Different Types of Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a fashion staple and likely will be for a long time. But they serve as more than just a fashion accessory - they protect the eyes form UV light. That's why it's important to understand all the different styles out there. Let's get started.

Ray Ban aviators were first developed in 1936 for military pilots. Since then, their popularity has spread widely. With a thin metal frame and oversized teardrop lens, they are often mirrored or come in different lens colors.

Teashades are the sunglasses popularized by John Lennon and Ozzy Osbourne. They are small circular lenses set in thin wire frames. They became popular in the psychedelic circles of the '60s counterculture and although they aren't as popular anymore, they remain a preferred style of celebrity sunglasses. The Ray Ban Wayfarer is another classic style of sunglasses. These plastic-framed, trapezoidal lensed glasses are wider at the top than the bottom and when they were introduced in the early '50s, quickly became James Dean's signature style. Usually black or brown, Ray Ban wayfarers can also come in a calico or turtle-shell print.

Oversized sunglasses were very fashionable in the '80s and recently have experienced a resurgence. Onassis glasses, otherwise known as Jackie Os, are typically women's sunglasses, but have been seen as male celebrity sunglasses too. Because these glasses cover more skin, they are better for protecting against sunburn.

Mirrored sunglasses are the best sunglasses for seeing faint contrasts. They are favored buy skiers and snowboarders especially and come in a variety of colors with a plastic frame. Wraparounds are often confused with these sunglasses because they are both favored by extreme athletes. Usually there is one single lens and a minimal frame so as to make the glasses lightweight and protective.

Since Ray Ban sunglasses are some of the most popular, and are one of the oldest sunglasses brands, they have other distinctive styles of sunglasses. The Ray Ban clubmaster is a cross between aviators and wayfarers. With small trapezoidal lenses and only the wayfarer frame on the top and sides, the wire rims the lenses and makes these glasses an interesting alternative. The Ray Ban caravan is also popular and retains the wire frames all the way around, and the wayfarer lenses. Recently introduced is the Ray Ban folding Wayfarer, which allows the wearer to literally fold the sunglasses so as not to damage them.

It will be interesting to see how sunglasses evolve during the course of this century.

Shop By Us offers a number of brand name discount designer sunglasses including the Ray Ban folding Wayfarer as well as Dolce and Gabbana Sunglasses and other celebrity sunglasses.

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