Collection: Black Aviator Sunglasses

Black aviator sunglasses are the sharpest, most versatile take on the most famous frame shape in the world, and this collection pulls together authentic designer pairs that do the look justice. Where a gold aviator whispers vintage glamour, a black one speaks with cool, modern confidence — the teardrop lenses and slim metal bridge rendered in matte or gloss black for a finish that goes with absolutely everything. With genuine frames from Ray-Ban, Persol and more, priced from around £95 to £230, this is the aviator at its most wearable.

A modern classic: the appeal of black aviator sunglasses

The aviator began life as functional flying eyewear in the 1930s, its oversized teardrop lenses designed to shield pilots' eyes across a wide field of view. Decades of film, music and street style later, it has become a permanent fixture in the wardrobe. Rendering it in black strips away the retro warmth and leaves something cleaner and more contemporary. A black aviator is the frame you reach for when you want your sunglasses to disappear into your outfit rather than announce themselves — endlessly versatile, quietly confident, and impossible to date. Styles in this edit include Ray-Ban's RB4376, the RB4125 Cats 5000 and RB3549, alongside Persol's PO0649, PO3328S and PO3336S, each bringing a slightly different character to the black-aviator idea.

Black or gold? Deciding on your finish

The choice between black and gold aviators comes down to the mood you want. A black aviator is sharp, versatile and understated. It suits cool and neutral skin tones especially well, anchors a monochrome or tailored wardrobe, and never competes with the rest of what you are wearing. It is the more practical everyday choice precisely because it goes with everything. A gold aviator, by contrast, is warm, luxurious and vintage-leaning, flattering warmer complexions and pairing with gold jewellery. Neither is better — they simply say different things. If you want to weigh up the warmer option, our aviator sunglasses collection shows both finishes together, and Persol devotees can dig deeper in our Persol sunglasses range.

Which face shapes suit a black aviator?

The aviator's curved lower edge and defined top line make it one of the more universally flattering silhouettes, but a few pointers help you get the proportion right:

• Square faces: the rounded bottom of the lens softens a strong jaw and cheekbones beautifully.
• Heart-shaped faces: a medium aviator balances a broader forehead against a narrower chin.
• Oval faces: almost any size works; choose based on how bold you want to go.
• Round faces: a larger or slightly more angular aviator adds the definition that softer features benefit from.

Because black shows the frame outline more clearly than a pale metal, fit is worth getting right — the lenses should cover from just under the brow to the top of the cheekbone, and the frame front should match your face width without gripping the temples.

Lens technology and protection

Every pair of black aviators in this collection delivers full UV400 protection against 100% of UVA and UVB rays, which is the single most important thing sunglasses do for your eye health. On top of that baseline, you can choose the lens that fits your life:

• Polarised lenses eliminate the harsh horizontal glare that bounces off roads, water and car bonnets, making them the standout choice for driving and bright coastal days. Explore the full polarised sunglasses range for options.
• Gradient lenses shade the top of the lens more heavily than the bottom, ideal for shielding overhead sun while keeping your downward view clear.
• Mirror lenses add a reflective coating that cuts brightness and gives black frames a bold, tech-forward edge.

Persol's signature crystal lenses, seen across the PO0649, PO3328S and PO3336S, are optically excellent and pair particularly well with a black acetate or metal aviator frame. If you divide your time between driving and open-air days, polarised lenses are the upgrade most people notice immediately, while those who value comfort in changeable British light often prefer a mid-tone gradient that never feels too dark on an overcast afternoon.

Metal and acetate: the two faces of the black aviator

The classic aviator is a thin metal frame, and in black that means a slim, lightweight profile with adjustable nose pads for a precise fit — the RB3549 and RB4376 sit in this camp, offering that pared-back, engineered look. Acetate aviators, by contrast, give you a bolder, more substantial frame with greater presence on the face, as seen in Persol's crystal-lensed styles and the RB4125 Cats 5000. Metal tends to suit those who want the frame to feel barely there; acetate appeals if you like a stronger, more fashion-led statement. Both take prescription lenses well, so the choice comes down to how much visual weight you want the frame to carry.

Men's, women's and prescription aviators

Black aviators are genuinely unisex, which is a large part of their enduring appeal. Larger lens sizes and heavier bridges read as classically masculine, while mid and smaller sizes — sometimes with a subtle gradient — feel sleek and elegant. Browse by fit in our men's sunglasses and women's sunglasses edits. And because a black aviator is such an everyday frame, it makes an excellent prescription pair: most frames here can be glazed to your prescription with tinted or polarised lenses through our prescription sunglasses service, so you never have to choose between seeing clearly and looking sharp.

Styling and care

The whole point of black aviators is that they go with everything, so styling them is refreshingly easy. They work with tailoring, leather jackets, denim, all-black looks and gym kit alike, and they read as equally at home in a city or on holiday. To keep them looking their best, rinse off salt and sand after the beach, clean the lenses with a microfibre cloth rather than clothing, and store them in a hard case to protect against scratches. Have the hinges and nose pads checked occasionally so the fit stays comfortable and secure. For inspiration across the wider category, our designer sunglasses UK collection shows how the aviator sits alongside other iconic shapes.

Frequently asked questions

Are black aviators more versatile than gold?

Generally, yes. Black goes with any outfit and suits a minimal or tailored wardrobe, while gold leans warmer and more decorative. For an everyday, wear-with-anything pair, black is the safe and stylish choice.

Do black aviators suit all face shapes?

The aviator is one of the most flattering shapes overall. Square and heart-shaped faces benefit most from the softened lower edge, while oval and round faces should simply pick a size that balances their proportions.

Can I get black aviators with prescription lenses?

Most black aviator frames in this collection can be fitted with prescription lenses, including polarised and tinted options for the sun. Add your prescription at checkout or send it to us afterwards.

Are these genuine designer sunglasses?

Yes. Ardor Eyewear is an authorised stockist and every pair is 100% authentic, supplied with the manufacturer's packaging and warranty.

Are the lenses UV protective?

Every pair offers full UV400 protection, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Polarised and gradient lens options are also available for extra glare control.

How much are black aviator sunglasses and how fast is delivery?

Frames in this collection range from around £95 to £230. UK shipping is free; non-prescription pairs dispatch quickly, while prescription orders take roughly 7–10 working days for glazing. Returns are accepted within 14 days, with return postage paid by the customer.