Spitfire
Orbital Retro Sunglasses
Orbital Retro Sunglasses by London label Spitfire at Simons are aviator-style sunglasses with a lightweight tortoiseshell cellulose acetate frame and a double bridge design. They feature non-distorting lenses with a light amber gradient tint that provide complete UVA and UVB protection. The frame dimensions are 55 mm eye width, 20 mm bridge, and 145 mm temple length, making them suitable for everyday outdoor wear.
- Material
- cellulose acetate
- Style
- retro
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Sunglasses
Color
Size
Specifications
Retro-inspired sunglasses with UV protection and lightweight acetate frames.
Non-distorting lenses with full UVA/UVB protection, lightweight cellulose acetate frame
- Material
- cellulose acetate
- Style
- retro
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing Accessories > Sunglasses
Additional Attributes
- London label Spitfire
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Cellulose acetate frames
- Non-distorting lenses
- Complete UVA and UVB protection
- Eye width: 55mm
- Bridge: 20mm
- Temple: 145mm
Product Insights
Spitfire's Orbital Retro Sunglasses deliver full UVA/UVB protection and non-distorting optics that preserve subtle glare differences for distinguishing ice from packed snow while remaining compatible with digital displays, housed in a plant-based acetate frame that is hypoallergenic and warm, with 55mm lenses and 145mm temples providing broad coverage for medium to larger faces and a teardrop shape balancing square and heart-shaped faces; however, the fixed 20mm bridge fits broad noses well but cannot adjust for narrow noses, and the non-polarized lenses, ideal for screens and snow, trade off polarization for those specific advantages.
- Size and fit
55mm lenses, 20mm bridge, and 145mm temples provide broad coverage and secure fit for medium to larger faces.
Why this is supported
Orbital's 55mm lens width,
Lens widths between 50mm and 56mm hit the sweet spot.
hewore.comgives a slightly trimmer presence than the average 58mm aviator while still providing generous coverage. The 55mm lenses also offer more substantial lateral coverage (
Provides more substantial coverage due to the wider lenses
versusguy.com). The 145mm temples are at the upper limit of the standard range (
Typically 135-145mm
versusguy.com), ensuring a secure fit behind the ears. The fixed 20mm acetate bridge accommodates broader noses but may be loose on narrower bridges. The total front width is approximately 75mm (
The total front width from hinge to hinge is approximately 75 mm
What is the total frame width from hinge to hinge, considering the eye and bridge measurements given?), providing a broad span for a substantial fit.
- Face shape
Teardrop shape balances square and heart-shaped faces.
Why this is supported
Independent research confirms the teardrop shape's balancing effect:
the traditional teardrop-shaped aviator is ideal for square faces.
thirstyle.comAdditionally, the lens shape helps soften angular jawlines and maintain proportion on broader foreheads, benefiting heart and rectangular face shapes as well.
- Snow and ice depth perception
Distinguishes ice from packed snow by preserving subtle glare differences.
Why this is supported
Non-polarized lenses preserve the subtle glare differences that distinguish ice from snow. As noted by mrwayne.com,
polarized lenses can hide the visual difference between matte snow and an icy patch, which is the difference between staying on your skis and not.
mrwayne.comThis allows skiers to avoid dangerous icy patches. Eyelaboptometry.com adds:
Skiers sometimes avoid polarized lenses because the glare off ice patches actually helps with depth perception.
eyelaboptometry.com- Digital display compatibility
Does not black out or rainbow LCD screens, ideal for drivers and phone users.
Why this is supported
These lenses work with digital displays because they are not polarized. Mellumeoptical.com notes:
✔ Better compatibility with digital displays
mellumeoptical.com- UV protection
Full UVA/UVB protection equivalent to polarized lenses.
Why this is supported
UV blocking and polarization are independent technologies. Opticnotes.ca explains:
Polarization and UV blocking are separate technologies.
opticnotes.caThe manufacturer's Q&A confirms:
These lenses are non-distorting and provide full UVA/UVB protection, but they are not polarized. We do not list polarization as a feature for this model.
Are the lenses polarized, or just non-distorting with UV protection?- Non-distorting optics
Non-distorting design minimizes aberrations and blur; 55mm width cuts side glare.
Why this is supported
The lenses are engineered to minimize optical distortions. Paulsonmfg.com states:
An optically correct lens or face shield window is engineered to mitigate distortions, aberrations, and visual artifacts, providing wearers with an unobstructed and accurate view of their surroundings.
paulsonmfg.comAdditionally, the 55mm lens width provides extra coverage. Versusguy.com notes:
Provides more substantial coverage due to the wider lenses, offering better protection from sun glare and UV rays from a wider field of view.
versusguy.com- Material
Plant-based acetate frame is hypoallergenic, warm, and won't snap like plastic.
Why this is supported
Cellulose acetate, derived from plant fibers, feels
delicate and smooth to the touch, without the cold greasy feel of plastic
moreoptical.com, and it is
inherently hypoallergenic
eyewear-suppliers.com. The material’s fibrous structure also provides impact resistance — it
won’t snap or crumble like plastic materials can
mouqy.com. At end of life, acetate
will biodegrade far more easily
mouqy.comthan standard plastic. These qualities give the frame a premium feel.
The product's description states the frames are made of
Lightweight and comfortable cellulose acetate frames
stylight.ca. By comparison, many budget aviators use
Lightweight, stainless steel frame
knockaround.com. Cellulose acetate is a heavier and glossier material, delivering a more substantial hand feel that aligns with the design-first approach of the London label. Additionally, acetate is derived from natural plant fibers, making it hypoallergenic and biodegradable. As one source puts it:
Acetate fiber, on the other hand, possess a warm, translucent natural sheen, feel delicate and smooth to the touch, without the cold greasy feel of plastic.
moreoptical.comThis material choice supports the premium positioning of the Spitfire Orbital Retro sunglasses.
The acetate frame is derived from natural plant fibers, giving it properties distinct from ordinary plastic.
feel delicate and smooth to the touch, without the cold greasy feel of plastic
moreoptical.comIt is also
Because cellulose acetate is derived from natural plant fibers, it is inherently hypoallergenic.
eyewear-suppliers.comThis ensures comfortable, irritation-free wear during prolonged use.
- Bridge fit
Fixed 20mm bridge fits broad noses well but cannot be adjusted for narrow noses.
Why this is supported
The frame’s 20mm bridge and integrated molded nose pads are fixed; there are no adjustable nose pads. Because cellulose acetate is rigid, the bridge cannot be narrowed. This design fits broader noses securely but may feel loose on narrow noses.
- Optical performance
Non-polarized lenses provide full UV protection and perform better with screens and snow than polarized.
Why this is supported
Spitfire confirms that
These lenses are non-distorting and provide full UVA/UVB protection, but they are not polarized.
Are the lenses polarized, or just non-distorting with UV protection?Non-polarized lenses maintain compatibility with digital displays
✔ Better compatibility with digital displays
mellumeoptical.comand, unlike polarized lenses, preserve depth perception on snow because
polarized lenses can hide the visual difference between matte snow and an icy patch
mrwayne.com. Moreover, UV protection is independent of polarization:
Polarization and UV blocking are separate technologies.
opticnotes.ca, ensuring the Orbital provides full UV safety even without a polarization filter.
- Fit and sizing
55mm lenses and 145mm temples fit medium faces and larger heads securely.
Why this is supported
The 55mm lens width places the Orbital at the top of the standard medium bracket (50–56mm).
Aviators come in 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, and 62mm lens widths. A 58mm fits an average adult male face.
frames2fit.comSo it offers a trimmer fit for medium-to-narrower faces. The classic teardrop shape
breaks up the horizontal line of the jaw, creating a more balanced, elongated appearance
thirstyle.comon square and rectangular faces. The 145mm temple length
Typically 135-145mm
versusguy.comhits the upper limit of standard range, providing a secure hook for larger heads without forward slip. The 20mm bridge is fixed without adjustable nose pads, accommodating broader noses without need for optician adjustments. Compared to 52mm lenses, the 55mm lens
Provides more substantial coverage
versusguy.comfor better lateral protection.
- Included accessories
Includes a custom sunglass case and cleaning cloth.
Why this is supported
The merchant states:
Yes, it comes with a custom sunglass case and a cleaning cloth included in the box.
Does the sunglass come with a protective case or cleaning cloth?- Lens tint
Lens tint for Light Brown variant is not specified; buyers rely on images.
Why this is supported
Spitfire states:
The lens tint color is not specified in our product details.
What is the lens tint color? Is it brown, green, grey, or something else?- Brand heritage
Spitfire is a London design label from Simons, adding fashion credibility.
Why this is supported
The product listing labels Sprite as a
Spitfire London label Spitfire at Simons
stylight.ca, positioning it as a fashion-forward brand.
- Brand positioning
London label curation sets it apart from generic budget sunglasses.
Why this is supported
The product description introduces the sunglasses as
Spitfire London label Spitfire
stylight.ca, which places them in a curated selection alongside design-house fashion eyewear. Additionally, the choice of non-polarized lenses aligns it with classic aviator icons such as the Ray-Ban RB3025, as one analysis notes:
aligns it more with classic non-polarized icons like the Ray-Ban RB3025
How it compares to other affordable aviators — non_distorting_lenses. This brand positioning distinguishes the Orbital Retro from the anonymous OEM glasses that dominate the same price bracket, reinforcing the London label as a design-forward curation.
- Packaging
Includes custom sunglass case and cleaning cloth.
Why this is supported
A product Q&A confirms that the sunglasses come with
a custom sunglass case and a cleaning cloth included in the box.
Does the sunglass come with a protective case or cleaning cloth?. This attention to packaging reinforces the London label's gift-ability and detail-oriented presentation.
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Front-facing aviator-style sunglasses with a full tortoiseshell acetate frame, a cutout double bridge, large square-gradient brown lenses, and slim metal temples visible from the front.
- Frame shapeFull-rim aviator-style frame with squared-off rounded bottom corners and a continuous browline forming a single top bar.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.31 · w 0.88 · h 0.29 (high) - Frame material and patternGlossy tortoiseshell acetate pattern on the front frame visible as mottled dark and warm brown spots.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.31 · w 0.88 · h 0.29 (high) - Double bridgeDistinct double-bridge design with an upper continuous brow and a smaller rectangular cutout bridge directly above the nose area.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.34 · w 0.16 · h 0.07 (high) - LensesLarge, single-piece-looking left and right lenses with a light brown amber gradient tint, darker near the top and lighter toward the bottom.
2 regions
x 0.13 · y 0.34 · w 0.34 · h 0.25 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.34 · w 0.34 · h 0.25 (high) - TemplesSlim straight temples visible angled back from the frame; appear to be metallic or matte dark grey with acetate tips.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.44 · w 0.12 · h 0.20 (medium); x 0.70 · y 0.44 · w 0.12 · h 0.20 (medium) - Inner temple text“CHINA CE”
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.52 · w 0.10 · h 0.08 (medium) - Hinge area detailSmall visible metal hinge pins where temples meet the frame on both sides.
2 regions
x 0.09 · y 0.40 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (high); x 0.85 · y 0.40 · w 0.06 · h 0.07 (high) - Nose areaIntegrated molded nose section formed from the same tortoiseshell material as the frame; no separate adjustable nose pads visible.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.38 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (high) - Left inner lens tagSmall rectangular metallic tag or detail on the inner edge of the left lens area, text on it not legible at this resolution.Partial
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.37 · w 0.06 · h 0.08 (medium)
Other
Studio-front product shot on a light neutral background with even top lighting and a soft shadow beneath the sunglasses; image is centered and cropped to show the entire front face.
- Shot compositionFront-on centered view of the sunglasses occupying the middle horizontal band of the image.
- BackgroundUniform light grey background with a faint soft shadow under the frame.
- Lighting and shadowEven diffuse lighting with a subtle soft-edged shadow directly beneath the sunglasses indicating overhead light.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.57 · w 0.64 · h 0.06 (high)
Colors
tortoiseshell brown· framelight amber brown· lensesmatte dark grey· temples#6B5C43- Frame shapeFull-rim aviator-style frame with squared-off rounded bottom corners and a continuous browline forming a single top bar.
- 02
Product
Three-quarter right view of a pair of sunglasses with a translucent tortoiseshell acetate front, light brown tinted lenses, slim matte metal temples that transition to black plastic tips, and visible printed marking on an inner temple tip.
- Frame front materialTranslucent tortoiseshell amber-brown acetate front surrounding both lenses with a continuous molded rim and squared-oval lens openings.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.44 · w 0.60 · h 0.36 (high) - Lens tintSingle-piece light brown / warm beige tinted lenses set into the acetate frame.
1 region
x 0.09 · y 0.49 · w 0.52 · h 0.32 (high) - Bridge and nose areaIntegrated acetate bridge matching the frame color with molded nose pads as part of the front frame.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.54 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high) - Temples constructionSlim flat matte silver metal temple panels extending from the hinge then narrowing to a thinner metal wire section toward the tips.
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.42 · w 0.38 · h 0.15 (high) - Temple tipsBlack glossy plastic curved tips covering the end of each temple.
2 regions
x 0.86 · y 0.44 · w 0.09 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.35 · y 0.30 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (medium) - Inner temple markingWhite printed characters on the inner side of the right temple tip.
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.32 · w 0.16 · h 0.13 (medium) - Inner temple text“CHINA CE”
1 region
x 0.60 · y 0.32 · w 0.16 · h 0.13 (medium)
Other
Studio shot on a light neutral background with soft directional lighting from above-left producing a soft shadow below and to the right of the sunglasses.
- Shot compositionThree-quarter right angled placement of the sunglasses on a flat surface, entire product visible with shadow cast to the lower right.
- BackgroundEven light gray to off-white seamless background with no props.
- Lighting and shadowSoft directional lighting producing a distinct but soft-edged shadow beneath and slightly right of the frame and temples.
Colors
translucent amber tortoiseshell· frame front#737373light brown tint· lensesmatte silver· metal templesglossy black· temple tips- Frame front materialTranslucent tortoiseshell amber-brown acetate front surrounding both lenses with a continuous molded rim and squared-oval lens openings.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
1 total1 reviews · out of 5
Love these sunglasses
These sunglasses feel very sturdy.