Although American Optical has changed in both name and ownership since its conception in 1833, its spirit has never wavered. As the oldest eyewear company in the United States, William Beecher’s Massachusetts-based brand has crafted iconic sunglass styles for the commoner, military official, movie star, and pilot alike. In 2007, the outfit faced yet another closure, and now, 13 years later, they’ve decided to make a staggering comeback with three new silhouettes.
To revitalize the brand’s image and bring its iconic eyewear back into the spotlight, American Optical has introduced the Original Pilot, General, and Saratoga — three unique offerings catered toward the vintage aficionado. As you might expect, these silhouettes call upon the outfit’s timeless aesthetic, immortalized reputation, and new, mil-spec engineering practices to give them the edge they deserve. With a focus on sustainability and conscious reuse, AO has decided to renovate its traditional manufacturing process, repurposing metal and acetate scraps, water, and other byproducts (from production) in a circular fashion. Head to the brand’s website to pick up a pair of your own for $180 and up.
