They've been a fashion staple for nearly a century. And even though the look is constantly evolving, these glasses are never giving up their timeless status. Whether you catch Hollywood celebrities wearing them on red carpets or pilots protecting their eyes at 30,000 feet, aviators are more than a pair of sunglasses. They're an emblem of a cool, daring, and ageless look.
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Where it all began
The story of aviator sunglasses starts way back in the 1930s. The U.S. Army Air Corps needed something to shield their pilots’ eyes from the sun and glare high in the sky. So the Army teamed up with Bausch & Lomb, a company already known for making quality eyewear. The early design had big lenses that almost covered the entire eye, with a slight curve that helped cut down on glare and improve protection.
The lenses were considered to be huge enough to cover nearly the complete range of the eye, and the slight curve of the lens gave added protection from glare.
That’s how the iconic "aviator" was born. Teardrop shaped sunglasses with slim metal frames and a simple and practical style. They were quickly popular with other military areas. And it didn’t take a long time for this look to fly out of the cockpit and onto the streets. Famous celebrities like Mick Jagger, Marilyn Monroe and Tom Cruise in Top Gun made aviators popular. They became a symbol of rebellion and coolness that is still felt today.
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Why Do They Never Go Out of Style?
1. Timeless as ever
Aviators have a shape that just works no matter what outfit. They're a tried-and-true style that doesn't follow trends, but rather makes them. No matter your face shape or sense of style, these frames just work. They’ve stayed relevant for almost 100 years because they always look good!
2. They carry a legacy
Wearing aviators is like carrying a bit of history. They’re associated with the pilots, rebels, and movie celebs. Those stories of adventure, confidence, and boldness, is what keeps them so cool. They’re more than sunglasses, they're a statement.
3. So versatile
Aviator shades go with everything. If you’re headed to the beach, out for the night, on a festival or just grabbing a coffee. They add that cool and chill vibe. You can dress them up or down easily, and they always look good.
4. Built to last
Apart from being pretty to look at, these shades are built to be worn and utilized a lot. Their tough metal frames and lenses make them tough enough to handle your everyday use. And on top of that, many shades come with polarized lenses, giving you that extra protection from glare and harmful UV rays. Practical, stylish, and reliable.
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Our Aviator Inspired Collections
At Sun Hunters, we love how the classic aviator shape can be both timeless and look stylish. That’s why we’ve created collections that stay true to its iconic roots, but with a modern twist.
Meet the RIDER Collection
Our RIDER collection takes the traditional aviator and pumps up the style with a modern and edgy look. With oversized frames and a nice metallic finish, these are perfect for those who want to be different. Going on a road trip? Or just want to add a cool-factor to your look? RIDER is all about making a classic statement.
What makes RIDER special? They're light and strong, so you can wear them all day without any discomfort. With frame colors like blue, bone, clear, grey, and red, there's a shade for every outfit. mood and adventure. Where will you take your RIDER shades?
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Explore JIMMY WHO
If you’re looking for a vintage-inspired vibe, our JIMMY WHO collection is for you. These shades are a classic with a modern twist. They are super comfy to wear daily. The rounded, slightly softer lines make them perfect for anyone who wants to look stylish without shouting for attention.
JIMMY WHO combines high-quality materials with special design details, including different lens tints such as: green gradient smoke, matte black gradient smoke, matte gold gradient brown, purple gradient purple or red gradient pink. They are built to last and make an impression no matter what you're doing. Wear your JIMMY WHO to make sure you never go unnoticed.
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Discover the MATAHARI
If you’re after an all round pair that fits your personal style, check out our MATAHARI shades. Inspired by Mata Hari, who was a mysterious Dutch dancer and spy during World War I. These sunglasses are all about elegance and a bit of intrigue. They’re designed to turn heads but also keep things simple and elegant.
The MATAHARI collection comes in a bunch of cool colors: matte black for a sleek, minimalist look, or brighter shades like matt gold, orange, burgundy, and the eye-catching blue fade. The round shape flatters just about every face and adds a stylish, minimalist touch to any outfit. Whether you’re keeping that summer glow into autumn or just want a pair that always looks sharp, these shades are perfect. They’re well-made, UV-resistant, and ready for whatever the day, or season, throws at you.
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Love that classic aviator style? We’ve got you. Take a look and find your new favorite shades. Dive into our collection and discover the pair that makes you feel confident, cool, and ready for anything.
Looking for a different vibe? Find your perfect match in our other models.