The Sunglasses That Never Go Out of Style
I resisted buying Wayfarers for years because they felt too obvious. Everyone has them. But after breaking my third pair of cheap sunglasses in a year, I finally gave in. Sometimes things are popular for a reason.
Why Wayfarers Work
The design has been around since the 1950s, and it’s still everywhere for a reason: the shape flatters most faces. The slight trapezoid frame works whether you have a round, oval, or square face. I have a pretty average face shape and these look better on me than most sunglasses I’ve tried.
There are two versions - the Original Wayfarer has a more pronounced angle, and the New Wayfarer is slightly softer and smaller. I went with the New Wayfarer since the originals looked too chunky on me. Worth trying both if you can.
Build Quality
These feel like real sunglasses in a way cheap ones don’t. The acetate frame is solid without being heavy. The hinges move smoothly. The lenses are actually glass (or high-quality polycarbonate depending on the version), not flimsy plastic.
I’ve had mine for about 18 months now. A few minor scratches on the frame from tossing them in bags, but they still look good overall. Compare that to the cheap sunglasses I used to go through every few months.
The Lens Options
Ray-Ban offers a bunch of lens choices. I got polarized G-15 (the classic green-gray tint) and I’m happy with them. Polarized makes a real difference for driving and water activities - cuts glare way better than non-polarized.
They also have gradient lenses, different colors, and prescription options. The price jumps significantly with different lens upgrades, so know what you actually need before getting upsold.
Fit Considerations
One thing I didn’t expect: the standard 54mm size was slightly too wide for my face. Ray-Ban makes a 50mm version that fits better for smaller faces. If you can, try them on in a store before ordering.
The temple tips (the part that goes over your ears) are adjustable. An optician can bend them to fit your head better if they’re slipping or too tight.
The Price Reality
At $150-200 depending on lens options, these are an investment. You’re paying partly for the brand, no question. But you’re also getting quality construction and lenses that actually protect your eyes (full UV protection, which cheap sunglasses may or may not actually have).
Is there a $50 option that looks similar? Sure. Will it last as long and fit as well? In my experience, no. But I get that not everyone wants to spend $200 on sunglasses.
What I Like
- Classic design that works with almost everything
- Solid build quality that holds up over time
- Polarized lenses make a noticeable difference
- Multiple size options for different faces
- Actually comfortable to wear for long periods
What I’d Change
- Price is steep, especially with lens upgrades
- Case that comes with them is pretty basic
- Popular enough that you’ll match with strangers sometimes
- Need to be careful about scratches since lenses are glass
Worth Buying?
If you want sunglasses that look good with everything, fit well, and won’t need replacing every year, Wayfarers are a solid choice. They’re not exciting or trendy - they’re classic, which means they’ll still look fine in five years.
If you lose sunglasses constantly or just need something for occasional use, spending this much probably doesn’t make sense. Get a cheaper pair and save the money.
For me, after years of cycling through cheap options, having one good pair that I actually want to take care of has been worth it.
Current pricing may vary by retailer.