Aviators still the last word in sunglasses, from Tom Cruise’s classic Ray-Bans in the Top Gun films to Pedro Pascal’s designer shades – plus models by Louis Vuitton and Cartier

May 16 , 2025

Tom Cruise wore Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses in the 1986 film Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, showing how the classic look has lost none of its appeal over the decades. Photo: TNS

Louis Vuitton LV Hit and Cartier Eyewear bring big-name recognition, while glasses like the Jarvis from eyewear specialist Linda Farrow show the lasting appeal of the aviator look

Aviators have long been a signature look in sunglasses. For confirmation, just look at the long career of action man Tom Cruise. He wore classic Ray-Ban Aviators in the original 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, and 36 years later, donned the very same model for 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. Not that Ray-Bans are your only option …

1. Linda Farrow Jarvis

Linda Farrow Jarvis sunglasses. Photo: Handout

These Jarvis sunglasses (US$911) are from luxury eyewear specialist Linda Farrow – superbly fashioned pieces designed in London and made in Japan. Actor Pedro Pascal wore a similar pair in Los Angeles this spring.

2. Ray-Ban Aviators

Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses. Photo: Handout

Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses (US$157), available at Mr Porter, are classic and made to last. Then, of course, there is the aforementioned Tom Cruise connection, the leading man having worn them in Top Gun films 36 years apart. They feature refined design details, including polished gold metal frames and green lenses.

3. Cartier Eyewear

Cartier Eyewear Pilot-frame sunglasses. Photo: Handout

Cartier Eyewear’s designs are just as striking as the maison’s signature timepieces. These Pilot-frame sunglasses (US$1,280) are accented with exposed screw details and a sophisticated brow bar.

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