Aviator Sunglasses
Shop aviator sunglasses in timeless, statement designs with 100% UV polarized lenses. Discover men's and women's aviator sunglasses in metal, wood, and acetate frames. Available in classic, oversized, and modern silhouettes with spring hinges, adjustable nose pads, and full UV400 protection for driving, beach days, and everyday outdoor wear.
Protection & Comfort
All sunglasses have premium polarized lenses for clarity and comfort.
Built to Last
Sustainable frames, scratch-resistant lenses, and UV protection for durability.
Shop Aviator Sunglasses Online
Polarized Lenses, Iconic Silhouette: Aviator Sunglasses for Every Look
Aviator sunglasses are one of the most iconic frame shapes in eyewear: thin metal frames, large teardrop lenses, and a clean top bar that traces all the way back to 1930s military pilot eyewear. The silhouette has stayed essentially unchanged for nearly a century because it works — it suits most face shapes, offers wide coverage, and reads instantly classic. Every pair in this collection is built from premium materials: acetate, real wood, and metal, with polarized lenses and full UV400 protection on most styles. Choose from classic teardrop aviators, modern squared aviators, and oversized variations for men and women.
Our aviator sunglasses come in the three most-searched variations (classic teardrop, squared aviator, and oversized aviator) in sizes that work from petite features to wider faces. Polarized lenses reduce glare on water, road surfaces, and bright outdoor light, which makes aviators particularly favored for driving, flying, and outdoor sports. Frame finishes range from classic gold and silver metal to black acetate and natural wood, giving you a wider styling range than the original 1930s design ever offered. Need aviator prescription sunglasses? Add your prescription at checkout and our certified in-house optician will review every order. Browse our prescription lens guide for full lens details.
Shoppers Guide To Buying Aviator Sunglasses Frames
Frequently Asked Questions
What are aviator sunglasses?
Aviator sunglasses are sunglasses with thin metal frames, large teardrop-shaped lenses, and a double or single bridge across the top of the nose. The shape was originally developed in the 1930s for US military pilots to protect their eyes during high-altitude flight, which is where the name "aviator" comes from. The design has remained essentially unchanged for nearly a century.
Are aviator sunglasses still in style?
Yes, aviator sunglasses are one of the most consistently popular frame shapes in eyewear history. The silhouette has stayed in continuous rotation since the 1930s without falling out of fashion, with renewed momentum from squared and oversized aviator variations. The shape works across both classic gold-frame aviators and modern squared aviators.
Why do people wear aviator sunglasses?
Aviator sunglasses combine sun protection, wide field of vision, and an instantly recognizable silhouette that flatters most face shapes. The large teardrop lenses block more sun exposure than smaller frames, and the lightweight metal construction keeps them comfortable for long wear. People also wear aviators for the cultural signal — they read confident, classic, and slightly cinematic without trying too hard.
What face shapes look best in aviator sunglasses?
Aviator sunglasses look best on oval, square, heart-shaped, and rectangular face shapes. The wider top and narrower bottom of the teardrop shape draws the eye upward and adds vertical length, which balances strong jawlines and broader cheekbones. Round faces also benefit because the angular brow line adds definition. The face shape least suited to aviators is a small, narrow face where the frame can overpower the features.
Are aviator sunglasses good for small faces?
Yes, but the fit matters more than the shape. Standard aviator sunglasses can overwhelm a small face, so look for small or medium aviator sizing in the 52–56mm lens range rather than oversized 60mm+ frames. Slimmer wire frames also tend to flatter smaller features better than thick metal or plastic builds. Check the frame width on the product page to make sure it fits your face.
Are aviator sunglasses unisex?
Yes, aviator sunglasses are unisex and have been worn equally by men and women for decades. The original design was developed for male military pilots in the 1930s, but the shape has been adopted across genders since the 1960s. Frame width, lens diameter, and color tone are the main variables to match to face size and personal style. Black and gold metal finishes lean classic, while colored lenses and acetate variations offer more expressive options.
What's the difference between classic and squared aviators?
Classic aviator sunglasses have the original teardrop lens shape with rounded outer edges, a wider top, and a narrower bottom. Squared aviators keep the same wider-top, narrower-bottom proportion but with angular, squared-off edges instead of curves. Classic aviators read more vintage and refined; squared aviators read more modern and bold. The oversized squared style is represented by frames like the Parker sunglasses, while slimmer squared aviators like the Ryder sunglasses offer a more refined, lower-profile take on the shape.
Are Kraywoods aviator sunglasses polarized?
Most of our aviator sunglasses come with polarized lenses as standard. Polarized lenses cut horizontal glare from water, asphalt, and bright outdoor surfaces, improving visual clarity and reducing eye strain in strong sun. They also offer full UV400 protection, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Check the individual product page for lens specifications on any style.
Do aviator sunglasses offer UV protection?
Yes, all Kraywoods aviator sunglasses include UV400 protection that blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This shields your eyes from the long-term sun damage linked to cataract risk and other UV-related conditions. UV protection is built into the lenses on every frame, so there's no upgrade or add-on required.
What materials are Kraywoods aviator sunglasses made from?
Our aviator sunglasses are made from acetate, real wood, and metal. Metal frames are made from stainless steel for a lightweight, refined finish that suits the classic wire aviator silhouette. Acetate is used in heavier statement aviators with thicker rims and deeper color saturation. Wood frames and wood temples are made from sustainably sourced hardwoods for a natural texture that ages beautifully.
Can I get aviator sunglasses with prescription lenses?
Select styles in our aviator sunglasses collection can be ordered with prescription lenses at checkout. If your frame qualifies, choose your prescription type, enter your details, and our certified in-house optician will review every order before lenses are made in our Canadian optical lab. Single-vision, progressive, and reading prescriptions are supported on eligible frames.
How should I style aviator sunglasses?
Aviator sunglasses pair well with classic, military-inspired, and casual looks, though the shape is fully unisex. For everyday wear, match gold or silver metal aviators with denim, leather, and neutral knitwear. For a sharper look, pair classic aviators with tailoring, a blazer, or a structured trench. Squared aviators lean more contemporary and pair well with modern minimalist outfits. For more outfit pairings, see our guide to how to style aviator sunglasses.
How do I clean and care for my aviator sunglasses?
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses and frames of your aviator sunglasses, with lens cleaner or warm water if needed. Avoid paper towels, shirt fabric, and harsh chemicals like glass cleaner, which can scratch lenses or strip the metal finish. Adjust the nose pads and temples gently if they feel loose, and store in a hard case to protect against drops and bending.
Where can I buy aviator sunglasses online?
Kraywoods is a Canadian eyewear brand offering aviator sunglasses in classic, squared, and oversized silhouettes, built from acetate, wood, and metal for men and women, with lenses made in our Canadian optical lab. Most pairs include polarized lenses and full UV400 protection, with prescription available on select styles. Try frames on virtually before you order, and split payment with Sezzle on higher-priced styles. Every order ships free worldwide and is backed by a 14-day return policy and 12-month warranty.