Aviators are one of the most recognizable models of sunglasses in the world. For more than half a century they have not gone out of fashion and remain a stylish accessory. They are characterized by dark, often mirrored teardrop-shaped glasses and a thin metal frame. Despite the fact that every season designers come up with many new shapes and variations of sunglasses, classic 'aviators' do not lose their positions.
Today we will try to understand the reasons for such a widespread popularity of this legendary model, and also talk about how to choose them for ourselves.
The history of aviator glasses
Aviator goggles don't get their name just for their superficial resemblance to pilot goggles – they were indeed first developed for the United States Air Force. As the story goes, this model was created by Bausch & Lomb in 1936 and replaced the heavy, massive glasses used by pilots in the early days of aviation. The novelty was light, thin, elegant, but at the same time well protected the eyes from bright sunlight thanks to a wide lens of a special shape: the glass of the 'aviators' was two to three times larger than the eye and reflected the sun's rays from any angle.
During World War II, glasses from Bausch & Lomb, registered under the Ray-Ban brand, gained immense popularity, both in the aviation industry, thanks to a contract with the US Air Force, and abroad. A significant role in this was played, for example, by photographs of the American General Douglas MacArthur, circulated in all newspapers after the landing in the Philippines. In these photographs, the general was captured in gilded aviators with green lenses that protected his eyes from the southern sun. Subsequently, in 1987, Bausch & Lomb dedicated a separate line of legendary glasses to him.
General Douglas MacArthur in the legendary “aviators”
In the late 40s and early 50s, many elements of wartime were in vogue, and 'aviators' became part of this trend. Later, the legendary model of glasses fit perfectly into the era of rock and roll and continued its march across the planet. In the 80s and 90s, 'aviators' temporarily lost their popularity, as sunglasses in bright colors and streamlined shapes came into fashion, and Bausch & Lomb themselves focused on the production of contact lenses. However, their rebirth soon took place: the Ray-Ban brand was bought out by the world leader in the production of optics – the Italian company Luxottica – and the fashion for retro style returned the 'aviators' to the top of popular accessories.
Modern models of 'aviators'
Due to the high popularity of aviator glasses, many brands release their stylizations for the legendary model, but if you look for the original, there is still only one – aviators from Ray-Ban. However, this does not mean at all that these glasses always look the same! Over the years, manufacturers have developed many variants of the popular model and continue to offer new ones.
Aviator glasses can be of different colors, usually dark or with a mirror effect
Today there are 'aviators' in three different sizes – standard, reduced and enlarged – and all the design options cannot even be listed: colored glasses, frames with leather trim, folding glasses, a model with a mount for sports … Not so long ago, the company launched an online service where you can create completely personalized glasses by choosing glasses, frames and even engraving.
However, behind all this diversity, one should not forget that 'aviators' are a classic, which means that its main value is not design delights, but history, a legend.
Stars in Aviator glasses
Aviator glasses have long become an integral part not only of fashion, but also of modern culture. Elvis Presley wore them to his concerts, and after the film 'The Best Shooter', where the hero of Tom Cruise wears them, the legendary model found itself on a new wave of popularity.
The image of the main character of the film “The best shooter” is unthinkable without aviator glasses
In everyday life, celebrities also often choose 'aviators' to protect their eyes from the sun and camera flashes.
Brad Pitt 
Arnold Schwarzenegger 
Michael Jackson 
Lenny Kravitz 
Tom Cruise 
Jared Leto 
Hugh Jackman 
David Beckham 
Who are the 'aviators'
So, we figured out the history and reasons for the popularity of Aviator glasses, but the main question remains: is it worth buying them specifically for you? In fact, the answer is likely to be yes. Stylists unanimously classify 'aviators' as universal-shaped glasses that go with almost everyone. The teardrop shape of the glasses of this model looks harmonious on square, oval and round faces, it has no restrictions on age and physique.
“Aviators” look appropriate on any face shape and in any setting
The main danger that lies in the selection of aviators is their massiveness. The lenses on this model are larger than most other popular forms of sunglasses, so they can sometimes look bulky, especially when combined with delicate features. However, this problem can be easily solved by choosing smaller aviators (manufacturers have taken care of this option for a long time) and in the thinnest possible frame without additional bridges and other decorative elements.
Speaking of thin frames! Despite the fact that 'aviators' are associated with pilot glasses, heroes of action films and, in general, all kinds of masculinity and brutality, they are much more fragile to wear than many other models of glasses. Consider this, put them in a cover and do not throw them on the sand, then they will remain your personal embodiment of the legend for a long time.
What to wear with aviator glasses
Another advantage of 'aviators' is that they fit perfectly into almost any style of clothing. Teardrop-shaped mirrored glasses look quite 'classic' with a business suit and more than relevant with any trendy urban set.
Aviator glasses perfectly complement the shirt and jacket
To emphasize the historical origins of the 'aviators', you can wear them with clothing that resembles a pilot's uniform: leather bomber jackets, rough sweaters, etc.
Another interesting feature can be a combination of glasses with colored glasses with clothes of similar shades.
Conclusion
Aviator glasses are a versatile model that suits almost everyone and does not go out of style. Of course, this does not mean that everyone needs to wear it, but still take a closer look: such an accessory can become a reliable stylish investment.
