Selecting Men’s Aviator Sunglasses for Every Face Shape

When it comes to making a style statement, nothing speaks louder than a pair of cool aviator sunglasses. These iconic accessories, a staple in men’s fashion since the 1930s, are a versatile addition to any outfit. Besides their aesthetic appeal, aviators also offer robust eye protection, reducing glare and blocking harmful UV rays. However, all faces are not created equal, and the design of the aviator sunglasses can significantly influence how they look on different face shapes. Understanding your face shape can help you select the perfect pair of aviator sunglasses for men.

Man smiles while wearing a pair of aviators sunglasses.

Understanding Your Face Shape

The first step in selecting the perfect pair of aviator sunglasses is recognizing your face shape. There are typically four primary face shapes: oval, square, round, and heart-shaped. Each shape has distinct characteristics that can be complemented or contrasted by the right pair of sunglasses.

  • Oval: An oval face is generally balanced with slightly wider cheekbones and an understated taper to both the forehead and jawline.
  • Square: This face shape features a strong jawline, a broad forehead, and wide cheekbones.
  • Round: Round faces are often roughly the same width and height, with fuller cheeks and a rounded chin.
  • Heart: A heart-shaped face is widest at the forehead and gently narrows through to the jawline.

Once you’ve identified your face shape, you can move on to the fun part – choosing your aviators.

Choosing Aviators for Your Face Shape

Oval Face

Lucky you! An oval face is considered the holy grail for sunglasses as most styles, including men’s aviator sunglasses, look great in this shape. Aim for aviator frames that are as wide as the broadest part of your face, or even slightly wider.

Square Face

The angular lines of a square face pair well with the softer rounded lines of aviator sunglasses. The characteristic double bridge design of aviators balances the strong jawline, while the teardrop lens shape can help to soften the face’s hard angles.

Round Face

For a round face, aim for aviator styles that are wider than they are tall to help elongate the face. Look for a pair of aviators with more squared edges to add some definition to the soft features of a round face.

Heart-Shaped Face

Heart-shaped faces, being widest at the forehead and narrowing towards the chin, can benefit from aviator styles that balance these proportions. Classic aviator sunglasses, with their wider bottom, add width lower on the face to counterbalance a narrower chin.

A Note on Color and Lens Type

After you’ve identified the right shape for your aviators, consider the color of both the frame and lens. Darker colors like black and green sunglasses provide a classic look, while gold or silver frames can lend a more refined, vintage vibe. In terms of lens type, you might opt for polarized aviator sunglasses to reduce glare, especially if you spend a lot of time driving or outdoors.

Remember, when it comes to choosing sunglasses, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in them. Keep these guidelines in mind, but don’t be afraid to break the rules and choose a pair that speaks to your individual style. After all, aviators are all about attitude!

Shop the men's aviator sunglasses collection at Zenni.