"My future is so bright, I got to wear shades!"
is thought to be a quote from one of the two German immigrants, Johann Jakob Bausch and Henry C. Lomb, who founded their company in Rochester, New York, in 1853. However, the two youngsters probably had no idea at the time of the scale of the project that they would take on. It is now well known that their Ray-Ban brand, which made Bausch & Lomb famous, is one of the most popular in the world. Today, the brand is managed by the Italian eyewear manufacturer Luxottica Essilor, but this does not change anything about the outstanding Ray-Ban sunglasses quality and the timeless design of iconic models like the Ray-Ban Wayfarer.
The Ray-Ban brand began with an order from the US military, as they needed sunglasses to protect their eyes against high levels of light. Especially for Air Force pilots, it was of great importance not to be blinded far above the clouds, but to always have a good view. This is how the first Ray-Ban model was created - the Ray-Ban Aviator. These pilot glasses quickly gained great popularity outside the barracks and bases and became a box office hit. This model shares the first place as best-seller with the Ray-Ban Wayfarer (RB2140), which was launched in 1952.
Other iconic sunglasses are the Clubmaster, the Justin, the Round Metal sunglasses and the Wayfarer's little sister - the Ray Ban New Wayfarer. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses are distinguished by their rectangular frame with a forward tilt, which is slightly more subtle in the New Wayfarer RB2132. There is also a Ray-Ban Wayfarer Folding (RB4105), i.e. sunglasses that can be folded at the frame and temples to fit compactly in a trouser pocket without the risk of breakage.
The breakthrough came with the help of greats from film, music, fashion and politics. When breakfast was served at Tiffany's on the big screen in 1961, no moviegoer passed by the sunglasses Audrey Hepburn was wearing on her nose. Yet the grand dame of the film business was not wearing a Wayfarer at all, but a model by competitor Oliver Goldsmith. The resemblance, however, was enough to spark an enthusiasm that continues to this day. John F. Kennedy, Andy Warhol, Marylin Monroe and many other legends helped the Wayfarer achieve its legendary status.
The great demand for 20th century vintage glasses led Ray-Ban to expand its platform to tens of models, so now we have the choice between many different colours, materials and lens types. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer Original with an all-black frame and lenses or in Havana brown is the most classic. The Ray-Ban Wayfarer Havana brown with green G-15 lenses is also a classic. For those who want more colour, you'll be happy to find other frames in pink, blue, purple and much more. Mirrored lenses add that extra touch if you really want to turn heads! Just use our filter on the left to narrow down your search and find your perfect frame in no time.
If you're a fan of lightweight frames, then you're sure to be happy with a Ray-Ban Wayfarer Liteforce (RB4195) model. The name also says it all, because the Liteforce has been slimmed down and is made of high-performance thermoplastic. Unlike the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer, the frame and temples are made of an innovative mix of materials, which lead to a reduction in weight and flexibility that raise wearing comfort to the next level.
The Wayfarer is available as prescription glasses or sunglasses with original Ray-Ban lenses. If you are planning to wear your glasses in snowy areas or by the sea, make sure to opt for polarised lenses to reduce glare from shiny surfaces.
Here at Edel-Optics, we offer Wayfarer glasses for men and women at exclusive low prices, including FREE delivery and returns. Edel-Optics is a Certified Reseller of Ray-Bans, so with us you will get original Wayfarers, including the Ray-Ban glasses case and cleaning cloth. Use our 3D Virtual Try-On to get an idea of what your chosen model looks like on or order your favourite models for at-home try-on. You then have 30 days to return your model or send it to our expert opticians for glazing in your prescription. Only glasses with prescription lenses are excluded from returns, unless they are faulty. So what are you waiting for? Choose you favourite pair of Wayfarer's and get ready to SEE AND BE SEEN!