Emporio Armani aviator sunglasses take one of the most enduring shapes in eyewear history and refine it through the lens of contemporary Italian design. The aviator is the frame that never dates — a slim metal build, a gently curved brow bar and the unmistakable teardrop lens — and in Emporio Armani's hands it gains a modern edge with cleaner lines, lighter alloys and the discreet eagle emblem on the temple. At Ardor Eyewear, an authorised UK stockist, you will find this collection stocked with genuine models such as the EA2059, EA4236U, EA2156, EA2149D, EA2154D and EK2001, priced from around £70 to £135.
The story behind the aviator shape
The aviator was originally engineered in the 1930s to protect pilots' eyes at altitude, where bright, unfiltered light and a wide field of view demanded a lens that was large, curved and glare-cutting. That practical brief produced one of the most flattering shapes ever made: the downward teardrop follows the natural line of the cheekbone, the thin metal rim keeps the face open, and the double or single brow bar adds just enough structure to feel purposeful. Nearly a century later the design remains a bestseller precisely because it works on almost everyone, and Emporio Armani aviator sunglasses honour that heritage while adding a fashion-forward finish that feels current rather than retro.
If you love the pilot silhouette across the board, it is well worth comparing the Emporio Armani take against the wider aviator sunglasses edit at Ardor, where you can see how different houses interpret the same iconic shape.
What makes Emporio Armani aviators distinctive
Emporio Armani is the younger, more expressive line from the Armani house — the label that carries a little more personality than its minimalist parent. Applied to the aviator, that character shows up in a few thoughtful ways:
- Lightweight metal construction that sits comfortably for hours without pinching the temples or leaving marks on the bridge.
- Adjustable silicone nose pads on most models, letting you fine-tune the fit — a real advantage of metal frames over one-piece acetate.
- Contemporary lens finishes, from classic gradient greens and browns to mirrored and gradient-tinted options that photograph beautifully.
- Subtle branding — the eagle motif appears as a small metal accent on the temple, keeping the frames elegant rather than logo-heavy.
Some models in the collection, including certain "U" and "D" reference variants, offer flatter, more squared-off lens shapes that update the classic teardrop for a sharper, more modern face — proof that "aviator" today covers a small family of related silhouettes rather than a single template.
Who should wear an aviator?
The short answer is almost everyone, which is a large part of the shape's appeal. That said, some faces suit it especially well:
| Face shape | Aviator verdict | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Heart | Excellent | The wider top balances a narrower chin perfectly |
| Oval | Excellent | Choose any lens size; proportions carry it easily |
| Square | Very good | The soft teardrop curve offsets a strong jaw |
| Round | Good | Pick a more angular, squared-off aviator for contrast |
| Long / rectangle | Good | Opt for a taller lens to shorten the face visually |
Because aviators are genuinely unisex, this collection is popular with both women and men. If you are shopping for a partner or want to see the crossover, our men's sunglasses and women's sunglasses collections both feature aviator styles.
Getting the fit right
Aviators are one of the easier shapes to fit well because the metal build is so adjustable, but a few details make the difference between a pair that sits perfectly and one that slides. Look at the three measurements printed inside the temple arm: lens width, bridge width and temple length. On aviators, bridge width matters most — too narrow and the frame perches too high, too wide and it slips down. If your current sunglasses leave marks or slide, adjustable nose pads (fitted to most models here) can be tweaked by any optician in minutes.
Consider lens size in proportion to your face. A larger teardrop reads bold and glamorous; a mid-size lens looks classic and understated. Neither is more "correct" — it comes down to whether you want the sunglasses to be a statement or a staple.
Lens choices and prescription options
Every genuine Emporio Armani aviator provides full UV400 protection against UVA and UVB rays. Beyond that baseline, lens choice shapes both the look and the performance of your sunglasses:
- Gradient lenses fade from dark at the top to lighter at the bottom — flattering, versatile and great for driving and city wear.
- Solid tints in green, grey or brown give consistent shade and a classic finish.
- Mirrored lenses add a fashion-forward, reflective front and reduce glare in very bright conditions.
- Polarised lenses cut blinding glare from water, wet roads and snow — ideal for driving, sailing and skiing. Explore the full range of polarised sunglasses to see the difference.
Prefer your aviators with your prescription? Most frames in this collection can be glazed to your exact script. At Ardor we offer single vision, varifocal, bifocal, blue-light, tinted and photochromic lenses, with prescription orders taking around 7–10 working days for glazing. If you want prescription sun-tinted lenses specifically, our prescription sunglasses collection is the place to start, and for clear everyday eyewear see our designer glasses range.
Styling your Emporio Armani aviators
Part of the aviator's staying power is how easily it slots into almost any wardrobe. A gold-toned metal frame with a green or brown gradient lens is the timeless choice — it warms most skin tones and looks equally at home with a leather jacket or a linen shirt. Silver or gunmetal frames feel cooler and more modern, pairing well with monochrome and tailored looks. For a sportier, weekend feel, a mirrored or matte-black aviator brings energy to jeans, a tee and trainers.
Aviators also travel exceptionally well: they photograph flatteringly, suit both hot-weather and city settings, and rarely look out of place. That versatility is exactly why so many people keep coming back to the shape year after year.
Why buy Emporio Armani aviators from Ardor
As an authorised UK stockist, Ardor Eyewear guarantees that every pair of Emporio Armani aviator sunglasses is 100% genuine, supplied with the official case, cleaning cloth and documentation. We offer free UK delivery, and our 14-day returns policy lets you try your frames at home with confidence (customers cover return postage). If you would like to weigh the aviator against other icons, our designer sunglasses hub gathers the best of the category, and design-led shoppers often also browse Persol sunglasses for another slice of Italian eyewear heritage.
Caring for metal aviators
Metal aviators are hard-wearing but reward a little attention. Clean the lenses with the supplied microfibre cloth and a lens-safe fluid rather than tissues, which can scratch coatings. Check the nose pads occasionally, as the silicone can perish or slip over years of use; replacements are inexpensive and easily fitted. Keep your sunglasses in their case when not worn, avoid leaving them in a hot car where heat can affect the coatings, and have the hinges re-tightened by an optician if the arms start to feel loose. Treated well, a good pair of aviators will outlast most trends.
Aviator lens colours and what they do
Because the aviator is such a classic canvas, the lens colour you choose has a real effect on both style and function. Here is how the common options behave:
- Green (G-15 style): the original aviator tint, offering natural colour perception and excellent all-round comfort in bright light. A safe, timeless choice.
- Brown and amber: enhance contrast and depth perception, which many people find helpful for driving and overcast British days.
- Grey: the most neutral tint, dimming brightness evenly without shifting colours — ideal if you want the world to look "true".
- Gradient: darker at the top and clearer at the bottom, useful for driving because you can still see the dashboard while shading your eyes from overhead sun.
- Mirrored: a reflective outer coating that cuts extra glare and adds a bold, fashion-forward finish.
None of these is objectively best; it comes down to how and where you will wear your aviators. If in doubt, a green or grey gradient is the most versatile starting point.
Aviators for driving in the UK
Aviators are one of the most practical shapes for British driving, which is part of why they have stayed popular for so long. The large lens gives generous coverage against low winter sun, and the thin metal rim keeps your peripheral vision clear — important when checking mirrors and junctions. For driving specifically, polarised lenses are a genuine upgrade: they cut the blinding glare that bounces off wet roads and the bonnets of other cars, reducing eye strain on long journeys. Do bear in mind that polarised lenses can make some in-car digital displays harder to read, so it is worth testing with your own dashboard. If driving is a priority for you, browse our full polarised sunglasses range to compare options, and remember that most aviator frames here can be glazed with a polarised prescription lens if you need vision correction behind the wheel.
The comfort of a well-made metal frame
A common worry with metal frames is that they will feel heavier or less comfortable than plastic, but a properly made aviator is the opposite. The lightweight alloys used in genuine Emporio Armani aviators keep the overall weight low, while adjustable silicone nose pads spread that weight across a larger area of the bridge, which is often more comfortable over a long day than a fixed one-piece acetate frame. Sprung hinges allow the arms to flex outward slightly, so the frame grips gently without pinching your temples. The result is eyewear you can genuinely forget you are wearing — which, given how much time a favourite pair of sunglasses spends on your face, is no small thing. If the pads ever slip or the arms loosen, a quick visit to any optician restores the fit in minutes.
Choosing between a classic and a modern aviator
Within this collection you will notice two broad directions. The classic aviator keeps the traditional teardrop lens, the thin metal rim and often a double brow bar — the timeless silhouette that has looked right for decades and always will. The modern aviator flattens or squares the lower edge of the lens, swaps in bolder colourways or matte finishes, and gives the shape a sharper, more current edge. If you want a pair that will look considered and appropriate in ten years, choose the classic; if you enjoy following the mood of the season and want a frame that feels distinctly contemporary, the modern interpretation is for you. Both are unmistakably aviators, and both benefit from the lightweight metal construction and adjustable fit that make the shape so comfortable. Whichever way you lean, you are buying into one of the most enduring designs in eyewear history — and with Ardor's authorised, 100% genuine stock, you can buy with complete confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Are Ardor's Emporio Armani aviator sunglasses genuine?
Yes. Ardor is an authorised UK stockist, so every pair is 100% authentic and arrives with the official Emporio Armani case, cloth and paperwork. We never sell replicas or grey-market stock.
How much do Emporio Armani aviator sunglasses cost?
Models in this collection typically range from around £70 to £135, depending on frame size, lens finish and materials. Exact prices are shown on each product page.
Do aviators suit women as well as men?
Absolutely. The aviator is a genuinely unisex shape and one of the most universally flattering frames available. This collection is popular with both women and men, and the fit can be tailored to any face using the adjustable nose pads.
Can I get Emporio Armani aviators with prescription lenses?
Most frames here can be glazed with your prescription, including single vision, varifocal, bifocal, blue-light, tinted and photochromic lenses. Prescription orders take around 7–10 working days for glazing.
Are the lenses polarised, and does it matter?
Some models come polarised and some do not; this is noted on each product page. Polarised lenses dramatically reduce glare from water, roads and snow, which makes them excellent for driving and the outdoors. See our polarised sunglasses range for more.
How do I make sure aviators fit properly?
Check the bridge width first, as it most affects how aviators sit. Most models have adjustable nose pads, so any optician can fine-tune the fit in minutes if the frames slide or leave marks.
What is Ardor's delivery and returns policy?
UK delivery is free. Prescription orders take around 7–10 working days for glazing; standard orders are dispatched promptly. You can return unwanted items within 14 days, with the customer covering return postage.
