Annual observance

National Sunglasses Day

June 27 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-17

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

National Sunglasses Day, observed annually on June 27th, is a commemorative day dedicated to celebrating the importance of sunglasses for both eye protection and style. It encourages people to wear their favorite shades, learn about the benefits of UV-blocking lenses, and recognize sunglasses as a vital accessory for healthy vision and fashion.

Observed each year on June 27, National Sunglasses Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: National Sunglasses Day on June 27 highlights the dual significance of sunglasses as essential tools for protecting eye health from harmful UV rays and as fashionable accessories. This observance fosters awareness about the importance of eye care while celebrating personal style and cultural history.

Origin and story

Ancient Inuit people created the first 'sunglasses' from flattened walrus ivory, with thin slits to block sun glare.

The first mass-produced sunglasses were sold by Sam Foster on the boardwalks of Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1929.

Quick facts

  • DateJune 27
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Share the story of National Sunglasses Day on social and tag it with #nationalsunglassesday so others can join in.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why National Sunglasses Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Plan something small on June 27: a quick nod to National Sunglasses Day with friends, family, or coworkers.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Bring National Sunglasses Day to work or school with a short shout-out in a meeting or group chat.

Fun facts

  • Ancient Inuit people created the first 'sunglasses' from flattened walrus ivory, with thin slits to block sun glare.
  • The first mass-produced sunglasses were sold by Sam Foster on the boardwalks of Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1929.
  • Wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays can significantly reduce the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions.

Sources and attribution

Primary note: Ancient Inuit people created the first 'sunglasses' from flattened walrus ivory, with thin slits to block sun glare.


Continue to

FAQ

When is National Sunglasses Day?
It is observed on June 27 each year.
What is National Sunglasses Day?
National Sunglasses Day, observed annually on June 27th, is a commemorative day dedicated to celebrating the importance of sunglasses for both eye protection and style. It encourages people to wear their favorite shades, learn about the benefits of UV-blocking lenses, and recognize sunglasses as a vital accessory for healthy vision and fashion.
How do people celebrate National Sunglasses Day?
Share the story of National Sunglasses Day on social and tag it with #nationalsunglassesday so others can join in.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.

Recently viewed holidays