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EYEWEAR THAT MAKES HISTORY
Originals
There’s a reason some things never go out of style. Marrying form, function, and quality, AO sunglasses have the power to last through the decades. It’s not about fads, it’s about creating designs that stand the test of time.
Since 1833
WEAR A PIECE OF HISTORY
One of our most iconic styles the Saratoga was made an icon by JFK and his relaxed American style.
Our Saratoga sunglasses are handcrafted in AO’s US factory from the finest globally-sourced acetate and feature sturdy, German seven-barrel hinges.
A COMMANDING POLITICAL LOOK
Malcolm X's dark suit, tie, and strong browline glasses became a symbol of his work to advance civil rights. He built quite a wardrobe of these items, matching different color Sirmont glasses to different suits and ties.
Browline glasses refer to a style where the upper rim of the frame is much thicker than the lower portion. Traditionally, the upper browline is constructed from acetate and the remainder of the rim and the bridge are made of metal.
Apocalypse Now
The Life Aquatic
Taxi Driver
Vertigo
First Man
Oppenheimer
The Life Aquatic
Apocalypse Now
Taxi Driver
Vertigo
First Man
Oppenheimer
The Lincoln Lawyer
Jack Ryan
The Messenger
Project Mercury
NASA
US Navy
Jack Ryan
The Lincoln Lawyer
The Messenger
Project Mercury
NASA
US Navy
Apollo Program
The A-Team
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Project Gemini
S.W.A.T.
US Army
The A-Team
Apollo Program
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Project Gemini
S.W.A.T.
US Army
For All Mankind
Apollo 13
Tropic Thunder
Skylab
Easy Rider
The Chase For Carrera
Apollo 13
For All Mankind
Tropic Thunder
Skylab
Easy Rider
The Chase For Carrera
Malcolm X
Mad Men
US Air Force
The Best of Enemies
The Right Stuff
Space Shuttle Program
Mad Men
Malcolm X
US Air Force
The Best of Enemies
The Right Stuff
Space Shuttle Program
JFK sailing 'Manitou' in the Saratoga, 1962.
Paul Newman on set on set, 1970.
Walt Cunningham on board Apollo 7, 1968.
NASA in Arizona, 1972
one small step for man
One giant leap for American optical
Formerly known as the FG-58, Original Pilot gold square aviator sunglasses were first developed in 1958 for the needs of American military pilots. By 1969, they had been to the moon as part of the survival kits of all Apollo astronauts.
'style is what your are' - truman capote
Straight out of the archives, these frames demonstrate clearly that classic never goes out of fashion. Based on an AO style once called the "Sampson", this shape was essential to the distinct appearance of mid-century writer Truman Capote.
Not only was Truman Capote a renowned author, his perosnal style was legendary. It therefore comes as no surprise that he opted for AO frames.
The quintessential aviator from the company that originated the style. AO’s teardrop sunglasses are named to honor none other than General Douglas MacArthur who was known to wear American Optical aviators in WWII. The General has been a favorite of U.S. military pilots for more than 50 years now.
Bold, masculine, sporty.
In 1952 American Optical gifted Ted 'The Kid' Williams, of the Boston Red Sox, a pair of Times frames. He loved them so much he bought 12 to give to his fishing buddies. What a guy!
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