Did ice fishermen invent sunglasses?
We’ve been scratching our heads for a while trying to pin down where fishing glasses really began and we think we finally found our answer. All signs point to the Arctic, roughly 2,000 years ago. Here’s what we uncovered.
The History of Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is older than B.C.— older than most of what we call history. Arctic communities were setting nets beneath the ice during the last ice age with the oldest fishing net ever found coming in at over 10,000 years old. This ancient piece of fishing history was found in Karelia, in the Russian Arctic, and you can bet it was used under the ice.
The History of Sunglasses
The earliest sunglasses discovered are all from the polar regions, worn in the arctic by Inuits and Eskimos. These were primitive snow goggles made of flattened walrus or caribou ivory. Narrow slits in these shades blocked bouncing blue light and cut the harsh glare coming off the stark white snow. The OG full-wrap glare busting frame.
How we honored it
We think these ivory ice fishing shades were the first ever, and we named a color to honor it. While we fish for fun, our ancestors fished to survive. Through hard times, thick ice, and unforgiving arctic conditions. If you and your buds are headed out to fish a frozen spot, sport a pair of ivory tort shades and give your great (x99) grandfather a nod.
"These glasses fit great. The mirrored green lenses cut down on the bright glare of my local rivers. I’ve been recommending them to all my fishing pals."
"Wish I had made this purchase years ago. Clarity is great and fit is exceptional."
"Great sun glasses! Incredibly clear. Purchased for use while fishing and have just been amazing."
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