A brief history of Aviator Sunglasses for Men – the Origin of Pilot Shades

Did you know that the aviator sunglasses which are also know as pilot shades, have been around for quite some time now? In fact, they have been around ever since the 1930’s. The evidence for the same can be seen in some of the movies of olden days. Recently, as more and more number of celebrities are using pilot shades as a fashion statement, Kanye West and Britney Spears to name a few, the general public seems to be catching the trend quickly. Movies like Top Gun have also played a vital part in popularization these shades.

Originally developed to be used by pilots during their flight missions, Ray Ban was the first to manufacture a pair of aviator sunglasses dating way back in 1936. Now we know why Ray Ban is such a house-hold name world over. These aviator shades were very comfortable to wear and also protected the pilots from the dangerous rays of the sun especially during their high-air flight missions. These lenses were very durable and impact proof as well.

The basic design of these pilot shades haven’t changed a great deal which is evidently seen even today. The design of the pilot shades were fundamentally based off goggles that were used by the U.S. Military during the early days. In fact, even today, pilots from world over are been recommended to use a pair of aviator sunglasses for men, not merely for its comfortability, but also for its ability to guard the pilots’ eyes from the dangerous rays of the sun.

After a year of its first production, these pilot shades were made available publicly by Ray Ban and hence the popularity of the brand name – Ray Ban. Interestingly, even today, the Smithsonian museum in Washington, D.C. has a pair of pilot shades used by the NASA astronauts while on their mission to the moon.

Going by the history and seeing the current trend, we can surely say that ever since its inception, aviator sunglasses for men continues to remain in style with people from all the nook and corners of the world. With the availability of so many different models, varieties and styles, one can confidently conclude that these Aviator sunglasses are to stay here forever and ever.