Ray-Ban Wayfarers (2024)

Table of Contents
History Miami Vice Connection FAQs

Ray-Ban Wayfarers are a style of sunglasses, originally produced by Bausch and Lomb, that were worn by Det. James "Sonny" Crockett in Miami Vice. Like the 1983 film "Risky Business", Miami Vice further popularized these sunglasses. These sunglasses are characterized by the classic "trapezoidal" lenses and popularized by their usage by celebrities from Johnny Marr of The Smiths to Bruce Willis.

History

Ray-Ban Wayfarers were first manufactured in 1952, by Ray-Ban, a marque of Bausch and Lomb. This revolutionary design marked a great departure from Ray-Ban's metal styles, such as the Aviator and Shooter. The classic trapezoidal design has been credited to early 50s trends such as Cadillac fins and angular Art Deco designs. Initial popularity was not as well as expected, but soon thereafter sales took off in the mid-50s to late-60s. In the 70s, sales waned, most likely due to the great number of knockoffs and other repopluarized styles, such as the Aviator and mirrored aviator styles. Sales remained low until 1982, when key product placement deal gave Ray-Ban Wayfarers a new life. Tom Cruise popularized them in the 1983 movie Risky Business, and sales soon tripled. The trend continued to rise, given further popularity by Michael Mann's seminal cop show Miami Vice.

Miami Vice Connection

The Ray-Ban Wayfarer became Det. Sonny Crockett's sunglasses of choice in the second episode of Miami Vice, "Heart of Darkness." In the first episode of the show, he is seen wearing Carrera 5512s in brown with pink lenses. Crockett would later relegate these lenses to Tubbs, as he would begin wearing the Wayfarers. He is first seen wearing these while riding in a limousine with Artie Rollins, Det. Rico Tubbs, and a p*rn director named Jimmy. In the first two seasons, Sonny would wear Mock Tortoise framed Wayfarers, model RB5022, with G-15 lenses. The season 3 episode "When Irish Eyes Are Crying" would show Sonny wearing Persol 69218s in black. Sonny would return to the Wayfarers in Seasons 4 and 5, this time wearing black framed Wayfarers with G-15 lenses.

Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.

Ray-Ban Wayfarers (2024)

FAQs

Do Ray-Ban Wayfarers suit everyone? ›

Ray-Ban Wayfarer glasses are designed to fit any face shape! Ray-Ban is the most popular sunglass in the world and Ray-Ban acetate frame Wayfarer is one of their top-selling styles.

What is the code for the new wayfarer Ray-Ban? ›

If you're looking at a pair in person, say in a shop, you can see the size by looking at the code on the inside left arm (temple). This is split up in different sections. For a Ray-Ban Wayfarer, you'll see 2140 as the first 4 numbers, the New Wayfarer will be 2132.

Why are Ray-Ban Wayfarers so popular? ›

Throughout the 50s and 60s, Ray-Ban Wayfarers were the frames of choice for everyone from Bob Dylan to Andy Warhol, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Roy Orbison, John Lennon and endless teenagers across the globe who wanted to look as cool and rebellious as their idols.

Are wayfarers still cool? ›

It's the original trendsetter; an icon for the best part of a century and it remains one of the most popular styles of shade to this day.

What face shape is best for Wayfarer? ›

Wayfarers work on most face shapes, but not on everyone. Often, it isn't actually due to the shape, but more so the color and size of the sunglasses in contrast to your skin tone and the size of your head. When it comes to face shape, they particularly work well on oblong, oval and round face shapes.

What face shape is a Wayfarer for? ›

Wayfarers have got to be the only style of sunglasses available in the market, which are suitable for every kind of face shape. Whether an individual has an oval, round, diamond or heart shaped face, wayfarers look great and chic for all.

Why is Ray-Ban Wayfarer so expensive? ›

Why are Ray-Ban sunglasses so expensive? Like other premium sunglasses brands, the price of Ray-Ban's reflects the quality of the eyewear. Many premium and designer brands like Prada, Versace and Ray-Ban are manufactured by the Italian company, Luxottica, with all sunglasses made in their factory in Belluno, Italy.

What is the difference between classic and new Ray-Ban Wayfarer? ›

Classic Wayfarers – Since the original frames stick to their 1950s roots, they have a larger lens. These are also narrower and have a slightly larger frame height. New Wayfarers – These stylish glasses are slightly smaller in height and have wider frames, giving them a more full, modern look.

Should I get Wayfarer or new Wayfarer? ›

If you're going for that real classic Wayfarer look and a casual fashion frame, go for the original. If you're wanting something a little more comfortable and functional, go for the New Wayfarer. If you're having trouble deciding, our opticians are happy to help you find the perfect pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Which is better aviator or Wayfarer? ›

If your face is more of a vertical oblong shape rather than a round shape, then a pair of wayfarers will look much more balanced with your features and will look best on you. If you have a more rounded face shape, then a pair of aviators will add some length to your facial structure and will be more flattering on you.

What celebrities wear Wayfarer sunglasses? ›

The Wayfarer, a best-seller since its invention in 1952, is one of Ray-Ban's most iconic silhouettes, having been worn by movie legends John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in The Blues Brothers, Tom Cruise in Risky Business, and Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black.

What wayfarers did JFK wear? ›

Tortoise shell sunglasses with green lenses are a timeless look. Famously worn by John F. Kennedy, the American Optical Saratoga is about as classic as it gets.

Which wayfarers did Bob Dylan wear? ›

Ray Ban Original Wayfarers

But like they always say, nothing beats the original. Especially if it's worn by an icon like Dylan. Just to be clear, the Ray Ban Wayfarers were not popularized by Bob Dylan as he only started wearing them in the mid-60s.

Are Wayfarers good for driving? ›

But pink-, blue-, green-, and yellow-tinted lenses each hold a place among the best options for driving in certain light conditions. Our choice for the sunglasses with the best lens color for driving are the Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer. This is thanks to the frames' availability in more than 25 lens color options.

How many people can fit in a Wayfarer? ›

The Wayfarer is a high quality, hand-built G.R.P. dinghy suitable for all the family. At just under 16 foot this spacious dinghy can comfortably accommodate up to 6 adults.

Do wayfarers look good on oval face? ›

Wayfarers are one of the most popular styles of sunglasses for a reason -- they look good in a professional or a casual setting. They're wide around the eyes and will complement an oval face without overly accenting a narrow forehead and chin.

Who wears Wayfarer glasses? ›

They were originally intended for men as they are typically quite large and angular, however they have grown popular with women too. Wayfarer glasses have a broad upper rim that is made of plastic and goes out to a point (sometimes called “wings”).

Why are Ray-Ban Wayfarers tilted? ›

If you notice, the wayfarer frames have a forward angle. Called the pantoscopic tilt, this unique feature allows enough light to enter from up top. It gives you enough light to see your surroundings without suffering from the harsh glare of the sun.

When were Wayfarer sunglasses popular? ›

1950s: Hollywood Glam

The Ray-Ban Wayfarer model was launched in 1952, and once they had been seen on screen legends such as James Dean in 1955's Rebel Without a Cause and later on Audrey Hepburn in 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's, Ray-Ban Wayfarer became one of the most instantly recognizable fashion accessories ever.

Is Ray-Ban considered luxury? ›

Ray-Ban is a luxury eyewear brand with a rich history dating back to 1937. The brand is best known for its iconic Wayfarer and Aviator sunglasses styles, which have been worn by countless celebrities and trendsetters over the years.

Are Ray-Bans still cool? ›

While they may not be as trendy as they once were, Ray-Bans are still a cool and stylish accessory that can be worn by anyone. Ray-Ban sunglasses protect and enhance your vision, making them the ideal way to keep your eyes healthy.

What Wayfarer sunglasses say about you? ›

Wayfarer Sunglasses

You have a voice and you're not afraid to use it. You show your strength through your fashion, through your actions, and through the force of your personality.

What is the most popular style of Ray-Ban? ›

RB2132 Ray-Ban New Wayfarer

It is repeatedly one of the most popular Ray-Ban styles for both men and women. The New Wayfarer has the unmistakable look of the Original Wayfarer, without the pantoscopic tilt. This means the frame-front isn't angled forward, away from the face.

What type of Ray-Ban lenses are best? ›

While Ray-Ban offers a wide range of tints, mirror finishes and gradients with or without lens polarization, the G-15 lens is considered the most classic choice for any style you could want. These keep the front of the frames (which hold the lenses) from falling off your face.

What color is the original Wayfarer? ›

Original Wayfarer Classic Sunglasses in Black and Green.

Does Sunglass Hut sell fake Ray-Bans? ›

If you purchase an item from an authorized Sunglass Hut retailer, you are guaranteed the item is authentic. Sunglass Hut DOES NOT authenticate merchandise or determine whether serial numbers match actual Sunglass Hut products.

Do real Ray-Bans say Wayfarer? ›

The temple arms: The raised Ray-Ban logo should be attached to both temple arms. The left temple arm should include the model number plus the size, while the right arm should say, “WAYFARER®, Hand Made in Italy.” Fakes may omit some of this information.

Are Ray Ban Wayfarers made in China? ›

Ray-Ban has been a classic American brand since 1937, but Ray-Ban glasses have not been manufactured in the USA for quite some time. In 1999, Bausch & Lomb sold Ray-Ban to the Italian eyewear company Luxottica. Today, Ray-Bans are made in both Italy and China.

Are wayfarers timeless? ›

They are a timeless style that can be worn by both men and women.

Are polarized wayfarers worth it? ›

Polarized sunglasses are worth it if they meet your lifestyle needs. They're excellent if you spend time outdoors, live in a snowy climate, or drive a lot. If you're looking for a pair of polarized sunglasses, remember to ensure they have 99 to 100% UV protection to prevent damage to your eyes.

How much does it cost to replace Wayfarer lenses? ›

Fuse Replacement Lenses For. Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer (58mm) Starting At $24.99.

Why do pilots wear aviators? ›

of an aviator, sunglasses protect a pilot's eyes from glare associated with bright sunlight and the harmful effects from exposure to solar radiation.

What are the benefits of Wayfarer sunglasses? ›

Wayfarer-style sunglasses create a sense of width around the eyes to give a balanced look to face shapes that are round, square or triangular.

Why does everyone look good in aviators? ›

If you've ever wondered whether aviator glasses look good on everyone, it's probably because the frame is a design classic that's never gone out of style and has caught your eye time and time again over the years!

What Ray Bans does Johnny Depp wear? ›

What is this? The 1998 film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas see Depp wearing the Rayban 3138 Shooter sunglasses.

What sunglasses does Tom Cruise have? ›

One of the most iconic looks from the movie is when Cruise is seen wearing a pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

What sunglasses is Kate Middleton wearing? ›

The Henrietta sunglasses are fitted with Carl Zeiss sun lenses for full UVA/UVB protection. These sunglasses can be customised with polarised and prescription lenses if required. Simply choose which options you require for your Henrietta sunglasses when adding the product to your bag.

What sunglasses did Onassis wear? ›

The Onao frame became Onassis' staple look; a power frame unique and distinguished - sunglasses and opthalmic frames in different colours through the years.

What glasses did Onassis wear? ›

To promote this new Special Edition collection, L'Amy is using the original iconic photo of Onassis wearing the sunglass, Nina Ricci 3203, for which it has acquired exclusive worldwide rights. The photograph was taken on January 30, 1978, during the Robert F.

Did President Kennedy wear Ray Bans? ›

The widely held belief that President John F. Kennedy wore Ray Ban Wayfarer sunglasses is just plain wrong. For the bulk of his time in office, he wore iconic tortoise shell shades, but if you look closely, you'll see that they're not Wayfarers.

Do Wayfarers look good on everyone? ›

Do Ray-ban Wayfarers Look Good On Everyone? Ray-Ban Wayfarers are one of the most popular styles of sunglasses on the market and for good reason. They look good on just about anyone. The wayfarer style is flattering on most face shapes and the classic black frame is timeless and goes with just about anything.

What sunglasses did Paul Newman wear? ›

Again much like McQueen and the Persol 714s, the sunglass brand most often associated with Newman is Carrera, specifically their Champion model.

Why are Wayfarers so popular? ›

The reason for their resounding success is because Ray Ban wayfarers couple fashion with function-incorporating the most stylish sunglasses in the market with a unique ability to protect its users against the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Are Wayfarers still cool? ›

It's the original trendsetter; an icon for the best part of a century and it remains one of the most popular styles of shade to this day.

What face is Wayfarer for? ›

Wayfarers have got to be the only style of sunglasses available in the market, which are suitable for every kind of face shape. Whether an individual has an oval, round, diamond or heart shaped face, wayfarers look great and chic for all.

What face shapes can wear Wayfarers? ›

Wayfarers work on most face shapes, but not on everyone. Often, it isn't actually due to the shape, but more so the color and size of the sunglasses in contrast to your skin tone and the size of your head. When it comes to face shape, they particularly work well on oblong, oval and round face shapes.

Do Ray-Bans suit everyone? ›

Every face is different, and that also goes for size. Narrow faces require a smaller frame than wider faces to ensure an optimal fit. Taking this into account, Ray-Ban offers some of its models in three different sizes: Small, Standard and Large. For most people, the Standard model is fine.

What personality are Wayfarer sunglasses? ›

Wayfarer Sunglasses

Worn by those who are bold and confident, this lens style invaded the fashion forefront like no other. Versatile and flexible, these sunglasses are just like you.

How do I know which Ray-Ban suits me? ›

Look for a frame that is just wider than the widest part of the face. Frames that are not overly elongated in horizontal or vertical dimensions are ideal for oval-shaped faces. Square-shaped faces with a strong jaw and forehead should be complemented with rounder frames.

Should Wayfarers cover eyebrows? ›

Shopping for frames can be stressful if you're not sure how they should fit. Specifically, you might wonder if glasses are supposed to cover your eyebrows. The simple answer is no. Your eyebrows are a great way to express yourself, and your eyewear should never conceal them.

Are Ray-Bans low quality? ›

Ray-Bans are high quality sunglasses made by an expert in design and optics. Fakes won't be. Even the best Wayfarer knockoffs or Aviator knockoffs won't be as high quality, generally speaking. Genuine Ray-Bans are crafted from the highest quality materials.

Are Wayfarers timeless? ›

They are a timeless style that can be worn by both men and women.

What is the classic Wayfarer lens color? ›

This classic version comes with a sleek black frame and green classic (non-Polarized) lenses offering ultimate clarity and enhanced vision.

Why are Ray-Bans so popular? ›

They are known for their classic style and high quality. Ray-Ban sunglasses are worn by celebrities and everyday people alike. There are many reasons why Ray-Ban sunglasses are so special. They are stylish, well-made, and offer great protection from the sun.

How long do Ray-Bans last? ›

Since Ray-Ban eyewear is constructed out of quality lens and frame materials, you can expect to get many years of use out of them. Of course, this will all come down to how you care for the glasses. If you use a case and are diligent about keeping them safe, your glasses are likely to last you for a good chunk of time.

Should I get medium or large Ray-Bans? ›

If the edge of the card is beyond the end of the eye, prefer a small mount. If the edge of the card ends at the end of the eye, go for the medium size. If the edge of the card does not reach the end of the eye, choose a large size.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 6115

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.