Aviator Glasses Style Guide: Who They Suit and How to Wear Them

Aviator glasses suit most people whose faces are oval, square or heart-shaped, and they work on round faces too when the lenses are slightly squared off rather than deep teardrops. The trick is proportion: pick a lens that reaches roughly to your brow line and a frame width that matches your face, and the pilot shape looks deliberate instead of borrowed.

Below we cover where the aviator came from, which face shapes it flatters, how to choose between gold, silver and dark finishes, and how to wear the style as everyday prescription eyeglasses as well as sunglasses.

What makes a frame an aviator?

Three details define the look. Change one of them and you are in a different style family.

• Teardrop lens: wider at the top, tapering towards the cheek. Modern versions often soften the drop into a rounder or squarer outline.
• Double bridge: a second bar across the top that links the two rims. Some aviators use a single bridge with a brow bar instead.
• Thin rims and slim temples: traditionally all-metal, today often metal fronts with acetate temples for extra grip behind the ear.

Browse the full range in our aviator glasses collection; most frames there are built on a metal front.

Which face shapes suit aviators?

Because the lens is broader at the top, aviators add width across the eyes and taper towards the jaw. That balances some faces naturally and needs a little adjustment on others.

Face shape	How aviators work	What to look for
Oval	Almost any version fits	Keep the frame no wider than your cheekbones
Square	The soft teardrop eases a strong jaw	Classic rounded drop, thin metal rims
Heart	Top-heavy shape can echo a wide forehead	Lighter bridge, lenses with a fuller lower half
Round	Works when the outline has some corners	Squared or navigator-style aviators
Long	Deep lenses shorten the face visually	Taller lenses and a visible double bridge

Not sure which group you belong to? Our face shape guide walks you through it with a mirror and a minute of your time.

Getting the size right

Aviators are less forgiving on size than rectangles or ovals. A lens that is too large slides down onto the cheeks; one that is too small makes the face look broader than it is. Check three things:

1. Total width: the frame front should line up with the widest point of your face, not stick out past your temples.
2. Lens height: the top rim should sit at or just under your brows. Brows that disappear behind the frame are a sign it is too tall.
3. Nose pads: most metal aviators use adjustable pads, which help the frame sit level if your bridge is low or narrow.

Compare the numbers printed on your current pair with our frame size guide before you order.

Aviator eyeglasses for every day

The pilot shape is not only for sunny days. As clear-lens eyeglasses it reads a little seventies, a little academic, and it pairs well with knitwear, shirts and tailored jackets alike. A gold optical aviator softens a serious outfit; a dark one sharpens a casual one.

Poptart-FC10 is a full-rim gold aviator eyeglasses frame with a double bridge and adjustable nose pads, ready for prescription or blue light lenses. Garrison pairs a metal front and double bridge with acetate temples, and Tiamo combines a gold full rim with black acetate temples for a modern take on the pilot look.

Choosing a finish and lens colour

Metal tone and lens tint change the character of the frame more than any other detail.

• Gold with brown or amber lenses: warm and relaxed, flattering on warm skin tones and with brown or red hair.
• Silver or gunmetal with grey lenses: cooler and more technical, a natural match for grey, navy and black clothing.
• Black or dark frames: the most understated choice and the easiest to wear with prescription lenses every day.
• Mirrored lenses: a bolder statement that hides the eyes; save them for weekends and holidays if you prefer a subtle office look.

For bright days you can also browse our polarized sunglasses, which are designed to cut reflected glare from water and wet roads.

How to style aviators without looking like a costume

The aviator carries a lot of history, so a few simple rules keep it current:

• Let the glasses be the one retro piece. A leather flight jacket plus gold aviators can tip into fancy dress; a plain knit or a trench coat does not.
• Match metal to metal. If you wear a gold watch or jewellery, a gold frame ties the look together.
• Mind the hair. Aviators look sharp with a pulled-back style or a fringe that clears the top rim; heavy fringes resting on the bridge hide the shape.
• Choose acetate temples for long days. They grip better than bare metal and feel softer behind the ears.

Prescription aviator sunglasses

Most frames in our aviator range can be fitted with your own prescription. In the lens selector you can pick tinted or light-responsive sun lenses, and polarized or mirrored options where offered, all made to order. Have your prescription and pupillary distance ready; our prescription guide explains each value. See more in our prescription sunglasses collection.

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Frequently asked questions

Are aviator glasses only for men?

No. The style started in uniform but today it is fully unisex. Softer, rounder teardrops and gold finishes are popular with women; squarer silver or black versions lean more masculine, but anyone can wear either.

Can I wear aviators with a small face?

Yes, as long as you choose a narrower frame with a shallower lens. Check that the frame does not extend beyond your temples and that the lower rim stays clear of your cheeks when you smile.

Do aviators work as prescription glasses for strong lenses?

They can, but the large, deep lens means the edges get thicker with a strong prescription. A slightly smaller aviator and a higher lens index in the lens selector help keep the lenses slimmer.

What is the difference between aviator and navigator glasses?

Navigators keep the double bridge but use a flatter, squarer lens instead of a teardrop. They are a good alternative if you have a round face and want more structure.

Find your pilot shape

Whether you want a gold optical frame for the office or a dark pair of sunglasses for the weekend, start with the size and lens height, then pick the finish that matches your colouring. Explore every style in our aviator glasses collection or browse all sunglasses. Add your prescription in a few clicks with our lens selector.