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Aviator sunglasses have cemented themselves as a top style in the sunglasses world today. The question is, however, where did this craze come from?

Well, we have Ray-Ban to thank for this magnificent design as they were the first brand to create this silhouette. It is well known that the original aviator sunglasses were not actually designed for fashion like all of their other collections and the modern aviators.

History

The original aviators were designed by Ray-Ban in 1936 for pilots entering WWII. The new models of planes were designed to reach higher heights and this became a problem for the pilots who were thus experiencing issues from the glare of the sun which caused altitude sickness.

Aviators were made with tear drop frames and green lenses which allowed the pilot to deter the effects of the sun without impairing his vision at all. These aviators proved very sufficient and they actually looked extremely cool. The thin wire frame and big green lenses was a look that would soon have the whole world in awe.

In 1937, aviators went on public sale and soon it was more than just pilots enjoying these sunglasses. The public were taken by them as they believed they should be allowed the pleasure of buying something that was clearly very efficient if it was made for the pilots going to war.

Ray-Ban continued to make innovative changes to the aviators, changing the plastic wire to metal and introducing a yellow lens, which sharpened the detail while reducing the haze. In no time at all the public loved the aviators as it was fashionable to wear anything that the soldiers at the time would have wore and because these sunglasses were so effective, everyone with an outdoors job wanted to feel the benefit. Policemen, hunters and anglers were then smitten with the rebellious outdoors model which was designed for these people.The Air Force Pilots continued to rely on Ray-Ban for their protection from the sun and that allowed Ray-Ban to further improve their models.

Fame through fame

Aviator sunglasses had been popular for a while but the craze did die off for a while and with Ray-Ban designing new chic models like the Wayferer who can argue? However, aviators continued to make a comeback throughout the years when they were sported by a number of celebrities. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, of the Beatles, were seen wearing them in the 60s which sparked a new wave of excitement around them. Likewise Freddie Mercury also boosted their popularity.

It is fair to say that aviator sunglasses did not fully erupt in pop culture until 1986 when they appeared in Top Gun which took them back to their pilot roots. After this film they were in high demand once more and they have continued to be portrayed in films ever since.

Get with the times!

Today, aviator sunglasses remain a stable pillar in the world of sunglasses and what is more, you can buy them from almost every brand there is. Other sunglasses providers noticed the high demand of aviators and now everyone has jumped on the band wagon and are making very stylish and very effective aviators which are massively popular.

Take a look at this awesome range of men’s aviators to see just how many brands are using this specific style.