not afraid to be in the spotlight. There are models with brown or black glasses in a regular plastic frame and hearts in a thin metal frame in pink, blue or yellow. Glasses with a gradient look especially impressive, emphasizing the tenderness and sophistication of a woman's face.
Droplet
Glasses in the shape of a droplet are called aviators; it is difficult to find a person who has not heard of this legendary model. They have large lenses that are rounded downwards, and beveled towards the nose. Thanks to their special shape, they ideally protect the eyes from the sun.
Cat's eye
Cat Eye goggles are very popular today. Their characteristic feature is the corners pointed upwards. Moreover, the glasses themselves can be round, oblong, elongated. They are suitable for girls with almost any face shape, as they emphasize feminine features.
Lenses
Glass
Classic lenses are not very popular today, but they have a number of advantages. Due to its high refractive index, glass lenses can be made very thin. Like polycarbonate, they are highly durable, they are not afraid of mechanical stress, with the exception of shock. They are not afraid of high temperatures and exposure to chemicals, they do not scratch.
Their main drawback of lenses is their heavy weight, so today only the most avid conservatives choose glass lenses, the rest prefer modern materials.
Polycarbonate lenses
It has such high impact resistance that it is often referred to as "plastic metal". The lenses do not deform with a strong impact and do not shatter into fragments. Because it has a good refractive index, the lenses are much thinner than conventional plastic lenses. It completely absorbs UV rays and does not need to undergo additional processing to enhance these properties.
Plastic
Lenses made of plastic are lightweight and non-traumatic; it is almost impossible to injure themselves if they crack. Usually, manufacturers offer a wide selection of frames specifically for plastic lenses, as well as various types of staining, including those with unusual effects.
The disadvantage of plastic lenses is that they are short-lived, scratches quickly appear on the plastic, and they are not resistant to mechanical damage. However, the low cost of the material makes it possible to constantly buy new glasses.
Frame
Made of wood
Designers constantly think about the need to conserve the resources of our planet, therefore they are introducing various eco-trends into fashion. One of them is wooden-framed glasses, which are most often made from recycled materials.
Wood is one of the most sustainable materials, easy to work with and easy to recycle. You can make a fashionable frame from any old wooden thing.
Among other things, a frame made of wood will allow you to stand out and be in trend, as it will undoubtedly attract the attention of others.
Plastic
Plastic frames are the undisputed favorites for being lightweight, inexpensive and attractive. They surprise with their variety, because it is plastic that allows you to imitate almost any material, be it wood, stone, glass, and so on.
Glasses with plastic frames are suitable for people who have allergic reactions to metal, and they are ideal for wearing in the winter season, because they do not get hot and cannot injure the skin.
Leather
Leather-framed glasses are a fashion trend that is popular with lovers of luxury and high style. Acetate or plastic frame is covered with the delicate skin of various animals, from calf to exotic animal skin. Especially popular are glasses with snakeskin, crocodile and tortoiseshell skin, which look very impressive.
Glass and frame color
The lenses in your sunglasses come in a variety of colors. Lenses made of plastic or polycarbonate acquire the desired color thanks to a special coating, and to give a shade to glass lenses, the dye is added to the liquid mass.
- Clear lenses are often found in fashion and computer glasses. They can also protect against UV rays if they are marked accordingly. Chameleon glasses can also become transparent under certain lighting conditions.
- Brown lenses are among the most popular. They improve the contrast and bump of objects, but slightly distort the hue.
- Reds improve mood and improve performance, in them you will feel very active.
- Yellows enhance the contrast of black and white colors, making them ideal for cloudy and snowy weather.
- Greens are most commonly used by people with glaucoma.
- Pinks improve contrast, give the world around them bright colors.
- Blues and cyan also improve contrast without distorting colors. They are suitable for sun protection even with high activity.
Frame color
Stylists advise choosing frames to match your skin color, as its color can make you both more attractive and highlight all skin imperfections.
If you have fair skin, opt for frames in the same light shades. White, beige, pink, khaki, gold will suit you. If you want something darker, choose purple or burgundy.
For dark skin, the choice of frames is very wide. For dark-haired girls, orange, red, green, blue are suitable. If you want a universal option, then these are certainly black glasses that will emphasize your natural beauty.
Brands and firms
Versace
The main concept of the Versace brand is to make the world around us more fashionable and brighter. This is successfully accomplished by amazing models of sunglasses that fashionistas like for their original style and ingenious simplicity. Wearing Versace glasses will make you feel feminine, attractive and definitely special.
Max Mara
Simple yet chic, Max Mara sunglasses are perfect for everyday wear. You will always look stylish in them, thanks to the laconic design and minimalist frames. The lenses are protected by a special coating that prevents scratches, and have an anti-reflective effect, therefore they are suitable even for driving a car.
Furla
The glasses of the famous Furla brand cannot leave indifferent any woman, regardless of her style. The assortment includes discreet romantic, original bright, strict and laconic glasses for every taste. The glasses of this brand always delight with original solutions and luxurious fittings, allowing you to emphasize your taste and high status.
Chanel
Each new collection of Chanel glasses is a real event. Karl Lagerfeld manages to surprise fans with exquisite design every time. A characteristic feature of Chanel optics is a vintage flair that remains as unchanged as a tweed jacket or a little black dress. If you want to stand out by highlighting your femininity and elegance, then you definitely need to pay attention to the glasses of this brand.
Armani
Each Emporio Armani sunglasses collection is a unique expression of fashion and style. They look elegant and unobtrusive, because the Maestro does not like unnecessary details and excessive bombast. The frames are made from a mix of different materials, so they always boast of excellent quality and innovative design.
Miu Miu
The glasses of this brand are created for young people who are free in self-expression and follow fashion trends. Miu Miu is an alternative, urban contemporary brand often referred to as the “new classic”. Miu Miu sunglasses will appeal to girls who are tired of the conservative restraint of Prada, of which it is a subsidiary brand.
How to choose?
By face type
For oval
If you are the owner of this face shape, then you are incredibly lucky, because you can afford almost all models of glasses, the main thing is to choose the right size. The frame should not protrude beyond the contours of the face, the top of the frame should be at the level of the eyebrows, but not higher.
For square
Aviator glasses and cut rounded models are perfect for you. They will soften the hard lines of the jaw and cheekbones, making the face more rounded and feminine. Avoid glasses with geometric shapes that will make your face look wider.
For round
In this case, you need to go from the opposite, and for a round face, choose square-shaped glasses. The geometric frame will remove the obvious roundness and correct minor imperfections.
For triangular
If you are the owner of a center-shaped face, you are very lucky, because now fashionable glasses-bow ties are created especially for you. Just be careful with models that are too large and wide, which can make the upper part of your face look larger.
For rectangular
If you have a long face, choose medium-sized round or square glasses.You can also try on a model with large panoramic windows.
Care
Even inexpensive sunglasses will last a long time if properly cared for. It is important to use only a special cloth for cleaning, which can be purchased at an optical store.
- If the lenses of your glasses are dirty, rinse them with a strong tap water, and then carefully remove the dirt. Wipe the lenses with a dry cloth and leave the glasses to dry completely.
- If stains form on the lenses, make a soapy solution of warm water and mild liquid soap and dip the glasses in it for a couple of seconds. Then wipe dry, removing stains from the surface in the process.
- The glasses should be cleaned at least once a month.
- Do not wipe the lenses with a dirty cloth or shirt edge as they are very easy to scratch.
- Do not use household chemicals or glass cleaners for cleaning in your home or car.
Stylish looks
Fashionable look in smart casual style. A trouser suit with a small geometric print, a cream blouse, white trainers and square sunglasses, which are now at the peak of popularity. A great way for walking and meeting friends.
Total black look: leather pencil skirt, oversized raven sweater, narrow toe ankle boots, shoulder bag and black sunglasses. Concise and stylish!
Summer is definitely not without stylish sunglasses! Combine laconic black with a white cotton baby doll dress, sandals with steady heels, a boater hat and a woven basket bag.