Aviators are a style of sunglasses that are timeless and cool. However, when visiting a local sunglass store or even browsing online, you are often served up a list of overpriced shades that cost well over $150.
It’s frustrating.
Good fashion shouldn’t come at such a high price. So below, we rounded up a list of some great-looking aviator sunglasses that we think you’ll love. With prices ranging from a modest $7.50 to $75 – you’re guaranteed to find a new pair of sunglasses that’ll work with your budget.
Consider the Following When Buying Aviators
Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when making your selection:
What size aviator should you wear?
You’ll find that aviators are available in a range of lens widths which include the following:
- Greater than 59mm: This lens width is ideal for men with larger faces or those who want an oversized lens for greater coverage.
- 54 to 58mm: An aviator of this lens width should look great on most faces.
- Less than 54mm: Men with smaller faces should consider this narrower width.
Is it worth paying extra for a polarized lens?
Yes. Polarized lenses reduce glare and strain on your eyes. If you plan on wearing these new sunglasses regularly, then it’s worth paying a little extra for this feature.
What color aviators should you consider?
The color you choose depends on how you want to wear the new sunglasses. Black, silver, and gold metal frames are versatile and can be worn casually or with formal outfits. However, thicker polycarbonate frames or bold and bright colors are best for everyday wear only.
Summary
If you want to see some of the specs side-by-side, here’s a comparison that we put together for you:
| Sunglasses | Polarized | Lens Width |
|---|---|---|
| Quay Australia High Key 62mm Oversize Aviator Sunglasses | No | 62mm |
| Izipizi #I – The Aviator | Yes | 55mm |
| Fifth & Ninth Kingston Aviator 60mm Oval Sunglasses | No | 60mm |
| Polaroid 57mm Polarized Aviator Sunglasses | Yes | 57mm |
| Foster Grant Oliver Aviators | Yes | 59mm |
| J+S Classic Aviator Sunglasses | Yes | 62mm |
| Kent Wang Aviator Sunglasses | Yes | 54mm |
| BP. Aviator Sunglasses | No | 55mm |
| Sam Edelman 58mm Aviator Sunglasses | No | 58mm |
| Hurley Locals 60mm Polarized Aviator Sunglasses | Yes | 60mm |
1. Quay Australia High Key 62mm Oversize Aviator Sunglasses
These oversized aviator sunglasses by Quay Australia are hugely popular and look great. Available in a few different shades, including gold to gold mirror, black to smoke, and gold tort to black, there are a few options that should satisfy any man’s distinct sense of style.
With a lens width of 62mm, these shades are larger than most, making them ideal for men with slightly larger faces. Additionally, the ample width of the lens provides plenty of coverage from the sun hitting you from the sides.
Lastly, these sunglasses are polarized to help cut down on glares.
2. IZIPIZI #I – The Aviator
The Aviator by IZIPIZI is a bold and sporty pair of shades that are a trendy take on the classic aviator. With a lightweight and comfortable polycarbonate frame paired with polarized lenses, the IZIPIZI Aviators feel and perform exceptionally well. In addition, if you lead an active lifestyle, you’ll love that the temples have built-in springs to prevent them from easily breaking in the event of a sudden impact.
The design is so well done on these shades that even the prestigious Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) added these shades to their store. So if you are looking for something new and affordable, go with the IZIPIZIs.
3. Fifth & Ninth Kingston Aviator 60mm Oval Sunglasses
The Fifth & Ninth Kingston Aviator Sunglasses are trendy and stylish with a bold polycarbonate frame paired with polycarbonate lenses.
Available in black, brown, and orange tone lenses, you can decide whether you want to make a fashion statement or not. With a 60mm lens width, they will work for most men. Additionally, the lenses are not polarized so that glares will persist. However, the lens will protect against harmful UV rays.
Oh, and did we mention that these are only $30 – not bad!
4. Polaroid 57mm Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
Founded in 1937 in Cambridge, MA, Polaroid has spent nearly 100 years studying the science of optics and clarity. So it’s no wonder that they have entered the sunglass game.
These classic aviators feature all the design aesthetics you expect from the high-priced brands, including a sturdy stainless steel frame, polarized lenses, and comfortable nose pads to ensure a nice bit of security while wearing these sunglasses.
At $65, they are reasonably priced, given the quality of craftsmanship. The lens width is a standard 57mm.
5. Foster Grant Oliver Aviators
Founded in 1929, Foster Grant is proclaimed as the original American sunglass brand. If you were curious, Ray-Ban came along eight years later, in 1937. But did you further know that Foster Grant’s parent company is Essilor, which is coincidentally owned by Luxottica – who currently makes Ray-Ban sunglasses today?!
The takeaway: the $31 Foster Grant Oliver Aviators are a perfect substitute for the $213 Ray-Ban Aviators.
The Foster Grant Oliver Aviators offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, polarized lenses, blue light filtering, and adjustable nose pads.
6. J+S Classic Aviator Sunglasses
The J+S Classic Aviator Sunglasses are hugely popular due to their rock bottom price (under $20) and wide selection of lens colors. From a black-on-black lens and frame to a bright green mirror, you can get the perfect pair of shades to match your outfit – all without breaking the bank.
What makes these even better is that they feature a traditional metal frame and scratch-resistant lenses. With two different lens widths available (62mm and 58mm), you can pick up the pair that’ll fit perfectly.
7. Kent Wang Aviator Sunglasses
New Your City-based Kent Wang makes various upscale clothing, shoes, and accessories for men. Their trademark aviators are classic and stylish and complement any casual to semi-formal look. Crafted from aircraft-grade steel and featuring polarized lenses, they are as equally functional as beautiful.
One important note worth sharing is that the lens width on these aviators is a modest 54mm – making them a suitable pick for men with a slightly smaller face.
At $55 and available in three different frame colors, they are a solid pick.
8. BP. Aviator Sunglasses
For a rock-bottom price of $7.50, you can get yourself some modern-looking aviators that add an excellent statement to your overall style. Made from an acetate frame and providing 100% UV protection – they’ll perform well. No one will ever know that these cost less than lunch.
9. Madewell Fest 50mm Aviator Sunglasses
Madewell, a subsidiary of J. Crew, makes a nice pair of unisex aviators that feature a more rounded look. The stainless-steel frames paired with the tinted lenses add a dash of classic style.
The round style of the lenses works well for men with squarish facial features. Additionally, the 50mm lens width also works well for smaller faces.
10. Hurley Locals 60mm Polarized Aviator Sunglasses
Whether you are heading to the beach or plan to go on an extended trip, the Hurley Locals are a perfect travel companion. The 60mm lens width gives your eyes plenty of coverage from the sun so your eyes can stay focused on the task at hand.
With polarized lenses, expect glare from oncoming windshields, large bodies of water, and other reflective objects to be significantly reduced.
Consider pairing these shades with their award-winning swim trunks to complete the look.