The 18 Best Aviator Sunglasses, Tested by Style Experts

When we first put these shades on, we were immediately impressed by their polarization. Designed with a specialized multi-layer lens, the lenses effectively filter and block glare. We also found that the vertically oriented filter layer embedded in the lens helped eliminate horizontal reflections and improve visibility during outdoor activities—or just walking around under the sun.

When it comes to UV protection, J+S’s aviator sunglasses also has us covered. These shades are equipped with UV 400 lenses, meaning they block 99%-100% of both UVA and UVB radiation. We were also impressed by the metallic alloy frame which is not only ultra-lightweight but also incredibly strong and durable. Plus, with spring-loaded hinged legs and adjustable silicone nose pads, we found that these shades offer maximum comfort and flexibility.

All these features in a pair of aviator sunglasses at under $20, we’ll be damned if you’re not sold.

Elevate your style and protect your eyes with these vintage-style polarized aviator sunglasses. They feature a sturdy plastic frame and polarized Tri-Acetate Cellulose lenses with UV protection, which we’ve found to be able to really filter out sunlight-reflected glare (in fact, our testing shows that the UV400 polarized TAC lenses even help enhance the definition of our views). We also love that the dimension—a lens width of 55mm and a height of 52mm—actually fits great on all facial shapes.

In terms of durability, these shades are made of solid metal hinges in a classic double-bar square frame, which we love not only because of how tough it will hold up but also how fashionable it looks all in all.

You don’t need us to tell you that Ray-Ban makes one of the best aviator sunglasses on the market. The classic metal aviators look good on anything and look good on everyone. And they perform great as well. The lenses offer 100% UV protection to optimize visual clarity in different light conditions, for instance. And the metal frame plus silicone nose pads are not only long-lasting but are also comfortable o wear all day long.

Additionally, we love that Ray-Ban now offers a variety of metal frame and lens colors to choose from, as well as multiple sizes, so you’ll definitely be able to find one pair of Ray-Ban 3025 aviators that suits your style and your face shape.

Looking for a classic aviator style that combines style and sustainability? Look no further than Warby Parker’s Fielder. For starters, the lightweight design of the Fielder aviators is not only comfortable but also exudes confidence, and I love that the brow bar adds a stylish touch. However, what sets these sunglasses apart is their construction. They are made from a combination of 50% nylon and 50% recycled TR90, making them equally eco-friendly and durable as hell.

In addition, having worn these to brave the glaring sunlight this summer, I found that the scratch-resistant lenses were able to block 100% of UV rays to ensure my eyes are shielded from harmful sun exposure. The round shape also looks good on a squared-face fellow like myself.

A pair of polarized aviators for under $75? Count us in. Sunski uses recycled materials and performance lenses to create incredible minimalist-inspired shades. One of the standout features is the premium CR-39 polarized lenses. With superior clarity, abrasion resistance, and strength, these lenses offer enhanced optics for a clear view of the world. They also provide 100% UVA/UVB protection, ensuring your eyes are shielded from harmful rays.

What’s more, the Astra frame is a hybrid of an electroplated stainless steel exoskeleton and a frame with sculpted surfaces. This combination not only provides durability but also maximum comfort. The sunglasses also stand out with their balanced and precise proportions inspired by Top Gun aviator frames. Overall, they are lightweight and designed to be worn all day sans any discomfort.

Elevate your eyewear game with these exceptional shades that combine optical quality, protection, durability, and style. We found that the TAC polarized lenses of the Bruce 2.0 Sunglasses provided exceptional visibility under the sun. With anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings, these lenses also ensure a clear and distortion-free view. Additionally, they offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, keeping your eyes safe from harmful rays.

Durability is a standout of the Bruce 2.0 Sunglasses. Customized barrel hinges and Akulon-coated screws make them tough as nails and long-lasting. Additionally, the temple wire core adds stability, maintaining the shape of the sunglasses over time.

And then there is their blue-light blocking feature which we love and need in this digital age.

Acetate frames are a great option for guys who always bend their metal sunglasses. Avoid the wonky, slanted eyewear look with these durable vintage-inspired aviators for a suave ‘70s vibe. These shades offer a bold and thick acetate frame that we found to be able to look great on various facial shapes. Moreover, we love how these aviator sunglasses are designed for outdoor activities. For instance, the hypoallergenic plastic construction ensures protection against wind and impact. Plus, the lightweight, corrosion-resistance temples provide maximum comfort all day long while adding to the sunglasses’ overall stylish look.

Featuring a non-polarized CR39 plastic polymer lens with a 100% UV protection coating, these sunglasses also offer the essential defense against harmful sun rays you need when braving the outdoors.

With Quay’s High Key aviator sunglasses, you get both fashion and functionality. In our testing, we found that not only do these complement a variety of face shapes, but we also came to love its blend of style, UV protection, and comfort.

Crafted with a metal frame and stainless steel hinges, these sunglasses are built to last. The signature triangular hardware adds a touch of gleam and enhances the overall look. And the standout feature is the 100% UV protection provided by the polycarbonate polarized lens. With these sunglasses, you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your eyes shielded from harmful UV rays. The adjustable nonslip nose pads then ensure a comfortable fit, allowing you to wear them all day without any discomfort.

These shades are designed to be the perfect companion for all your athletic and outdoor adventures. The rounded aviator design features polarized performance optics that provide exceptional optical clarity and offer superior vision with reduced distortion. We also found them to be 20% lighter than other materials while providing excellent impact resistance and 100% UVA/B protection. In addition, the polarization filter in the lenses helps reduce glare and enhance contrasts for sharper vision.

These aviator sunglasses also come with a detachable head strap, ensuring they stay securely in place during activities like trail running, kayaking, sailing, or climbing. For a perfect fit, the temple-ends of these sunglasses have adjustable metal cores. You can easily adjust them to find the most comfortable and secure fit for your face shape.

Step into a timeless classic with American Optical’s OG aviator sunglasses. They feature a sleek bayonet temple style with clear acetate temple tips, giving them a vintage look that sets them apart while looking never out of style. This unique design allows for easy on-and-off even while wearing a helmet as well to render them a practical choice.

In addition, the click-in nose pad arms are designed to avoid breakage, and the lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection and are impact-resistant. We also found that these sunglasses offer a comfortable fit for various face shapes.

Equipped with PolarizedPlus2® lens technology, these aviators provide unmatched clarity and protection. Say goodbye to glare and harmful UV rays, as these lenses go above and beyond in shielding your eyes. In addition, we love that the MauiGradient lenses add a touch of contemporary flair to the timeless aviator design. All in all, the optical performance of these shades is great for outdoor adventures.

With these shades on, you will enjoy your adventures without worrying about your sunglasses’ durability. Crafted with MauiPure lens material that is lightweight in feel but heavy-hitting in resistance to scratch and shatters, these sunglasses will last and are thus worth the splurge.

UV Protection: Aviator sunglasses are known for their ability to provide adequate UV protection. Look for those that offer 100% UV protection, a high rating like UV400, or are labeled as blocking UV-A and UV-B rays. This is crucial for safeguarding your eyes from harmful sun rays and reducing the risk of long-term damage.

Frame Material: Aviator sunglasses should be made with a sturdy yet lightweight frame material. Metal frames like stainless steel or titanium are popular choices for aviators due to their strength and classic look. For a more lightweight option, consider frames made of high-quality plastic or acetate.

Polarization: Consider aviator sunglasses with polarized lenses, as they offer enhanced glare reduction and improved visibility under bright sunlight. Polarized lenses are particularly beneficial for aviators, reducing reflections from flat surfaces like water or the aircraft’s instrument panel—if you ever choose to pilot a plane, that is.

Lens Quality: Opt for aviator sunglasses with high-quality lenses that offer clarity and distortion-free vision. Lenses made from materials like polycarbonate or glass are known for their durability and optical excellence in providing visibility. Additionally, consider lenses with scratch-resistant coatings to ensure they will last.

Fit Aviator sunglasses typically feature a distinct teardrop-shaped lens and a thin metal frame. In this case, the fit should be comfortable and secure, with the sunglasses resting snugly on your nose bridge and temples without causing discomfort or slipping. So look out for adjustable nose pads and temple tips that’ll help with a secure and personalized fit.

Gray lenses are a popular choice for aviators due to their ability to maintain true color perception. They also provide excellent glare reduction while preserving natural contrast, which helps to minimize eye fatigue and offer accurate color representation, making them suitable for extended periods of wear.

Brown or amber lenses are also great for aviator sunglasses because they will enhance depth perception and provide good contrast in low-light conditions, making them beneficial for actual pilots when judging distances and distinguishing objects against the sky.

Lastly, green lenses offer excellent contrast enhancement and visual clarity, which helps soothe the eyes in a high-glare environment or areas with strong sunlight.