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The American Optical SARATOGA Sunglasses carry a legacy few frames can match. These are the cat-eye sunglasses President John F. Kennedy wore sailing off Cape Cod, photographed countless times during his presidency, and now reissued by America's oldest eyewear company for a new generation.
Presidential Heritage Meets Modern Craft
American Optical has been manufacturing eyewear since 1833, pioneering innovations from the first aviator sunglasses for U.S. military pilots to the frames worn by the Apollo 11 crew. The SARATOGA, widely photographed on JFK in the early 1960s, became one of the era's defining styles—a cat-eye frame that balanced vintage Hollywood glamour with understated presidential cool. After decades out of production, American Optical relaunched the SARATOGA in 2022, made in the USA from premium global components.
The frame you see here features a rich acetate construction with a translucent red demi finish that deepens from lighter tones at the temples to darker tortoise hues at the bridge. The cat-eye shape is subtle—not the exaggerated upsweep of 1950s starlet frames, but a refined lift at the outer edges that flatters a wide range of face shapes. American Optical's signature arrow detailing appears at the temple tips, a nod to the brand's heritage. Durable seven-barrel hinges ensure smooth operation and long-term reliability.
Lenses Built for Clarity
The SARATOGA comes equipped with American Optical's True-Color or Cosmetan lens options. These lightweight nylon lenses feature backside anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare and an oleophobic treatment that resists smudges and fingerprints. The Cosmetan Brown lenses in this variant offer warm, high-contrast vision ideal for variable light conditions, while maintaining accurate color perception. All lenses provide 100% UV protection.
Fit & Prescription-Ready
Available in two sizes—52mm and 54mm eye width—the SARATOGA fits medium to average faces comfortably. The 19mm bridge and 145mm temples have been updated from the original 1960s design with improved ergonomics for all-day wear. These frames are prescription-ready, accepting single-vision, progressive, and polarized prescription lenses through our in-house optical lab.
The unisex design works equally well for men and women. One reviewer noted the frames initially seemed "perhaps a little too feminine," but after wearing them found "they feel very sturdy and secure on my face." The full-rim acetate construction provides durability without excessive weight, and the classic tortoise and demi colorways ensure versatility across casual and dressed-up looks.
If you're drawn to vintage American style with authentic provenance, the SARATOGA delivers. It's not a replica or homage—it's the real thing, made by the same company that supplied JFK, updated for modern comfort and optical performance.
Product Details
Product DetailsModel
SaratogaShape
Gender
Material
Bridge Type
Rim Type
Age Group
Color Details
Color DetailsFrame Color
RedColor Code
7Color Description
Red DemiLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Frame Color
BrownColor Code
6Color Description
Brown DemiLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
4Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
3Color Description
BlackLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
1Color Description
TortoiseLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
YellowColor Code
2Color Description
Yellow CrystalLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
1Color Description
TortoiseLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
GrayColor Code
8Color Description
Gray HornLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
BrownColor Code
6Color Description
Brown DemiLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
GrayColor Code
5Color Description
Gray CrystalLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Frame Color
GrayColor Code
8Color Description
Gray HornLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
GrayColor Code
5Color Description
Gray CrystalLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Frame Color
RedColor Code
7Color Description
Red DemiLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
4Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
3Color Description
BlackLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
YellowColor Code
2Color Description
Yellow CrystalLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
10Color Description
EbonyLens Color
True-Color Gray
Color Code
9Color Description
Tortoise KhakiLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Color Code
11Color Description
Tortoise BerryLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Color Code
9Color Description
Tortoise KhakiLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Color Code
11Color Description
Tortoise BerryLens Color
Cosmetan Brown
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
10Color Description
EbonyLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
13Color Description
Matte TortoiseLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
12Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
13Color Description
Matte TortoiseLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
12Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
1Color Description
TortoiseLens Color
True-Tone Green
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
3Color Description
BlackLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
BrownColor Code
6Color Description
Brown DemiLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
13Color Description
Matte TortoiseLens Color
True-Color Gray
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
12Color Description
Matte BlackLens Color
True-Tone Green
Size Details
Size DetailsBridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5219-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5419-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
145Size
5619-145
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
150Size
5619-150
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
150Size
5619-150
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
150Size
5619-150
Bridge Width
19Temple Length
150Size
5619-150
American Optical SARATOGA Sunglasses
American Optical SARATOGA Sunglasses
I ordered, and they took my money, but they didn't ship until 2 weeks later, and it arrived too late for my vacation. Taking money while waiting 2 weeks to deliver is not cool.
Extremely pleased with product, prompt delivery and entire purchase process!
I love them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the American Optical SARATOGA sunglasses prescription-ready?
Yes, the SARATOGA frames are fully prescription-ready and accept single-vision, progressive, bifocal, and polarized prescription lenses. The full-rim acetate construction provides a stable base for lens edging, and our licensed opticians can fit prescriptions ranging from low to moderate powers. Available in 52mm and 54mm eye sizes to accommodate different prescriptions and face widths.
What size SARATOGA sunglasses should I choose—52mm or 54mm?
The SARATOGA is available in 52mm (small/medium) and 54mm (medium/large) eye widths, both with a 19mm bridge and 145mm temples. The 52mm fits most small to medium faces, while the 54mm suits medium to larger faces. Both sizes feature the same classic cat-eye shape and fit comfortably across a wide range of face shapes due to the well-designed bridge.
Is this the same frame JFK wore?
Yes, the American Optical SARATOGA is a faithful reissue of the frame President John F. Kennedy famously wore throughout his presidency. The original 1960s frames weren't branded "SARATOGA"—that name was added later for marketing—but the design, proportions, and cat-eye shape are authentic to the frames JFK wore. American Optical has updated the fit and lens technology while preserving the iconic silhouette.
What lens options are available for the SARATOGA?
The SARATOGA comes standard with American Optical's lightweight nylon lenses in True-Color Gray, True-Tone Green, or Cosmetan Brown tints. All lenses feature backside anti-reflective and oleophobic (smudge-resistant) coatings and provide 100% UV protection. You can also upgrade to polarized lenses or add prescription lenses in a variety of materials including polycarbonate, high-index, and Trivex.
Are these sunglasses made in the USA?
Yes, American Optical SARATOGA frames are manufactured in the United States using premium global components. American Optical, founded in 1833, continues to assemble and finish frames at their facility near Chicago, Illinois. The acetate undergoes proprietary tumbling and hand-polishing processes over several days to achieve the rich luster and quality finish.
Can men and women both wear the SARATOGA?
Absolutely. While cat-eye frames are often associated with women's styles, the SARATOGA's subtle upsweep and balanced proportions make it a true unisex design. JFK himself made these frames iconic for men in the 1960s. The frame works well on oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, and the variety of colorways—from classic black and tortoise to more distinctive demi finishes—suit different style preferences.
Compare With Similar Frames
How the American Optical SARATOGA Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- More widely recognized and available in more colorways
- Slightly lower starting price point
- Trapezoidal Wayfarer shape suits angular and square faces particularly well
Read the full comparison
American Optical SARATOGA vs. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer: Classic Acetate Showdown
If you're choosing between vintage-inspired acetate sunglasses, the SARATOGA and the Ray-Ban Wayfarer represent two of the most iconic designs from the 1950s-60s golden age of eyewear. Both are full-rim acetate frames with deep roots in American culture, but they take different approaches to classic style.
Shape & Style: The SARATOGA features a subtle cat-eye shape with a gentle upsweep at the outer edges—a design famously worn by President Kennedy. The Wayfarer has a bold trapezoidal shape with a straighter browline and more angular corners. The SARATOGA reads as refined and presidential; the Wayfarer as bold and rebellious. If you have a rounder face, the Wayfarer's angles provide contrast. If you have an angular or square face, the SARATOGA's softer cat-eye can balance your features.
Heritage & Manufacturing: American Optical, founded in 1833, manufactures the SARATOGA in the USA and pioneered aviator sunglasses for the U.S. military. The SARATOGA carries authentic JFK provenance—these are the actual frames he wore, not an homage. Ray-Ban's Wayfarer, designed in 1952, became a Hollywood staple and pop culture icon, but most modern Wayfarers are mass-produced overseas. If American manufacturing and presidential history matter to you, the SARATOGA has the edge.
Fit & Versatility: Both frames are unisex. The SARATOGA is available in 52mm and 54mm, while the Wayfarer comes in a wider range of sizes (50mm, 54mm, and others). The Wayfarer's broader availability means more color and lens options. The SARATOGA's more limited production keeps it distinctive—you're less likely to see someone else wearing the same frame.
Our Take: Choose the Ray-Ban Wayfarer if you want maximum versatility, instant recognition, and a bold, angular look. Choose the American Optical SARATOGA if you value USA manufacturing, authentic historical design, and a more refined, less common cat-eye silhouette with genuine presidential heritage. Both are prescription-ready and built to last, so you can't go wrong—it's a matter of which story and shape resonate with your style.
At a Glance
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer RB2140 Sunglasses
Pros:
- More widely recognized and available in more colorways
- Slightly lower starting price point
- Trapezoidal Wayfarer shape suits angular and square faces particularly well
Cons:
- Mass-produced overseas vs. American Optical's USA manufacturing
- Lacks the presidential JFK heritage and historical authenticity
- Wayfarer shape is more common and less distinctive than the SARATOGA's cat-eye