The first men's aviator sunglasses were manufactured in 1939. Obviously the most functional type of sunglasses, they were first worn by air plane pilots who might have to spend hours over the clouds, thousands of feet in the air, in direct and full sunlight. To protect these pilots from damaging ultraviolet radiation and glare, this particular style of sunglasses typically has darker tints, wider, taller and slightly more curved lenses for more efficient protection. In the second world war, men's aviator sunglasses were very popular among air force pilots who needed unhindered 20/20 vision for greater efficiency in dog fights.
Men's aviator sunglasses come in different shapes and tints. Although generally accepted as unisex gear, the basic wide and squarish lenses of men's aviator sunglasses are very masculine in appeal.
- The square may be rounded evenly on all corners for a wide and gaunt look which gives the wearers face a heavy, gaunt and knowing expression. This shape is a great accent for lanky frames and curvy silhouettes, but may look funny on heavier and squarish builds. If the top side is slightly slanted upwards and outwards, the square look gets a touch of sophistication.
- The bottom corners of the lens may be more rounded. This makes for a whimsical, friendly yet forceful look for the wearer. This is a great shape for men and serves to heighten their appeal.
- The bottom corner of the lens on the side of the nose is more rounded than the other corners. This is also a great style for men. It is the perfect accent for saying that you are strong but have a great weakness for the beautiful and the fragile.
Most aviator sunglasses are polarized, meaning tinted and textured in such a way as to prevent horizontal radiation from coming through them. Horizontal radiation is the reflection from horizontal surfaces such as the waters of the ocean or a pond or a river; the reflection from a paved road or floor. This type of glare is very bothersome because there is no comfortable way to avoid it by a shift in the angle of the face.
Mirrored is also another sought after feature of men's aviator sunglasses. These are the types of lenses that are textured to reflect the face of the person looking into them. Although sort of distracting for the person looking at you, it may give you a psychological edge when you badly need one.
A feature you should watch out for when buying a pair of men's aviator sunglasses are slightly wide temple arms. Though widened temple arms deviate somewhat from the basic style of aviator sunglasses, they are additional protection against glare coming from the sides of the eyes. If you do buy broad temple arms, make sure they are transparent and not solid plastic. That way, you don't restrict your side vision.
That being said, if you are looking for functionality and style in a pair of sunglasses, your best option will be a pair of men's aviator sunglasses.