The 7 Best Sunglasses for Pilots in 2023 and How to Pick the Right Pair

Sunglasses are more than just a stylish accessory when you’re in the cockpit—they’re an essential tool for protecting your eyes and enhancing your visibility. In addition, sunglasses can provide some relief from the bright light that comes with flying. This guide will help you understand the critical role sunglasses play in aviation and how to pick the perfect pair for your flying needs.

But which are the best sunglasses for pilots? Whether you’re a seasoned aviator or just beginning your journey into the wild blue yonder, you’ll find value in our handpicked selection of the best sunglasses for pilots in 2023.

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If you’re interested in learning what to look for when buying pilot sunglasses, make sure to read on 🙂

Why Quality Sunglasses Matter in the Cockpit

When you’re flying high above the clouds, the sun’s glare can be a significant challenge. It doesn’t just strain your eyes—it can also compromise your ability to see critical flight instruments or other aircraft. This is where high-quality sunglasses come in.

Sunglasses reduce the effects of harsh sunlight, decrease eye fatigue, and protect ocular tissues from exposure to harmful solar radiation.

Pilot sunglasses reduce glare and improve contrast, helping you navigate with ease even in bright conditions. Additionally, they shield your eyes from harmful UV radiation, which is far more potent at high altitudes. But not all sunglasses are created equal, and some types will serve you better in the cockpit than others. The right pair will not only protect your eyes but also boost your visual acuity, making each flight safer and more enjoyable. It’s about more than comfort; it’s about enhancing your performance and ensuring your safety in the skies.

Lastly, sunglasses can protect the pilot’s eyes from impact with objects (for example flying debris from a bird strike, sudden decompression, or aerobatic maneuvers).

What to Look for When Buying Aviation Sunglasses

Choosing a pair of sunglasses goes beyond picking the one that looks the coolest.

Sunglasses are such an important part of safety in the air that the FAA has published some recommendations for buying sunglasses:

Besides the above tips, we also have some suggestions of our own on what to look for when buying sunglasses for aviation:

Comfort

No matter how good the lens quality is, if your sunglasses don’t fit comfortably then they won’t be doing their job properly. When shopping for new sunglasses make sure that you try them on before purchasing them – this will ensure that they fit snugly without being too tight or causing any discomfort when wearing them for long periods of time.

Additionally, you can look for frames with adjustable nose pads so you can customize them for a perfect fit every time.

Comfortable sunglasses means a good fit, and no squeezing behind the ears.

Size

Make sure your glasses are sufficiently large so that they protect you from direct and indirect radiation. The ideal pair of sunglasses reaches from your eyebrow to the edge of your face and follows the curvature of your face to shield rays from the side as well.

Look for frames made from lightweight materials so they don’t put an unnecessary strain on your face and head when worn for long periods of time.

Also, make sure that the frames don’t obstruct your vision or interfere with any other instruments or controls in the cockpit – this could lead to distractions during critical flight operations!

UV-protection

The sun’s UV rays can be damaging to your eyes over time, so it’s important to choose sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection from harmful rays. Look for sunglasses with a label or tag that indicates this level of protection, and make sure you’re not fooled by counterfeit labels.

To get the best protection, look for a UV protection label of UV400, this will block most harmful rays.

Material & quality

Pilots operate in high-stress environments which means their accessories need to be able to handle extreme conditions, including temperature changes, windy conditions, and dust particles in the air. The frame should be lightweight yet strong enough to withstand these strenuous circumstances, while still being comfortable enough to wear during long flights.

Also, make sure you have a sturdy glasses case to store your sunglasses safely.

Polarized vs non-Polarized

When it comes to sunglasses for flying, there’s something important to keep in mind: polarization. These polarized sunglasses filter out glare, making them very popular among sportsmen who ski or do watersports. But, as you can read in the FAA recommendations above, they are no good to pilots.

The reason they are so popular is the exact reason why they are not good for us pilots: they diminish glare by blocking out horizontal light, while allowing in vertical light. This can cause issues inside as well as outside the cockpit.

How do Polarized Sunglasses Work?

Sunlight scatters in all directions. But when it strikes flat surfaces, the light that is reflected by the surfaces tends to become polarized — meaning the reflected light beams travel in a more uniform (usually horizontal) direction. This creates an annoying and sometimes dangerous intensity of light that causes glare and reduces visibility.

Polarized lenses have a special filter that blocks this type of intense reflected light, reducing glare and discomfort.

Though polarized sunglass lenses improve comfort and visibility, you may encounter some instances when these lenses aren’t advisable. One example is downhill skiing, where you actually want to see the bright patches of reflected light because they alert you to icy conditions.

Polarized sunglasses can offer great advantages when it comes to decreasing eye strain and discomfort in bright sunlight, but again, they are no good use to pilots.

Why Should you Avoid Polarized Sunglasses When Flying?

First of all, if you have a glass cockpit or GPS displays, these screens usually already have an anti-glare filter. Wearing polarized sunglasses will reduce your ability to clearly read these instruments and will interfere with your ability to read LCD screens, who emit polarized light.

Secondly, polarized sunglasses can also cause trouble when looking outside the cockpit. Pilots’ ability to spot other traffic is usually improved when there is some sort of sun glare reflecting from other aircraft by the sun. They can also alter cloud appearance and reduce ground reflections useful for VFR pilots.

Besides, these lenses can cause distortion patterns from certain laminated cockpit windshields.

All in all, polarized sunglasses are great for everything, besides flying. We, therefore, recommend you to buy non-polarized sunglasses for use inside the cockpit. We have only included those non-polarized sunglasses in the list above.

European CE norm

When buying a pair of sunglasses in Europe, you will notice a CE label that ensures that the product meets all legal requirements for safety, health, environment, and consumer protection.

The CE rating for sunglasses indicates how much sunlight will be able to pass through the lens. This is frequently denoted with % VLT (visible light transmission). It simply informs you how much light can get through; the higher the percentage, the less light it blocks.

There are five different CE categories for sunglasses and all of them have a different value of protection:

For all-day use, CE 2 sunglasses are a good option, but for sunny days on the water or in the air, we recommend wearing CE3 sunglasses.

The 7 Best Sunglasses for Pilots in 2023

Now, let’s dive into our list of recommendations if you’re looking for a (new) pair of sunglasses. In the list below, we’ve highlighted some of the best options on the market for pilots, based on factors like fit, lens type, style, and more.

1. Ray-Ban Aviator

A timeless classic with green lenses that reduce brightness without significantly altering color perception. The metal frame is sturdy but lightweight, making it perfect for long flights. The Aviator was originally designed for US pilots in 1937 to shield their eyes from high-altitude glare. Now their iconic frames are a staple in your wardrobe.

The timeless icon embodies both style and practicality.

2. Serengeti Summit Drivers

The Serengeti Summit Drivers are another exceptional pair of sunglasses from a brand well-known for its high-quality eyewear.

Tje Drivers lens is designed specifically designed for driving or flying; a photochromic, single-gradient lens, darker at the top to block the sun’s glare while lighter at the bottom to provide a clear view of the instrument panel. The driver is also NOT polarized. Polarized lenses can make it harder (even impossible) to read LCD screen-based instruments and often interfere with the view through polycarbonate or safety glass windshields such as those found in aircraft.

3. Ray-Ban Wayfarer

The Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are a timeless classic, introduced in 1952 and considered a Ray-Ban icon ever since. It combines iconic style with practical functionality. Known for their distinctive trapezoidal frame, these sunglasses offer substantial coverage and fit comfortably under most aviation headsets.

This style has been a favorite of iconic musicians and celebrities throughout the decades. The Original Wayfarer features an acetate-squared frame with a tilted lens.

4. Randolph Aviator

The Randolph Aviator sunglasses have a rich history of being a trusted choice for military pilots and astronauts, making them an excellent pick for any aviator. These sunglasses are known for their exceptional durability and clarity.

Originally built for the U.S. Military, Randolph flagship Aviator surpasses rigid military-spec standards. Standard issue since 1982, these are battle-tested and suitable for the most rigorous and demanding use. Worn by pilots, taste-makers, and those who demand the best.

5. Randolph Concorde Aviator

Named after the Concorde supersonic passenger airliner, which entered service in 1976 (four years after Randolph Engineering was founded), the Randolph Concorde is built to meet the same military standards as our classic Aviator. Featuring the iconic large teardrop shape worn by pilots during World War II, this style is loved for its fashion as well as for its sun protection.

6. Randolph Sportsman Aviator

Designed for the outdoor enthusiast, the Sportsman is an essential piece of equipment to bring on your adventures. Built to meet the same military standards as our classic Aviator, this extremely durable frame features the company’s largest lenses, a sports sweat bar, and a timeless and distinguished style.

7. Oakley Crosshair Aviator Sunglasses

Perfect for pilots who prioritize peripheral vision, the Oakley Crosshair Aviator Sunglasses are designed with an exceptional 8.75 lens curvature that offers extensive side coverage. Their Plutonite lenses not only block 100% of UV rays but also significantly enhance optical clarity—a boon for pilots navigating bright conditions or glare from water or snow.

These sunglasses also stand out with their C-5 alloy metal frame, balancing lightweight comfort with impressive durability.

Choosing the Right Pair for You

Picking the right pair of sunglasses is a personal decision and should be guided by your specific needs and preferences. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:

• Try them on: Comfort is crucial, so try on different pairs to find what fits best. Check how they feel with your headset on, too.
• Consider your typical flying conditions: If you often fly in extremely bright conditions, sunglasses with darker lenses may be beneficial. If you’re frequently changing light conditions, a medium tint might be more suitable.
• Think about your budget: Decide on a budget range before you start shopping. While it’s worth investing in a quality pair, there are excellent options in different price categories.
• Check reviews and recommendations: Look at reviews from other pilots who have used the sunglasses. Real-world experiences can provide insights that specifications and descriptions don’t.
• Consider aesthetics last: While style is important, it shouldn’t be your primary decision factor. Functionality and comfort should come first.

Remember, the right sunglasses will not only make you feel comfortable but also enhance your flight performance by improving visibility and reducing eye strain. Choose wisely, and happy flying!

Conclusion

Choosing the right pair of sunglasses is a key aspect of your flight gear. Remember, it’s not just about looking good in the cockpit; it’s about improving your visibility, reducing glare, and protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays. Your choice should strike a balance between comfort, durability, cost, and functionality. Whether you’re a student pilot or an experienced aviator, investing in a quality pair of sunglasses is an investment in safe and enjoyable flights.

So consider your options, weigh the features against your personal needs and preferences, and choose a pair that will serve you well in the skies.

If we may make a personal recommendation, we recommend going for the Randolph Engineering sunglasses. These sunglasses are US-built and meet every single requirement by the FAA, often far exceeding them. The fact that they are provided to US Air Force pilots should be enough proof these sunglasses are made for a cockpit environment.

Fly safe and clear skies!