The 21 best Aviator sunglasses for men in 2022: Ray-Ban, Persol, Warby Parker, etc
All shades are several cool levelsbut the best aviator glasses for men may be absolute coldest. Originally developed in the 1930s, aviator glasses were designed to replace the bulky spectacles worn by military pilots, who were frequently foggy at high altitudes. They’re built with a lightweight metal frame and brow bar that can be easily mounted under a helmet, teardrop lenses that cover the wearer’s entire field of vision, and green lenses to reduce eye strain from bright lights. blue light and reduce glare. Soon after, Bausch & Lomb introduced the style to the civilian market, naming them Ray-Ban Aviator. Sound familiar?
Since then, men’s aviator glasses have exploded in popularity, worn by flannel-fit Mad Men in the ’60s, bell bottom disco dancers in the ’70s and almost anyone who watched Top Guns in the 80s — or this year’s sequel. In 2022, superstars like Jay-Z, Timothée Chalametand the entire cast of Fast and furious is keeping the trend of aviators, and you are likely to catch them on the runway of a Gucci show while you are on the streets of Manhattan. Their unending popularity comes with their endless versatility: the teardrop shape means they look great on most face shapes and pair well with everything from party ready shirt and fancy leather loafers arrive flared jeans and matte cardigans.
Whether you’re looking for club frames, super chic sunglasses or a classic and clean look, there’s a pair of men’s aviator sunglasses that’s right for you. Here are 21 of the slickest, most flattering, best-selling pairs to buy right now.
OG Aviators
Damn Ray-Ban invented aviator glasses almost a century ago, and the original design is as handsome and timeless as ever. They come in dozens of frame and lens combinations, including a range of gradation lenses, but this pair of yellow lenses and black frames is the preferred combination for Our Commander-in-Chief and Maverick from Top Guns. Whether you’re flying a jumbo jet or nursing a hangover, these polarized aviator glasses will make you look so flying.
Pilots look good to everyone
These sunglasses literally came to the moon. American Optical sunglasses worn by the entire Apollo 11 crew—and DeNiro in Taxi driver, in which case that’s not enough. Original Pilots are built to US Army specifications, so you’ll lose them long before they break. While standard aviators have triangular teardrop lenses, AO’s versions are more square, making them ideal for many face shapes.
Aviators Real Pilot Costume
In terms of quality, you can’t do better than Randolph Engineering — the official sunglasses supplier to the Air Force since 1982. Their signature sample, which requires six weeks to build a single pair, is nicknamed the “Tank”, thanks to its almost indestructible frame. They are a bit more expensive than other big-name options, especially for non-polarized lenses, but the quality and images are worth it.
Affordable Aviators
These aviators not only pack the stunning timeless styling made famous by old-time Hollywood stars, they do it through a sleek acetate frame that’s sleek, sturdy, and best of all, affordable. affordable. (This makes it possible to add your prescriptions to them with just a few lazy clicks.) For that price, you can buy a pair for multiple times and still have enough money to buy aperol spritzes over and over again. swimming pools (favorite adult beverages—And favorite places to drink them—among science-based aviator wearers.)
The Old School Movie Star Aviators
Synonymous with Steve McQueen, the Persol 649 aviator goggles are designed for riding on road sports cars rather than high-flying aircraft. With their dandy, iconic keyhole bridge and sharp arrow hinge, they’ll bring some Old Hollywood flair to a casual jeans and golf jacket or a turtleneck. and smart pants.
The New School Movie Star Aviators
Cartier is king when it comes to type seriously decadent jewelry and vintage watch celebs (and their deep-pocket imitators) can’t suffice, but who says the rush of wearing one of the brand’s legendary Love bracelets? or Tank clock must stop at your wrist? If you tend to lose your charm at the end of a night out in luxury, the $1,000+ asking price can leave you feeling underwhelmed. But if you’re looking for pilots who are oozing Tinseltown charm right now, their classic silhouette and classy lineage will bring your best fit with the swagger of a jet. The newly minted A-Lister is flying the red carpet.
16 More Worthwhile Aviator Sunglasses