Looking for suggestions for a pair of aviator-style sunglasses.

June 23, 2013 6:23 AM

Need suggestions for a pair of "aviator-style" sunglasses that will fit my face.

Ok, I have several pairs of sunglasses that I wear, however, most of them are "active" type glasses; ones that I wear running, cycling, etc, and I also use them in my car, etc. I was recently at a couple of work functions in the daytime and realized that my more sporty type glasses just didn't fit with my work clothes, etc. Therefore, I am in the market for a new pair.

I was recently on a trip to the US (I live in Canada) and I visited an Oakley store. I browsed their entire line and I found the perfect pair for me - the Oakley Crosshair 2.0. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to get back to the store before I had to fly home. I didn't figure this to be a big deal as I thought that I would order them from the online store when I got home (there are no Oakley stores for thousands of miles close to my home). Anyway, I was sadden to find out when I got home that Oakley no longer sells the ones that I want (Frame: Lead, Lens: Ice).

Therefore, I am looking for recommendations of an aviator type sunglasses to wear. After checking out ones at the Oakley store, I realized that for my face (which is round and small), a smaller pair of glasses is what I am looking for. Also, the square lens suit me a lot better, vs. the larger rounder, more Top Gun style aviator style glasses, unless Ray Ban makes them in a smaller size?

I just did a quick google search and the style that Leonardo DiCaprio wore in Blood Diamond is sort of the style that I am looking for.

Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations for a pair that might suit me? The brand doesn't matter - Oakley, Ray Ban, etc, but I am not looking to pay more than $200 - I would prefer to pay a LOT less if possible, and I would have to buy them online, which makes me nervous as i would like to be able to try them on first, etc. So a company with affordable shipping to Canada would be an asset.

Hopefully someone can help.

Thanks!

posted by dbirchum to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

I like my Xoor by Polaroid:
Link
posted by Akke at 6:27 AM on June 23, 2013

Best answer: I recommend Randolph Engineering whenever someone asks this question.
posted by deanc at 6:29 AM on June 23, 2013 [1 favorite]

AO Eyewear
posted by jmfitch at 6:42 AM on June 23, 2013

Best answer: Seconding Randolph Engineering. I bought a pair after seeing a recommendation in a much older Ask, and I'm very happy with them. Also, you'd be avoiding supporting the Luxottica near-monopoly (which apparently owns both Ray-Ban and Oakley).
posted by Logophiliac at 8:13 AM on June 23, 2013

Best answer: I also bought a pair of the Randolph aviator style glasses, and I like them a lot. Plus, they're manufactured in Massachusetts if supporting North American manufacturing is important to you.
posted by backseatpilot at 8:35 AM on June 23, 2013

If you go back to Ray-Bans, there are the Olympians.
/Don Draper
posted by oflinkey at 9:03 AM on June 23, 2013

Response by poster: Hey all.

Thanks for the replies. Please keep them coming!

Seems like the Randolph's are a popular suggestion. Never heard of them until today. Interesting.

Side note - has anyone ever bought from opticsplanet.com?

Just curious.
posted by dbirchum at 9:33 AM on June 23, 2013

Best answer: nthing Randolph. They're fantastic. I found them after asking for help identifying a pair I saw on TV. Bought directly from them, so no history with opticsplanet.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 9:45 AM on June 23, 2013

Response by poster: Ok. I have decided to go with the Randolph Enginnering Aviator's.

Any pointers about sizes? Or lens color options?

Thanks,
posted by dbirchum at 7:27 PM on June 23, 2013

One note about the Aviators: they are designed with the bayonet (straight-back) arms so that they can be put on and taken off while wearing a helmet and earphones. If you will not be doing anything terribly athletic while wearing them, they'll be fine; however, they won't be quite as secure as arms that drop down behind your ear, or spring arms that wrap around the back of the ear.

Great glasses, though.
posted by dinger at 10:10 AM on June 24, 2013

You can order them with standard arms from the manufacturer's website, actually. Also there are several options for frame finish and lens types!

I went with the standard grey polycarbonate lens, but there are polarized and mirror finish options if you want them. I think they all block the same levels of UV.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:49 AM on June 24, 2013

Response by poster: Bought a pair of Randolph's, got them in the mail a couple of days ago and have been wearing them ever since! MUCH better than I expected. Thanks for all who recommended them and helped!!
posted by dbirchum at 6:01 AM on July 24, 2013