How Should Aviators Fit? | Find the Right Aviators for You

Imagine this: you walk into a store like Warby Parker and see that perfect pair of sunglasses. You’re a sucker for a pair of aviators and they’re right there, with those cool teardrop lenses and gold wire frames that make you feel like Tom Cruise or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

You try them on and then… they slide down your face. The lens look so wide that you feel like you could fit your whole fist within the corners by your temple. Discouraged, you put them back and assume that aviators simply aren’t right for you.

We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to give up so fast! The right pair of aviators could be out there for you but you have to ensure it’s the right fit for your face. Keep reading to learn all about how aviators should fit so that you buy the right size to accentuate all your best features.

Getting the Right Fit for Your Aviator Sunglasses

Just like you have to buy clothes that are the right fit for your body, you also have to buy sunglasses that are the right fit for your face. To get the right sunglasses fit for your aviators, you need to: find your size, choose the right nose pads, and pick quality materials for your lens and frame.

Find Your Size

Everyone has a different-sized head, so you need to take some measurements to ensure you purchase sunglasses that are the right size.

Frame Width

First, you need to measure the frame width. This is the distance from one side of the frame to the other. The best way to do this is to measure a pair that you have that you love. Then, check the measurements and purchase sunglasses within a few millimeters of this.

If you don’t have a pair of well-fitting sunglasses, there are two other tells you can use without measuring. The space between your head and your glasses in the corner should be no wider than the width of your finger. Also, your eyes should be in the middle of the lenses. If either of these aren’t true, then it’s the wrong pair of aviators for you.

Arm Length

The arms are the pieces of the sunglasses that fold in. The arm length is the measurement from the tip of the temple near the lenses to the bottom that curves. In general, arm lengths range from 135mm to 150mm.

If the tips of the arms are digging into your ear or the side of your head, the arms are too short. If the curve of the arms is way past your ears so that the sunglasses slide when you walk, then the arms are too long.

People who generally struggle with the former should look for arm lengths on the longer side (closer to 150mm), whereas people who struggle with the latter should look for arm lengths on the shorter side (closer to 135mm).

Choose the Right Nose Pads

Nose pads are the tiny plastic pieces you sometimes find beneath the nose bridge to better hold your glasses in place. If you struggle with sunglasses that tend to slide down your face, a pair with adjustable nose pads can help secure them.

However, if you want a pair of men’s aviator shades that feels lighter on your face, opt for aviators without nose pads. If you find the right fit using the methods listed above then you shouldn’t have any problems with slippage.

Pick Quality Materials

Last, pick quality materials so that they don’t bend or deteriorate over time. Cheap plastic sunglasses with low-quality coatings can flake off colors or warp, making them uncomfortable and fitting awkwardly to the face. 

Instead, choose high-quality plastic like acetate or a sturdy metal like stainless steel to ensure your aviator sunglasses last for years to come. To give you an idea, stainless steel sunglasses can last for 10 years or more if you take care of them properly. This is also great if you're trying to find a durable pair of prescription eyeglass frames that can last until you need a new prescription. 

Review How Aviators Should Fit

Aviators should fit snugly so that they cover your eyebrows but are not so big that they hit your cheekbones. 

Should Aviators Cover Your Eyebrows?

Yes, aviators should cover your eyebrows. Aviators were developed for the armed forces in the 30s and 40s, and they were made to protect every corner of a person’s vision. This means that they feature a larger lens than most sunglasses, so it covers your entire  eye and frame of vision. As a rule of thumb, most of your eyebrows should be behind the aviator lenses. 

The Importance of Lens Size

The traditional teardrop lens was made to cover the entire eye while remaining comfortable and not irritating the cheekbone. If the lenses are hitting your cheekbones, then they’re likely too big for your face. 

And remember, if the space between the edge of the frame and your face is wider than your finger, then the frames are too oversized for your face.

Top-Rated Featured Aviator Styles for Everyone

While you can’t go wrong with the classic aviator styles, there are tons of fantastic modern takes on the aviator as well. 

Single-bridge

While classic aviators featured a double nose bridge with a “bullet hole,” modern aviators made of acetate can feature a single nose bridge. If you have a round face shape, then you should check out Emerson.

These frames feature square lenses to complement the softer edges of a round face. It comes in six cool colors and at only $39, so you could get multiple pairs. Plus, they’re made of sturdy acetate with ultra-cool blue lenses, so you can be the trendiest person in the room. Need them in prescription? Check them out with eyeglass lenses. 

Oval

Anyone with a square face needs rounder frames to balance out their harsher features. Instead of those stark lines in classic aviators, opt for oval ones like Prescott. These gender-neutral sunglasses feature round lenses and acetate frames. At under $40, you can score these with mirror or gradient lenses that would cost triple digits elsewhere.

Classic

Why change a good thing? One of the best things about aviators is that they look good on most people. So no matter your face shape, try out a pair of classic shades like Maxwell, which flies in at only $35. With a stainless steel frame, teardrop lenses, and three different colors of wire to choose from, you’ll be ready to land a plane in no time!

Rectangular

If you have an oval face, pretty much every pair of sunglasses looks good on you. Go bold and try rectangular aviators like Lance. These retro frames feature a double nose bridge out of crystal brown, caramel brown, or jade black polycarbonate. 

The arms are made of stainless steel for durability and a cool, multi-textile vibe. Snag a pair or two at the affordable price tag of $39.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aviator Sunglasses

Should Aviators Be Wider Than Your Face?

Yes, aviator sunglasses should be slightly wider than your face. However,  shouldn’t be so wide that it’s noticeable. The width of the front of the frames should be just about the width of one temple to the other. You shouldn’t be able to fit wider than a finger within the sides of your sunglasses near your eye.

What Face Shape Do Aviators Look Best On?

Aviators fit best on oval, square, or heart-shaped faces. The benefits of wearing aviators is having a nice mix of lines and curves, softening harsh features or making rounder face stand out.

Can Everyone Pull Off Aviators?

Yes, everyone can pull off aviators. However, not every type of face shape can pull off every type of aviator. If you have a round face, then look for aviators with square lenses instead of the more traditional tear drops. But if you have a square or heart shaped face, then that classic aviator style will look great on you.