I've always been drawn to aviator sunglasses—there's something undeniably cool about their classic, timeless design. But when I needed prescription glasses, I hesitated. Would aviator frames work as everyday eyeglasses for my oval face? Would they look too casual for professional settings? After wearing aviator-style prescription glasses for over a year, I have definitive answers to these questions.
My experience with aviator frames taught me that this iconic style can absolutely work for oval face shapes, but success depends on choosing the right variation and understanding how to style them. Let me share what I discovered through daily wear.
My decision to try aviator frames came from a desire for something different. I'd been wearing rectangular frames for two years, and while they looked fine, I wanted glasses that felt more like "me"—something with personality and a bit of edge.
Aviators appealed to me because they're instantly recognizable yet versatile. The teardrop shape is distinctive without being overly trendy, and the style has remained popular for decades. I figured if aviators had stood the test of time as sunglasses, they might work equally well as prescription eyewear.
I also appreciated that aviator frames come in many variations. From classic metal frames with double bridges to modern interpretations in acetate, there were plenty of options to choose from. This variety meant I could find a style that suited my oval face while matching my personal aesthetic.
Not all aviator frames are created equal, and finding the right style for my oval face required some experimentation. The classic aviator shape is a teardrop or slightly rounded rectangle, but the proportions, materials, and details vary significantly between different designs.
My first attempt at aviator frames was a failure because I chose frames that were too large. I thought bigger would look more authentic and dramatic, but on my oval face, oversized aviators looked cartoonish. The frames extended too far beyond my temples and sat too low on my cheeks.
I learned that aviator frames for everyday wear should be more moderate in size than typical aviator sunglasses. The lens height should be proportionate to your face—for my oval face, I found that a lens height of 45-50mm worked best. This provided adequate coverage without overwhelming my features.
Classic aviators feature a double bridge—two thin bars connecting the lenses across the nose. This is an iconic element of the aviator style, but I discovered it doesn't work for everyone.
The double bridge sits higher on your nose than a standard bridge, which can create fitting challenges. For my oval face, I found that a single bridge design worked better for everyday comfort, even though it's less traditionally "aviator." The single bridge provided better stability and didn't slide down my nose as much.
That said, if you love the authentic double bridge look, make sure the frames have adjustable nose pads. This allows you to customize the fit and prevent sliding, which is crucial for all-day comfort.
The teardrop shape of aviator frames creates an interesting effect on oval faces. Unlike angular frames that add structure, or round frames that emphasize softness, aviators fall somewhere in between. They have curves but also subtle angles, creating a balanced look that complements the natural proportions of an oval face.
I noticed that aviator frames draw attention to the upper part of my face—my eyes and eyebrows. The wider top and narrower bottom of the teardrop shape create a subtle lifting effect, similar to cat-eye frames but less dramatic. This is generally flattering for oval faces, as it emphasizes your eyes without disrupting facial balance.
One thing I appreciate about aviators on my oval face is that they don't make my face look rounder or longer. The shape is neutral enough to maintain my natural proportions while adding visual interest. This makes them a versatile choice that works in various settings.