Aviator sunglasses have a rich and fascinating history dating back to the early days of aviation. Originally designed for pilots in the 1930s, these sunglasses have become one of the most iconic and recognizable styles of eyewear in the world.
The first aviator sunglasses were created by the American company Bausch & Lomb in 1936. They were designed to protect pilots' eyes from the glare of the sun and reduce the risk of headaches and nausea caused by bright light at high altitudes. The original design included large tear-shaped lenses and thin metal frames that curved around the ear. The lenses were made of high quality glass that provided excellent clarity and visual acuity.
During World War II, aviator sunglasses became an essential part of the military uniform for pilots and other personnel. They were particularly popular with the United States Army Air Forces, who adopted them as standard issue for their pilots. Aviator sunglasses soon became synonymous with the military and were considered a symbol of bravery and heroism.
After the war, aviator sunglasses quickly became popular with civilians as well. Their association with the military gave them a rugged and masculine charm that was particularly attractive to men. Hollywood celebrities also played a role in the popularization of aviator sunglasses. Actors such as Marlon Brando, Robert Redford and Steve McQueen were often photographed wearing aviator sunglasses, which helped cement their status as a fashion accessory.
In the 1980s, aviator sunglasses experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the movie Top Gun. Tom Cruise's character Maverick wore a pair of aviator sunglasses throughout the film, which helped create a new generation of aviator glasses fans. This led to a new wave of aviator models, including colored lenses and more elaborate frame designs.
Today, aviator sunglasses remain a popular style and are available from a wide range of manufacturers. While the basic design has remained largely unchanged, there have been many variations and updates over the years. Aviator sunglasses are now available with polarized lenses, mirrored lenses, and in a variety of different frame materials and colors.
In summary, aviator sunglasses have a rich history that spans nearly a century. Originally designed to protect pilots' eyes from the sun, they quickly became a symbol of military heroism and later a fashion accessory worn by Hollywood stars. Today, aviator sunglasses are still a popular style and are proof of the enduring appeal of classic design.
