Aviator

Aviators flatter most face shapes because the teardrop curve softens angular features (square, rectangular) and adds visual length to round and oval faces. Where aviators work less well: very heart-shaped faces with narrow chins (the wide-at-top frames can emphasize the narrowness below). Try aviators with a slightly smaller lens height if you have a shorter face from forehead to chin.

Aviators were designed in 1936 for U.S. military pilots to reduce glare at high altitude — the original teardrop shape was specifically engineered to cover the full range of an aviator's downward eye movement during instrument scanning. They crossed into civilian fashion in the 1940s and have been a continuous men's style staple since. The shape itself is one of the most enduring sunglass designs in history.

Quince sunglasses use Italian acetate frames — a plant-based plastic derived from cotton and wood pulp that holds rich color, polishes smooth, and feels warmer and lighter on the face than petroleum-based plastic. Acetate is hand-polished, hypoallergenic, and durable enough for daily wear. Hinges are stainless steel with five-barrel construction for smooth opening over years of use.

Polarized lenses are available on most Quince sunglasses styles — check each product page for the polarized variant. Polarization filters out horizontal-axis glare from water, snow, roads, and car hoods, which sharpens contrast and reduces eye fatigue. For driving, water sports, and bright-sun environments, polarized is the better choice. Non-polarized lenses are slightly less expensive and work fine for general use. All Quince lenses block 100% UVA and UVB.

Yes — all Quince sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, the standard set by the American Optometric Association for sun protection. This holds true regardless of lens darkness; tint controls visible-light reduction (how dark the world looks), but UV blocking is a separate coating on the lens. Daily UV protection helps prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium — the same UV protection you give your skin.

Sunglass fit is mostly about frame width — the distance across the front of the frames should match your face width (measured temple to temple). Each Quince product page lists frame width (typically 130-150mm), lens width, bridge width, and arm length. As a general rule: 130-138mm fits narrow faces, 138-145mm fits average faces, 145mm+ fits wider faces. The arms should curve gently over the ears without pinching.