Presidents’ Day Sale

What better occasion to treat yourself to some new AO sunglasses than Presidents’ Day weekend. After all, AO glasses and sunglasses were famously worn by both JFK and LBJ. In their honor, we’re offering 10% sitewide using code PRESIDENT10 from February 19th to 21st.

John F. Kennedy wearing the Saratoga

JFK and the AO Saratoga

John F. Kennedy wearing AO Saratoga sunglasses is an image as American as apple pie. Said to be his favorite pair of sunglasses, JFK was often seen wearing the Saratoga while boating, projecting the Camelot image that so many Americans aspired to. The style became an instant classic. The Saratoga featured a classic shape, silver spearhead details, and a thinner temple than the Wayfarer styles it is often mistaken for. Rereleased in 2020, today’s Saratoga follows the original blueprints from the AO archives, adjusted slightly to better fit today’s faces. 

Shopping tip: For a look most similar to JFK’s, select the Tortoise color.

Lydon B. Johnson wearing the Sirmont

LBJ and the AO Sirmont

JFK’s successor, Lyndon B. Johnson was also an American Optical fan and an avid spectacle collector. His presidential library at the University of Texas holds 53 pairs of his glasses! Johnson was said to change his glasses frequently depending on the occasion. The AO Sirmont was a go-to choice for important speeches. The famed Sirmont style hasn’t been made in decades, but it is now back in production and due out later this year. Be sure to sign up for the AO Eyewear newsletter to be the first to hear when it becomes available. Just scroll to the bottom of this page to enter your email address.

You can learn more about LBJ’s extensive eyewear collection from 20/20 Magazine. 

Shop the full AO Catalog this Presidents’ Day weekend to take advantage of 10% off with code PRESIDENT10.