Aviators are one of the most popular styles of designer sunglasses for men and one of the most affordable. Created in 1936 by Ray-Ban to protect pilots from the sun’s glare while flying, they were used only by the military at first. However, they became available to the public two years later.
The basic design featuring large oval lenses with wire frames has remained true over the years. However, many of the top fashion designers have come out with innovations over the past few years in order to cash in on the growing demand by those in both the public and entertainment sectors. These have included rimless frames as well as thicker plastic frames with bold graphics from some of the top designers including Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Versace, and Diesel. In addition, the use of mirrored lenses providing UV 400 protection as well as the latest gradient lens that change from darker to lighter depending on the light has really brought them into the modern era.
General Douglas MacArthur was famous for wearing aviator sunglasses, and although many rock stars noticed the style during the 1960’s, it was their appearance in the movie, Top Gun that really brought them back into vogue. Since then, aviator sunglasses have been featured in a score of movies including the newest James Bond movies where Daniel Craig wore Tom Ford 108 sunglasses, the Aviator starring Leonardo DiCaprio (made by Georgio Armani), and Pearl Harbor, in which Ben Affleck and Josh Harnett sported Ray-Bans.
The style has also become very popular among military and police forces worldwide, which have found that not only do they protect them from the sun’s glare, give them a “menacing look of authority.”
Prices range from anyway from $15-$20 to those costing several hundred dollars, and can be bought just about everywhere from discount stores, online dealers and to high fashion stores. The deals are available for you, you just need to go out and look for them.