Classic Aviator Sunglasses

Ray-Ban has perpetuated many styles of outdoor eyewear over the years but, none have had such a long lasting popularity as the line of classic aviator sunglasses. For generations people have kept this iconic symbol alive, probably due to the help of Hollywood movies where the cool characters on a motorbikes or flying the plane is sporting a pair. The original classic aviator sunglasses were initially designed and produced in 1936 for fighter pilots. They were issued so they could successfully maneuver their planes while in a dogfight as they prevented the sun from blinding them when engaging enemy planes. The first real photograph that made these glasses popular was of General Douglas MacArthur when he landed on the beaches in the Philippines.

Classic Aviator sunglasses were designed in an attempt to block the sun from the eye socket area. This is generally why the lens is triple the size of this area. According to other sources, most pilots do not wear these glasses while flying as a sunscreen is built directly into the visor of their flight helmet. They are typically used when performing duties outside and on the ground. While Ray-Ban is known to be the original designer of the aviator sunglasses, ironically they are not the company that supplies the military with them anymore.

Retail wise the popularity of these glasses is cyclical depending on the season. Spring and summer are more likely to bolster the sales as people head outside to enjoy the sun. The average American is not likely to afford most of the designer versions of aviator glasses that are available on the market. However, the good news is that copies of the original are plentiful, and can be purchased for as little as five dollars from super discounters, street vendors, grocery stores, and gas stations.

There is something to be said for purchasing and wearing the original Ray-Ban model, as the authentic design, materials, and fitment let you know that you are wearing a piece of American history. As long as the movies keep using to personify “cool” the necessity for everyday people to wear them will stay alive and well.

If you cannot afford the higher end glasses, then consider checking out eBay, or Craigslist for a slightly used but good quality pair at a drastically reduce price. You will want to only buy locally so you can inspect them for damage before agreeing to pay the seller. You never know, you just might find a pair of antique sunglasses for a bargain!

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