As with many innovations, Ray-Ban’s unmistakable sunglasses are of military origin. In the 1930s, the speed and capabilities of fighter jets were rapidly increasing, with higher altitudes leaving pilots more exposed to the sun’s glare. The answer to this problem was Ray-Ban’s now iconic Aviator sunglasses which were primarily developed to protect pilots from the blinding sun. The model quickly became popular even outside of military circles, and a legend was born.