Aviator sunglasses are characterized by their thin wire frames, often black or gold in color, and large dark lenses that are approximately three times larger than the average human eye socket. Some aviator sunglasses actually have reflective lenses instead of simply having dark lenses.

Another traditional feature of aviator sunglasses is their bulging lenses. While traditional glasses and sunglasses are fitted with flat lenses, aviator sunglasses have lenses that bulge outward slightly. This design allows for maximum coverage of the eye area.