Aviators have been in vogue from their inception and, to date, consist of the highest-selling fashion accessory in the sunglasses category and are very much in demand. From pilots to Hollywood stars, politicians to tycoons, it has given a rich, glam, and elevated style IQ with its unique and simple design. Instantly recognizable with its glistening gold and teardrop lens frame with a brow bridge on top. Lens colors vary, but common ones are green, brown, yellow, and certain other striking shades. Surprisingly, owning a primary Aviator won't burn holes in your pocket. There are some cheapskate versions that we won't recommend for obvious reasons. By the end of this article, we shall know the causes and many hidden stories behind the Aviators style of sunglasses.

Introduction

It is no brainer that the terminology "Aviators" was coined as they were primarily designed for pilots, also known as aviators. Born as a necessity, during world war two, pilots needed sturdy, reliable yet light without affecting their sight. As it was born in the military, most men and women who serve the armed forces globally can be seen sporting a gleaming pair of these beauties. Many famous personalities have donned like how can we forget the chocolate boy, Tom Cruise, in the 1987 movie" Top Gun."He was the sole reason Aviators had cash registers ringing after his fans and followers watched him wearing it.

1.) Functional origins

The history of "Aviators" started with an available advent for pilots during World War 2. As pilots were climbing higher altitudes, they needed the protection of their eyes from the intense heat of the sun. The US Army Corps, along with assistance from John Macready, an American pilot, roped in Bausch & Lomb and helped design the iconic debut pair we all see today. Before this, the pilots had uncomfortable and unforgiving fur-lined goggles which puffed their eyes and suffered from various optical issues.

2.) Functional to fashion

Designed to protect the eyes of pilots who flew jets at higher altitudes and graduated the fashion ramps, it has a phenomenal transition. Due to its iconic design, it fits every face, and being unisex, both genders can sport this without a significant complexity in their fashion sense. No wonder it's an absolute A-lister favorite! Whether flying a jet at the highest speeds, spy, or reconnaissance mission, they have donned a gleaming golden pair.

3.) Global Trend

The Company that made Aviators gave the world a unique style that became a popular trend in the armed forces and the mainstream, creating a ubiquitous style statement. Be it chief of military or their officers across various rankers to the who’s who of Hollywood red carpet brigade to the commoner, all wear it stride and pride the glistening metal in top gun style. It might not be counted as a luxury brand to be owned. It serves a niche of upscale clientele but does not draw a disparity among its owner. It gives them a million-dollar look which, at times, other extravagant brands fail.

4.) Price Point

Aviator-styled sunglasses for the first time feels like owning them, be it from the original creator or other international or even local ones. The starting price of a Ray-Ban, the original creator of this iconic style" Aviator" in India, starts at INR 3990/- and prices go up the ladder with more bells and whistles.

5.) Global Impact

An instant game changer that gives you the confidence of "cool factor." It's not only male-dominated, but females too found that it instantly made them look bolder, assertive, and style icons. Some people credit its popularity, as sported by famous and iconic personalities, which made them "role models," as the reality behind its success.

6.) Versatile design

If John Macready were alive today, he'd feel proud with joy and elan for his link with the original creator of Bausch & Lomb. Any new product attains success when it can serve the purpose to a large number of people at the same time. This had what happened with the original creator and became an instant unisex hit. Another reason for its screaming popularity is that it fits almost every face type known to humans—best for square, oval, and heart-shaped faces.

7.) No one choice for pilots

"Aviators" sunglasses were created by a pilot for the pilots and adorn almost the majority of pilots worldwide. A military or civil pilot, a pair of these coveting their faces like heroes along with the G-suit and helmet snug below armpits makes them an instant poster boy for the brand. Many girls have fallen on their knees to propose to them and vice-versa.

8.) Celeb shade choice

This is one choice that cannot go wrong when celebs choose shades without being shady (no pun intended). The list can be longer than the "dead sea" scrolls for A-listers who have sported this iconic style. Almost all American presidents, including the current sitting president, Joe Biden, wear jet-black aviators. The "maverick" boy from the 1986 movie "Top Gun," Tom Cruise, tops the chart, which accounted for a rise in sales by 40% in the seven months after the movie was released.

To sum up, the aviators have been the longest-running style of sunglasses in vogue since 1937 and still running strong. A facial fashion accessory and the most sorts after styles adorned by pilots and other celebrities with its "cool look" factor will have it running for decades. Over the years, many shades of lenses have popped up, but the classic shade remains the dark green color. Green doesn't saturate color, nor does it darken things. Gray (neutral density filter) is recommended because it least distorts color. Some pilots, however, report that gray-green and brown tints enhance vividness and minimize scattered (blue and violet) light, thus improving contrast in hazy conditions. A pair of aviators does come with the manufacturer's warranty. Still, a bit of care can have them last for a lifetime and sparkle in pristine condition.