Best Designer Aviator Sunglasses for Men: High-End Frames Worth the Investment
Aviator sunglasses started as a piece of flight equipment, so the shape has always been tied to build quality, and that link still holds at the top of the market. A thin metal frame has to hold its shape, the hinges have to stay tight over years, and the lenses have to be optically clean edge to edge. For this designer tier we picked luxury eyewear houses that work in glass, hand-finished acetate, and precision metal.
These are the high-end aviators for men who want a frame with real heritage and a name behind it. Every pair here carries full 100% UV protection, and several add polarized or light-adapting lenses on top. If you plan to keep one pair for years, start in this tier.
Ray-Ban RB3025 Classic Aviator
Best for: Men who want the original metal aviator that started the shape
Price: $191.00
The RB3025 is the frame every other aviator is measured against, first cut for U.S. pilots in 1937 and still made in Italy today. This is the classic metal version with the original G-15 lens, a teardrop shape, and slim wire temples that keep the whole thing light on the face.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
We researched the RB3025 against decades of aviators and keep landing on the same conclusion: the proportions are simply right, which is why they have never needed changing. The Italian metalwork holds tension well, and the G-15 lens reads neutral rather than tinted. Best for men who want the original pilot shape with nothing added or subtracted.
Persol PO3310S Squared Pilot
Best for: Men who want a squared-off aviator with racing-era character
Price: $393.00
The PO3310S draws its lines from 1970s motorsport, squaring off the usual teardrop into a bolder pilot silhouette. Persol builds it from hand-worked Italian acetate with their patented flexing temples, so it settles onto the face without the pinch a stiff frame can give.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
The squared front is what sets the PO3310S apart, lending a heavier, more assertive presence than a standard teardrop without tipping into a full square frame. In wearing it, we kept coming back to Persol's flexing temples, which ease pressure over long days. A strong pick if you like the pilot lineage but want a bolder line than the classic.
Randolph Aviator Military Special Edition
Best for: Men who want genuine military-issue pilot sunglasses made in the USA
Price: $285.00
Randolph has supplied aviators to U.S. military pilots since 1982, and this Special Edition is the same frame built to that standard, hand-assembled in Massachusetts across roughly 200 steps. The bayonet temples run straight back to sit flat under a helmet or cap, a detail carried over from its cockpit origins.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
We researched how Randolph builds this frame and the appeal is the authenticity: solder joints warrantied for life, glass lenses, and a fit engineered for actual flight rather than fashion. It wears heavier than a fashion aviator in the best way, feeling like a tool. Best for the buyer who wants the real thing over an aviation-inspired look.
Maui Jim Keokea
Best for: Men who want a lightweight polarized aviator for bright, glare-heavy days
Price: $259.00
The Keokea takes the aviator into warm-weather territory, built from injected nylon that barely registers on the face and shaped with a slightly squared front. Its HCL Bronze lens is the versatile one in Maui Jim's range, warming up flat light while its PolarizedPlus2 treatment strips out glare.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
What stands out on the Keokea is how little you notice it once it is on, thanks to the featherweight nylon and adjustable pads. Maui Jim's color-boosting lenses lift contrast on hazy days rather than simply darkening the view. It suits anyone who spends serious time outdoors and wants glare control in a barely-there frame.
Gucci GG0829SA Aviator
Best for: Men who want a soft-rounded acetate aviator with designer branding
Price: $168.00
Where most aviators live in thin metal, the GG0829SA reworks the shape in warm Havana acetate with a softly rounded lens, giving it more face-presence and a fashion-forward read. It is made in Italy with slim metal temples that keep the acetate front from feeling bulky.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
Cut in acetate, the GG0829SA carries a warmer, less clinical feel than the usual wire aviator, and the Havana finish reads rich in daylight. We liked how the rounded lens softens the shape enough to flatter sharper faces. A natural choice if you want an aviator that leans fashion over flight.
Tom Ford FT1211 Vladimir
Best for: Men who want one adaptable pilot for both bright and overcast light
Price: $194.56
The Vladimir is a large pilot with a peaked bridge and Tom Ford's gold T at the hinges, cut in dark havana with a raised relief along the brow. Its standout is the photochromic lens, which darkens in strong sun and clears as the light drops, so a single pair covers a full day.
Its generous 65mm proportions put it on the larger end of the aviator range, and if you like that scale, our edit of oversized sunglasses for men goes bigger still.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
On the Vladimir, the light-adapting lens is the reason to buy, shifting tint as conditions change so you are not swapping pairs between morning and midday. Dark havana and gold hinge accents keep it unmistakably Tom Ford. Ideal if you want one pilot frame that handles changing light on its own.
Dolce & Gabbana DG4403
Best for: Men who want a bold squared aviator in polished acetate
Price: $154.93
The DG4403 pushes the aviator toward a squared, almost architectural front, cut in polished black acetate rather than the usual wire. It is the heaviest-looking frame in this tier in a good way, with a solid brow line that gives it real weight on the face while staying lightweight to wear.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
Built in acetate, the DG4403 gives a familiar shape a fresh, bolder outline, its squared front reading modern next to a wire classic. The polished black holds up as formal enough for work yet sharp on the weekend. Reach for it if you want aviator DNA with more structure and presence.
Maui Jim Naauao
Best for: Men with larger faces who want a polarized navigator-style aviator
Price: $229.00
The Naauao is Maui Jim's modern take on the navigator, a close cousin of the aviator with a flatter top line and a double bridge, sized large for wider faces. Silver temples carry crystal accents and a wavy patterned tip, and the Neutral Grey lens gives the strongest light reduction in the range for bright, open conditions.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
The flatter navigator front on the Naauao reads a little dressier than a teardrop aviator, and the large sizing sits well on broader faces that swallow smaller frames. Its grey lens is the one for harsh midday sun. Best suited to bigger-faced men after a polarized frame with a modern edge. For more wide-fit options, see our guide to sunglasses for men with big heads.
Ray-Ban RB3724D Aviator
Best for: Men who want a modern, geometric aviator in an extra-large fit
Price: $194.00
The RB3724D is Ray-Ban's contemporary aviator, trading the round teardrop for geometric edges and a bold double bridge in an extra-large fit. The silver metal frame pairs with a grey gradient lens that fades from darker at the top to lighter at the base, keeping the view open while cutting overhead sun.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
Geometric edges and a double bridge give the RB3724D a current, sharper look, and the extra-large sizing suits men who find standard frames too small. The gradient lens stays easy to see through indoors and out. A smart buy if you want Ray-Ban heritage in a bigger, more modern cut.
Versace VE2140
Best for: Men who want a bold mirrored aviator that makes a statement
Price: $187.00
The VE2140 closes the designer tier as its loudest option, a large metal aviator with the Medusa head worked into the bridge and Versace lettering down the temples. The light grey mirror lens throws back a reflective silver sheen, so the whole frame reads as a deliberate statement rather than a quiet classic.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★★
Mirror finish and Medusa detailing turn the VE2140 into something that clearly wants to be noticed, backed by solid metal construction and an XL fit. It is the show-off of the group and owns it. One for the man who wants his aviators to lead the outfit rather than support it.
Best Affordable Aviator Sunglasses for Men: Budget Frames That Still Look Sharp
You do not need a luxury budget to wear a proper aviator. The shape translates well to lower prices as long as the frame is finished cleanly, the hinges feel solid, and the lens carries real UV protection rather than a tint alone. For this tier we looked to trusted names that put recognizable branding and dependable build into aviators most men can afford.
These are the cheap and budget aviators worth owning, several of them polarized, all with full UV protection. If you want the pilot look without the designer outlay, start here.
Armani Exchange AX2012S
Best for: Men who want a sleek metal pilot that dresses up or down
Price: $80.00
The AX2012S opens the affordable tier with a clean metal pilot frame in satin black, built on a larger lens for fuller coverage. It leans slightly sporty thanks to a wraparound set to the front, so it holds its own with casual and smarter outfits alike.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
The AX2012S is a metal pilot that punches above its price, its satin finish steering clear of anything cheap-looking and the larger lens adding easy coverage. It slots into a daily rotation with no fuss. A dependable option if you want a versatile aviator that moves from errands to dinner.
Timberland TBA9267 Polarized Pilot
Best for: Men who want a rugged polarized pilot for the outdoors
Price: $73.22
The TBA9267 is a stainless-steel pilot frame with a half-rim base and a matte black finish built for the outdoors. Timberland uses lead-free metal hardware throughout and packs it in a slim case made largely from recycled material, in keeping with its Earthkeepers line.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
That half-rim front gives the TBA9267 a more rugged, outdoor read on a familiar pilot shape, with polarized lenses that cut water and trail glare at a fair price. The recycled case is a nice-to-have on top. Pick it if you want an aviator built for hikes and open-air days.
Carrera 1005/S Pilot
Best for: Men who want a big, gradient-lens pilot with retro flair
Price: $69.00
The Carrera 1005/S is a large metal pilot with a straight brow bar and a wide 66mm lens that gives it a distinctly retro, oversized presence. The black-and-gold colorway with a brown gradient lens leans into that vintage-racing look Carrera is known for, and it has one of the highest review counts in this edit.
At 66mm it is one of the widest frames here, so if you need a bigger fit, our guide to sunglasses for men with big heads is worth a look.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
Oversized lens and straight brow bar hand the 1005/S a lot of retro character for the money, and the brown gradient warms the view nicely. The wide fit makes a statement without trying too hard. Worth a look if you want a big, vintage-leaning pilot on a budget.
Nike Vintage Icon Aviator
Best for: Men who want a lightweight everyday aviator with throwback styling
Price: $65.00
Pulled from Nike's archives, the Vintage Icon runs a slim, classic aviator profile with a retro block-logo accent at the temples. The frame is injected from a bio-based material partly derived from castor bean oil, and a flat four-base lens keeps it close to the face for easy everyday wear.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
Among the frames here, the Vintage Icon is one of the easiest to just throw on, its slim profile and light plastic build all but disappearing on the face. The throwback logo adds personality without shouting. A good match if you want a fuss-free daily aviator with a bit of retro charm.
Armani Exchange AX2002 Polarized
Best for: Men who want a polarized metal aviator for driving and sport
Price: $61.77
The AX2002 is a gunmetal-and-black metal aviator built on a wide lens, finished with a polarized treatment that most frames at this price skip. It is set up for outdoor use, cutting reflected glare from roads and open ground while keeping the classic pilot outline intact.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
The polarized lens is the headline on the AX2002, cutting glare behind the wheel in a way most budget aviators cannot match. Its gunmetal finish keeps things understated for daily use. Choose it if you want glare-cutting lenses in a classic aviator at a low price.
Ted Baker TMS212 Polarized
Best for: Men who want a square-navigator take on the aviator in tortoiseshell
Price: $59.00
The TMS212 reworks the aviator into a square-navigator silhouette in a warm tortoiseshell acetate, giving it a more contemporary edge than a rounded pilot. It runs a large, wide fit with spring hinges and curved temple tips, and the polarized green gradient lens carries full UV400 protection.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
Squared navigator front and tortoiseshell acetate give the TMS212 a smarter, more current look than a standard pilot, with polarized lenses rounding out the value. Its wide fit suits fuller faces. One to consider if you want an aviator relative with a modern, dressed-up feel.
GUESS Classic Aviator Pilot
Best for: Men who want a detailed gunmetal aviator on a small budget
Price: $39.00
The GUESS Classic Aviator keeps the traditional pilot outline but adds character through a satin gunmetal finish with black enamel across the top bar and temple detail. A grey gradient flash lens gives it a subtle mirrored sheen, lifting it above plain budget metal frames.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
On the GUESS Classic Aviator, the enamel top bar and flash lens add welcome detail at a price where most frames stay plain, so it looks more considered than its cost suggests. A solid shout if you want a classic aviator with a little extra polish for very little money.
Knockaround Mile Highs Polarized Aviator
Best for: Men who want a classic teardrop aviator with polarized lenses on a small budget
Price: $35.00
The Mile Highs stick closest to the original teardrop pilot shape of anything in this tier, built on a slim stainless-steel wire frame in gold with aviator green lenses. Rubber tortoiseshell detailing and soft ear pads add grip and a little character, and the polarized lens is a genuine surprise at this price.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
Of the budget frames here, the Mile Highs hold the truest teardrop shape, and the gold-and-green colorway gives them an easy retro warmth. What surprised us is the polarized lens at this price, backed by impact-resistant UV400 protection. A great shout if you want a proper classic aviator, glare control included, without spending much.
CAT 8023 Polarized Aviator
Best for: Men with larger faces who want a big polarized aviator for sport
Price: $34.99
The CAT 8023 is a big X-Large pilot frame built for larger faces, pairing a metal front with acetate temples for all-day comfort. Its smoke-grey polarized lens is aimed at high-glare pursuits like fishing and golf, and the frame is engineered to take a prescription if you need one.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
Real value sits in the CAT 8023's pairing of an X-Large fit with a polarized lens, a combination hard to find this cheap and genuinely useful for bigger faces on the water or the course. Acetate temples keep it comfortable. Best suited to larger-faced men after a big polarized aviator for sport.
Calvin Klein CK19314S
Best for: Men who want a clean, minimal metal aviator at the lowest price
Price: $25.00
The CK19314S closes the list as its most affordable pick, a stripped-back metal aviator in all black that leans on clean lines rather than detailing. It keeps the classic pilot proportions and a grey lens, making it an easy, low-cost entry into the shape.
Fur and Silk Editor Review ★★★★½
The CK19314S does the essentials right: a tidy all-black aviator with correct proportions and no distractions, at a price that makes it an easy first pair. It will not turn heads, and it does not try to. The pick if you want a simple, inexpensive aviator that just works.
How to Choose Aviator Sunglasses for Men
Aviator sunglasses share a family look, a thin frame with a top bar and large lenses, but they vary enough in size, material, and lens that the right pick comes down to your face and how you will wear them. A few points make the choice easier.
Match the frame size to your face
Aviators run from compact to extra-large, and the lens should sit within the width of your face rather than spilling past it. Larger and wider faces can carry the biggest fits, in the 61mm range and up, while narrower faces are better served by a standard lens so the frame does not overwhelm. Check that the top bar sits level with your brow.
Choose metal or acetate
The traditional aviator is thin metal, which keeps the frame light and lets the lenses lead. Acetate versions, like the squared designer picks here, add more presence and a warmer, fashion-forward feel. Metal reads classic and understated, acetate reads bolder and more modern, so pick the material that matches the look you are after.
Decide on the lens
A plain tinted lens is fine for casual wear, but polarized lenses cut glare from roads and water and are worth prioritizing if you drive or spend time outdoors. Gradient lenses fade lighter toward the bottom for an easier indoor-outdoor view, while photochromic lenses adjust their tint as the light changes so one pair covers bright and dull days.
Confirm full UV protection
Whatever you spend, only buy a frame with full 100% UVA/UVB or UV400 protection. Aviators sit relatively open at the sides, so the lens itself needs to do the protective work. Every pair in this guide meets that standard, from the twenty-five dollar Calvin Klein to the designer frames.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviator Sunglasses for Men
Who makes the best aviator sunglasses for men?
Ray-Ban makes the original and most recognized aviator, the RB3025, while Randolph builds genuine military-issue pilot frames in the USA and Maui Jim leads on polarized lens quality. The best maker depends on what you want: heritage, authenticity, or glare control. For budget buyers, Armani Exchange, Carrera, and Knockaround-style brands deliver the shape well for far less.
What is the difference between aviator and pilot sunglasses?
There is no real difference: aviator and pilot describe the same shape, a thin frame with a top bar and large teardrop lenses first made for pilots in the 1930s. Brands use the terms interchangeably. You will see Persol, Timberland, and Carrera label near-identical frames as pilot while Ray-Ban and Randolph call them aviator.
What is the difference between navigator and aviator sunglasses?
A navigator is a close relative of the aviator with a flatter top edge and a more squared-off lens, rather than the aviator's rounded teardrop. It reads slightly more modern and structured. Frames like the Maui Jim Naauao and Ted Baker TMS212 in this guide sit in that navigator family while keeping clear aviator DNA.
Are aviator sunglasses good for men with big faces?
Yes, aviators work well on larger faces as long as you choose a big enough fit. Look for lens widths around 61mm and up and frames labeled XL or XXL, like the Ray-Ban RB3724D, CAT 8023, or Carrera 1005/S. A frame that is too small will look pinched, so match the lens width to the width of your face for balance.
Should aviator sunglasses be polarized?
Polarized aviators are worth it if you drive often or spend time near water, snow, or open ground, since polarization cuts the reflected glare a plain tint cannot. Several picks here are polarized, including the Maui Jim, Timberland, Armani Exchange AX2002, and CAT. If you mostly wear them casually in the city, a standard UV-protective lens is enough.
How should men's aviator sunglasses fit?
Aviators should sit level on your brow with the lenses covering your eyes fully, without pressing on your cheeks or sliding down your nose. The frame width should match your face width so the temples run straight back rather than bowing out. Adjustable nose pads, found on most metal aviators here, let you fine-tune where the frame sits.
Are expensive aviator sunglasses worth it over cheap ones?
Expensive aviators buy you better materials, glass or premium lenses, tighter hinges, and lasting construction, which matters if you want one pair for years. A Randolph or Maui Jim will outlast and outperform a budget frame. That said, brands like Armani Exchange and Carrera deliver the look and full UV protection well for everyday wear at a fraction of the price.
