Best Aviator Sunglasses For Men: Top Styles and Buying Guide

Table of contents

Why Aviator Sunglasses are Still a Men's Style Essential

Best Aviator Sunglasses Styles for Men

How to Choose Aviator Sunglasses for your Face Shape?

How Should Men's Aviator Sunglasses Fit?

Which Aviator Lens Color Should you Choose?

Polarized VS Non-Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator Sunglasses Buying Guide: What to Look For

How to Style Aviator Sunglasses for Men

Which Aviator Sunglasses are Best for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Choosing Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses are not just a choice for fashion, but they are also functional. It's not just a choice for fashion, Aviator sunglasses are functional. Few other silhouettes have the versatility that the shape offers in terms of decades, wardrobes and face shapes. In addition to the classic gold frame and green lens, there are now a variety of frame finishes, lens colors, sizes and polarized options available for today's aviators.

So, what are the best aviator sunglasses for men? It depends on factors like your face shape, personal style, preferred frame color, lens type, fit and what you intend to do with them. It covers the primary styles and how to identify which is best for your face as well as what you should look for before purchasing a style.

Why Aviator Sunglasses are Still a Men's Style Essential

The aviator silhouette has remained in a position, as it is really simple to wear. It’s easy to wear with informal attire or with more sophisticated looks, and it looks great with both youth and adult styles. Classic aviator sunglasses carry a timeless quality, and newer versions bring about a contemporary slant. A simple outfit can look great with a good pair, which is why it's not a style that's ever out of rotation.

Best Aviator Sunglasses Styles for Men

There are no one-size-fits-all aviatrixes. Let's take a look at the primary styles, who they appeal to and when they should be called upon.

Classic Gold Aviator Sunglasses For Men

The classic thin gold metal frame is the thin hat that comes to mind to many people. A great choice for men looking for a classic style that complements their smart-casual attire. This was one of the reasons why this color combination has survived for so long: Gold frames have a tendency to look great when used with green, brown or dark lenses.

Black Aviator Sunglasses

The black aviator sunglasses for men look more modern and subtle than the classic gold ones. They are perfect for minimalist outfits, streetwear, and everyday wear, and are a great option for men who prefer not to be the center of attention. Black frames with black or gray lenses are often the most flexible pair of frames to wear with a variety of outfits.

Silver Aviator Sunglasses

Silver frames are a pristine and contemporary option to gold. They look great with cool-toned clothes and more modern styles, and they will always match gray, blue or mirrored lenses. Silver, in general, has a slightly modern feel and tone than classic gold.

Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Polarized aviator sunglasses for men are not a style, but a feature of the lenses; understand what it does. Polarization blocks out glare and creates enhanced visual comfort in bright conditions, making it especially helpful for driving, outdoor activities and when near water.

Polarization alone does not offer protection from UV. UV protection is another lens feature and is not necessarily provided by a polarized lens – be sure to look for UV400 or 100% UV400 and 100% UVB protection.

Oversized Aviator Sunglasses

Compared with standard aviators, oversized sunglasses in an aviator silhouette feel more fashion-forward and provide greater facial coverage. They generally suit medium to large faces and can sometimes feel too big on very small or narrow faces.

Modern or Double-Bridge Aviators

Many modern aviation glasses have a more pronounced double bridge, heavier metal framework, sharper metal angles on the frame and the new dimensions. Perfect for men who appreciate the aviator aesthetic but crave a less traditional look.

How to Choose Aviator Sunglasses for your Face Shape?

When considering the styles of aviators, face shape can be a good guideline, but not a rule book.

Aviator Sunglasses for Round Face:

Angular aviators with a well-defined bridge and slightly wider frame can complement softer, rounded features. If you are comparing the best sunglasses for round face shapes more broadly, structured frames with clearer angles can help add definition.

Aviator Sunglasses for Square Face:

For those with a more angular jawline, classic teardrop lenses and medium width frames can create balance as they are softer in curve and width.

Oval Face:

Most aviator sunglasses for men can be worn easily on the oval face. Whether you're going with classic, oversized, double-bridge, or a more angular look, this is an ideal face shape to try out.

Heart-Shaped Face:

Avoided are the very lightweight and the very large aviators, as they can upset the balance of a heart-shaped face in both cases. In general, something that is balanced will be the more attractive option here.

Long or Rectangular Face:

Larger lenses, classic teardrop shapes, and medium to large frames are a better fit for longer faces as the more "length" in the lens can help offset the length of the face.

How Should Men's Aviator Sunglasses Fit?

Style aside, it's fit that decides whether or not a pair gets worn every day. Good aviators will sit comfortably on the top of the nose, not squeeze the sides of the temples, and try to not slide down during the day. Lenses should comfortably fit over the eyes, preferably just above the cheeks; the temples should be snugly around the ears.

When buying sunglasses online, a few measurements come up frequently: lens width is the width across the lens horizontally, the bridge width is the space between the two lenses that rest on your nose and the temple length is the length of the arms that go back to your ears. One of the best ways to make sure that you fit well before purchasing items is to compare these numbers to a pair that you already have and love.

Which Aviator Lens Color Should you Choose?

The color of the lens isn't only about style, it also determines how the world appears through the lens, which is important when choosing your lens.

Gray Lenses:

Gray is usually the ideal choice for a general color. It has a relatively neutral color perception and is a good option for general use, driving and daylight.

Green Lenses:

Green sunglasses are closely associated with the iconic aviator look, and green lenses provide a classic contrast that is easy to wear with everyday outfits.

Brown or Amber Lens:

Brown and amber lenses are suitable for those that want a warmer hue and can complement contrast in some light conditions. They work well in the outdoors, casual wear and they look great with brown or gold frames.

Blue or Mirrored Lenses:

The blue-colored and mirrored lenses are more trendy. They are great for statement sunglasses, vacation or beach outfits and more modern styles. Be aware that the lens tint does not necessarily indicate UV protection – this must be determined separately to the tint.

Polarized VS Non-Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Polarized Aviator Sunglasses for Men work best when driving, outdoors, near water and in situations where there is a reflective glare. They offer several benefits, such as minimizing glare and enhancing visual comfort under those conditions.

Non-polarized aviators are great for everyday wear, casual city wear, and individuals who don't want to prioritize glare reduction. They both offer good UV protection when the lens is correctly rated, so don't assume it is a UV protection in place of polarization as well.

Aviator Sunglasses Buying Guide: What to Look For

Use this to help you with your checklist prior to purchase.

●  UV Protection: Check the page of the product for UV400 or UVA/UVB protection of 100%.

●  Frame Material: Metal construction affects weight and comfort, while acetate sunglasses can create a bolder, more sculptural look. Check the product specifications to see exactly what the frame is made from.

●  Lens Quality: The clarity, durability, and scratch resistance may differ from product to product, so be sure to check the specifications provided when available.

●  Polarization: It's a worthwhile investment if you're on the road for a considerable amount of time or outside in a sunny and glaring environment.

●  Frame Size: Potential buyers should be aware that the actual width may not match its appearance in the photo of the product.

●  Nose Pads: Adjustable nose pads can make the face piece more comfortable and ensure proper fit.

●  Hinges and Construction: Although it may not seem like a big deal, sturdy hinges and construction are more important for casual use.

●  Personal Style: The "best" pair should fit you and your clothes, not the fashion.

How to Style Aviator Sunglasses for Men

Aviators have a very broad array of clothes that they wear.

Casual: Aviators, t-shirt, jeans and sneakers.

Smart Casual: Gold or silver aviators, button down or polo shirt and chinos.

Summer or Vacation: Aviators with linen shirt and shorts.

Streetwear: Black and oversized aviators with oversized T-shirt or jacket.

Driving or Travel: Polarized aviators and comfortable, everyday clothes.

Which Aviator Sunglasses are Best for You?

This is a short-cut in narrowing things down.

If you wish to go with the more classic gold aviators, opt for the classic style.

If you're looking for a more contemporary, classic style, pick a pair of black aviator sunglasses.

If you frequently drive or spend much time outdoors, go for polarized aviator sunglasses for men.

If you prefer more coverage and/or a more contemporary look, you can select oversized aviators.

If the aviator style is preferable but the modern look is desired, then opt for modern double-bridge aviators.

With these preferences in mind, Donahugh's aviator styles cover everything from classic gold frames and to black or modern double-bridge construction. Like any pair, it's advisable to read the specification for each individual product before placing an order, as specifications do vary depending on style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Still in Fashion for Men to Wear Aviator Sunglasses?

Yes, aviators are a classic style that has since been in vogue for decades. It's also evolved with modern frame finishes and lens colors, not being confined to a particular decade or trend.

Which Face Shapes Will Look Great with Aviator Sunglasses?

Aviators can be worn on oval and square faces as well as longer faces, round faces and heart-shaped faces. The important thing is to make the proportions and shape of the lens fit the individual face, instead of assuming that one style of aviator lens is the best for everyone.

Are Men's Aviator Sunglasses Be Oversized?

This will rely on face width and desired style. Medium to large faces will look best in oversized aviators that have a more fashion-forward appearance while smaller or narrower faces will look better in standard aviator size.

Are Polarized Aviator Sunglasses Better?

They can be particularly beneficial in reducing glare, making them a good option for driving or spending time outdoors. The term "better" in the context of sunglasses can only be used when discussing their use on a daily basis.

How Big Do You Need Your Aviator Sunglasses to be?

Look at the lens width, bridge width and the overall frame width of the product page, and compare these against a pair of sunglasses you already have, and know which fits.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Aviator Sunglasses

Ultimately, the best men's aviator sunglasses are those that fit well, offer UV protection, have the right lens tint, match the shape of the face, and look great on the individual. Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all aviator frame and lens combination so it is best to try a few different styles and lens colors to see what fits you and how you will wear them.