Brad Pitt has a knack for making a good pair of sunglasses memorable on screen. From the effortless 1960s style of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to his more recent appearances in F1, his eyewear often attracts almost as much attention as his wardrobe.
His latest film, Heart of the Beast (2026), is no exception.
Directed by David Ayer, the survival thriller follows James Belmont (Brad Pitt), a former Special Forces soldier stranded in the Alaskan wilderness following a plane crash with his combat dog, Odin.
And amongst the rugged outdoor clothing and practical accessories, there's a particularly familiar pair of aviator sunglasses.
What Sunglasses Does Brad Pitt Wear in Heart of the Beast?
Brad Pitt wears sunglasses identified as the Ray-Ban Outdoorsman, a variation of the classic aviator design.
The Outdoorsman is distinguished from a conventional Ray-Ban Aviator by its additional brow bar running across the upper bridge of the frame. This practical-looking detail gives the sunglasses a slightly more rugged appearance, particularly suited to Pitt's character.
The version seen in the film appears to have straight temples rather than the traditional cable-style arms, making it closer in appearance to the Ray-Ban Outdoorsman II (RB3029).
The History Behind the Aviator Look
Aviator sunglasses were originally developed for pilots, with their large lenses designed to provide generous coverage around the eyes.
Ray-Ban introduced its classic aviator in 1937, and the style became closely associated with aviation, military clothing and eventually Hollywood.
The Outdoorsman developed that familiar shape further, adding its distinctive brow bar and, on some versions, cable temples that curve around the ears.
What makes these designs so enduring is their simplicity. A slender metal frame, generous lens coverage and a purposeful shape that works just as well away from an aircraft cockpit.
And while the exact Ray-Ban model may be what viewers are searching for, it's far from the only way to achieve the look.
Vintage Sunglasses Inspired by Brad Pitt's Heart of the Beast Style
At Retro Spectacle, we specialise in authentic vintage eyewear, including original aviator sunglasses from some of Europe's best-known optical manufacturers.
We've selected four vintage designs that capture different elements of the look seen in Heart of the Beast. They're not the exact sunglasses worn by Brad Pitt, but each offers an interesting alternative to buying a modern reproduction.
L'AMY Adam – The Classic Gold Aviator
Carrera Vario 5320 – A Distinctive Vintage Alternative
Why Choose Original Vintage Aviator Sunglasses?
One of the attractions of vintage aviators is the variety of designs available beyond the familiar modern models.
Manufacturers such as L'AMY, Carrera and Dunhill each approached the classic aviator shape differently, experimenting with bridge details, lens proportions and temple construction.
As a qualified dispensing optician specialising in vintage eyewear, I particularly appreciate these small differences in design. Two frames may share the same basic silhouette yet feel quite different when worn.
Choosing original vintage sunglasses also offers a way to find something more individual, while giving existing eyewear a new life.
Many of our vintage frames can also be fitted with prescription sunglass lenses, depending on the design and prescription requirements.
A Holllywood Classic
Brad Pitt may have brought the aviator back into the spotlight in Heart of the Beast, but it's a design that has never really gone out of fashion.
From understated gold metal frames to bold oversized designs, original vintage aviators offer plenty of ways to capture the look while choosing something a little more individual. And if you're interested in more of Brad Pitt's on-screen eyewear, take a look at our guide to Cliff Booth's sunglasses and our F1 movie blog.
Brad Pitt's Heart of the Beast Sunglasses – FAQs
Where can I find vintage sunglasses similar to Brad Pitt's in Heart of the Beast?
Original vintage aviator sunglasses are a great alternative to modern Ray-Bans. Models such as the L'AMy Adam, Carrera Vario 5320 and Dunhill 6204 share elements of the classic gold metal aviator style, including double bridges and distinctive detailing. The L'AMY Adam is particularly interesting for its acetate-covered upper bridge, reminiscent of the Ray-Ban Outdoorsman.
Are oversized aviator sunglasses suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily. The right size depends on your facial proportions and the overall fit of the frame. For example, our L'AMY Adam has 58mm lenses, while the larger Maxi Adam features 62mm lenses. Both offer the vintage aviator look but have noticeably different proportions.
Can vintage aviator sunglasses be fitted with prescription lenses?
Yes, many original vintage aviator frames can be reglazed with prescription sunglass lenses. At Retro Spectacle, we offer prescription and non-prescription lens options, including bespoke tints. Suitability depends on the frame design and your individual prescription.