It's been argued that the trend of wearing aviator sunglasses has lost its appeal, with many finding them outdated and unstylish.
In a casual setting the other day, I found myself at a downtown bistro, where two gents sauntered in to scope the scene. Dressed quite ambitiously, if not tastefully, they sported blazers that could hardly button, gym tees, skinny jeans, and questionable footwear favored by some eccentric diamond traders. Of course, the oversized sunglasses they donned, firmly affixed to their faces, nearly caused me to choke on my potatoes. I quickly downed my wine and made an abrupt exit.
Aviator sunglasses, popularized nearly a century ago by Bausch and Lomb, were initially developed for U.S. military pilots due to their design features specifically tailored for flight. The teardrop-shaped lenses offered a wider field of vision, brow bars guarded against moisture, and lightweight frames fit comfortably beneath helmets, making them a sophisticated alternative to bulky flight goggles.
From serving their nation in the sky to gracing the silver screen, aviators have journeyed far and wide. Tom Cruise, who boosted Ray-Ban aviator sales with his portrayal in Top Gun in the 80s and again in the 2020s, has undeniably played a role in the sunglasses' popular appeal. They were at one time seen as classic, functional, and stylish; today, however, I must be frank: they appear downright absurd.
American Optical offers a square lens iteration, Geoffrey Sunglasses suggest beefing up the frame, while Akila's design eliminates pesky green lenses. Persol, on the other hand, offers eyewear with subtler brow bars. Proponents of the dreaded green-tinted, gold-framed aviators may insist that they possess the mystical power to transform average joes into Maverick-esque heartthrobs, but I remain unconvinced.
While some may argue that these aviators opt for a dashing effect, I'd say most of us would be better off saluting their service and retiring them indefinitely—unless, of course, one has aspirations of channeling Tom Ford rather than Tom Cruise. Port Tanger and Sayf Sunglasses, with their disco vibes and diminished resemblance to the conventional aviator style, may be more palatable alternatives for the skeptical crowd.
GQ recommends considering modern alternatives to the traditional aviator style, such as square lens iterations from American Optical or beefed-up frame designs from Geoffrey Sunglasses. Akila's aviator design eliminates the pesky green lenses, while Persol offers eyewear with more subtle brow bars. If one aspires to channel Tom Ford's fashionable aesthetic rather than Tom Cruise's iconic look, Port Tanger and Sayf Sunglasses with their disco vibes and unique style might be more appealing options.
