Darker lenses and thin frames aviator sunglasses are probably the most recognized style of eyeglasses in the fashion history. aviator jacket Usually taking the characteristic teardrop shape, with thin metal frame and dark lenses, aviator sunglasses have a classic advantage which explains its popularity not only among the military and pilots but also among stars and fashion lovers all over the world. Made to block the sunlight on pilots’ eyes back in the 1930’s, aviators have now become a fashion statement worn by every individual regardless of culture, age or even fashion genre.
A Brief History of Aviator Sunglasses
The aviator style owes its origins to the early 20th century, when pilots had to scan the clear blue sky as well as high altitudes with glaring reflections on them without any eye wear. The aviator glasses designed by American optical company Bausch & Lomb for the U. S. military pilots were designed in 1936. These were made for maximum exposure as well as protection against the extreme sun at high flying altitudes.
The lenses were specially shaped in the form of teardrops so as to cover the eye sockets fully, thereby reducing the amount of side light. The first design included the green color of the lenses. It was less likely to strain the vision while enhancing the pilot’s concentration since it was meant to suppress the sun’s glare. First known as “pilot’s glasses”, these sunglasses later gained that status not only among pilots but among everyone else as well especially after the second world war.
The Evolution of Aviators in Contemporary Society
There was a huge leap in the popularity of aviator glasses outside the military confines, when this look was embraced by some of the stars and Hollywood. Aviators cemented an image of ‘cool rebellion’ in the 1960s and 1970s, thanks to the film industry and popular culture. Marlon Brando sported aviators in The Wild One (1953) while a number of iconic roles saw Clint Eastwood in those glasses. However, it was Tom Cruise’s character of “Maverick” from the blockbuster hit Top Gun (1986) that made aviator sunglasses an epidemic, issuing a demand that could not be silenced.