Polaroid Sunglasses

Rainbows - another way of understanding polarization.

At the core of every pair of Polaroid sunglasses is a unique polarizing filter that blocks glare – reflected light that’s travelling in the horizontal direction. It’s this polarizing core that stops you from squinting in bright light. Edwin Land, founder of Polaroid Corporation, developed the first synthetic polarizer for commercial use in the late 1920s. He probably knew that up to 94% of rainbow light is polarized.

In basic terms, a rainbow is an arc of coloured light in the sky. They occur when the sun’s rays are refracted by rain. As the sunlight hits the back of the water drops, it becomes polarized.  This is similar to what happens when sunlight reflects off a lake or river – except the surface isn’t horizontal. Because the rainbow is polarized tangential to the arch, the polarizing filter in your sunglasses will enhance the contrasts at the side of the rainbow and make the arch appear less distinct.

(more…)

Determined to raise £1 million for Parkison's

 Alex Flynn  was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2008. Since then, he and Richard Merry  have created an amazing campaign to raise money for Parkinson’s research. They’re involved in some of the world’s toughest physical challenges, not to mention the odd marathon or ten. Their energy knows no bounds, and they’re gaining more sponsors every day. We’re incredibly proud that they’re wearing Polaroid sunglasses as they go.

Join them on facebook.

Polaroid aviators, jeans and a crisp white shirt - great style

Here at Polaroid, we’re great admirers of men with style. So much so that our men’s sunglasses give you the choice of classic aviators, sports sunglasses and contemporary plastics. There really is something for everyone. And, all our sunglasses come with Polaroid polarized lenses to protect you from glare and dangerous UV rays.

For men who share our commitment to fashion, there’s a new contest that just might be right up your street. Esquire Magazine has put together a panel of leading designers, fashion critics and style icons to judge a competition that will find Britain’s best dressed real men. The shortlist will appear in the September issue and the ultimate winner will grace the cover of Esquire’s October issue.

(more…)

Men’s sunglasses aren’t just a summer accessory. They’re the men’s accessory for both spring and summer 2010. And they’re not for casual wear alone – although you won’t want to be without some sports sunglasses when you’re jogging or cycling. Stylish men’s sunglasses are  just as important for those days when only a suit will do. After all,  the glare can be just as intense when you’re pounding the city streets as it is when you’re relaxing at the beach. The popularity of the American television series Mad Men has done for the suit what no amount of advertising could ever achieve – made good tailoring sexy. If you’re looking for  a new suit to celebrate the warm weather, there are three paths to choose from.

(more…)

Thanks to Polaroid Eyewear, I participated in the Clipper round the World race last year. A new year needed a new challenge – and I knew Polaroid would offer plenty of support. After chatting with a friend about life after Clipper, he mentioned the Caledonian Challenge. I was intrigued, so I began putting my team together. .. Now, I’m preparing for the actual event on June 12th and 13th.

So, expect further posts on our progress.

Brompton - distinctive and fun

Our new range of cycling sunglasses is for cyclists of all types, from those who train hard and regularly to parents with small children eagerly waiting for the next Sunday afternoon and just about everyone in between. While they’ve been around for at least 30 years,  the popularity of folding bicycles has recently grown by leaps and bounds. Ideal for commuters, people who are tired of paying for petrol and admirers of  good engineering, folding bikes have found their way into the hearts and minds of cyclists up and down Britain. You can’t turn a corner in London without seeing one whiz past, yellow jacket flapping. And, like all cyclists, people astride folding bicycles  need good eye protection – something Polaroid has taken into account. The new 2010 range of cycling sunglasses offers a wide range of styles and lens clolours.

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and finding a folding bike that will make your commute a little more fun this spring, we’ve already done some of the research for you. (more…)

On April 25, the streets of London will close so thousands can take

part in the Virgin London Marathon. Polaroid running sunglasses are essential kit for both blocking glare and UV protection. In fact, The April issue of Running Free Magazine features one of our best sellers, Mercury. But what else will those dedicated runners be wearing? Have a look at our top picks.

The best tops

The Skins sport long sleeve tops provide gentle compression to improve circulation and support muscles in your chest, back and arms. The compression helps with your posture – which can make a difference to your breathing. Skins tops can also relieve Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) when worn after exercise. They’re for men and women.

(more…)

Polaroid and PlanetSolar - promoting environmental change.

Polaroid has always been a pioneer. Our founder, Edwin Land, invented the first synthetic polarizer and revolutionised the market for sunglasses. Since then, we’ve been a company of firsts. And the tradition continues with our sponsorship of PlanetSolar. 

 On March 31^st, PlanetSolar began its around-the-world journey from Kiel. Powered only by energy from the sun, PlanetSolar’s mission is to raise awareness of the need for renewable energy. During its journey, the boat will stop at different ports to showcase its technology and spread the message of environmental innovation. We’re proud to be an official sponsor of PlanetSolar, and we’ve provided every member of the crew with Polaroid polarized sunglasses to protect them from glare and the sun’s dangerous UV rays.

(more…)