What is an Aviator and Why You Should Wear One
If you are looking for a pair of sunglasses that are stylish, versatile, and timeless, you might want to consider aviator sunglasses. These are the sunglasses that have a thin metal frame and large lenses, often with a slight curve. They were originally designed for pilots, but they have become a popular fashion accessory for men and women of all ages. In this article, we will explore what aviator sunglasses are, how they came to be, what benefits they offer, and what types of aviator sunglasses are available. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what aviator sunglasses are and why you should wear one.
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The Definition and History of Aviator
Aviator is a term that refers to someone who operates or flies an aircraft, especially an airplane. It can also refer to a style of sunglasses that have a thin wire frame and large lenses, or a pair of such sunglasses. The term aviator comes from the French word aviateur, which derives from aviation, the science or practice of flying.
The Origin of the Term Aviator
The first recorded use of the term aviator was in 1887, as a variation of aviation, which was coined in 1863 by G. J. G. de La Landelle in his book Aviation Ou Navigation Aérienne ("Aviation or Air Navigation"). He used the term to describe the people who would fly in his proposed airships. The term became more widely used in the early 20th century, when aviation pioneers such as the Wright brothers, Louis Blériot, and Charles Lindbergh made history with their flights.
The Development of Aviator Sunglasses
The first aviator style sunglasses were developed by a group of American firms in the 1930s for the US military. The US Army Air Corps contracted American Optical to produce the first pair of sunglasses for pilots in 1935. They were called the D-1 Sunglasses and had a rigid frame and plastic arms. They were later replaced by the AN6531 Sunglasses, which had a comfort cable that hooked behind the ears. These sunglasses had green tinted lenses that transmitted 50% of incoming visible light and blocked UV rays. They were designed to cover the entire field of vision and reduce glare from the sun.
The most famous brand of aviator sunglasses is Ray-Ban, which was founded by Bausch & Lomb in 1937. They introduced the Ray-Ban Aviators, also known as the Anti-Glare Sunglasses, which had a similar shape to the AN6531 but had lighter lenses that were made from mineral glass. They also patented the G-15 lens, which had a gray-green tint that reduced eye strain and enhanced color contrast. Ray-Ban Aviators became popular among celebrities and civilians alike, especially after they were worn by Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun in 1986.
The Evolution of Aviator Styles
Over the years, aviator sunglasses have evolved to suit different tastes and preferences. Some variations include:
Plastic-frame aviators, which have a plastic or acetate frame instead of metal. They often come in different colors and patterns.
Square-lens aviators, which have a slightly squared-off design instead of a curved one. They give a more modern and edgy look.
Top-bar aviators, which have an extra bar across the top of the frame, which adds some extra support and style.
Mirrored aviators, which have reflective lenses that create a cool and mysterious effect.
Polarized aviators, which have lenses that filter out horizontal light waves and reduce glare from water, snow, and other surfaces.
These are just some of the examples of how aviator sunglasses have changed over time. You can find many more styles and variations online or in stores.
The Benefits of Wearing Aviator Sunglasses
Aviator sunglasses are not only fashionable, but they also have some practical benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you should wear aviator sunglasses:
Protection from Sunlight and UV Rays
One of the main functions of sunglasses is to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunlight can cause eye strain, fatigue, headaches, and dryness. UV rays can damage the cornea, lens, and retina of the eye, leading to conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye cancer. Aviator sunglasses can block out most of the sunlight and UV rays, especially if they have a large coverage and a dark tint. They can also prevent dust, wind, and debris from entering your eyes.
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Enhancement of Vision and Contrast
Another benefit of wearing sunglasses is that they can improve your vision and contrast in different lighting conditions. For example, if you are driving or flying in bright sunlight, sunglasses can reduce the glare and reflections from the road or the sky. If you are skiing or hiking in snowy or cloudy weather, sunglasses can increase the contrast and clarity of your surroundings. Aviator sunglasses can also help you see better in low-light situations, such as dusk or dawn, by filtering out the blue light that makes it harder to focus. Different lens colors can also have different effects on your vision. For example, yellow lenses can enhance contrast and depth perception, while brown lenses can reduce eye fatigue and glare.
Improvement of Style and Appearance
A final benefit of wearing sunglasses is that they can enhance your style and appearance. Sunglasses can add a touch of elegance, sophistication, or coolness to your outfit. They can also complement your face shape, hair color, and skin tone. Aviator sunglasses are especially versatile and flattering for most people. They can suit different occasions, such as casual outings, formal events, or outdoor activities. They can also match different styles, such as classic, modern, or retro. Aviator sunglasses can make you look more confident, attractive, and stylish.
The Types of Aviator Sunglasses and How to Choose One
As we have seen, aviator sunglasses come in various types and styles. How do you choose the best one for you? Here are some factors to consider:
Classic Aviators with Metal Frames
If you want to go for the original and timeless look of aviator sunglasses, you might want to opt for the classic aviators with metal frames. These are the ones that have a thin wire frame and large lenses with a slight curve. They usually have a silver or gold color and a green or gray tint. They are suitable for most face shapes, especially oval, round, or heart-shaped faces. They are also ideal for people who have a warm or neutral skin tone and light or dark hair color.
Plastic-Frame Aviators with Colorful Lenses
If you want to add some fun and flair to your aviator sunglasses, you might want to try the plastic-frame aviators with colorful lenses. These are the ones that have a plastic or acetate frame instead of metal. They often come in different colors and patterns, such as black, white, red, blue, pink, or tortoiseshell. They also have lenses that can vary in color, such as yellow, orange, purple, or rainbow. They are suitable for people who have a cool or neutral skin tone and light or dark hair color. They are also ideal for people who have a square, rectangular, or diamond-shaped face, as they can soften the angles and add some curves.
Square-Lens Aviators with Modern Design
If you want to give your aviator sunglasses a more modern and edgy look, you might want to choose the square-lens aviators with modern design. These are the ones that have a slightly squared-off design instead of a curved one. They also have a more sleek and minimalist frame that can be metal or plastic. They usually have a black or silver color and a gray or brown tint. They are suitable for people who have an oval, round, or heart-shaped face, as they can add some definition and structure. They are also ideal for people who have a warm or neutral skin tone and light or dark hair color.
Top-Bar Aviators with Extra Support
If you want to add some extra support and style to your aviator sunglasses, you might want to opt for the top-bar aviators with extra support. These are the ones that have an extra bar across the top of the frame, which adds some stability and flair. They can also have a double bridge or a brow bar that connects the two lenses. They can have a metal or plastic frame and lenses that can be any color or tint. They are suitable for people who have a square, rectangular, or diamond-shaped face, as they can balance the proportions and add some interest. They are also ideal for people who have a cool or neutral skin tone and light or dark hair color.
Conclusion and FAQs
Aviator sunglasses are a classic and versatile accessory that can suit anyone. They have a rich history and a variety of benefits. They also come in different types and styles that can match your personality and preferences. Whether you want to go for the original look, the colorful look, the modern look, or the supportive look, you can find an aviator sunglasses that will make you look great and feel comfortable.
Here are some frequently asked questions about aviator sunglasses:
Q: How do I know what size of aviator sunglasses to buy?
A: You can measure the width of your face from temple to temple and compare it with the width of the sunglasses from hinge to hinge. You can also try on different sizes and see which one fits best.
Q: How do I clean my aviator sunglasses?
A: You can use a microfiber cloth and some mild soap and water to gently wipe the lenses and frames. You can also use a lens cleaner spray or wipes that are designed for sunglasses.
Q: How do I store my aviator sunglasses?
A: You can use a hard case or a soft pouch to protect your sunglasses from scratches, dust, and damage. You can also use a hook or a stand to hang them when not in use.
Q: How do I repair my aviator sunglasses?
A: You can use a small screwdriver to tighten any loose screws on the hinges or the nose pads. You can also use some glue or tape to fix any cracks or breaks on the frames or lenses. However, if the damage is severe, you might want to replace your sunglasses with a new pair.
Q: How do I style my aviator sunglasses?
A: You can style your aviator sunglasses according to your outfit, mood, and occasion. You can pair them with casual clothes such as jeans, t-shirts, jackets, or hats. You can also wear them with formal clothes such as suits, dresses, coats, or scarves. You can also mix and match different colors and patterns of your clothes and accessories with your sunglasses.
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