Collection: Aviator Glasses

Aviator glasses are one of the few frame styles that have never gone out of fashion, and this Ardor Eyewear collection gathers genuine designer aviator eyeglasses ready to be glazed with your prescription. Born in the cockpit and perfected over nearly a century, the aviator silhouette pairs a slim metal construction with a teardrop lens and a distinctive double or saddle bridge. Here you will find 37 authentic styles from houses including Persol, Ray-Ban, Chloé and Dolce & Gabbana, with prices spanning roughly £105 to £255 and every frame backed by Ardor's status as an authorised UK stockist.

While most people picture aviators as sunglasses, the shape makes an exceptional prescription frame. The thin metalwork keeps the face open, the generous lens depth suits varifocal and progressive lenses, and the universally flattering teardrop softens strong features. This guide walks through the history, the iconic models, the face shapes the style suits, the materials and the lens options so you can choose your aviator eyeglasses with real confidence.

The heritage behind aviator glasses

The aviator was designed in the 1930s to protect military pilots, whose eyes needed shielding across a wide field of vision at altitude. The brief produced the now-familiar teardrop lens, a thin metal rim and the double bridge that keeps the frame stable and lightweight. What began as purely functional equipment became a cultural icon through the following decades, worn by film stars, musicians and style figures until it became shorthand for effortless cool.

That same engineering logic is exactly why aviators work so well as everyday eyeglasses. The wide lens gives plenty of room for a clear field of view, the wireframe construction is light on the nose, and the timeless shape means a pair bought today will not look dated in five years. If you love the heritage look but want it for the sun as well, the dedicated aviator sunglasses collection carries the same silhouette with tinted and polarised lenses.

Iconic aviator models in this collection

Part of the pleasure of buying genuine designer eyewear is owning a piece with real lineage. Standout aviator eyeglasses in this range include:

• Ray-Ban RX6489 Aviator: the optical version of the most recognisable aviator of all, in lightweight metal with the signature double bridge and adjustable nose pads. The benchmark by which all other aviators are judged.
• Persol PO3329V Greta, PO3371V Lynn and PO3160V: Persol's Italian craftsmanship brings refined detailing and the brand's renowned comfort to the aviator form, often blending metal with subtle acetate accents.
• Chloé CH0339O Pilot: a feminine, fashion-led take on the pilot shape with elegant proportions.
• Dolce & Gabbana DG3389: a contemporary designer interpretation with bolder styling for those who want the shape with a modern edge.

Because these are authentic frames from authorised supply, the hinges, nose pads and finishes are made to each house's specification, which is what gives a genuine aviator its longevity. Fans of a particular maker can also explore the full Persol sunglasses and Ray-Ban glasses ranges for matching styles.

Which face shapes suit aviator glasses?

The aviator is often called universally flattering, and there is truth to that, but the reasoning is worth understanding so you choose the right proportions:

• Square and angular faces: the rounded teardrop softens a strong jaw and broad forehead, balancing sharp angles. One of the best shapes for square faces.
• Heart-shaped faces: aviators that are slightly wider at the brow and taper towards the bottom echo and balance a narrow chin.
• Oval faces: almost any aviator works; simply match the frame width to your face width.
• Round faces: choose a more angular or larger aviator to add definition rather than a small, very round teardrop.

The key is scale. A frame whose widest point roughly matches the widest part of your face will look balanced; oversized aviators make a fashion statement, while smaller proportions read as classic and understated. If you are unsure which shapes suit you, the broader eyesight glasses frames hub lets you compare aviators against rounds, squares and rectangles side by side.

Aviator glasses for men and women

For men

The aviator is a wardrobe staple for men because it reads as confident without being trend-led. A classic gunmetal or gold Ray-Ban RX6489 suits everything from a suit to a weekend jacket, while a Persol with subtle acetate detailing adds quiet sophistication. For men building a frame wardrobe, it pairs naturally with the structured styles in the men's eyeglasses range.

For women

Aviators have become a firm favourite for women too, especially in softer rose-gold and slimmer proportions. The Chloé Pilot shows how the shape can be made delicate and feminine, and a lightly tinted or gradient lens turns prescription aviators into a fashion piece. To see the full feminine selection, the women's prescription glasses frames edit is the place to start.

Frame materials and construction

Aviators are defined by their metalwork, and the choice of metal affects both feel and durability:

• Monel and stainless steel: the traditional aviator metals, strong, corrosion-resistant and easy to adjust.
• Titanium: exceptionally light, hypoallergenic and ideal for all-day comfort, a premium upgrade found on higher-end models.
• Combination frames: metal fronts with acetate temple tips or brow bars, blending classic engineering with a touch of colour or pattern.

Two features make aviators particularly comfortable for prescription wear: adjustable silicone nose pads, which let an optician fine-tune the fit to your nose bridge, and the spring or barrel hinges that keep the slim temples secure. These details are precisely engineered on genuine frames, which is one of the clearest differences between an authentic designer aviator and a copy.

Prescription and lens options at Ardor

The generous lens depth of an aviator makes it one of the most versatile shapes for prescription work. Through Ardor's glazing service you can choose:

• Single vision for distance or reading.
• Varifocal lenses, which the aviator's lens height accommodates beautifully; see the varifocal glasses range for more.
• Bifocal lenses with a defined near segment.
• Blue-light filtering for screen work.
• Photochromic lenses that darken outdoors, effectively giving you aviator sunglasses and glasses in one frame.
• Tinted lenses for a fashion or driving finish.

One practical note: very high prescriptions can look thicker in a large aviator lens, so an optician may recommend a high-index lens to keep the edges slim. Our team can advise on this. Prescription orders take around 7 to 10 working days for glazing, with free UK delivery. If you would like a tinted prescription pilot for sunny days, our prescription sunglasses range carries the option too.

Styling aviator glasses

The aviator's strength is its versatility. A gold or rose-gold frame leans warm and dressy, gunmetal and silver feel modern and cool, and black metal reads sharp and contemporary. Because the shape is so classic, you can wear it with tailoring, casual denim or smart-casual knitwear without a second thought. For a polished look, match the metal of your frame loosely to your jewellery or watch; for a relaxed look, simply let the aviator be the standout accessory on an otherwise simple outfit. If you like to switch to a tinted pair in summer, building a coordinated set from the wider designer sunglasses range keeps your look consistent across seasons.

Getting the fit right

Check the measurements printed inside the temple, typically lens width, bridge width and temple length (for example 58–14–140). Aviators run larger than many other styles, so pay attention to the overall width; the frame should not extend much past the sides of your face. The adjustable nose pads mean the height can be tuned so the frame sits comfortably without slipping down the nose, which is especially important for varifocal wearers who need the lens positioned correctly. If a frame arrives sitting slightly off, a quick adjustment by any optician will set it perfectly.

Caring for metal aviator frames

Clean your aviators with lukewarm water and a little mild washing-up liquid, then dry with a microfibre cloth, paying attention to the nose pads where skin oils gather. Avoid leaving them in hot cars, which can affect adjustments and coatings, and store them in a hard case to protect the slim metalwork. Have the nose pads replaced when they yellow and the screws checked periodically; a well-maintained metal aviator can last for many years.

Aviator sizing and the double bridge explained

The aviator's signature double bridge is not just decorative; it adds rigidity to a frame that would otherwise flex, and it spreads the weight of the lenses across two points rather than one. This is part of why the style feels so secure despite its slim construction. When choosing your size, remember that aviators are designed to sit slightly lower and wider than many other shapes, so the teardrop reads as balanced. A frame that is too small loses the relaxed, classic character of the style, while one that is too large can slide and overwhelm smaller faces. The adjustable nose pads give an optician scope to raise or lower the frame so the optical centre of each lens lines up with your pupils, which matters for clarity as much as comfort.

It is also worth thinking about lens shape within the aviator family. The traditional teardrop is the most recognisable, but some designer interpretations square off the lower edge slightly or round the whole shape into a softer pilot form. A more squared lens adds a touch of structure and modernity, while a rounder pilot reads as gentle and retro. Trying the principle across the wider designer eyeglasses range helps you settle on the exact balance of classic and contemporary you prefer before committing to a prescription pair.

Why buy aviator glasses from Ardor Eyewear?

Every frame in this collection is genuine designer eyewear, supplied as an authorised UK stockist, so you can be certain you are buying a 100% authentic Ray-Ban, Persol, Chloé or Dolce & Gabbana aviator rather than an imitation. You also get free UK shipping, a complete in-house prescription glazing service covering single vision through to varifocal and photochromic lenses, and a 14-day returns policy (customer pays return postage). With 37 styles from around £105 to £255, you can compare classic and fashion-led interpretations of the aviator in one place. To browse the complete optical range, head to the main prescription glasses hub.

Frequently asked questions

Can aviator glasses be made with my prescription?

Yes. Nearly every aviator in this collection can be glazed with your prescription, including single vision, varifocal, bifocal, blue-light, photochromic and tinted lenses. The shape's lens depth makes it especially well suited to varifocals. Orders typically take around 7 to 10 working days.

Do aviator glasses suit everyone?

The aviator is one of the most universally flattering shapes, particularly good for square and heart-shaped faces because the teardrop softens strong angles. The most important factor is scale: choose a frame whose width roughly matches your face for a balanced look.

Are aviators only for men?

Not at all. The collection includes feminine interpretations such as the Chloé Pilot, often in rose-gold and slimmer proportions, alongside classic unisex and men's models. Aviators are now a firm favourite across genders.

Will a strong prescription look thick in an aviator lens?

Larger lenses can show more edge thickness with higher prescriptions, but choosing a high-index lens keeps the edges noticeably slimmer. Our glazing team can recommend the right lens index for your prescription.

Are these genuine designer aviators?

Yes. Ardor Eyewear is an authorised stockist, so every frame is 100% authentic, including genuine Ray-Ban, Persol, Chloé and Dolce & Gabbana models. We never sell replicas.

Can I get aviator glasses that also work as sunglasses?

Yes. Choose photochromic lenses that darken automatically in bright light, or add a fashion or driving tint. Alternatively, our dedicated aviator sunglasses range offers the same shape with full sun lenses.

What are aviator frames usually made from?

Most aviators use metal such as monel, stainless steel or premium titanium, often with adjustable silicone nose pads. Some combine a metal front with acetate temple tips for a touch of colour. All are designed to be light and easily adjusted.