Aviator Sunglasses for Women and Men: How to Choose and Wear Them

Aviator sunglasses are one of the few frames that never really go out of style. They were first made for pilots in the 1930s and have been a fashion staple for decades since. Here's what makes an aviator an aviator, who they suit, which colours to pick, and how to wear them today.

What are aviator sunglasses?

The classic aviator has three features:

• Teardrop lenses that are wider at the top and dip lower at the outer edge, to cover more of the eye.
• A thin metal frame, usually gold, silver or black.
• A double bridge: a second bar across the top, above the nose.

Modern aviators play with all three. You'll see squarer lenses, single bridges, thicker plastic frames and oversized versions, but the shape still reads as "aviator".

Types of aviator sunglasses

Classic metal aviator

The original teardrop in a slim metal frame. Gold with a brown or green lens feels warm and vintage. Silver or black with a grey lens feels cooler and more modern.

Square aviator

Flatter on top with squarer corners. It's the 70s version of the aviator and one of the shapes climbing fastest right now, especially in oversized sizes.

Oversized aviator

Bigger, deeper lenses that cover more of the face. A strong look for the beach, travel days and anyone who wants a bit of glamour.

Gradient aviator

Lenses that go from dark at the top to light at the bottom. Easy to wear, softer looking, and they let people see your eyes a little.

Who do aviators suit?

Aviators flatter more face shapes than almost any other frame.

• Oval faces: any aviator works.
• Square faces: the curved teardrop softens a strong jaw.
• Heart faces: the lens is wider at the bottom, which balances a wider forehead.
• Round faces: choose a square aviator or one with a straight brow line to add some angles.

Find your face shape in our face shape guide.

Picking a colour

• Gold frame, brown or gradient lens: warm and vintage. Goes with denim, camel and earth tones.
• Silver frame, grey or blue lens: cool and clean. Goes with black, white and grey outfits.
• Black frame, grey lens: the safe, goes-with-everything pick.
• Coloured or mirrored lenses: pink, purple, orange and mirror lenses turn a classic shape into a statement.

How to wear aviators today

• With a white tee and jeans: the most classic pairing there is.
• With a leather or bomber jacket: a nod to where the shape came from.
• With tailoring: a gold aviator with a blazer or trench looks polished, not try-hard.
• Match your metal: gold frames with gold jewellery and watches, silver with silver.

Aviators to start with

• Cindy Aviator: gold and black options with grey, brown gradient or purple lenses.
• Stella Aviator: gold, silver or black with gradient lens options.
• Knox Aviator: an easy everyday aviator in gold, silver or black.

Want less glare? Look for "Polarized" in the name, like the Donovan Polarized Aviator. See every style in aviator sunglasses or the polarized ones in polarized sunglasses.

Frequently asked questions

Are aviator sunglasses for men or women?

Both. Aviators have always been unisex. Smaller, slimmer aviators tend to suit smaller faces, and oversized ones suit wider faces.

Are aviators still in style?

Yes. They're a long-running classic, and square and oversized 70s-style aviators are especially popular right now.

How much are they?

Every Misaki pair is $35. Get 2 for $60 or 3 for $75, applied automatically in the cart, with free shipping on 2+ pairs.

Can I return them?

Yes, unworn pairs can be returned within 30 days of delivery. See our refund policy.