Aviator glasses and sunglasses have long been a favorite of eyewear enthusiasts and Vint & York collection has a wide range of styles in both old-school metal and colorful acetate shapes. Available for both men and women, aviator sunglasses and glasses can be worn with prescription lenses or in plain form. You can use them as a stylish accessory to up your outfits and complement your facial features.

Vint & York FAQ Aviator Glasses 

What are aviator glasses?

Aviator glasses are among the most iconic shapes in eyewear, dating back to their inception. With teardrop-shaped lenses and slender metal frames, a design initially engineered to provide a broad field of vision, they combine functional protection with sleek styling. We consider this shape a landmark fashion silhouette, not just for pilots, but for everyday wear.

What's the history or origin of aviator glasses?

In the 1930s, the Ray‑Ban line was launched as a civilian adaptation of eyewear developed for the U.S. Army Air Corps. Bausch and Lomb crafted early frames to shield pilots' eyes from high-altitude glare and UV rays. Catapulting the frame into the popular imagination was a moment in World War II when Douglas MacArthur famously wore aviator glasses upon landing in the Philippines. 

The style's rapid migration into civilian fashion by the 1970s and '80s was marked by its having been worn by figures as diverse as Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and President Dwight Eisenhower. The 1986 film Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise, further boosted the design's popularity; it's widely referenced as the moment aviators became synonymous with "cool."

Are aviator glasses unisex, or are there specific styles for men and women?

Aviator glasses are unisex with clean lines, versatile frame proportions, and a universal silhouette, and both men and women embrace them equally. Personalization and style changes are generally available in color, lens finish, and size, rather than by gender or gender identity. We see everyone from Lady Gaga to Tom Selleck, and many celebrities and icons choose aviator sunglasses. 

What materials are commonly used for aviator frames (metal, acetate, stainless steel)?

Aviator glasses require a lightweight metal such as monel, steel, or titanium, or another material chosen for their durability without bulk, especially for their original function.  The product has evolved and continues to evolve, including acetate versions (for richer colour palettes and a more fashion-forward feel) and stainless steel versions (for extra durability). Vint & York handcrafts aviator shapes in these premium materials.  

What’s another material? Also thinner acetate is popular for Aviators as well. This is actually trending. 

Are aviator glasses suitable for people with small or narrow faces?

Aviators can work for small or narrow faces, and many celebrities choose them for this reason. It is important always to select the correct size and lens proportion. A teardrop lens offers generous coverage, but the lower lens height must be balanced. Vint & York also offers narrower widths that flatter smaller faces, and a try-on before buying feature here. 

Can I wear aviator glasses in a professional or office setting?

Gwyneth Paltrow, among many other celebrities, brings the cool aviator aesthetic into the office as well as into formal settings at awards shows.  Opt for neutral tones (gunmetal, black, brushed steel), simple lens finishes (clear or subtle tint), and minimal embellishment. Keep the signature silhouette unembellished to create a look equally appropriate for the boardroom or business casual settings.

How should aviator glasses fit on my nose and ears so they're comfortable all day?

For optimum comfort, aviators should sit lightly on the bridge of your nose, with the nose-pads gently touching without pinching or leaving marks. The lenses should align with your eyes so you're looking through the centre of the lens rather than up or down. The temples should curve smoothly behind your ears, with the frame sitting stable but not tight. A well-fitted aviator frame will stay in place during everyday gestures and won't tug behind the ears or slip down the nose.

What face shapes work best with aviator frames?

Aviator frames are versatile. Some face shapes especially benefit from them. Oval faces are complemented, and square or heart-shaped faces benefit from the soft curves of the aviator form, which soften angular features. Choosing versions with slightly more angular lenses or narrower widths reduces voids and balances facial proportions. Thanks to a rich history, style variations, and a cult following spanning decades, aviator frames can be seen on many face types when appropriately chosen.

Can I get aviator frames with my prescription, including single-vision and progressive lenses?

Aviator frames are compatible with prescription lenses, including single-vision, bifocal, and progressive options. Eyewear providers design aviator styles with optical glass or polycarbonate lenses to ensure frames can accommodate lens thickness, curvature, and fitting requirements. Vint & York's aviators are prescription-ready so that you can enjoy your complete vision prescription or progressive lenses. 

Can aviator frames be fitted with blue-light-filtering or computer lenses?

Aviators can be fitted with blue-light-filtering lenses or lenses optimized for use with digital devices. We spend many hours on devices or on computers, and equipping your aviator frame with a blue-light lens reduces eye strain. Prescription aviators are often fitted with blue light filtering lenses, and the frames can complement the lenses. Read more about the advantages of blue light lenses on the Vint & York blog. 

What is the shipping time for Vint & York aviator glasses?

For non-prescription aviator frames, shipping is fast, from our warehouse to your doorstep in a few business days.  Prescription orders require additional processing time as lenses are cut, fitted, and quality-checked, but most customers receive their frames within a reasonable timeframe. If you're ordering from Spain or Europe through Vint & York, shipping times will be clearly listed at checkout (and allow extra time for custom lenses).