Augmented reality features, which let you overlay digital content on top of the real world, are notably absent. You don’t see anything different when you look through them. I took the glasses for a spin on a nine-mile bike ride in Yosemite National Park where I found them useful for snapping pictures. Riding through the valley, there were moments where the trees would open up and reveal incredible views of the granite cliffs. Without the glasses, trying to shoot photos or videos of the views with my phone would have required that I ride dangerously while pulling out my phone, or that I slow down my entire group and stop to take pics.
The plastic sunglass idea was being reinvented by brands like Oakley, who were introducing wrap-around sunglasses marketed for athletes and those who wanted to be like them. In 1999, Bausch & Lomb made the decision to sell and they were purchased by the Italian Luxottica Group for $640 million. In 2001, they completed a fairly significant redesign of the Wayfarer, making them from injection-molded plastic rather than the previous ray ban caravan acetate. A small size frame wasn’t as angular, so buyers could wear them perched on top of their head when they didn’t need protection from the sun. In addition, most Wayfarer options on the market today have been squared off relative to the original shape, which had a slight cat-eye shape . Since then, sales have steadily increased and Ray-Ban has opted to re-design the model and introduce new versions over the years.
“I like how these have a cool retro feel, but at the same time they go with basically everything. And even though the wire frame looks delicate, I’ve owned this pair for years and it’s still in great shape.” Of course, nice lenses need to be complemented by equally nice frames, and luckily, Ray-Ban has those, too. You can find high-quality metal and acetate options in small, standard, or large sizes to get the perfect fit. A majority of Ray-Ban customers go for the standard size, but if you’re on the fence, you can check out the brand’s size guide.
For Wayfarers made from acetate, check vintage stores for the best deal. You can often find vintage acetate pairs from before Ray-Ban was sold to Luxottica on eBay; however, new they can cost upwards of $500. Note that they are much larger than the newer models, so vintage clubmaster frames are not always suited well to small faces. This is where some other brands may be able to provide a better offering. Realizing the relevancy of product placement, the company invested $50,000 in showcasing the Wayfarer in Hollywood films and on top television shows.
We accept most vision insurance plans online, saving you time and money. By no means is this the cheapest pair of sunglasses you’ll find. But for a bonafide classic made even better by a clever modern update, it’s a damn steal.
I’ve spent more than $150 on sunglasses from other brands and was ultimately disappointed at how they blocked the sun from my eyes. From these experiences, I’ve decided that $150 on a pair of Ray-Bans is actually pretty fair — just do your best not to lose them. Browse our Ray Ban® shades selection and discover sunglasses that add a new twist to Aviator and Wayfarer styles. You’ll find Flash Aviator shades with rainbow hues infused on the lenses. The New Classic Wayfarer® style adds a modern twist to this long-time favorite. Hop on your motorcycle and hit the road wearing a pair of polarized lens sunglasses that protect your eyes from the elements.