Pilot sunglasses—often called aviators—have been in continuous production for nearly a century, and they've never really gone out of style. The teardrop lens, the double bridge, the thin metal frame: it's a design so well resolved that most houses eventually make their own version of it.

The pilot sunglasses collection at Eyeluxx brings together this shape from houses across the series—Marc Jacobs' pilots, Jimmy Choo's aviator-inspired metals, Thom Browne's refined aviators, Oliver Peoples' aviator-inspired frames and others. Here's how to choose one.

Pilot vs Aviator: A Note on Terms

The two terms are often used interchangeably, and in practice they largely overlap. Both describe the teardrop-lens, double-bridge silhouette that originated in military aviation.

Where a distinction exists: "pilot" is sometimes used more broadly to include squarer navigator styles and metal frames with a defined top bar, while "aviator" tends to refer specifically to the classic teardrop. In most collections, the terms are used loosely.

Who It Suits

The shape is unusually forgiving. The teardrop is wider at the top than the bottom, which balances a broad brow and softens a strong jaw.

Round faces benefit from the angled lower edge, which adds definition.

Square and angular faces are eased by the curved lens lines.

Oval faces can wear any variant.

Heart-shaped faces do especially well, since the teardrop balances a wider forehead against a narrower chin.

The Variants Worth Knowing

Classic teardrop. The original—double bridge, thin metal frame, teardrop lens. The most versatile option.

Navigator. A squarer take, with a straighter top bar and more angular lens. Suits rounder faces particularly well.

Oversized pilot. Larger lenses and a bolder profile. More statement.

Acetate pilot. The shape rendered in thick acetate rather than metal—heavier, warmer, more casual.

Combination frames. Metal fronts with acetate temples, or the reverse.

Check the Numbers

Every product page lists lens width, bridge width and temple length. Compare against a pair you already own.

This matters especially with pilots. Classic aviators often run 58–62mm in lens width, while smaller faces suit 55–58mm. A 5mm difference changes how the frame sits entirely.

Materials

Metal — the traditional material. Light, refined, and the reason the shape works with tailoring. Titanium versions are lighter still.

Acetate — bolder, with more colour and weight. Suits casual outfits and statement styling.

Combination — a middle ground between lightness and presence.

Don't Assume Every Pair Has the Same Lenses

UV400 protection is standard on current models. But polarization and lens coatings vary by style, even within the same house. Confirm specifications on each listing.

The Fit Check

• Does it sit on the bridge without sliding?

• Do the temples press behind the ears?

• Do the lenses cover the eyes without dominating the face?

• Does the double bridge sit comfortably across the nose?

• Can you raise your eyebrows without the frame moving?

If any answer is no, the frame is the wrong size.

Styling a Pilot Frame

The pilot is one of the few shapes that works with everything—denim and a t-shirt, a suit, a leather jacket. That versatility is its real appeal. A metal teardrop in black or gold is the safest long-term choice; acetate and oversized versions are more statement-driven.

Looking After Them

Clean lenses only with a microfiber cloth and proper lens solution—never a shirt hem, which can strip coatings and mirror finishes. Store in a rigid case rather than a soft pouch; thin metal frames can bend, and acetate can warp under pressure.

A Note on Authenticity

Popular designer frames attract counterfeits. Authentic pieces carry crisp engraving on the inner temple with model and colour codes, and hardware that's precisely finished. Buy from an authorised retailer.

For the full range, see the pilot sunglasses collection at Eyeluxx.

The Takeaway

Pilot sunglasses have survived a century because the shape works—forgiving on face shape, adaptable across outfits, and available in variants to suit most tastes. Start with a classic metal teardrop, and you'll have a pair that works for years.

Ready to explore? Browse the full pilot sunglasses collection at Eyeluxx, or compare shapes across their aviator and round collections.