Aviators are quite possibly the most sought after sunglasses since…well, ever.  People still refer to them as “pilot’s glasses,” because they were popularized by hot pilots in the 1930s like Leonardo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You Can.

Originally developed in 1936 by Bausch & Lomb, aviators have since become one of Ray-Ban’s main icons. Aviators are super versatile; you can wear ’em to complete your best #streestyle #OOTD post, rock them at Bluesfest, or to the grocery store sans-makeup. Everyone and their mom has aviators, and you should too.

I’ve been working in optics since 2011, and it took me this long to realize that just cause I can’t wear the aviator classic, doesn’t mean I can’t wear them at all! Let’s be honest—the original gold and green Ray-Ban aviators just aren’t for everyone… So, what’s the perfect aviator for your face shape, you ask?

Well let me tell you:

If your face is round like mine, then you’ve got to get your hands on a pair of Salt Optics. Hirschfelders. Hirsch-what? Yeah, you heard me, Hirschfelder. Round faces look best with a rectangular frame to add some angles and elongate the face. SALT Optics is an independent optics company that specializes only in glasses. That means you won’t be finding their brand on a purse or elsewhere—they only do glasses and boy, do they do them well.

If your face is oval, you can get away with anything, you lucky duck. That’s right! I call it the Ryan Gosling face because you can put on anything and still look like a million bucks. I’d probably recommend the Ray-Ban Aviator Classic because it’s iconic and you’re pretty much the only face shape that can rock it.

 

If your face is square, then go for something with softer edges. I’d recommend the Salvatore Ferragamo aviators that incorporate the classic pilot look with rounded edges. When you have more of a square face, glasses with softer lines won’t compete with your high cheekbones and strong jawline.

If your face is heart-shaped, choose aviators that are slightly wider than your forehead. Any oversized aviator will do—but if I had to choose, it’d be the Tom Ford Andy. The science behind my suggestion? By drawing attention to the upper portion of your face, you’ll reduce the emphasis on a narrow chin. Avoid anything with very sharp angles, and focus on highlighting those cheekbones.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t pull off aviators.

‘Cause you can and really should.

We’ll be seeing you!
Kaytlyn