What Are Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses are now fashionable sunglasses with teardrop-shaped lenses in a metal frame, usually having an explicit double bridge. This design is easily recognizable and is preferred by millions. However, what’s the history of aviator sunglasses? Let’s track this admirable accessory’s path from the US Air Force to high-class online stores like Wixez.

Meaning of Aviator Sunglasses

Invented for pilots’ comfort, aviators have become an indispensable attribute of fashion-conscious people, successful businessmen, and TV superstars. The aviator sunglasses' symbolic meaning comprises connotations such as confidence, rebellion, aviation tribute, and an irresistible appeal of minimalism and classic style.

History of Aviator Sunglasses

In the case of aviator glasses, necessity gave birth to the iconic fashion accessory. Introduced in the 1930s as improved sunglasses for military pilots, they moved to TV and mass culture after WWII. By the end of the 20th century, aviators had achieved an iconic status.

When Were Aviator Sunglasses Invented

When did aviator sunglasses come out? They have a military origin that dates back to the late 1920s. The US Air Force needed a device with better eye protection and better integration with other head equipment. Several manufacturers were working on the project, but the US Army contracted for the first aviator glasses only in 1935.

Who Invented Aviator Sunglasses

Officially, it was Bausch & Lomb that invented aviator sunglasses in 1930. The company created that widely-known design in response to the US Army’s request for military sunglasses:

1. To minimise the sunlight distraction for pilots’ sight.

2. To reduce the infrared and ultraviolet impact.

3. To ensure secure and easy usage.

So, it was a matter of safety and comfort, not fashion. The model had gone through numerous updates and improvements till it was finally adopted by the army.

Who Made the Original Aviator Sunglasses

Bausch & Lomb has been producing eye-care products since 1953. Its founders were John Bausch and Henry Lomb, both German-American opticians. The company’s fame goes beyond the initiation of sunglass aviators’ history. It’s been ranking among the world’s largest manufacturers of eye health and eye surgery equipment for decades.

Why Aviator Sunglasses Became Popular Worldwide

Newspapers and cinema gave rise to the military fashion style. One of the most memorable appearances of aviators was the 1944 visit of Douglas MacArthur, a US general, to the Philippines. Journalist pictures that captured the general in his uniform and aviator sunglasses have become an epic symbol of the Second World War.

War movies of the 1950s with aviator sunglasses worn by heroic pilots have fortified the design’s popularity. In further decades, they accompanied the top favorite protagonists, including cool cops, charismatic adventurers, and rebellious mafia men. Mass-culture idols like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Tom Cruise used aviators to highlight their protagonists’ non-trivial individualities. This cemented people’s interest in this timeless design.

What Sunglasses Do Pilots Wear Today

Think fashionistas and actors are the only people who wear aviator sunglasses today? Nope. Military and civil pilots, as well as soldiers and policemen, still wear them due to their sufficient protective characteristics. The following features are prioritized:

1. 100% UVA & UVB protection.

2. Neutral, grey colors with partial darkening.

3. Non-polarized lenses (to enable proper vision of complex displays in the cockpit.)

Modern materials and integration techniques are added, but the iconic teardrop form of lenses and broad double-bridged frame remain an effective combination for proper eye protection of servicemen and professionals.

How to Wear Aviator Sunglasses

If you’re not a military pilot, you’ll have a vast choice of aviator sunglasses as fashion accessories. Too vast a choice, you might think, since designers offer countless interpretations with diverse materials, color schemes, reflection types, and finishing. What combo is the best option for you? Explore the guide below to find your perfect mode of how to wear aviator sunglasses:

Face Shapes Suitable for Aviators

No superstar appearance is needed to wear aviator sunglasses. Their form was initially constructed to fit all face shapes. Is your face round, oval, triangular, rectangular, plump, or slim? Wear aviators with comfort and confidence regardless of your face type and complexion!

However, when picking the exact model, it's crucial to bear in mind your facial traits. The general working rule is to try on the targeted eyepiece. Feeling comfortable? Love your image in the mirror? Then, buy and enjoy these aviators!

Choosing the Right Lens Color

When it comes to lens colorways, the thing becomes more complicated. Expect to find all possible tints and shading levels. Fashion designers love to experiment with colors, while leaving the iconic form intact. What are aviators’ best hues? It depends on a wearer’s individual look, outfit style, and everyday needs. Here are some trendy solutions for you:

1. Grey, Green, Brown. Traditional aviators go with moderately tinted lenses in grey, green, or brown. These are ideal tinges for everyday use. They match all dress styles and provide enough sunlight protection. Buy yourself classic aviators, and you’ll gain both style and comfort.

2. Darker Gradient. A popular coloring solution for aviators is gradient lenses. This is when the lenses’ tint gradually changes from intensely dark at the top to almost transparent at the bottom. This variant is especially effective when powerful anti-sunlight covering is needed together with preserved eyesight of details.

3. Mirrored Blue, Gold, and Silver. Practically, mirrored aviator sunglasses provide superb anti-glare protection. Wearing them safeguards your eyes against intense and bright light, but that’s not all. Mirrored aviator sunglasses remain one of the most stylish accessories. Combine them with any outfit, and you’ll look bold and cool.

4. Expressive Colors. Modern designs often include unusual colors. Solutions vary from flashy, bright tints to elegant burgundy and turquoise.

Ultra-modern aviators’ designs include stylishly tinted frames. Although the classic variant goes with a metal one, materials vary, and their colors range from juicy to dichromatic (safari, havana, etc.).

Styling Tips for Men and Women

What is the best style for aviator sunglasses? Although this design matches almost every getup and is absolutely unisex, follow these simple rules to keep your look balanced:

1. Opt for Minimal, Casual, & Sporty Outfits. Aviators carry enough brilliance in themselves. You’ll look great if you combine them with simply cut clothes. For instance, gold or mirrored aviators perfectly match casual shirts and jeans, with a minimum of accessories.

2. Choose Colors Wisely. Measure the aviators’ expressiveness with the color scheme of your dress. If your sunglasses are silver or gold and have a bright metallic frame, wear neutral colors, like brown, dark green, grey, nude, etc.

3. Keep to the Beaten Track. Remember those tough guys from movies? Follow their patterns! Literally any aviators will perfectly match good old leather jackets and jeans.

Common Mistakes When Wearing Aviators

A serious reason why aviator sunglasses are popular to such an extent is that they match all faces. Still, many make errors wearing them. Let’s observe the most frequent mistakes to avoid:

1. Proper Size. Pick glasses that fit your face. The frame should be broad enough but not too much. Your eyewear pair shouldn’t slide or hurt your ears, cheeks, etc.

2. Too Many Accessories. Take aviators as the main accessory in your style. It’s enough to highlight your individuality. If other accessories are needed, stick to those with minimal designs.

3. Inadequate Use. Don’t wear aviators at night or indoors. Take them off when speaking. Don’t overdo it with polarization – it may be ineffective for everyday usage.

Who Wears Aviator Sunglasses

You won’t find another sunglass silhouette that provides the same level of versatility. Aviators fit everyone. They’re worn by fashion models, celebrities, drivers, athletes, alpinists, and many others. This design is admired by common consumers of any gender, age, and location.

Final Summary

Multipurpose and unisex, aviator sunglasses guarantee a sleek style, no matter if you wear them for professional care or to look refined. There are no complex rules for how to wear aviators. So, you can easily pick a matching model and add ageless chic to your daily outfit.