Sunglasses are one of the most recognizable fashion accessories in the world, but their purpose goes far beyond appearance. The right pair combines design, comfort, optical performance and, most importantly, effective protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
At Milano Group, we believe that exceptional eyewear begins with carefully selected materials, reliable lens technology and rigorous quality control. Our collections are developed with particular attention to lens performance, including UV protection, polarization and photochromic technologies. Our lens technologies and materials are subjected to laboratory testing in Europe and the United States, supporting the quality standards behind our collections.
1. From smoked quartz to modern eyewear
The history of sunglasses is much older than modern fashion might suggest.
Historical accounts describe the use of smoked quartz in China centuries ago to reduce the intensity of light. These early devices were very different from modern sunglasses, but they demonstrate that people have long looked for ways to control uncomfortable brightness.
A major technological milestone came in 1913, when lenses made with cerium-containing glass were introduced and became an early example of lenses designed to block ultraviolet radiation.
Modern sunglasses began to take shape during the first decades of the 20th century, when advances in materials and manufacturing made protective eyewear increasingly accessible.
2. The sunglasses boom of the 1920s and 1930s
In 1929, American entrepreneur Sam Foster began mass-producing affordable sunglasses and selling them on the Atlantic City boardwalk. Some historical accounts put the early price at around 10 cents per pair, helping turn sunglasses from a specialist product into an accessible fashion accessory.
The popularity of sunglasses grew remarkably quickly.
According to historical accounts, approximately 20 million pairs were sold in the United States in 1937, although only around 25% of wearers were estimated to be wearing them primarily for eye protection.
This period marked an important transformation: sunglasses were no longer simply functional objects. They were becoming a part of fashion, celebrity culture and personal identity.
3. UV protection matters more than how dark the lenses look
One of the most common misconceptions is that darker lenses automatically provide better protection from the sun.
They do not.
The darkness of a lens and its ability to filter ultraviolet radiation are two different characteristics. A high-quality pair of sunglasses should provide reliable protection against UVA and UVB radiation regardless of whether the lenses are light, medium or very dark.
This is why choosing eyewear based solely on lens colour or darkness is not enough.
At Milano Group, lens filtration and product quality are key elements of our eyewear development. Our collections use carefully selected lens technologies and materials that undergo laboratory testing in Europe and the United States.
4. What does UV400 mean?
You will often see the term UV400 associated with quality sunglasses.
UV400 refers to protection extending to approximately 400 nanometres, covering the ultraviolet range relevant to everyday sun exposure.
The important point is simple: darkness alone does not determine UV protection.
When choosing sunglasses, look for reliable UV filtration and quality-controlled eyewear rather than simply choosing the darkest lenses available.
5. Polarization changed the world of sunglasses
Another major milestone came in 1936, when Edwin H. Land developed practical polarized sunglasses using his polarization technology to reduce glare.
Polarized lenses are particularly useful when light reflects strongly from surfaces such as:
• water;
• snow;
• roads;
• glass and other reflective surfaces.
Polarization helps reduce reflected glare and can make vision more comfortable in bright environments.
This makes polarized sunglasses particularly popular for driving, outdoor activities, holidays and time spent near water.
6. What do the different lens categories mean?
Sunglasses are classified according to how much visible light their lenses allow through.
The international framework commonly used for general-use sunglasses divides filters into five categories, from 0 to 4. Category 0 is very light, while category 4 is extremely dark.
The approximate visible-light transmission ranges are:
• Category 0: more than 80%
• Category 1: 43–80%
• Category 2: 18–43%
• Category 3: 8–18%
• Category 4: 3–8%
Category 4 is designed for exceptional brightness, such as glaciers, high mountains or extreme sunlight. Because it transmits so little visible light, it is not suitable for driving.
This illustrates an important principle: the darkest lens is not necessarily the best lens — the right filter depends on where and how the sunglasses will be used.
7. Lens colour changes the visual experience
Different lens colours can create different visual experiences.
Grey lenses are popular because they generally provide a neutral appearance and help preserve natural colour perception.
Green lenses can also offer comfortable vision while maintaining relatively natural colour perception.
Brown and amber lenses can enhance contrast and are often appreciated in outdoor environments.
The best colour ultimately depends on the intended use, personal preference and the specific optical characteristics of the lens.
8. Photochromic lenses adapt to changing light
Photochromic lenses are designed to change their level of tint depending on lighting conditions.
Modern light-adaptive photochromic technology became commercially available to the public in 1991, representing another important step in the evolution of eyewear.
Photochromic lenses can become darker in bright outdoor environments and lighter when surrounding light decreases.
This makes them a practical solution for people who frequently move between different lighting conditions and want adaptable eyewear without constantly changing glasses.
9. Aviator sunglasses became a design classic
The aviator shape emerged in the 1930s, originally associated with the needs of pilots. Its large lenses were designed to provide broad coverage and help reduce glare during flight. Aviator-style sunglasses subsequently became popular beyond aviation and eventually evolved into one of the world’s most recognizable eyewear designs.
Today, aviator sunglasses are available in countless variations, from classic metal constructions to contemporary designs featuring different lens colours, materials and finishes.
10. Quality is more than the appearance of a frame
A beautiful frame is only one part of a high-quality pair of sunglasses.
Materials, hinges, construction, lens characteristics, UV filtration, finishing and quality control all contribute to the final product.
At Milano Group, quality is an essential part of our approach to eyewear. Our brands combine contemporary design with carefully selected materials and lens technologies, supported by laboratory testing in Europe and the United States.
Our commitment to quality has also helped us build long-term relationships with international fashion and eyewear brands.
11. Trusted by international brands
Milano Group has extensive experience in the development and production of eyewear for recognized international brands.
Over the years, renowned names including Roccobarocco, Renato Balestra, GianMarco Venturi and many other established brands have entrusted us with the production of eyewear models under contractual manufacturing agreements.
For us, these partnerships represent more than names on a label. They reflect the experience, production capabilities and quality standards that Milano Group brings to every project.
Quality and Innovation at Milano Group
Today, Milano Group offers thousands of eyewear models across multiple brands and product categories, including sunglasses, optical frames, clip-on eyewear and photochromic models.
Our approach combines fashion, functionality and manufacturing expertise. From classic designs to contemporary collections, we aim to provide eyewear that looks distinctive while meeting demanding standards for quality and lens performance.
Because great eyewear should not only look good.
It should protect, perform and be made to last.
Sunglasses: More Than Style — How to Choose the Right Protection