In 1937, the eyewear company Ray-Ban developed a style of sunglasses known as aviator sunglasses, or “aviators” for short. They are characterized by their thin wire frames, often black or gold in color, and large dark lenses that are approximately three times larger than the average human eye socket. Some versions actually have reflective lenses instead of simply having dark lenses.
Another traditional feature of aviator sunglasses is their bulging lenses. While traditional glasses and sunglasses are fitted with flat lenses, aviators have lenses that bulge outward slightly. This design allows for maximum coverage of the eye area.
The original aviators were designed to mimic the flying goggles that Ray-Ban sold to the Navy and the Army. Although the goggles were effective, serving the purpose of blocking pilots’ eyes from glare and harsh sunlight, they left an undesirable tan on their faces. Their faces would become tanned in the sun as they flew, but the large area around their eyes which were protected by the goggles remained fairer than the rest of their skin. The aviator sunglasses were developed to allow in some sunshine, thus allowing the skin around the eyes to darken so as to match the rest of the face, but to conceal the silly-looking tan in the meantime.
By 1941, the goggles that the aviator sunglasses were designed after were no longer in use. However, these sunglasses had become very popular, especially with Naval aviators. They are still worn by aviators today. Furthermore, they have become popular with law enforcement officials. Many American police officers can be spotted outfitted with these sunglasses. In fact, it seems to have become a stereotype that American policemen and policewomen wear them. On the comedy television show Reno 911, which pokes fun at cops through stereotyping, many of the main characters wear aviators.
After becoming popular within the Army and Navy, aviator sunglasses became very popular within the civilian community. In fact, they are still worn to affect modern fashion statements. Since their development, they have been worn by many celebrities and notables. Michael Jackson, Tom Petty, Freddy Mercury, Axl Rose, Kanye West, and Jim Morrison are examples of popular musicians who have been spotted wearing this style of sunglasses, or who have even included them in part of their standard wardrobe.
By Diane Goettel
(Former Writer)