Aviator vs Navigator Sunglasses
Aviator and Navigator sunglasses are two of the most iconic eyewear styles, each with distinct features, histories, and designs. This guide will explore the differences and similarities between these two styles, including their origins, design elements, functional aspects, and face shape suitability. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which style best suits your needs and preferences.
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Aviator vs Navigator: History and Origins
Aviator Sunglasses:
Aviator sunglasses were originally designed in the 1930s for military pilots. Developed by Bausch & Lomb, they aimed to protect pilots’ eyes from the intense sunlight encountered at high altitudes. The teardrop shape of the lenses helped provide maximum coverage, preventing light from entering from any angle. Their popularity soared post-WWII, with civilians adopting the style for its unique, stylish look. Over time, Aviators became synonymous with both functionality and fashion, often associated with pilots, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Navigator Sunglasses:
While less steeped in military history, Navigator sunglasses offer a modern twist on traditional eyewear. Designed with a squarer frame and a more structured lens shape, they evolved as a functional alternative to Aviators. Navigators were primarily developed for driving and general use, offering a sleeker, more contemporary design without losing practical benefits like sun protection. With their origins in the 20th century, Navigators are seen as a versatile option for various outdoor activities.
Aviator vs Navigator: Design Features
Lens Shape:
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Aviators: Feature a teardrop-shaped lens that offers broader coverage, ideal for blocking light from different angles.
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Navigators: Come with squarer lenses, offering a more structured and sleek design, with a focus on forward vision.
Frame Materials:
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Aviators: Typically feature thin, lightweight metal frames (commonly stainless steel or titanium) to enhance their classic, minimalistic look.
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Navigators: Available in both metal and plastic frames, offering a range of lightweight to sturdier options for different preferences.
Aesthetic Appeal:
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Aviators: Known for their timeless, iconic look, these sunglasses are popular for their association with military and outdoor styles.
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Navigators: Offer a more modern and sleek design, with a square shape that gives them a clean, sophisticated aesthetic.
Aviator vs Navigator: Functional Aspects
When choosing between Aviator and Navigator sunglasses, understanding their functional aspects is key. Both styles offer excellent protection and advanced lens technologies, but they cater to different activities and preferences.
Aviator Sunglasses:
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UV Protection:
Aviator sunglasses are equipped with UV400 protection, which blocks 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. This feature is crucial for anyone spending extended time outdoors, as it helps prevent eye damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. -
Lens Technology:
Revo’s Aviator sunglasses are designed with advanced lens technologies that provide superior protection and visual clarity. They feature NASA-based polarized lenses that effectively reduce glare from reflective surfaces, enhancing visibility in challenging light conditions. These lenses also include mirror coatings, such as Blue Water and Graphite, which are engineered to amplify contrast and color accuracy while further minimizing glare. Also, some Revo Aviators come with photochromic lenses that automatically adjust their tint in response to changing light conditions, ensuring optimal vision whether under direct sunlight or in dimmer environments. -
Activities:
The design of Aviator sunglasses makes them particularly suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. Their large, wrap-around lenses provide extensive coverage, protecting the eyes from light entering at different angles. This makes them a favorite among pilots, who need clear, unobstructed vision in high-glare environments. Aviators are also popular for sports like running, cycling, and hiking, where full coverage and reduced glare are essential.
Navigator Sunglasses:
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UV Protection:
Like Aviators, Navigator sunglasses are designed with UV400 protection, ensuring that your eyes are fully protected from both UVA and UVB rays. This makes them equally effective in safeguarding your eyes from potential sun damage, whether you're driving on a bright day or enjoying casual outdoor activities. -
Lens Technology:
Revo’s Navigator sunglasses are equipped with state-of-the-art lens technologies designed to enhance visibility and reduce glare. These sunglasses feature polarized lenses that are highly effective at minimizing glare from reflective surfaces like car hoods and roadways, ensuring a clearer and more comfortable view. Many Navigator lenses include anti-reflective coatings that prevent light from bouncing off the inside of the lenses, further reducing visual distractions and improving clarity, especially in situations where forward visibility is critical. -
Activities:
Navigators are designed with a squarer lens shape that offers a more structured field of vision, making them especially well-suited for driving. The shape allows for better forward visibility, reducing peripheral distractions and ensuring a clear view of the road ahead. Beyond driving, Navigators are also ideal for general use and casual outdoor activities, such as walking, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a sunny day.
Check Out REVO’s Technology in Sunglasses
Aviator vs Navigator: Style and Face Shape Suitability
When choosing between Aviator and Navigator sunglasses, it's important to consider how each style complements different face shapes and fashion preferences. Both styles are versatile, but their distinct designs make them more suitable for specific facial structures.
Aviator Sunglasses:
Aviators, with their iconic teardrop shape, offer a classic look that suits a variety of face shapes. Their rounded design is particularly effective at balancing and softening facial features.
- Oval Faces: Aviators enhance the natural symmetry of oval faces, making them a universally flattering choice.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: The wide top and narrow bottom of Aviators balance heart-shaped faces, drawing attention away from a broader forehead.
- Square Faces: The rounded edges of Aviators soften the strong angles of square faces, creating a more harmonious appearance.
Navigator Sunglasses:
Navigators feature a squarer lens shape and a more structured frame, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic. This style is well-suited for adding definition and structure to various face shapes.
- Round Faces: The angular design of Navigators adds definition, helping to elongate round faces and create a more balanced look.
- Oval Faces: Like Aviators, Navigators maintain the symmetry of oval faces, but with a sharper, more contemporary edge.
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Navigators balance the wider forehead and narrower chin of heart-shaped faces, adding structure to the lower face.
Learn more about choosing Sunglasses for Your Face Shape.
Aviator vs Navigator: User Reviews and Expert Opinions
Aviator Sunglasses:
Users frequently praise Aviator sunglasses for their timeless design and comfort. One customer reported, “Great frame fit, sturdy construction, and lenses that highlight Revo quality.”
“Tough, durable, and cool — they fit the bill for everything from hiking to driving to a quick trip to the river. The lens technology is definitely up to snuff to get the job done and give you the look of the coolest ’80s action star. Win-win.” –Gear Junkie
Navigator Sunglasses:
Navigator sunglasses are often commended for their sleek, modern look and practical functionality, especially in driving scenarios. One user review for the Horizon Navigator sunglasses said, “Probably the best pair of sunglasses I have ever had! They look fantastic & the lenses are amazing”.
Another Revo customer highlighted the Harrison Navigators for their high-quality construction and sharp visual clarity, saying, “The crystal glass lenses offer incredible definition, and they’re perfect for both bright and low-light conditions”.
“Revo's impact-resistant, polarized sunglasses are a great option for anyone who lives an active lifestyle and needs some eye protection” –Harper’s Bazaar
Aviator vs Navigator Sunglasses - Frequently Asked Questions
Aviators have teardrop-shaped lenses and thin metal frames, while Navigators have squarer lenses and can feature both metal and plastic frames.
Aviators are ideal for oval, heart, and square face shapes due to their rounded lens design.
Yes, the squarer lenses and sleek design of Navigators make them particularly suitable for driving by providing excellent forward vision and reducing glare.
Yes, both styles offer UV400 protection, blocking 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Yes, both Aviator and Navigator sunglasses often come with polarized lenses for enhanced glare reduction.
Your choice should depend on your face shape, personal style, and intended use. Aviators offer a classic, versatile look, while Navigators provide a modern, sleek design ideal for driving.