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The Square-frame Aviator: Why They're Still Our Go-to Sunglasses After All These Years
Ah, how the time flies. Itโs been 6 years since the first time we wrote about the square frame aviator. Five since we showed you how Don Draper wore them in season 3. Unlike so many things in style (Wide leg! NO! Straight leg! NO! Tapered leg!) the square frame aviator has remained our go-to sunglass shape of choice. It doesnโt matter if you have a football head or a basketball head, the simple, classic look of a square frame will complement any face.
And just as weโre sticking to our guns on the shape, weโre still 100% confident on the brand. Introduced in 1956 as Flight Goggle 58, American Optics developed their โOriginal Pilotโ sunglass for maximum protection and performance for American military pilots. Eleven years later Commander Neil Armstrong donned them on the lunar surface, which are now in the Smithsonian. Plenty of imitators have popped up, many for a ton more cash.
Since AO started manufacturing these for the military there are a few options to choose from. Theyโre available in 3 sizes: 52mm, 55mm, and 57mm. For most heads, Iโd recommend the 55mm, the 52 is more of a womenโs sized frame, and the 57, while only slightly larger than the 55, is better only if youโve got a giant dome. Lens options include True Color, a distortion-free optical glass and hardened for scratch resistance; Color Correct, a polycarbonate cast injection resin forming the highest optical quality lens available; and both are offered in polarized versions. There are three temple shapes available, bayonet, shown here, wire spatula, the typical eyewear temple, and cable, the hooked wire that wraps around your ear.
The best part? The Made in the USA American Optics Original Pilot rings up at only $55 on Amazon.
But hey, if you donโt listen to us this time, weโll be back in another 6 years telling you the same thing.