It’s more than an excuse to post a selfie in your favorite sunglasses (though we fully endorse that, of course). It was created by The Vision Council, an organization that champions eye health through education and advocacy. Their goal? To remind people that 100% UV protection is just as essential for your eyes as SPF is for your skin.
This annual celebration is a moment to spotlight the health benefits of wearing shades – and, of course, the style perks that come with finding a pair (or five) that make you look like the most interesting person on the pickleball court.
Sunglasses: A (Very) Abbreviated History
Long before Ray-Bans, aviators, or oversized Jackie O shades, people have been finding creative ways to block out the sun. The earliest “sunglasses” date back to 12th century China, where judges wore smoky quartz lenses to mask their expressions in court.
Fast forward to the 1700s, when lightly tinted lenses emerged in Italy and England. They were more cosmetic than corrective, but undoubtedly fabulous all the same. By the 1930s, sunglasses had gone from niche to necessary thanks to military pilots (hi, aviators) and silver screen sirens who turned eyewear into iconography.
By the time National Sunglasses Day debuted in the 2010s, the mass appeal of shades had long since been solidified. What we celebrate now isn’t just the science that makes UV-blocking lenses possible – it’s the art of how we wear them.
Why Sunnies are Worth Celebrating
Far more than mere accessories, sunglasses are basically sunblock for your eyeballs. Lenses with 100% UVA and UVB protection help prevent long-term sun damage like cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the delicate eye area.
They also reduce eye strain, filter out glare, protect against wind and airborne debris, and may help delay the appearance of fine lines if you’re the squinting type. Not bad for something that also happens to make you look a little bit cooler than everyone else in the parking lot.
Want to get deeper into the benefits of sunglasses on your next hike, bike, or beach-reading session? Read our guide to the best sunglasses for outdoor activities.
How to Celebrate National Sunglasses Day
Sure, you could just gaze lovingly at your favorite sunnies and call it a day. Still, we like to think of this holiday as an excuse to live out your eyewear-forward fantasies. Here are a few ideas.
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Try a new look. Not a “new you,” because you’re already great. But a glamorous cat-eye, epic pair of aviators, or teal crystal geometric frame holds an unmatched ability to make your wardrobe feel fresh.
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Check out your shades. Today’s a good reminder to make sure your sunglasses are actually protecting you. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection, not just a dark tint.
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Share the love. Use the hashtag #NationalSunglassesDay to show off your eye candy – and maybe inspire someone else to upgrade theirs.
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Get a backup pair. Or three. One pair is a necessity. A whole rotation? That’s self-care.
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Gift someone their first great pair. You know that friend who still buys gas station sunglasses? Change their life. It’s good karma.
What’s in a Shade: Style + Substance
Not all sunglasses are created equal. To make sure yours are giving you all the sun-shielding power you deserve, keep an eye out for a few key considerations.
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Coverage counts. Oversized frames and wraparound styles offer more UV protection – and more mystique.
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Polarized lenses reduce glare on water, snow and shiny surfaces, which is great for fishing, skiing, or leisurely strolls in places with too many reflective buildings.
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Your prescription can join the party. Your sunglasses can be equipped with your distance or reader prescription, or with progressives, both. Impressed yet?
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Material matters. Acetate gives you color options ranging from subtle to delightfully outrageous, while stainless steel will give you a more minimalist look. Mixed materials? Now we’re talking.
The eyebobs Lens
If you’re reading this, odds are you care about what goes on your face. And when it comes to sunglasses, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between serious sun protection and seriously good style.
Our sunglasses are built to be endlessly wearable and sustain endless wear. We use premium Italian-designed acetate and top-grade stainless steel, offer a wide assortment of customizable lenses, and ensure every pair provides full-spectrum UV protection. And yes, of course, they also look phenomenal.
Some of our current obsessions:
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Bobforce One: An aviatorGoose and Maverick would be envious of.
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Kitten Around: This cat-eyehas edge. Pairs well with sarcasm and bold lipstick.
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Nomad: A big, blocky framefor people who think subtlety is overrated.
Whether you’re shielding your eyes from glare or scores of admirers (or both), we’ve got a pair for you.
Fun Facts to Impress at Your Sunglasses Day Soiree
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The average pair of designer sunglasses costs 10x more than it costs to make. Not ours, of course – we think you should pay for quality, not a name brand.
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Elton John reportedly owns over 250,000 pairs of sunglasses. Which is … a lot. Something to aspire to, we suppose.
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The world’s first polarized sunglasses were developed in 1936. People have been squinting less ever since.
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In the 19th century, different tinted lenses were thought to help with medical conditions – yellow for syphilis, blue for nervous disorders, and so on. Thankfully, now we just use colors to express ourselves.
National Sunglasses Day isn’t just about eyewear. It’s about eye care, and how the right pair of shades can pull double duty: protecting your eyes and expressing your vision. So this June 27th, wear your sunglasses. Wear them loud, wear them proud, and don’t forget to thank them for letting you take on a sun-drenched world in style.
And if you need a new pair to help you do that? We know just the place.
