It’s funny how Aviator sunglasses have become a symbol of rugged masculinity and what not nowadays! But it all started way back in the early 20th century when enthusiastic test pilots started to fly higher than the highest point that man has ever been able to touch on the Earth. Naturally temperatures in these parts weren’t all warm and loving and the pilots had to wear enough protection and clothing to keep themselves safe from the horrendously cold weather. However, there still existed one fine glitch amidst all these. They used to wear fur lined goggles to keep their eyes safe and insulated. But they also got fogged and if a pilot tried to pull them off, his vision would blur and his eyes will practically get frozen over like two little chunks of ice. And, this did happen once.
The Beginning
The Bausch and Lomb developed the early prototype of aviator sunglasses for men with the help of a specimen provided by an aviator. These used to be sold as sports accessories and soon enough became standard issue in military forces during the war. After the war, a few decades passed until it became a fashion accessory which you could wear and flaunt. It became so popular that there was a version of Aviator Sunglasses just for women. What was created for protecting pilots against the strong glare of the sun in the stratosphere became an accessory of fashion in course of time.
Sunglasses are and have always been a statement of coolness. You measure how cool or good-looking a person is by the style of his sunglasses and how good he looks in it. Well, almost. There is a good reason as to why people tend to associate a certain ruggedness with these iconic pairs of aviator sunglasses.
Worn by pilots during the war, these tear drop shaped lens helped them not to compromise their vision and maintain coverage as well as control sweat when under a lot of pressure during combat. It is more of flaunting a false sense of bravado that has inculcated such an iconic design of sunglasses to descend among civilians. However, there are various styles of aviator sunglasses for women as well as men. There are a wide variety of lenses as well as frames to choose from if you are interested in this type of sunglasses. However, the shape of your face too depends on whether or not a certain lens shape will suit you.
Shape of Lenses
- Classic Teardrop: This shape of lens have existed from the beginning. Borrowed from its native cousin, the aviator goggles, it lends you the classic aviator look. This is the best design if you want to tap into the adrenaline fueled heritage. Functionality too should be your priority and this shape helps to cover your face from sunlight. However you should avoid wearing the teardrop shaped aviator sunglasses if you have a long face. Because these glasses will make your face look even longer than before because of its shape.
- Sporty: If you want to look sporty or want a pair of sunglasses to suit your lifestyle which involves loads of physical activity like running, surfing etc. then the squared-off bottom shaped aviators are best for you. The lens are actually wider than the original design but they sort of wrap themselves around your face. But they won’t be hanging or heavy like the teardrop aviators. So people with long faces can heave a sigh of relief and relax!
- Navigator: This type of aviator sunglasses has been highly modified to suit the needs of the consumers and the teardrop shape of the original design is squared off so that people with longer faces can wear this variety of sunglasses without any problem.
The material with which the best aviator sunglasses are being crafted is important as well. Classic aviators always have metal frames finished off with a subtle coating of silver and sometimes brass as well. Even though they feel quite heavy, rest assured they look really grand. On the other hand, if you are more interested in fashion, then it is best if you choose a plastic material frame. They look different from the original design and are thicker than the traditional metal framed aviators lending you a sportier look rather than a rugged one. Of recent, there have been quite a large number of aviator sunglasses that are being made with both plastics and metal, hence giving you a chance to experience both the worlds!
So, if you are planning to buy a grand pair of aviator sunglasses for men, you can check out lenspick, if you plan to buy your aviator sunglasses online. There are loads of reliable websites that are retailing eye-wear, which sell genuine products at a good price. However, make sure that the site from where you buy the product has a return policy so that you can return it and get your money back if the product turns out to be unsatisfactory.
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