Home » How to Wear Aviator Sunglasses | Curated Mint

How to Wear Aviator Sunglasses | Curated Mint

Now that the summer sun is finally shining, why not style up your look with a pair of aviator sunglasses? Flip through this handy guide before you find your frames, and pair those classic shades with the perfect outfit combination. After all they are some of the best sunglasses for men on the market!

Aviators have remained a highly popular brand since their invention in the 1930s. A cool classic, they add a masculine touch to your look. However, this fashion staple is versatile enough to accompany all kinds of outfit combinations. As they’re a good all-rounder, aviator sunglasses will work well with smart or casual outfits. Before you head over to the sunglasses rack though, take some time to consider the best aviators for men. You’ll need to choose wisely as there are loads of styles, and colours available.

What Does Aviator Mean?

The name “Aviator” is perhaps as well known (and instantly iconic) as the style itself, and hints at  wartime origins. Bausch and Lomb invented these particular sunglasses in 1932. Aviators were also called “pilot glasses”, and were primarily designed for pilots to wear to keep the sun from their eyes while flying. These sunglasses were an improvement over the traditional wraparound goggles with thinner frames; they were lighter to wear for extended periods of time, but also more elegantly designed. The thin metal frame design was patented as “Ray-Ban Aviators” and the name stuck.

Aviator Sunglasses

Although initially only a military item of clothing, aviators became entrenched in popular culture after American General Douglas MacArthur was photographed wearing these sunglasses during World War Two. He became so associated with the glasses that Bausch and Lomb dedicated a line to MacArthur in the late 1980’s. Like lots of military inspired clothing from the post-war era, big and small Aviators quickly became part of mainstream fashion. They consisted of dark, often reflective lenses, which provided wide cover for the eyes to prevent light coming in from any angle.

Aviators gradually blended into civilian fashion and by the 1970’s, Aviator sunglasses had captured the attention of the masses. Elvis Presley famously wore Aviators, rimmed with gold and a selection of pink and red lenses. Dipping in popularity during the 1980s, they were saved from the scrapheap by Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun”.

How to Wear Aviators?

To make sure you get mileage out of your pair of Aviators, invest in a high-quality brand. The price might be a little higher, but it’ll ensure that they last a long time, and don’t get bent out of shape when you inevitably sit on them on the train.

Aviator Lens Colour

Aviators come in loads of different tinted lenses, so it’s important to study the merits of each colour to suit your character and outfit, but don’t forget they must still be practical. It’s good to remember that how the lens is tinted will change the way you see the world.

Black Aviator Sunglasses

Black is the most common shade, and it’s good for general purpose sunglasses. It reduces light and glare to keep you from squinting and also has the bonus effect of helping you perceive all colours correctly.  While this is always handy on those sunny summer afternoons, remember that dark lenses provide the darkest tint with the largest visible light reduction.

Black is also one of those colours that suit a wide variety of outfits. Try pairing them with a classic combination of a plain white t-shirt and dark jeans for some easy style points. Black lenses also look good with an ultra-smart business suit, and will add to a whole new edge to your professional (and super serious) outfit.

Blue Aviator Sunglasses

If you want to try something a little different, how about heading for some cool blue lenses? Blue aviators (or any colour in actual fact) will set you apart from the crowd, and will compliment a more casual outfit well. Perhaps try pairing them with bright coloured contrasting clothes. But remember, a clean white shirt and jeans will go with your blue Aviators to create a slick, crisp, casual look.

Perhaps you’re spending your sunny day at the office? If so, inject some style into your work wear by selecting a pair of blue aviators to go with your smart suit. Light or dark blue suits work well with blue lenses. They’ll also go nicely alongside a grey suit to create a bit of contrast. As well as being very stylish, a blue tinted lens will help reduce glare and make the contours of objects more defined, making them a perfect colour to wear when driving.

Gold Aviator Sunglasses

If you fancy going all the way, how about pushing the boat out with a pair of gold or yellow tinted Aviators? Although it may seem a little “out there”, if paired with the right outfit, they’ll look great. As well as looking cool, these colours also have a more practical side. Yellow is an extremely useful tint especially as it increases visibility on an overcast day. If you spend your time glued to your phone, a yellow tint will help filter out the blue light and could prevent you from suffering from eye strain.

Gold lenses are quite eye-catching, therefore, pair them with a simple outfit and avoid lots of patterns or prints. If you’re wearing other accessories, such as a watch, be sure to pick gold rather than silver to tie in with the rest of your outfit. If lenses like that just don’t gel with your personal style, how about trying an ordinary black tinted pair with gold frames and arms.

Mirrored sunglasses

To add an edge of mystique to your summer outfit, try wearing a pair of mirrored aviators. The fully reflective silver lenses will keep all the errant sun out of your eyes, providing full protection from the light. Mirrored lenses are also a very classic accessory, often sported by old movie stars like Robert Redford, so try pairing them with striking and timeless clothes, like a black leather jacket and jeans. They are also smart and classy, and would be a great accompaniment to a dark grey suit, especially if you’re heading for a high-powered business meeting.

Aviator Frames

Gold Frame Aviator Sunglasses

A gold frame will add a touch of movie star swagger to an otherwise ordinary outfit, and their subtlety will make sure that you don’t come across as too over the top. As the frames and arms of Aviators are very thin, the gold will only take up a small amount, and so don’t worry, they won’t look too flashy. Gold frames will add an element of polish to otherwise black lens aviators and can be worn with a variety of outfits.

Gold frame aviators work with a relaxed look such as a blazer and black skinny jeans. They’ll work wonders with an ordinary suit, elevating it above simple work wear, and making you look both sophisticated and confident. After all, who doesn’t love a man in a pair of shining sunglasses?

Plastic Frame Aviator Sunglasses

If you want to add a twist to the classic aviator sunglasses, then why not try a plastic frame. Aviator sunglasses usually have a thin metal frame, but, a plastic frame may add greater durability. What’s more, they are a great way of combining the aviator and wayfarer styles. Plastic frame aviator sunglasses would look great with skinny jeans and a statement t-shirt or a plain shirt.

Aviators for Small Faces

Make sure when selecting a pair of Aviators, you take the shape and size of your face into consideration. After all, you wouldn’t wear a pair of trousers that were several sizes too large, would you? Sunglasses should fit with the bridge comfortably across the nose, not too wide or too short. You’ll be able to tell if it’s too short if the bridge sits too high up on your face, and it’s too wide if it slides down to the end of your nose.

Even though the lenses should cover the entirety of your face, make sure that the lenses don’t swamp you. The teardrop shape will help to accentuate your jaw and cheekbones, and make your facial features more defined.

Small Aviator Sunglasses – Navigator styles

If you’re struggling to find just the right sized pair of large lens Aviators, stay away from the classic teardrop and go for a Navigator style. The lens of the “Navigator” style is a squared off teardrop shape, which dramatically decreases the size of the glasses. They are also a good style for men with a slightly longer face.

Another smaller style of aviators is the “Sporty” style, with its’ square bottomed lenses. They’re not as front heavy as other styles but wrap well around your face. This will help to keep the aviators on your face while you’re pounding away at your daily cycling, running, hiking or even a gym workout (if you usually wear sunglasses in the gym, that is.)

Should Your Aviators Have a Brow Bar?

Classically, Aviator sunglasses would have had a brow bar to keep sweat out of the eyes when a pilot was off flying. Now, whether you choose aviator sunglasses with a brow bar is purely a fashion choice. Make sure if you do choose aviators with a brow bar that they fit correctly, as it will draw greater attention to ill-fitting glasses.

Wayfarer vs Aviator

The game old battle of “Wayfarer vs Aviator” is one that has raged since the dawn of sunglass history. Here’re a few morsels of information to help you choose your side. Since it’s inception, Ray-Ban has specialised two different lines of sunglasses, the Aviator in 1932, and the Wayfarer in 1952.

Wayfarers were designed by the optical designer Raymond Stegeman, who worked for Bausch and Lomb. The glasses featured heavy set frames and sturdy arms. Unlike the Aviator, the Wayfarer was specifically designed for the civilian fashion market, rather than deviating from an original military design.Wayfarers remained popular in the 1950’s and 60’s but began to fade away from the public eye in later decades. However, a deal with Californian company Unique Product Placement raised their profile as they appeared in numerous films, for instance, “Risky Business” and “The Breakfast Club.” Again fading after this period of success, Wayfarers are now on the rise.

With their thick frames, Wayfarers are often more durable than Aviators. Their large chunky frames also may give off a more casual look. Therefore, try pairing them with a laid back combination of a polo shirt, chinos, and loafers for that preppy look. Wayfarers will always look good with a t-shirt and a pair of shorts.

Your Quick Guide on How to Wear Aviator Sunglasses

  • Check the size of your glasses and make sure that they fit comfortably on the bridge of your nose.
  • Try out different lens sizes and styles to fit different face shapes.
  • Wear aviators with a variety of tints for different occasions.
  • Remember that wayfarers have chunky frames and are often smaller on the face.

On That Note

Aviators are a classic style of sunglasses that have made men look stylish since the 1930s. These pilot sunglasses have been one of the most popular brands for almost a century for a reason: they look great on all men with practically all outfits. Whatever tint you choose and whatever outfit you wear them with, Aviators give off an air of effortless cool. So don’t let yourself be intimidated – invest in a pair of high-quality Aviators this summer, and they won’t let you down.

Feature image from Pinterest


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