Updated on  May 17, 2024
13 min read

The 20 Best Aviator Sunglasses for Men and Women in 2024

7 sources cited
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Best Aviator Sunglasses for Men

Best Overall: Randolph X Todd Snyder Sportsman

Best Designer Aviators: Versace VE2199

Best On a Budget: J+S Premium Military Style Classic Aviator

Modern Aviators: Ray-Ban “New Caravan”

Classic Aviators: ROKA “FALCON Iconic Square Aviator”

Best Prescription Aviators: Warby Parker “Abe”

Amazon Bestseller: SOJOS Retro Square Aviator

Most Colorful: Knockaround “Mount Evans”

Best Navigators: Foster Grant® “Navigation” Sunglasses

Best Plastic Aviators: ZeroUV “Retro 1980’s Fashion Plastic Aviator”

Best Aviator Sunglasses for Women

Best Overall: Oakley “Feedback”

Best Designer Aviators: Gucci “59mm Aviator Sunglasses”

Best On a Budget: Pro Acme Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses

Modern Aviators: Kate Spade New York “Avaline Sunglasses”

Classic Aviators: Ray-Ban “Aviator Classic”

Best Prescription Aviators: Warby Parker “Raider”

Amazon Bestseller: KALIYADI Classic Aviator Sunglasses

Most Colorful: Knockaround “Space Range Mile Highs”

Best Navigators: Shady Ray “Navy Silver Polarized Navigators”

Best Plastic Aviators: ZeroUV “Retro Modern Fashion Flat Top Flash Mirror Shield”

Aviator sunglasses (pilot’s glasses) were first designed in the 1930s by Bausch and Lomb and patented as “Ray-Ban” aviator sunglasses. The sunglasses were initially for military pilots as a less bulky alternative to aviator goggles.1

Aviator sunglasses were later introduced to the ever-growing civilian sunglass market, becoming a popular fashion statement for celebrities and fans alike.2 Their lightweight frames, tinted lenses, and brow bar (sweat bar) features made them more effective in enhancing visual clarity and comfort and reducing eye strain.3

The double bridge is one of the unique features of aviator sunglasses. Some have flexible cable temples that hook securely around the ears.

Today, aviator sunglass technology has moved a notch higher, with most designers focusing on style and the level of protection offered. You can add the look to your style by exploring the available aviator options for men and women.

We selected the best aviator sunglasses based on the brand quality, features, and ability to meet both men’s and women’s protective and fashion needs.

Best Aviator Sunglasses for Men

Below is our list of best men’s aviator sunglasses:

Best Overall – Randolph X Todd Snyder Sportsman

RANDOLPH X TODD SNYDER

Designed by Randolph Engineering and Todd Snyder in celebration of their 50th anniversary, the Randolph X Todd Snyder Sportsman will ignite the best version of you. These stylish aviator sunglasses feature a sweat bar for comfort. They also feature Randolph’s signature bayonet temple frame, which enables easy wearing even under headgear.

The uniquely colored polarized lenses are made with SkyTec™ technology, which enhances light filtering ability, clearer vision, and lessens eye strain. Available lens options include American Tan and AGX.

The quality metal used on the aviator frames ensures precision and durability. You can choose from premium finishes such as 23K gold, matte black, gunmetal, or military olive. Depending on the finish, these aviators cost about $350 to $400 or more.

Features:

  • Acetate sweat bar for comfort
  • Randolph’s signature bayonet temple frame
  • AGX lenses (the green lenses allow 15% light transmission)
  • 100% UVA/UVB for protection
  • Anti-reflective coating to reduce glare
  • Todd Snyder’s signature camouflage case
  • Cleaning cloth

Best Designer Aviators – Versace VE2199 

Versace VE2199

The Versace VE2199 stands out among the most popular aviator sunglasses. Besides carrying the iconic Versace logo at each temple, the VE2199 aviator sunglasses feature a stylish design from the lenses to the frame and temples. The clear adjustable nose pads offer enhanced comfort for all nose sizes. 

These designer sunglasses are shipped in a protective case and have a 2-Year International Warranty to give you peace of mind.

Versace VE2199 aviators may cost about $150 to $170 or more.

Features:

  • Plastic frame
  • Plastic lenses
  • Polarized lenses
  • Anti-reflective coating on lenses
  • 2-year international warranty
  • Prescription compatible

Best On a Budget – J+S Premium Military Style Classic Aviator

JS Premium Military Style Classic Aviator

The J+S aviator sunglasses feature a lightweight metal frame. The adjustable silicone nose pads allow for maximum comfort and flexibility. These aviators are ideal for outdoor activities such as driving, hiking, skiing, etc. They can also be your daily fashion accessory while protecting your eyes.

These military aviator sunglasses cost about $18.99.

Features:

  • Scratch-resistant polarized lenses (filters 99.96% of glare)
  • Lightweight and High optical clarity lenses
  • UV400-rated lenses (block 99% to 100% UVA and UVB)
  • Metallic frame with hinged legs
  • 1-year warranty on frames and lens

Modern Aviators – Ray-Ban “New Caravan”

Rayban New Caravan

The square-shaped aviator style is a new evolution of the signature Ray-Ban style. They feature premium engravings on the temples with polished gold frames.

The New Caravan is available in a range of color combinations. The Chromance lenses make the colors clearer and brighter. The lenses are designed alongside the frames to ensure a precise fit that delivers the clarity you need at all angles.

These aviators cost about $120 to $180 a pair.

Features:

  • Polarized lenses to help eliminate glare
  • Anti-scratch lenses
  • Double nose bridge
  • Adjustable nose pads
  • Metal frame material
  • Ray-Ban’s signature logo on lenses

Classic Aviators – ROKA “FALCON Iconic Square Aviator”

roka falcon

Featuring a titanium frame and polarized C3™ lenses, these classic ultralight aviators are designed to deliver great fit and comfort. The Patented GEKO™ nose pads and bayonet temple provide optimal traction and comfort. Bayonet temples are straight from the lens frames to the ears, making it easy to slip on and off. 

However, the temple tips have a slight wrap to keep the sunglasses in place. The lens’s hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings prevent spotting and enable fingerprint resistance and easy cleaning.

A pair of Falcons cost about $310.

Features:

  • Titanium frame
  • Polyamide (Nylon) lenses
  • Polarized lenses
  • Anti-scratch, anti-fog, and anti-reflectance coatings
  • Patented GEKO™ nose pads
  • Custom hinges

Best Prescription Aviators – Warby Parker “Abe”

WB Abe Sunglasses

Made with polished metal, Abe aviators are stylish and easy to wear. These aviators feature a narrow saddle-shaped bridge, enabling the frame to sit nicely on the nose. The square-shaped frames are ideal for round, oval, and triangular-shaped faces. However, the mid-and wide selections make Abe suitable for all face shapes. Abe also features Akulon-coated screws and barrel hinges, which provide enhanced durability.

A pair of Abe aviator sunglasses will cost you about $145.

Features:

  • Akulon-coated screws and barrel hinges provide enhanced durability
  • Custom cellulose acetate and stainless steel frames
  • Frame colors: brushed ink, polished gold, and polished silver
  • Silicone nose pads
  • Polarized lenses for maximum clarity and color
  • Anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings 
  • UV protection (block 100% of UV rays)

Amazon Bestseller – SOJOS “Retro Square Aviator”

SOJOS Retro Square Polarized Aviator

The SOJOS Retro Square Aviator is the #1 best seller in Amazon’s men’s sunglasses category. If you’re a vintage lover, we recommend these vintage double-bridge aviators to keep up with the latest retro fashion trend. They have a plastic frame and Tri-Acetate Cellulose (TAC) polarized lenses designed for superior visual and polarization clarity. The lens also features a scratch-resistance coating.

Sojo Retro Square aviators may cost you about $13 to $15.

Features:

  • Tri-Acetate Cellulose (TAC) lenses
  • Polarized UV protective lenses
  • Plastic frame with solid metal hinges
  • Variety of lens colors

Most Colorful – Knockaround “Mount Evans”

Knockaround Mount Evans

The Mount Evans aviators are cheap but present the highest quality and style. They take on a modern classic aviator styling and are available in multiple lens colors, including black, gray, green, and sky blue. 

These sunglasses also feature a brow bar and are ideal for medium to smaller faces. Knockaround’s “CUSTOM shop” lets you design your sunglasses with whatever color or pattern suits your preference and style. The sunglasses come in a protective case to keep them looking new year-round.

Features:

  • Durable metal frame
  • Tortoiseshell rubber detailing
  • Square-shaped polarized lenses
  • 100% UV400 protection
  • FDA approved impact resistant lenses
  • Laser etch logo detail on lenses

Best Navigators – Foster Grant® “Navigation” Sunglasses

Oakley Radar EV Path

The Navigation features a double nose bridge, adjustable nose pads, and curved temple tips to offer proper all-day fit and comfort. The smoke-colored lenses enhance contrast, depth, and color perception on the road. Since they’re designed for driving, they have an anti-reflective coating (AR) on the backside of the lens, which eliminates bounce-back glare, preventing eye strain even in harsh light conditions.4 

These sunglasses cost about $32.

Features:

  • Polarized lenses
  • Scratch and impact-resistant lenses
  • Full frame style
  • Plastic/metal frame
  • Dark-tinted lenses
  • Black or gold frames
  • 100% UVA-UVB protection

Best Plastic Aviators – ZeroUV “Retro 1980’s Fashion Plastic Aviator”

Zero UV Retro Sunglasses

We recommend the Retro 1980’s Fashion Plastic Aviator sunglasses for any man looking for superior eye protection and full visual clarity without glare at an affordable cost. These glasses feature acetate frames with metal hinges, a mark of comfort and durability. The teardrop-shaped lenses are designed with blue-blocking lens technology.

The Retro 1980’s cost about $12 to $20 or more.

  • Acetate vintage-inspired frame
  • Polycarbonate lens5
  • Polarized lens
  • Vintage Inspired Frame
  • 100% UVA/UVB protection

Where to Buy Sunglasses

Biggest Selection: GlassesUSA

Fastest Delivery: EyeBuyDirect

Best Independent Retailer: Warby Parker

Best Aviator Sunglasses for Women

Below is our list of best aviator sunglasses for women:

Best Overall – Oakley “Feedback”

Oakley Feedback

The Oakley feedback aviators are tested under high-stress circumstances to ensure their effectiveness across a wide range of demanding conditions. These sunglasses can enhance your sports performance and satisfy your everyday fashion needs.

The frames on these sunglasses are constructed using Oakley’s proprietary ultralightweight C-5 metal alloy, while the temple arms are made with acetate. These two features give the Feedback a bold finish. Their no-snag nose pads enable easy repositioning when moving the frames from the top of your head to your eyes—no hair-pulling. 

A pair of Feedback aviators will cost you about $250.

Features:

  • Six-base frame with HDO (High Definition Optics)
  • Unobtainium™ earpads to increase comfort
  • Available with Oakley Authentic Prescription Lenses
  • Ultra-lightweight C5 alloy frame material
  • Acetate temples
  • 3-point fit to reduce pressure on the head
  • Lens options include polarized, iridium, and gradient
  • A protective carrying case included

Best Designer Aviators – Gucci “59mm Aviator Sunglasses”

Gucci aviator

The Gucci Aviator Sunglasses will give you a retro look while protecting your eyes from harmful sun rays. Designed to offer comfort and style, these designer aviator sunglasses are a catch if you like a trendy accessory. They have a well-polished lightweight metal bamboo frame which enhances durability and comfort. Let the iconic Gucci label on the temples speak for you. 

Features:

  • Metal bamboo frame with spotted acetate detail
  • 100% UVA/UVB protection
  • Gucci logo on temples
  • Adjustable rubber nose pads
  • Lens width: 59 mm
  • Six jewel-toned color options
  • Satin lining
  • Includes protective case and a cleaning cloth

Best On a Budget – Pro Acme Classic Polarized Aviator Sunglasses 

Pro Acme Classic Polarized Aviator

The Pro Acme Classic Aviator Sunglasses are designed to offer protection and style at an affordable price. These classic sunglasses provide 99% polarization efficiency and block UV and HEV light. This way, you enjoy a superior visual experience and glare protection. 

The polycarbonate lens material ensures high impact resistance.6 However, they have low scratch resistance. The manufacturer has eliminated this downside by adding a scratch-resistant coating on the polarized lens.

These affordable aviator sunglasses may cost you about $15 or more. 

Features:

  • Polarized lenses
  • Polycarbonate lens material
  • 99% Polarization efficiency
  • 100% UV400 protection
  • Multiple lens color options are available
  • Includes a microfiber pouch and a cleaning cloth

Modern Aviators – Kate Spade New York “Avaline Sunglasses”

kate spade avaline sunglases

The Kate Spade sunglasses are perfect for elegant and fun-loving women. Their unique designs combine great style, exceptional quality, and optimum comfort. Like Ray-Ban, Kate Spade designs its lenses alongside the frame to ensure a perfect fit. You can choose from retro-inspired frames to oversized designs with sparkling details.

The frames on these modern aviators are constructed with strong, corrosion-resistant metal with lasting beauty. The temples grow thinner towards the tips ensuring stability and proper grip around the ears. 

These high-end sunglasses cost about $165.

Features:

  • Stainless steel frame 
  • Metal temples with acetate tips
  • Polycarbonate lenses
  • Double bridge
  • 100% UV protection coating
  • Includes a branded protective case

Classic Aviators – Ray-Ban “Aviator Classic”

rayban aviator classic

Originally designed for U.S. aviators, these sunglasses remain among the most iconic shades in the world. They are famous for their unique design that combines quality and efficiency. The lenses are designed alongside the frame to ensure your glasses deliver a proper fit and clear vision at all angles. Twelve lens color designs are available, including green, blue, matte black, brown, etc.

A pair of Aviator Classic will cost you about $163.

Features:

  • Polarized lenses 
  • Adjustable nose pads
  • Metal frames
  • Anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings on the lens
  • Includes protective case and a cleaning cloth

Best Prescription Aviators – Warby Parker “Raider”

WB Raider

The Raider aviators have a vintage-inspired appearance that brings a sense of style to your wardrobe. These prescription aviators are made from polycarbonate, the most impact-resistant material for the lens. 

Coupled with the lightweight stainless steel frame and acetate temple tips, the Raider aviators deliver quality vision, enhanced eye protection, and comfort. Prescription lens colors include blue, brown, green, gray, and violet.

These prescription aviators cost about $145 or more, based on your prescription requirements.

Features:

  • Akulon-coated screws and barrel hinges provide enhanced durability.
  • Custom cellulose acetate and stainless steel frames
  • Silicone nose pads
  • Polarized lenses for maximum clarity and color
  • Anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings 
  • UV protection (block 100% of UV rays)

Amazon Bestseller – KALIYADI Classic Aviator Sunglasses

kaliyadi classic aviators

The quality of the KALIYADI aviators makes them stand out among competitors. These aviators feature top-rated polarized lenses, tested for efficiency even in high-stress conditions.7 The polarization effect on these glasses reduces glare from the sun and other shiny materials/surfaces. This is what enables high-definition (HD) vision and true color perception. The thin metal frame makes these sunglasses lightweight and comfortable on the face.

KALIYADI aviator sunglasses may cost about $20 to $30 or more.

Features:

  • Lightweight and fashionable
  • Thin metal frame
  • Polarized lenses to reduce glare
  • 100% UV400 protection
  • Durable frame and lens material and easy to clean
  • High definition visual

Most Colorful – Knockaround “Space Range Mile Highs”

knockaround mile highs

The Space Range Mile Highs aviator features an oversized teardrop that looks perfect on any face shape and head size. The polarized Caribbean moonshine lenses are fixed into a blue-to-silver metal frame with matching rubber ear pads.

These aviators deliver 100% UV400 protection as well as crystal-clear vision. The shatter-resistant lenses will give you peace of mind as you rock this stylish accessory all day.

A pair of Space Range Mile Highs cost about $35.

Features:

  • Blue-to-silver metal frame
  • Polarized mirrored lenses
  • Teal rubber detailing
  • 100% UV400 protection
  • FDA approved impact resistant lenses

Best Navigators – Shady Ray “Navy Silver Polarized Navigators”

shady rays navigator

The Navy Silver navigators by Shady Ray are built for medium to large fit. The design features a lightweight stainless steel frame and polycarbonate lenses. The navy-tinted lenses provide 100% UV protection and 9% Visual Light Transmission (VLT). All of these combined make the Navy silver navigator a good deal if you want to protect your eyes while maintaining your stylish appearance.

The Navy Silver Polarized Navigators cost about $68.

Features:

  • Stainless Steel frame with flex-fit temples
  • Polarized lenses for an elevated visual experience
  • Ultra-high visibility polycarbonate lenses
  • Non-mirrored lenses with a navy tint
  • 100% UV protection and 9% VLT
  • Shatter-resistant, scratch-resistant, and ultra-lightweight
  • Includes microfiber cleaning case

Best Plastic Aviators – ZeroUV “Retro Modern Fashion Flat Top Flash Mirror Shield”

zero UV retro for women

The Modern Fashion Flat Top, Flash Mirror Shield, is designed with style and safety in mind. They feature comfortable and sturdy frames made with lightweight material and reinforced by metal hinges. The color mirrored lenses make a fashion statement and filter out glare to provide clear visibility. The lenses are shutter-resistant and easy to clean.

These aviators will cost you about $12 to $13 or more.

  • Flat top-shield-style plastic frame
  • Oversized look
  • Non-Polarized
  • Color mirrored lenses
  • Block 100% UVA and UVB rays

Best Places to Buy Glasses

Best Overall

Warby Parker has stylish, high-quality frames at affordable prices.

Also Great

Liingo Eyewear is another great option to buy glasses online.

Best on a Budget

EyeBuyDirect has a wide variety of budget frames starting at $6.

Best Places to Buy Contacts

Best Overall

Discount Contacts is our #1 recommendation to buy contacts online.

glasses usa logo
Also Great

GlassesUSA has a huge selection of contacts, glasses, & sunglasses.

Updated on  May 17, 2024
7 sources cited
Updated on  May 17, 2024
  1. The History of Aviator Sunglasses.” North Central Institute, 2022.
  2. U.S. eyewear market – statistics & facts.” Statista, 2023.
  3. Tinted Lenses and Mirror Coatings.” Optometrists Network, 2020. 
  4. Leverant  et al. “Colloidal assembly to antireflection coatings.” ScienceDirect, 2023.
  5. Magri et al. “Building a resistance to ignition testing device for sunglasses and analyzing data: a continuing study for sunglasses standards.” National Library of Medicine, 2017.
  6. Sunglasses for Pilots.” Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
  7. What Are Polarized Lenses For?” American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), 2022.
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