The Ray-Ban Aviator 3025 is a timeless classic, beloved by generations of men and women across the world. Here you can find the complete review on Ray-Ban’s Aviator Sunglasses. Ray-Ban’s Aviator sunglasses were specially designed in the 1930s for US Military Aviators. Today, almost a century later, their renowned classic style can be found all over the world.
Arguably the most recognizable style of sunglasses, Ray-Ban’s Aviator sunglasses are a timeless style staple for millions of people.
Popularized by pop culture icons like Tom Cruise in the film Top Gun, these sunnies can now be found everywhere from rock shows to the catwalk.
An Overview: Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
A style subsequently emulated by other manufacturers, the original Aviator style has been going strong for decades and shows no sign of slowing.
Their thin metal frame and inverted teardrop lenses have become one of the world’s staples when it comes to metal frame designs.
There are over 40 different styles and frame/lens combinations of these classic glasses, so there is a look for just about everyone.
With so much variety, it’s just a matter of preference for style and color, but I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who doesn’t look great in aviators, so one of these options will leave you feeling fly as a pilot!
Aviator Designs
The design of these sunnies hasn’t changed much over the years.
The original 3025 has been tweaked slightly here and there, with some of the modern versions having flatter temples or added top bars.
The classic shape has a thin cylindrical metal frame, including the temples. This allows for the lens to be the real star of the show in this particular style.
Lens Technology Options
Ray-Ban Classic G-15 Lens
This lens absorbs 85% of visible light and blocks out most of the blue light. The green lens provides both improved clarity of vision, as well as excellent colour contrast, which simulates your natural vision – you will hardly know you’re looking through a lens.
Ray-Ban Classic B-15 Lens
This brown lens assures you of the same high-performance qualities as the G-15 above, with some slight differences. Using a brown lens provides greater contrast in low light conditions.
Ray-Ban Gradient Lens
There are two variants available for gradient lenses; crystal or plastic.
If you go for a crystal lens, note that they are tinted on the backside using high vacuum processes.
This enables adhesion of thin layers of oxides to the lenses, used to achieve smooth colour transitions.
The plastic Aviator lens achieves its smooth colour transition from dark to light using a chemical immersion process.
Ray-Ban Chromance Lens
These lenses have been designed using technological DNA and perfectly combine the benefits of polarized light filtering with a striking colour enhancement.
This lens makes everyday colours look extraordinary.
Ray-Ban Mirror Lens
Superheated metal oxides are fused to the lens at the molecular level to achieve a uniform layer that provides a mirror-like reflective quality.
The mirror coating reduces glare and allows you to sneak peeks at whoever you like, totally surreptitiously.
Ray-Ban Polarized Lens
Polarized light can be more easily understood in layman’s terms as ‘light that is reflected’. These lenses reduce the distracting brightness of shiny surfaces or large bodies of water.
The polarization also enhances contrasts and reduces the strain on your eyes by improving visual clarity.
Are Ray-Ban Aviators Comfortable?
Extremely! They are also adjustable to increase comfort. The comfort factor of these metal frames comes from their conveniently plastic temple tips that cover the metal frame and offer a comfortable fit against your head.
The nose pads are adjustable, allowing you to adjust them to fit your face shape precisely.
Modern aviators have become more slender and pared back than the original from almost a century ago, especially with the availability of lightweight metals like carbon and titanium.
One does need to be especially careful when looking after Aviators. But wearing them perched on top of the head can lead to bending of the thin frames or allow the nose pads to get caught in your hair, so treat these classics with the respect they deserve!
Are Ray-Ban Aviators Polarized?
Polarized lenses offer excellent protection for your eyes, and yes, Aviators do offer this added bonus in many cases.
Lenses are covered with a polarized film, which is invisible for us to notice, and this will filter out glare.
The quickest way to find out whether the glasses you’re shopping for are polarized is by looking at the Ray-Ban logo in the top left on the left lens.
Polarized lenses have a logo on the lens which says “Ray-Ban P”. The P in this instance stands for polarized.
What Sizes Do Ray-Ban Aviators Come In?
Ray-Ban Aviators come in three different sizes to suit your needs. The three available sizes are 55mm, 58mm, and 62mm.
55mm are the smallest and are great for those of us with tiny heads. The 58mm is an average size for sunglasses, most likely the option you should go for as they fit most people quite comfortably.
For those of us with larger heads, the 62mm option is also available.
Can I Adjust My Ray-Ban Aviators?
Absolutely! Adjustments can be made in two different ways. If your Aviators are not sitting comfortably on your nose, hold the metal frame in one hand and use your finger and thumb to push or squeeze the nose-pad arms in the direction you need.
If the fitting around your ears is the issue or the glasses are sitting slightly off-kilter (did you sit on your sunnies…?) you will be able to gently adjust the frame.
When doing so, ensure your movements are firm but gentle so that you don’t weaken the metal to the point that it snaps.
Some people have had good results after using a hairdryer to warm up the frame slightly. Just be wary not to burn yourself on the hot metal.
Who Are Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses Made For?
While the original intent for these sunglasses was US Air Forces pilots’ eyes, they have quickly become a welcome accessory for the casual outdoorsmen on hunting and fishing trips, or the sales rep who spends all day on the road dealing with reflections from the tar.
Rave reviews of Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses have also come from people like engineers working in the desert who have had to battle the elements.
The huge range of options means Aviators are versatile and offer protection and style no matter where you choose to wear these.
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses Product Details
- Lightweight full-rim hypoallergenic metal frames
- Acetate nose pads and ear socks
- Glass or polycarbonate lenses
- UV 400 filter for 100% UV protection
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- G-15® neutral lenses transmit all colours equally
- Arista and Black G-15 lenses are polarised for optimum visual clarity
- Brown lenses improve depth perception and contrast
- Lens base curve 6
- Genuine Ray-Ban logo and pouch
- Made in Italy
- Six months free repair for accidental damage
Verdict – Should You Buy Ray-Ban’s Aviators?
Ray-Ban’s Aviator sunglasses offer phenomenal quality, performance, and comfort. With a wide range of styles and colours available for both men and women, you can never go wrong with a pair of Aviator sunglasses.
In comparison to other similarly priced sunglass options, the quality of lenses and options like polarization stand out head and shoulders above the rest.
Whether you are a first-time buyer or a brand loyalist, Ray-Ban’s Aviators are a great choice for your next pair of sunglasses.
Where to Buy the Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
Oculux is an authorized reseller of Ray-Ban, Oakley, Arnette, and Vogue Eyewear online and has made over 11,000 customers happy over the years.
Visit the wide selection of Aviator Ray-Ban options available here.