Welding Goggles in Unexpected Places

When you think of welding goggles, do you think of high fashion? Probably not. But a growing number of kids, mostly active in the steampunk movement, are seeking out old welding goggles as a fashion statement. We all know that welding goggles serve a very real purpose: They protect the eyes of welders from dangerous sparks and heat. But today, old welding goggles are finding new life as fashion.

And welding goggles aren’t alone: Other vintage eyewear, such as aviator goggles and old motorcycle goggles, are highly sought after by steampunk fans interested in making a fashion statement as they hit the evening’s hottest clubs. If you’re not familiar with the world of steampunk, don’t feel bad; you’re not alone. Basically, it is a particular kind of fantasy or speculative fiction that gained popularity in the 1980s and early 1990s. The stories take place in worlds where steam power is still the primary energy source.

At the same time, this world also boasts some amazing, made-up, of course, technological innovations or bizarre uses of technology that today would be considered outdated. For instance, in a steampunk world, the sky might be filled with blimps, which would be the main source of travel for the characters in any number of cartoons, comics or novels.

Over the years, the genre has gained the most popularity with youngsters who usually consider themselves to be members of the goth, punk and industrial subcultures. You’ll find that many fans of the mythos will creatively transform their modern pieces of technology into Victorian versions.

An important part of the movement is the dramatic fashion stylings of its fans. Not surprisingly, given what it is all about, steampunk fashions take modern styles and give them an odd Victorian-period twist. It’s relatively common to find themed suits, coats, spats, petticoats or evening gowns.

Goggles of all sorts, usually vintage, have become an important part of the movement’s fashion sense. Welding goggles, of course, are part of this. It’s why you’ll often find fans wearing long Victorian overcoats, toting oversized canes and wearing thick welding goggles over their faces.

Finding that eyewear isn’t much of a challenge. To find one with a real old-fashioned look, though, takes more work. Garage sales or estate sales are often a good bet. You never know what you’ll find as you wind your way through the garage sales in your community. You can also hunt for them at big outdoor flea markets. These are home to all manner of oddball merchandise. It certainly wouldn’t be that unusual to find an old pair of vintage welding goggles at a flea market, too.

You can read a bit more about welding goggles at Goggle Ferret. You may also be interested in another mix of science, technology and steampunk- cyber goggles.

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