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    Don Draper wears a pair of Randolph Engineering aviator frames that have been slightly modified for period accuracy.

The Aviator Spectrum

There's nothing wrong with thick-framed sunglasses, but they don't suit every guy's face. While the aviator silhouette will never go out of style, the classics are always open to reinterpretation. Lately we've been seeing a resurgence of wire-framed shades from brands like Warby Parker and designers like Thom Browne alongside tried-and-true models from the likes of Randolph Engineering and Ray-Ban. With the amount of sunshine going from scarce to plentiful, we rounded up a few frames we've got our eyes on:

 

Warby Parker, $95

Inspired by the 1920s, these lightweight stainless steel sunnies have an old school appeal.

 

Ray-Ban, $200

The originator of the aviators makes a sleek pair that fold into themselves for easy storage.

 

Oliver Peoples, $475

A forward-thinking square design sets this pair of sunglasses apart from the pack.

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Michael Bastian for RE, $165

Paying homage to a pair of Randolph frames from the '70s, these blacked-out aviators offer an urbane update.

 

Persol, $255

Get the best of both worlds with Italian-made wire aviators and attractive, tortoiseshell arms.

 

Thom Browne, $650

Handmade in Japan out of titanium, designer Browne adds his signature stripes to the earpieces.

 

Published on

May 8, 2013
 

Written by

of Valet.

 

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