Aviator vs Pilot Sunglasses - The History of Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses have been a part of the cultural zeitgeist for decades. Whether you fell in love with them watching Tom Cruise’s Maverick from Top Gun save the day in these classic shades or they just recently caught your eye, aviators have solidified their place in American culture.

Even though they’re popular among pedestrians today, aviators started in the military. 

History of Aviator Sunglasses

American Optical manufactured the original aviator sunglasses for the military in 1935. This pair, aptly named the U.S. Army Air Corps D-1 Sunglasses, looked different than the aviators popular today. They featured a wide nose bridge and curved plastic arms to secure the eyeglasses tightly around the ear and could fit under helmets and other types of headgear.

The next version of aviators became standardized in 1941. The AN6531 Military Sunglasses were made for pilots and sailors and look like the classic aviators we know today. They feature teardrop lenses, wire frames, and a double-wire nose bridge. The lens colors switched from green to rose to better protect the servicemen from glare.

Aviator Sunglasses

While aviators had been on the market since the 1930s, they didn’t gain popularity until after WWII. General McArthur landed on a beach in the Philippines, and photographers snapped a picture of him wearing a pair of aviators. This photo became one of the stand-out images of the war and aviator sunglasses gained popularity among the masses.

Design and Features

Aviator sunglasses for men contain four bespoke design elements.

• The frames feature a thin, durable metal.
• The teardrop-shaped lenses emphasize a diagonal line from the interior nose bridge to the exterior side of the lens.
• The nose bridge contains a wire on the top and bottom, with adjustable nose pads for a better fit.
• The arms fit firmly to the temple and sometimes curve around the back of the ear to ensure they don’t slide around.

As the times modernize, lots of variations can be found in the aviator style. The new aviator has a much sturdier frame made out of plastic instead of metal with squared lenses instead of the traditional teardrop. 

You can also find aviator sunglasses that look like wayfarers but feature that classic double-nose bridge that aviators are known for.

Uses and Benefits of Aviator Glasses

Aviator sunglasses were made for pilots to protect their vision. The ability to see clearly and assess situations properly is imperative, so aviators were formed to ensure pilots can do their job correctly.

The teardrop shape of aviator sunglasses fully covers the eye so that pilots are unaffected by glare. Pilots never wear polarized aviators because it makes it harder to read instruments that use anti-glare filters. Aviators for pilots have adjustable arms so that the sunglasses will not go flying off in turbulence or other quick maneuvers.

These features also make aviators a great choice for outdoor activities. If you’re playing a pick-up game with friends, hiking an exposed trail, or hanging out by the pool, you want your eyes to be fully protected from UV rays. This ensures the longevity of your eyesight and helps prevent the development of vision loss, macular degeneration, and cancer.

Top Brands for Aviator Sunglasses

Many people associate aviator sunglasses with Raybans aviators. These classic aviators come in 11 varieties and you can even add an eyeglasses prescription. 

A fantastic iconic aviator comes from WMP Eyewear. Emerson is available in six different color combinations but all contain that modern square lens, acetate frame, and single-nose bridge for a retro feel. 

If you’re looking for a classic aviator shape with a modern twist, try out Prescott. These shades accentuate the classic oval aviator lens with a single-nose bridge and grade AAA acetate frames available in tortoiseshell, crystal brown, denim blue, and more.

And if you want a modern aviator but can’t part with the wire frame, check out these rounded aviators from Warby Parker. With round lenses as the only difference from the regular aviator, you can channel your inner hippy along with the best pilot vibes.

Pilot Sunglasses

Pilot sunglasses have roots back to 1958 when American Optical produced the Flight Goggle 58. These sunglasses are still available for purchase today, under the new name AO Original Pilot Sunglasses®.

Minor differences include a squarer lens so that the entirety of the eye area is protected. They also feature wrap-around arms, which are not included in most modern aviators today. These are standard-issue military sunglasses and have been used by the armed forces for more than 50 years.

This type of eyewear has a True Color® gray glass lens developed to reduce eye fatigue in bright spaces, ideal for pilots who often have to look into the sun when flying. These sunglasses come in three different sizes— 52mm, 55mm, and 57mm.

Aviator vs Pilot Sunglasses

There are minor differences when comparing aviator vs pilot sunglasses. They are often used interchangeably, with aviator being the more popular word. Aviator sunglasses refer to any style that resembles the original teardrop shape and wire lenses. 

There are variations on the aviator style, including some made of polycarbonate or acetate, and featuring a single nose bridge instead or two. Many brands may call an aviator a pair of pilot sunglasses, even if they actually aren’t.

Pilot sunglasses generally refer to the military-grade option made by American Optical. Pilot sunglasses are always specifically made for pilots and are not common for the general public. 

Compared to aviators, pilot sunglasses feature a wider lens from top to bottom, more specific sizes, and lens colors to ensure that pilots’ eyes don’t become fatigued looking into the sun.

Snag Classic or Modern Aviators at WMP Eyewear

Because of their rich history, aviator sunglasses will never go out of style. Whether you’ve signed up for flying lessons or simply want to channel your inner pilot for your wardrobe, pick up a pair of affordable aviators at WMP Eyewear.

WMP Eyewear sells quality sunglasses without the high markups from name brands. They offer polarized and non-polarized varieties, with 100%UVA/UVB protection for maximum eye safety. Plus, they give away a portion of all their sales to the Arizona Humane Society.

No matter your budget, find your perfect pair of men’s aviator sunglasses at WMP Eyewear.