You go to a rock concert and see your favorite artist on the stage in a pair of ripped jeans, a T-shirt, and a good-looking pair of shades. It is your personal opinion that the jeans and shades really make the look. Guess what? You might actually be right. Your favorite artist might have chosen both based on presenting a certain image.

Ripped jeans and sunglasses are important as fashion statements. As such, they have quite a few things in common. Keep reading to learn more. You might be surprised.

1. Both Have Long Histories

Both sunglasses and ripped jeans have long histories that do not necessarily have anything to do with fashion. Starting with sunglasses, Utah-based Olympic Eyewear explains that the modern era of sunglasses really began when Bausch & Lomb developed aviators back in the 1930s. Celebrities were wearing sunglasses as a disguise back then, but aviators were designed to be eye protection first and foremost.

As for ripped jeans, they actually got their start back in the late 1960s and early 70s. They were seen as a symbol of the anti-establishment movement inasmuch as young people fighting against ‘the man’ didn’t have the financial resources to replace worn-out clothing. Though not specifically a fashion statement, ripped jeans became synonymous with living a simpler life in opposition to corporate greed.

2. Both Are Known for Longevity

It is obvious that both sunglasses and ripped jeans have longevity behind them. Sunglasses have survived for so long because they are both functional and fashionable. All fashion aside, most people are still likely to buy a pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes against UV rays.

Ripped jeans are not necessarily functional, but they have remained fashionable for more than 30 years. After becoming a fashion statement that defined the stadium rock of the 1980s, they have remained a staple of brands like Levi Strauss and Wrangler.

3. They Are Versatile

There are some kinds of fashions that are limited in their usefulness. Take tuxedos and little black dresses, for example. Neither one is an all-purpose outfit you could wear anywhere. That is not true for ripped jeans and sunglasses. They are a lot more versatile. We are so accustomed to them that we accept them in all but the most proper of environments.

4. They Can Be Too Much

In relation to that last point, ripped jeans and sunglasses can sometimes be too much. There really are times when sunglasses shouldn’t be worn – like sitting in audience with the Queen of England. There are times when ripped jeans are not appropriate, either. You wouldn’t wear them to a funeral.

The point is that not every piece of fashion is appropriate for every environment. As versatile as ripped jeans and sunglasses are, they do have their limits.

5. They Can Cost A Lot

Anyone who has shopped for both ripped jeans and sunglasses knows they can cost a pretty penny. According to Olympic Eyewear, it is easy to drop $500 or more on a pair of shades. You can spend more than $100 on a pair of ripped jeans.

The interesting thing about ripped jeans, also known as distressed jeans, is that you can do the damage yourself. Buy a regular pair of jeans, rip them, and put them through the wash a couple of times. Fashion statement completed at a fraction of the cost.

Who knew that there were so many things ripped jeans and sunglasses have in common? If you did, good for you. If not, now you know. Your life is better for it.