Probably one of the most popular and truly iconic sunglasses shapes is the aviator. They are incredibly versatile and can be worn by anyone, at any age. Unlike many other styles, aviators are completely unisex. Their design originated from the Bausch & Lomb firm, later known as Ray-Ban. However, many other brands also produce aviators today because they are so popular and widely used. The reason behind their streamlined design lies in their initial purpose: aviator sunglasses were designed to be worn underneath a leather aviator helmet and goggles.
Aviator Frames Origins
Since their early military days, when aviator sunglasses were mostly worn by soldiers, officers, and policemen, they have gained massive popularity among everyday civilians, becoming widely available to the public in the late 1940s and 1950s. At first, these sunglasses were aimed at athletes and sports enthusiasts who spent a lot of time in the sun.
They were later adopted by others who liked spending their time outdoors, such as fishermen and hikers. Apart from their visual appeal, the main reason behind the aviator’s popularity is its functionality and ability to provide ‘true’ color while protecting the eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
- Always trendy:
Nowadays, aviator sunglasses continue to be one of the most trendy sunglasses shapes. People love them primarily because of their badass look and the fascinating history behind their creation. Aviators have also been heavily popularized by pop culture, Hollywood actors, and other celebrities.
What Face Shape Do Aviators Look Best On?
The aviator or pilot sunglasses are easier to pull off than you think. This is the eyeglass shape that suits most, if not every, face shape. So, if you are still looking for the perfect sunglasses for your face, then go for an aviator without any doubt. The only minor thing to consider when choosing your perfect pair of aviators in the shape of the frames is their size and the style in general.
There are a few iconic features that will help you distinguish aviator frames from other models:
- An overall sleek, streamlined shape of the frame;
- Durable metal (sometimes plastic) joints;
- ‘Hooked’ shape of the frames, that goes behind the years;
- Large glass sockets that cover the whole area around the eyes;
- A ‘teardrop’ shape lens designed for better vision;
- The reflective surface and gradient tint of the glass;
- A frontal brow bar, on top of the frame, and plastic (silicone) nose pads.
Clearly, all of these features may vary in some details, but they make the aviator frames ideal for round, square, oval, and even heart-shaped faces. If you have an oblong face shape, you may want to opt for oversized aviator sunglasses to balance your face. The versatility of their look makes them look great on both men and women, adding an edgy twist to any of their looks.
My aviators of choice have a pretty peculiar geometric shape, wider on the top and narrower on the bottom. It is like a combination of cat-shaped glasses, with a metal frame and that distinctive top bar. A mirror coating on the glasses reflects the sun's rays off the surface of the lenses, reducing the amount of light that passes through them. Such a coating makes these sunglasses for women suitable for spring and summertime when the sun is extra-blinding.
My thoughts:
The shape itself looks great on my large, square face. The large, oversized appeal complements the jawline, balancing the face shape. These glasses were available in three different colors: silver, rose gold, and gold. I settled on the silver frames because it is my favorite metal, which I believe suits my complexion well.
What do you think of aviator sunglasses? Do you own a pair in your collection? If you do have a pair of these beauties, let me know how you like to style them and where you wear them. I've heard that aviators look fantastic even with a classic office suit. James Bond, along with Neo and Trinity from The Matrix, definitely makes them look appropriate for any occasion. Don't they?
Summary...
So, are aviator frames the universal holy grail of eyewear? Almost. While traditional style rules might suggest they lean best toward oval and square faces, the evolution of the aviator has shattered those boundaries. By playing with frame thickness, lens size, and bridge design, anyone can channel that iconic swagger. At the end of the day, face shape guidelines are exactly that—guidelines, not laws. If you slip on a pair of aviators and feel unstoppable, you've found your perfect match.
