Name: Sunglasses, sunnies, shades, tinted specs

What it is: Sunglasses are metal or plastic eyewear with polarized lenses to protect your eyes from the harsh UV rays of the sun – or just to help you look cool.

Origin: The first forms of protective eyewear are believed to have been made 2000 years ago by the Inuit people, from the Arctic region of North America, to shield their eyes from snow blindness. A smokey quartz-lensed glass was apparently also used by Chinese judges for centuries to conceal their eyes in court. The first pair of sun protective specs are believed to have been invented in the 18th Century, but it wasn’t until 1929 that US manufacturer Sam Foster made mass-produced sunglasses accessible to all.

Styles: Aviator, oversized, cat eye, wayfarer, wraparound, clubmaster, round.

Who can wear them: ANYONE! That’s the beauty of sunglasses, there is a style to suit every face,

Warning: Certain designs suit certain shaped heads, try on several shades before you make your selection.