Aviator style sunglasses

Aviator style sunglasses, also known as “drops” – a model of sunglasses manufactured by Ray Ban Company. A characteristic feature of aviator style sunglasses are huge lenses (two to three times more than eye socket), often tinted or with a mirror coating and a thin wire frame with curved arches. Contemporary models are gold aviator sunglasses or silver aviator sunglasses, metal aviator sunglasses, small aviator sunglasses, plastic aviator sunglasses and classic aviator sunglasses. They often polarized, and sometimes even with dioptre. They miss no more than 20% of light rays – hence the name of the company (Ray Ban).

The best aviator sunglasses owe their name drop-shaped form that is favorite for military and naval aviators. Their only disadvantage – untanned skin around the eyes (but it also means that they do not transmit UV light).

Aviator style sunglasses was invented in 1936, but until 1938 they were only available to pilots, and have not yet entered in wide application.

According to legend, the pilots at that time did not wear sunglasses during the flight, as they interfered with a counter-notice aircraft or readings. But the need for sunglasses for pilots began when military pilots noticed that the daily flights, need protection from bright sunlight. For example, there are reports that in 1937, Lieutenant John MacCready flew in a balloon, and complained that the sun shines directly into his eyes. He got in touch with the company Ray Ban sunglasses and ordered aviator style sunglasses that are not only protective, but look also elegant. They were in a light metal frame (metal aviator sunglasses) weighing only 150 grams with the lenses of mineral glass.

American military pilots, liked this style immediately. Such sunglasses are known as vintage aviator sunglasses as well.
It is known that during the Second World War, General Douglas MacArthur landed on the Philippines. The newspapers at once came a few photographs of him in classic aviator sunglasses with a gilded frame and green lenses (gold aviator sunglasses), which do not miss the ultraviolet and infrared rays of the sun as well.
Huge lenses are made not flat but slightly convex. This is in order to cover the surface of the eye (big aviator sunglasses) and do not transmit light in the eye sockets from all sides. And so far, this model is in demand in both military and civilian pilots, as well as for the shooting.
The classic aviator sunglasses are also popular among American police officers.
In the 1960′s – 1980′s classic aviator sunglasses became fashionable thanks to many celebrities, including Paul McCartney (with a mirror finish), Ringo Starr (gradients), Alexander Gradskij (dark diminutives), Urmas Ott (transparent magnifying) and others.

Related links:
Vintage aviator sunglasses
Classic aviator sunglasses