8 Best Aviator Sunglasses for Men – Pilot-Level Style in 2023

When it comes to cool shades, nothing’s quite as cold as the aviator. The original badass, the iconic frame has rested its pads on the nose of some of Hollywood’s greatest, from Tom Cruise to Daniel Craig to Ryan Gosling.

However, making you look like an A-lister isn’t their only aim. The best aviator shades for men will also protect your eyes against harmful UV-rays. Which is why I’ve pulled together a selection of the ultimate all-rounders—ensuring you’re safe and stylish during the summer and beyond.

You’ll find a star-studded selection of brands and styles that are sure to fit every face shape and budget.

What you need to know

First designed for pilots during the 1930s, aviators are now a high-flying accessory for men of all occupations—thankfully with many more variations to mull over. To help you find the ones worthy of your consideration (and save you from endless hours on Reddit), I’ve handpicked eight of the best aviator sunglasses for men after scouring dozens of sites and reading hundreds of reviews. Here you’re going to discover a mixture of stylish options, including Meller’s wallet-friendly pair and the iconic original from Ray-Ban.

Why it’s great: The aviator sunglasses have evolved from their military roots to become one of the most popular sunnies around. The classic teardrop shape, designed to fully cover the eyes, offers up a super sleek and stylish vibe that looks the part wherever you’re catching rays. The polarized lenses offer maximum visual clarity as well as full sun protection.

What is it for? If your main priority is longevity, Ray-Ban’s aviators are a shrewd investment. They’re never going to fall out of favor and they’ll manage to add a rebellious edge to a wide range of outfits.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. Likelihood is you’re not going to be the only cool cat wearing these bad boys. But let your amazing outfit do the majority of the talking.

Size: 58mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 10+

Why it’s great: Sunglasses aren’t just for the summer; you should keep this pair from Roderer with you every day. Not only will they elevate your outfits, they’ll protect you from harmful rays that can have detrimental effects on your eyes—even on cloudy or overcast days.

What is it for? If you’re working with a flexible budget but don’t want to spend silly money, these shades are ideal. They’re classy but considerably cheaper than some of the other options from better-known luxury labels.

Despite flaws in the design, it is not a deal-breaker. The 60mm wide lenses are large and can feel too big on guys with narrow faces.

Size: 60mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 5

Why it’s great: These sunglasses are also good for your eyes. The UV filter blocks harmful rays, while the polarized lens reduces reflections. The classic design will add a timeless touch to your outfits. It works well with both formal and casual looks.

What is it for? These are great for guys who are looking for affordable frames, but want decent UV protection and quality. They’re also going to be popular for those after a slightly squarer frame (which is great for round faces and men with bald heads).

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. I’m being really picky here. Squarer frames may overemphasize features on those with square-shaped faces or angles.

Size: 44mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 2

Why it’s great: Classic aviators with dark lenses and large frames, they offer excellent protection from the sun while maintaining a timeless look. They’re subtly decorated with Armani lettering, but are otherwise fuss-free and effortlessly cool.

What is it for? They are ideal for men who don’t want to pay a lot of money for designer shades. They’re suitable for pretty much all faces, but will look best on those that are round or oval-shaped.

If you find a flaw, it’s not a deal-breaker. Armani Exchange is a diffusion line that’s more affordable and youthful than the brand’s high-end product.

Size: 59mm | Lense: | Colors Available: 2

Why it’s great: Pushing your shades onto the top of your head is fine if you’re bald, but what about the guys who don’t want to ruffle their new trim? These foldable sunglasses can be easily collapsed and put into your pocket when they’re not needed, so you don’t have to worry about restyling your hair. They are not only convenient but also come with scratch-resistant lens with 100% UV protection.

What is it for? They’re a great option for everyone but I think they’re going to be particularly appealing to those on their travels. The foldable design allows them to be stored easily in a bag without breaking and taking up too much room.

It’s not all bad: The clarity of the lenses isn’t as clear as some of the other best aviator sunglasses for men. But for the price, I don’t think you can really grumble.

Size: 58mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 6

Why it’s great: Similar to 714 design made famous by Steve McQueen, Persol’s 649 The model is iconic. It was designed for Turin Tram-drivers in 1957, but it became legendary when Marcello Mastroianni donned it in the classic Divorce, Italian Style. Today, you’ll find it on the faces—and often nestled neatly on a blazer pocket—of the world’s best-dressed men in cities and beaches far and wide.

What is it for? The quality materials and attention to workmanship make these sunglasses a perfect choice for guys looking for timeless style with an Italian touch.

There are flaws, but they’re not fatal. The opposite of the 714, Persol’s 649 shades aren’t collapsible. So please don’t attempt to fold them—they’ll snap.

Size: 54mm | Lense: Polarized | Colors Available: 10+

Why it’s great: Lightweight with oversized dark lenses, Bottega Veneta’s shades are certainly not shy. The gold-toned frames give them a luxurious look, and the UV protection ensures that your eyes are protected from the sun.

What is it for? Designer fans will love them, but you’ll need to be working with a fairly large budget to be able to come up with the cash. They’re also ideal for the guy who likes to make a statement.

Flaws but dealbreakers: They’re more angular than your average pair of aviators so they’re quite a bold choice. You’ll need a decent-sized noggin and a defined style to pull them off.

Size: Frame Width 2in, Frame Height 5.7in | Lense: | Colors Available: 3

Why it’s great: These aren’t just any old pair of tortoiseshell shades. Look closely and you’ll spot the Fendi monogram repeated on the temples. The perfect size to make a statement (without looking like a show-off), they’re finished with dark lenses that offer 100% UV protection.

What is it for? I’d recommend these for those who see sunglasses as an investment—not the type of accessory you update every season. Tortoiseshell is flattering to a wide range of skin tones. However, it’s especially flattering to those with warm or neutral undertones.

Flaws are not dealbreakers Designer sunglasses aren’t cheap, and these from Fendi are going to be quite a splurge. However, look after them and you’ll undoubtedly get your money’s worth.

Size: Frame Width 5.9 in., Frame height 2 in.| Lense: | Colors Available: 1

Considerations to Make When Buying the Best Aviator Glasses for Men 

Frame Size

Choose aviator shades that have the right frame size and shape for your face. Aviators are usually teardrop-shaped, but their size and proportions may vary. Take into account the width of your frame in relation to the shape of your face. Also, consider the size of lenses and the lengths of the temple arms. For both comfort and fashion, a proper fit is essential.

Frame Color

When finding the best aviator sunglasses for men, it’s a good idea to consider your skin tone. Earthy tones such as brown, tortoiseshell or warm metals can enhance and complement darker skin. Pale skin is best suited to shades like black, silver and cool blues.

UV Protection

If you want to protect your eyes from the sun safely, make sure that the lenses offer 100% UV protection. UV protection is important for the health of your eyes and to prevent conditions like cataracts and macular disease. In general, the best aviator glasses for men will include this feature as standard.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m no optician, but I’ve been writing about men’s fashion for long enough to understand the importance of a pair of decent shades. To find the best aviator sunglasses for men, I started with a shortlist of 30 styles and narrowed it down to just eight—focusing on style, protection, and price. I also checked out hundreds of online reviews to make sure you were only presented with the crème de la crème.

Final Verdict

If I’ve done my job as your trusted co-pilot, you should now know exactly where to find the best aviator sunglasses for men. From classic designs to modern interpretations, I’ve dissected the details to help you soar through the decision-making process effortlessly and take your everyday style sky-high.

But before you disappear into the sunset, don’t forget about Ray-Ban’s iconic version. They are a timeless addition to your sunny-season collection. They strike the perfect balance between function, form and affordability.