The aviator, redrawn in recycled plastic

The aviator was designed for pilots in the 1930s and has been one of the most recognisable sunglasses shapes ever since. The classic version is thin metal wire with a teardrop lens that dips towards the cheek. Our take, the Lai, keeps the double-bridge geometry and the pilot silhouette but swaps the wire for a slim rim in recycled plastic. It's still an aviator at first glance, just with more colour, a bit more presence and a lighter, more modern feel.

The Lai in six colours

Every frame in this collection is the Lai, so you're really choosing a colour. Lai Black and Lai Grey are the easy, go-with-everything options. Lai Havana brings the warmth of tortoiseshell and looks especially good with tanned skin and brown or blonde hair. Lai Green pairs a clear frame with green lenses for the transparent look, Lai Blue is a cool, summery choice, and Lai Orange with orange lenses is the most playful pair in the collection.

Which face shapes suit aviator sunglasses?

Aviators suit more faces than almost any other shape, because they combine a straight brow line with a curved lower edge.

• Oval faces can wear almost any aviator. Just keep the frame roughly as wide as your face.
• Square faces are a classic match: the rounded lower edge softens a strong jaw.
• Heart-shaped faces benefit from the way the lens tapers towards the cheek, which balances a wider forehead and a narrower chin.
• Long faces gain width from the horizontal double bridge, which breaks up the length.
• Round faces can wear aviators too. Look for a frame that isn't too small and has a clear brow line, so it adds structure instead of repeating the curves.

Not sure what your face shape is? Our guide which sunglasses suit my face? shows you how to find out in two minutes.

How to style aviators

Aviators are one of the few shapes that work equally well with a white T-shirt, a suit or a summer dress. For a relaxed look, go for Lai Havana or Lai Green with denim and linen. For something sharper, Lai Black with a dark coat or blazer keeps it clean and graphic. The coloured versions work best when the rest of the outfit is simple, so let the frame be the one bold detail. Because the Lai is made in plastic, it also sits well alongside chunky knitwear and autumn layers, not just summer outfits.

Are aviator sunglasses still in style?

Yes. The aviator never really disappears, but it changes. Heading into 2027, the trend is towards softer, chunkier aviators in warm and transparent colours rather than thin gold wire, which is exactly the space the Lai sits in. You can read more in our guide to the sunglasses trends for 2027.

Materials, UV400 and CE marking

The Lai frame is made from 100% recycled plastics: rPCTG for the front and recycled cellulose propionate for the temples, with a stainless steel core in each temple for strength and 5-barrel hinges for a stable fit. The lenses are made from recycled PMMA and have certified UV400 protection, which blocks UVA and UVB rays up to 400 nanometres. All ECO SHADES sunglasses are CE marked and come with a 2-year warranty. The price is $50 / C$60 / €29.95 / 199 kr.

FAQ about aviator sunglasses

What face shape suits aviator sunglasses?

Aviators suit most face shapes, and especially oval, square and heart-shaped faces. Round faces can wear them too if the frame has a clear brow line and isn't too small.

Are aviator sunglasses unisex?

Yes. The aviator has always been worn by both women and men, and the Lai works just as well on either.

Are aviator sunglasses still in style in 2026?

Yes. Aviators are a staple, and the current direction is softer and more colourful, with warm and transparent frames.

Are your aviator sunglasses polarised?

No, ECO SHADES lenses are not polarised. They have certified UV400 protection, which is what protects your eyes from UV. Polarisation only cuts glare from water and wet roads. Read more in are polarised sunglasses worth it?

Are plastic aviators as durable as metal ones?

A plastic aviator doesn't bend out of shape the way thin wire can. The Lai has a stainless steel core in the temples and 5-barrel hinges, and it's covered by our 2-year warranty.

Looking for another classic? Browse our wayfarer sunglasses or our round sunglasses.