Timeless, durable, and effortlessly cool, pilot sunglass have conquered hearts and the fashion industry for decades. What began as a necessity for military pilots has transformed into an iconic eyewear style adored by the masses. In this blog, we chart the flight from military-grade functionality to commercial style – a journey adorned with performance and resilience.
High Flying Origins: Military Beginnings
Pilot sunglass were engineered in the 1930s to shield pilots from the sun’s harmful rays and aid in navigation by improving visibility. From their humble origins in the military to contemporary designer iterations, pilot sunglass have maintained their essence of durability, quality, and performance.
Built For Battle: Key Features Of Pilot Sunglass
- Superior UV Protection: Pilots are exposed to intense UV radiation due to the altitude at which they fly. Consequently, pilot sunglass are designed not just to minimize glare but also offer maximum UV protection, shielding the eyes and the delicate skin around them. The incorporation of UV rating standards like UV400 ensures an exceptional level of protection for all sunglasses enthusiasts.
- Durable Frame and Lens Materials: Constructed to withstand hostile environments and daily rigors, pilot sunglasses feature durable materials in their frame and lenses. Robust metal frames, often made of stainless steel or titanium, offer lightweight comfort and resistance to corrosion. Polycarbonate lenses, in turn, provide lightweight strength and impact resistance, ensuring lasting performance.
- Polarized Lenses: Many pilot sunglass are furnished with polarized lenses to reduce glare from surfaces like water or glass. This feature is crucial not only for pilots but also for anyone who spends time outdoors or driving, ensuring more comfortable and precise vision.
- Anti-Reflective Coating: The anti-reflective coating applied to the inner surface of the lenses in pilot sunglass eliminates light interference and internal reflections. It grants pilots better visual clarity, and this advantage extends to anyone seeking performance-driven eyewear.
Civilian Ode To Style: Evanescence Of Pilot Sunglass In Fashion
Pilot sunglass have soared beyond their military inception, with the timeless teardrop design achieving recognition as an epitome of chic. The following styles encapsulate the evolution from utilitarian origins to fashion-forward eyewear:
- Classic Aviators: Synonymous with the original pilot sunglasses, the classic aviators feature metal frames and teardrop-shaped lenses. Brands like Ray-Ban and AO Eyewear have upheld this iconic style, ensuring that military quality coexists with fashion sensibilities.
- Navigator Sunglasses: The Navigator style offers a contemporary spin on the traditional pilot silhouette, featuring squared lenses and often oversized frames. Exuding a suave sophistication, these sunglasses have ensnared attention from several designer brands.
- Mirrored Lenses: A dazzling addition to pilot sunglass styles, mirrored lenses aid in reducing glare while boosting the cool factor. Mirrored lenses are popularly found in a bevy of designer aviators and navigator sunglasses.