When it comes to cool shades, nothing’s quite as cold as the aviator. The original badass, the iconic frame has rested its pads on the nose of some of Hollywood’s greatest, from Tom Cruise to Daniel Craig to Ryan Gosling.
However, making you look like an A-lister isn’t their only aim. The best aviator sunglasses for men should protect your eyes from harmful UV-rays too. Which is why I’ve pulled together a selection of the ultimate all-rounders—ensuring you’re safe and stylish during the summer and beyond.
Keep reading for your star-studded line-up, featuring a plethora of sunglasses brands and styles to suit every budget and face shape.
Key Takeaways
First designed for pilots during the 1930s, aviators are now a high-flying accessory for men of all occupations—thankfully with many more variations to mull over. To help you find the ones worthy of your consideration (and save you from endless hours on Reddit), I’ve handpicked eight of the best aviator sunglasses for men after scouring dozens of sites and reading hundreds of reviews. Here you’re going to discover a mixture of stylish options, including Meller’s wallet-friendly pair and the iconic original from Ray-Ban.
Why it’s great: These famous sunnies have transcended their military origins to become the most popular men’s aviator around. The classic teardrop shape, designed to fully cover the eyes, offers up a super sleek and stylish vibe that looks the part wherever you’re catching rays. While the polarized lenses provide optimal visual clarity and full protection from the sun.
Who is this for? If your main priority is longevity, Ray-Ban’s aviators are a shrewd investment. They’re never going to fall out of favor and they’ll manage to add a rebellious edge to a wide range of outfits.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Likelihood is you’re not going to be the only cool cat wearing these bad boys. But I say just let your awesome outfit do most of the talking.
Size: 58mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 10+
Why it’s great: Sunglasses aren’t just for the summer; you should keep this men’s aviators pair from Roderer with you every day. Not only will they elevate your outfits, they’ll protect you from harmful rays that can have detrimental effects on your eyes—even on cloudy or overcast days.
Who is this for? If you’re working with a flexible budget but don’t want to spend silly money, these shades are ideal. They’re classy but considerably cheaper than some of the other options from better-known luxury labels.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The 60mm-wide lenses are quite large and may feel too big for guys with a particularly narrow face.
Size: 60mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 5
Why it’s great: Not just kind to the wallet, they look after your eyes too. The UV protection blocks out harmful rays while the polarized filter reduces reflections and attenuates glare. The classic shape will give your looks a timeless charm that works with casual and formal fits alike.
Who is this for? These are ideal for guys that are looking for cheap frames but still want quality and decent protection from UV rays. They’re also going to be popular for those after a slightly squarer frame (which is great for round faces and men with bald heads).
Flaws but not dealbreakers: I’m being really picky here. But some individuals with square or angular face shapes may find that squarer frames over-emphasize the strong lines of their features.
Size: 44mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 2
Why it’s great: A classic option with large dark lenses, these aviators offer excellent sun protection and timeless everyday style. They’re subtly decorated with Armani lettering, but are otherwise fuss-free and effortlessly cool.
Who is this for? These are perfect for guys who want designer shades without the excessive price tag. They’re suitable for pretty much all faces, but will look best on those that are round or oval-shaped.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Designer snobs beware: Armani Exchange is the more accessible and youthful diffusion line from the high-end brand.
Size: 59mm | Lense: Dark | Colors Available: 2
Why it’s great: Pushing your shades onto the top of your head is fine if you’re bald, but what about the guys who don’t want to ruffle their new trim? These foldable sunglasses can be easily collapsed and put into your pocket when they’re not needed, so you don’t have to worry about restyling your hair. Not just convenient, they come with scratch-resistant lenses with 100% polarized UV protection.
Who is this for? They’re a great option for everyone but I think they’re going to be particularly appealing to those on their travels. Thanks to the foldable design, they can be easily stored in your bag without breaking or taking up too much space.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The clarity of the lenses isn’t as clear as some of the other best aviator style sunglasses for men. But for the price, I don’t think you can really grumble.
Size: 58mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 6
Why it’s great: Similar to the 714 design made famous by Steve McQueen, Persol’s 649 model is iconic in its own right. As stylish as it is safe, it was originally designed in 1957 for Turin tram-drivers, but became a legend when Marcello Mastroianni wore it in the classic Divorce, Italian Style. Today, you’ll find it on the faces—and often nestled neatly on a blazer pocket—of the world’s best-dressed men in cities and beaches far and wide.
Who is this for? The attention to craftsmanship, quality materials, and the iconic design make these sunglasses an excellent choice for guys who appreciate timeless style with a touch of Italian flair.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unlike the 714, Persol’s 649 shades aren’t collapsible. So please don’t attempt to fold them—they’ll snap.
Size: 54mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 10+
Why it’s great: Lightweight with oversized dark lenses, Bottega Veneta’s shades are certainly not shy. The gold-tone metal frames further cement their luxury status while the UV protection promises to keep your eyes safe in the sun.
Who is this for? Designer fans will love them, but you’ll need to be working with a fairly large budget to be able to come up with the cash. They’re also ideal for the guy who likes to make a statement.
Flaws but dealbreakers: They’re more angular than your average pair of aviators so they’re quite a bold choice. You’ll need a decent-sized noggin and a defined style to pull them off.
Size: Frame Width 2in, Frame Height 5.7in | Lense: Dark | Colors Available: 3
Why it’s great: These aren’t just any old pair of tortoiseshell shades. Look closely and you’ll spot the Fendi monogram repeated on the temples. The perfect size to make a statement (without looking like a show-off), they’re finished with dark lenses that offer 100% UV protection.
Who is this for? I’d recommend these for those who see sunglasses as an investment—not the type of accessory you update every season. And while they suit a variety of skin tones, tortoiseshell tends to be particularly flattering on individuals with warm or neutral undertones.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Designer sunglasses aren’t cheap, and these from Fendi are going to be quite a splurge. However, look after them and you’ll undoubtedly get your money’s worth.
Size: Frame Width 5.9in, Frame Height 2in | Lense: Dark | Colors Available: 1
Buying Considerations for the Best Aviator Sunglasses For Men
Frame Size
Ensure that the aviator sunglasses you choose have a frame size and shape that suits your face. Aviators typically have a distinctive teardrop shape, but the size and proportions can vary. Consider the width of the frame in relation to your face, plus the size of the lenses and the length of the temple arms. A proper fit is crucial for both comfort and style.
Frame Color
When finding the best men’s aviator sunglasses, it’s a good idea to consider your skin tone. For those with darker skin, earthy tones like brown, tortoiseshell, or warm metals, can complement and enhance your natural warmth. Alternatively, pale skin generally looks best with shades in black, silver, or cool blues.
UV Protection
To make sure your eyes are shielded safely from the sun, ensure that the lenses provide 100% UV protection. UV protection is essential for eye health and preventing conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Generally speaking, all of the best aviator style sunglasses for men should offer this as standard.
Why you should trust us
I’m no optician, but I’ve been writing about men’s fashion for long enough to understand the importance of a pair of decent shades. To find the best aviator sunglasses for men, I started with a shortlist of 30 styles and narrowed it down to just eight—focusing on style, protection, and price. I also checked out hundreds of online reviews to make sure you were only presented with the crème de la crème.
Final Verdict
If I’ve done my job as your trusted co-pilot, you should now know exactly where to find the best aviator sunglasses for men. From classic designs to modern interpretations, I’ve dissected the details to help you soar through the decision-making process effortlessly and take your everyday style sky-high.
But before you disappear into the sunset, don’t forget about Ray-Ban’s iconic version. A timeless addition to any sunny-season collection, they hit the ultimate sweet spot between form, function, and affordability.
FAQ
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The great thing about aviator sunglasses is they tend to suit most men. However, they are particularly well-suited for individuals with oval or square faces. The classic teardrop shape of aviators helps soften angular features, while the broad top and tapered bottom harmonize with the balanced proportions of an oval face.
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There isn’t one specific brand of aviator exclusively worn by pilots, but the original aviator sunglasses were developed by Ray-Ban for the United States Army Air Corps in the 1930s. The Ray-Ban Aviator became iconic and gained popularity among pilots for its practical design and effective sun protection.
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