Pilot sunglasses

You can’t mistake pilot sunglasses for any other pair. Their teardrop-shaped lenses and slim metal frames, inspired by aviation, have made them a classic style also known as “aviateur” in France or “aviator” among American brands. On Mymonture, discover a wide selection of pilot sunglasses from the biggest brands, for both men and women.

Aviator sunglasses born in the cockpits

The story begins in 1937, when Ray-Ban designed sunglasses for U.S. military pilots to protect their eyes at high altitudes. The lenses feature a teardrop shape that conforms to the field of vision and also protects the eyes when looking downward—a detail designed to facilitate reading the cockpit instruments. After the war, the style gained popularity among the general public, and American cinema cemented its status—from heroes in aviation films to stars who never took them off in everyday life. Now a timeless classic among sunglasses, they have since been adopted by most major brands—from historic eyewear manufacturers to fashion houses—each adding its own materials and color palettes.

Choosing the Right Aviator Sunglasses

The first consideration is your face shape. Aviator sunglasses suit most face shapes; their downward-sloping lines soften square or angular faces, and their curves balance out oval faces. The only real consideration is that, on a small face, lenses that are too wide will extend beyond the temples, so be sure to compare the listed sizes before making a decision. Next comes intended use. Whether you’re driving or spending the summer by the water, polarized lenses eliminate glare that strains the eyes. For a bolder style, mirrored lenses are the way to go, while gradient tints preserve the retro spirit of the original design. Finally, while the aviator remains a staple of men’s sunglasses, women’s collections have widely embraced it, in delicate or decidedly oversized versions. And for those who wear prescription lenses, most frames can be fitted with lenses tailored to your prescription, including progressive lenses.

Mymonture, your online optician for pilot sunglasses

On this page, you’ll find the direct descendants of the original—led by Ray-Ban and joined by eyewear brands such as Persol, Carrera, Maui Jim, and Vuarnet—as well as more fashion-forward or luxurious interpretations from Paul & Joe, Porsche Design, and Chopard. No matter which pair you choose, you’ll order it from an online optician approved by French national health insurance, with certified and guaranteed frames. Our licensed opticians are available to advise you on size and tint or to confirm that a model can be fitted with prescription lenses, and the third-party payment system deducts your supplementary health insurance providers' coverage directly upon ordering, with no upfront costs.

Ninety years after their first flight, pilot sunglasses have lost none of their appeal. If you prefer a frame that stands out from this timeless classic, discover our stylish sunglasses with more unexpected designs. And to incorporate this style into your everyday look, pilot-style eyeglasses round out the collection.