Searching for cool shades with a retro vibe, like the aviator sunglasses? While the Y2K aesthetic is gaining popularity, it’s the 70s that’s inspiring the sunglasses trends for 2024. We’re seeing the return of timeless favourites like oversized round frames, tinted lenses, and Top Gun style aviators. If you’re an avid fan of aviators, you’re in luck as I’ll be sharing the best finds from Zara, Mango, Ray-Ban, and other high-street names to help you score your perfect pair of retro sunnies.

Aviator sunglasses have undergone a fascinating evolution in the world of fashion, starting as practical eye protection for military pilots and evolving into a coveted accessory worn by celebrities and the fashion elite.

From the 1970s and beyond, aviator sunglasses became a staple for rock stars like Freddie Mercury and stylish women like Stevie Nicks and Gloria Steinem. Today, the options for aviator styles are endless, offering something for everyone’s unique taste and personal style.

Aviator sunglasses also have a classic and timeless aesthetic. The sleek and minimal design is the epitome of cool, and they are a staple accessory for anyone looking to elevate their look.

As stylish sunglasses go, they’re also practical. The large lens provides coverage and most are also polarized, reducing glare and eye strain. Not only do they look good, but they also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.

As we explore different fashion eras and trends, aviators have remained a staple in the world of eyewear. So if you’re looking for a stylish and classic pair of sunglasses, check out our edit of the best aviator sunglasses you can buy right now, from high-end brands like Ray-Ban and Saint Laurent, to budget finds from ASOS and H&M. If you love to know the current eyewear trends, learn the on-trend styles that are coming in hot in 2024. Next, discover the budget-friendly sunnies we’ve found at ASOS for £20 under.

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Shop Aviator Sunglasses

Ray-Ban RB3025 Aviator Sunglasses

Ray-Ban RB3025 aviator sunglasses, £157, Farfetch – buy now

Cop Tom Cruise’s iconic sunnies from Top Gun: Maverick with the RB3025 aviators from Ray-Ban. For £157, these sunnies are a must-buy if you want to channel that ‘cool chick from the street.’ Complete the look with a pair of crisp white tee and bootcut denim jeans or utilitarian overalls and boots, and you’re off to slay.

Poppy Lissiman Xander in Black/Latte

Xander in Black/Latte, £110, Poppy Lissiman – buy now

If you’re not a fan of the classic aviators, the Xander sunnies from Poppy Lissiman offer a fresh take on the classic. They come in three stunning colourways, but the Black/Latte combo stands out with its sleek black frame and trendy latte brown lenses.

H&M Aviator-Style Sunglasses

Aviator-style sunglasses, £5, H&M – buy now

Don’t want to splurge on aviator sunnies that break the bank? These aviator-style sunglasses from H&M are the pair you need. For only £5, you get an expensive-looking pair that have a nice and comfy fit and perfect quality. Truly a compliment-getter for your days out.

Ray-Ban Aviator-Frame Sunglasses

Aviator-frame Sunglasses, £156, Ray-Ban – buy now

Y2k sunnies are big on gradient tints. So if you’re looking for aviators with these tints, look no further than Ray-Ban’s aviator-frame sunnies. Featuring a gold-tone frame for a touch of classic Hollywood vibes.

Other Stories Rimless Aviator-Style Sunglasses

Other Stories Rimless Aviator-Style Sunglasses, £29, H&M – buy now

Another trend for y2k sunnies are rimless styles. So if you want to nail that y2k vibe in aviator style, these sunglasses from Other Stories are a must-have. Combined with smoky lenses, these sunglasses offer a timeless appeal that complements various ‘fits.

Free People Ventura Oversized Aviator Sunglasses

Ventura Oversized Aviator Sunglasses in Tort Lavender, £22, Free People – buy now

These aviator sunnies embody this year’s eyewear trend. Oversized? Check. Acetate aviator style? Check. Top bar frame? Absolutely check! The best part is that it also comes in nine other colourways, too. With a price of £22, these sunnies are not worth missing out.

Poppy Lissiman Jimbob In Brushed Torti

Jimbob In Brushed Torti, £128, Poppy Lissiman – buy now

Tortoiseshell frames never go out of style. So if you’re looking for a timeless pair of sunnies to invest, the Jimbob from Poppy Lissiman is a worthy investment. With their classic vintage style aviator frame and gradient lens, these sunnies are the perfect accessory.

Ray-Ban Tinted Aviator Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Tinted Aviator Sunglasses, £157, Farfetch – buy now

Ray-Ban’s 1985 Bill sunglasses has undergone a major upgrade with these tinted aviators from Farfetch. Unlike its predecessor, this pair now comes in tinted style and made from acetate.

Le Specs Jupiter Link in Fawn Pearl

Jupiter Link In Fawn Pearl, now £75, Le Specs – buy now

If you love statement-making sunglasses, the Jupiter Link sunnies from Le Specs are a must-have. For £75, you get a stunning pair of glasses embellished with pearl stone detailing and acetate frames linked together by a chain-link metal hardware.

Ray-Ban Aviator Classic Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Aviator Classic Sunglasses, £212, Farfetch – buy now

Ray-Ban never fails to make the classic aviator styles. So if you’re big on vintage aviators as worn by J.Lo, these aviator classic sunnies deserves a place in your wardrobe.

NA-KD Wide Wire Frame Recycled Sunglasses

Wide Wire Frame Recycled Sunglasses, now £10.46, NA-KD – buy now

Keen on sunglasses with wide frames? NA-KD has got you covered with their wide wire frame aviator sunglasses that looks elegant and sophisticated. The perfect pairing for quiet luxury vibes or edgy styles. Besides the eye-catching £10.46 price tag, these sunnies are made from sustainable materials.

Quay High Profile Polarised Aviator Sunglasses

High Profile – Polarised, £90, Quay – buy now

If you love to keep up with the trends, these polarised aviator sunglasses from Quay suits your need. Besides its tortoiseshell effect, these sunnies are oversized and feature trendy gradient lenses, making them a stylish go-to accessory.

ASOS AIRE Avior Slim Sunglasses

AIRE Aviator Slim Sunglasses in Vintage Tort, now £22.50, ASOS – buy now

The AIRE aviator slim sunnies from ASOS offer a modern twist to the classic aviators. Not only does it keep up with trends like its tortoiseshell design and gradient tints, but it also serves a cool y2k look. All that for £22.50.

ASOS DESIGN Fine Frame Aviator Fashion Glasses

ASOS DESIGN fine frame aviator fashion glasses with yellow lens, £13, ASOS – buy now

Black or brown aviator-style frames really complement well with yellow lenses, particularly in dark tints. So if you need that kind of aviator sunglasses that won’t hurt your wallet, this pair from ASOS is a real steal, for only £13.

Bershka Retro-Style Sunglasses

Retro-style sunglasses, £15.99, Bershka – buy now

But if you love tortoiseshell designed frames than the solid black or brown, Bershka has a stunning pair that you can shop for £15.99.

Saint Laurent Aviator Acetate Sunglasses

Saint Laurent Aviator acetate sunglasses, £370, MatchesFashion – buy now

Go bold and confident with these aviator acetate sunnies from Saint Laurent. For £370, they make the perfect accessory if you want to nail that mob wife look or quiet luxury vibes.

Free People City Slicker Aviator Sunglasses

City Slicker Aviator Sunglasses in Bright Spot, £24, Free People – buy now 

These City Slicker aviator sunnies from Free People are an absolute compliment-getter. They definitely evoke that y2k look, similar to what our OG Y2K queens like Paris Hilton or Britney Spears wore back in the ’00s. They’re rimless and come with pink gradient lenses. Also available in brown gradient (Mirror Mirror) lens.

Quay Backstage Pass Polarised Aviator Sunglasses

Backstage Pass – Polarised, £75, Quay – buy now

Not a fan of shiny frames or lenses? Quay’s Backstage Pass aviator sunglasses are a fantastic choice. Their super sleek and all-matte look make it a perfect accessory for all seasons.