Quick answer
To adjust aviator sunglasses for a secure fit, gently bend the nose pads inward or outward, warm and reshape the temple arms, and tighten or replace the nose pad screws if needed.
Why aviator sunglasses may fit loosely
Aviator frames often slip because of their large lens shape and the weight of metal or gold-plated materials. The nose pads are the primary contact point, and plastic or silicone nose pads can lose grip over time. Temple arms may also bend naturally from daily wear, causing the frame to sit unevenly. The good news is that most adjustments require no special tools.
What not to over-adjust
Be careful not to bend the frame too aggressively. Aviator frames, especially those with 22k gold plating, can tarnish or crack if stressed. Only adjust the nose pads and temple arms—never the bridge between the lenses. If the fit still feels wrong after a few gentle tweaks, visit a professional optician.
Steps to adjust aviator sunglasses for a secure fit
- Check the initial fit: Put on the sunglasses in front of a mirror. The frame should sit evenly across your face without pressing on your temples or sliding down your nose. Note where the looseness occurs so you know which part to adjust. A common mistake is adjusting the wrong part—make sure the loose spot is clearly identified first.
- Adjust the nose pads: Use your thumbs to gently push the nose pads inward toward each other for a tighter grip, or outward to widen them. Work in small increments and test the fit after each tiny movement. If the pads are silicone or plastic, you can also warm them with a hair dryer on low heat for a few seconds to make them more pliable. Over-bending can break the nose pad arm or damage the lens edge—stop as soon as the fit feels snug.
- Adjust the temple arms: If the sunglasses still slip, the temple arms may need bending. Hold the frame firmly at the hinge and bend the arm downward slightly (toward your ear) for a tighter grip behind the ear. For frames that sit too high, bend the arm upward a few degrees. Always bend at the arm's main curve, not the hinge, to avoid stress on the screw. Never bend the temple arm at the hinge—this risks loosening the screw or breaking the frame.
- Tighten or replace nose pad screws: If the nose pads feel wobbly even after bending, check the tiny screw on the pad arm. Use a mini screwdriver (often included in sunglass repair kits) to tighten the screw clockwise. If the screw is stripped or missing, replace it with a similar size from a repair kit. A common oversight is assuming the nose pad is loose due to bend, when the screw simply needs a half-turn.
- Final test and re-check: Wear the adjusted sunglasses for a few minutes, shake your head gently from side to side, and tilt your head forward. If they remain in place without slipping, the fit is secure. If not, repeat the relevant step with a slightly bigger adjustment. Test the fit while looking down, as that motion often triggers slippage. If they still slip, return to step 2 or 3.
Helpful product features
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Freedom Apollo 22k Aviator Sunglasses: The Freedom Apollo 22k Aviator Sunglasses have 22k gold-plated frames and adjustable nose pads. Gold-plated frames require careful handling during adjustments to avoid scratching or bending the plating.
Freedom Apollo 22k Aviator Sunglasses
