The best aviators serve a purpose beyond just looking cool -- though they do that too. Ever since the aviator was introduced by Ray Ban for Air Force pilots, it has been providing both excellent form and function in a variety of styles. Here we take a look at some of the best aviators around.

Ray Ban Aviators were designed for the Air Force 70 years ago and instantly became a classic. Since then, their design hasn't changed and they've managed to avoid looking dated. Chances are, 70 years from now they'll still be cool. Ray Ban Aviators are a great investment -- just don't forget to take them out of your back pocket when you sit down.

Gucci isn't known for subtlety in anything, but its 1852/S aviators are noticeably restrained and classic in design. The light, ultra-thin frames are balanced by a relatively thick bridge in a detail-heavy design.

The 70's are coming back! The runways of Milan were filled with 70's inspired styles this year and what better way to get that trendy look than by channelling your inner-Pacino with these unique wraparound aviators. Their shape prevents distortion and looks great on guys who need to balance a square face with round frames.

These tortoise-shell aviators by Oliver Goldsmith are named after a craftsman named Carl who worked for the company in the sixties. But it's the Zeiss lenses that make these aviators unique -- they're scratch-resistant, graduated lenses that render reality extraordinarily vivid. They'll look good on you and make everything around you look good too.

Robert Marc has developed a reputation for durable, detailed, and well-crafted sunglasses. There are plenty of flashy sunglasses around, but the logo-free, handmade frames of these aviators provide a welcome respite from that ostentation.

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