The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is perhaps the most recognizable sunglass silhouette. Advances in molded plastic technology in the 1950s allowed designers’ imaginations to run free—and one result was the distinctive trapezoidal Ray-Ban Wayfarer frame. Wayfarers soon became cultural shorthand for the rebellious rock and roll spirit, as immortalized by James Dean and other celebrities. Browse our collection of iconic Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses and find a multitude of styles to love.
Over the years Ray-Ban Wayfarers have waxed and waned in popularity. When the oversized glasses of the ’70s came into fashion, the Wayfarer seemed but a quaint relic of the ’50s and ’60s. But in the 1980s Wayfarers came back with a vengeance, owing to the style’s supporting role in many of the hottest movies and television shows of the day—they were part and parcel of the unmistakable uniform John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd wore as the Blues Brothers, Tom Cruise wore them in memorable scenes in the movie Risky Business, and Don Johnson in television’s Miami Vice.
But like all trends in fashion, this surge in popularity changed again with the seasons, and the ’90s brought another slump to Wayfarer sales (when sportier, wraparound sunglasses and flashy lens tints became popular). In the mid-2000s, a renewed love of vintage style emerged—and Ray-Ban Wayfarers have maintained their place as leader of the pack ever since. These days it would be easier to list the celebrities who DON'T wear Wayfarers than the seemingly endless list of those who do. Throwing on a pair of these appealing shades allows the wearer to make an effortless statement about being free, fun, and a little bit edgy.
Explore the three types of Ray-Ban Wayfarers: the Original Wayfarer, the New Wayfarer, and the Folding Wayfarer. All versions come with the signature metal rivets on the endpoints, the trademark shark fin-shaped temples, and the metallic Ray-Ban logo embedded on the temples. The Folding and Original Wayfarers retain the old-school bold trapezoidal shape, while the New Wayfarer has a smaller frame and slightly softer rims. Ray-Ban is always adding new textures and colors to the lineup, but the classic material is glossy, durable acetate. From old-school black to fluorescent hues, Ray-Ban gives you options to mix and match textures and patterns.
Explore a variety of lens options and choose the right tint and lens treatments depending on how you plan to put your Wayfarers to work. Whether you’re spending the day at a music festival or on the back nine, Ray-Ban lenses will give you the clarity and protection your eyes need. Whichever lens you choose, you’ll enjoy 100% UVA and UVB protection in your Wayfarers. Opt for green shades for precise and relaxed vision. Grey shades offer true color perception, while the brown tinted lenses improve contrast and image resolution. For a truly distinctive look, choose lenses with gradient tint or mirrored coating.
You can also choose Wayfarers with polarization—you’ll know they’re polarized if a small "P" is printed on the top of the right lens. Polarization is great for blocking glare that bounces off horizontal surfaces—it reduces eye strain and it’s recommended for driving.