December 17, 2025
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Aviator Cool: Tom Cruise’s American Optical Original Pilot Shades Fuel Mission: Impossible Prep

2 min read August 19, 2025 Jennifer Sikorski
tom cruise eyewear

Ensuring that every trivial detail in the Mission: Impossible world is just right is the highly trained job of a personality like Tom Cruise. Recently seen prepping for his helicopter stunt sequences, the man was wearing the renowned American Optical Original Pilot sunglasses—one style with military roots for maximum durability.

cruise aviators
tom helicopter

These are not the ordinary aviators. First released to military pilots back in 1958, the Original Pilot sunglasses are manufactured with a military-grade specification so as to withstand the most demanding of conditions. With regards to low-profile glass, the strong metal frame comes with bayonet arms that can fit discreetly under headgear—ideal since Cruise is famed for doing his own stunts. Gray polarized tinted lenses reduce glare and enhance vision by offering truer-to-color visibility during long shoots, under varying lighting conditions.

ao original pilot sunglasses
american optical shades

These aviators felt like an extension of Cruise: confident, rugged, and fully in charge—as he walked the runway toward his helicopter. Hardly loud and structured, yet their quality never fails to seduce with the sober sophistication of their repeating shape. Subtle glimmering finish of the glasses frame pays its due into aviation engineering details, truly testifying about the high level of commitment Cruise brings toward each film.

cruise sunglasses
sunglasses ao

More importantly, the American Optical Original Pilot captures a design heritage that recalls Cruise’s own approach toward style—classic, elegant, and absolutely built to last. In the midst of cutting-edge camera rigs and complex stunt setups, these classic aviators deliver reliable performance as they have for decades for pilots and professionals alike.

Frame Specifications:

Model: Original Pilot

Frame Colour: Silver

Colour Code: C2 BT CL GYG-P

Frame Type: Full Rim

Frame Shape: Aviator

Material: Metal

Lens Color: Green SkyMaster Glass

Polarized: No

Manufacturer: American Optical 

cruise shades

In an era in which trends die as quickly as they are born, the choice of eyewear of Tom Cruise has come to represent true staying power. The Original Pilot is not simply eyewear; it is the quintessential accessory to one about to launch into yet another hair-raising mission. Visit EyeOns to discover the assortment of similar frames to create a stylish look: https://www.eyeons.com/sunglasses/aviator/.