Ray-Ban developed aviator sunglasses in 1937 to mimic flying glasses sold to the Navy and Army. They feature thin wire frames, bulged lenses, and large dark lenses. They became popular with law enforcement officials and celebrities and are still used in modern fashion.
In 1937, the Ray-Ban eyewear company developed a style of sunglasses known as aviator sunglasses, or “aviators” for short. They are characterized by their thin wire frames, often black or gold in color, and their large dark lenses that are about three times the size of the average human eye socket. Some versions actually have reflective lenses instead of just having dark lenses.
Another traditional feature of aviator sunglasses is their bulged lenses. While traditional glasses and sunglasses are fitted with flat lenses, aviators have lenses that bulge slightly outward. This design allows for maximum coverage of the eye area.
The original aviators were designed to mimic the flying glasses that Ray-Ban sold to the Navy and Army. Although the goggles were effective and intended to block the pilots’ eyes from glare and strong sunlight, they left an undesirable tan on their faces. Their faces would tan in the sun as they flew, but the large area around their eyes that was protected by the glasses was still more beautiful than the rest of their skin. Aviator sunglasses were developed to let some sun in, allowing the skin around your eyes to darken to match the rest of your face, but to hide your goofy-looking tan in the meantime.
By 1941, the glasses that designed aviator sunglasses were no longer in use. However, these sunglasses had become very popular, especially among naval aviators. They are still worn by aviators today. Also, they have become popular with law enforcement officials. Many American police officers can be seen wearing these sunglasses. In fact, it seems to have become a stereotype that American police officers and policewomen wear them. On the comedy television show Reno 911, which mocks police officers through stereotypes, many of the main characters wear aviators.
After becoming popular within the Army and Navy, aviator sunglasses became very popular within the civilian community. In fact, they are still used to affect modern fashion statements. Since their development, they have been worn by many celebrities and notables. Michael Jackson, Tom Petty, Freddy Mercury, Axl Rose, Kanye West, and Jim Morrison are examples of popular musicians who have been seen wearing this style of sunglasses, or even included it as part of their standard wardrobe.
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