Buying guide for best men’s Ray-Bans
Rocking a new pair of shades gives you an instant boost, especially when you look as cool as you feel. Sunglasses make a profound impact on your overall style, so if you’re in the market for a new pair, consider investing in Ray-Bans.
When it comes to iconic eyewear, Ray-Ban has emerged as an industry leader since the middle of the 20th century. The brand also reached new heights with the appearance of its signature Aviator style in Top Gun, which resulted in a double-digit surge in sales upon the blockbuster’s release.
Of course, if Aviators aren’t the look you’re going for, there are many other designs worth exploring. And besides their unparalleled aesthetic value, all Ray-Bans incorporate cutting-edge technology into their designs. From lightweight frames to polarized lenses, you’ll be able to find a pair to suit your needs and impress at the same time.
Wondering which pair of Ray-Bans you should buy? Keep reading our guide to explore the brand’s stylish designs, and check out our favorites, too.
Key considerations
Styles
The ever-popular Aviator Classic features oversize triangular lenses housed in thin metal frames. And the frames on the Wayfarer, the brand’s other leading design, are instantly recognizable.
Ray-Ban’s other designs are generally categorized by their shape or signature features. Round styles feature thin wire frames, while their Clubmaster styles feature retro-inspired “fins” across the top of thin metal frames. Erika draws inspiration from Clubmaster’s fins, though the frames are a single piece made of nylon or metal. And Justin styles are a boxy retooling of the Erika style. Other Ray-Bans feature unique shapes, such as their hexagonal or I-shaped styles, both of which are available with thin metal frames.
Polarized vs. unpolarized
As you compare Ray-Ban styles, you’ll find certain designs have polarized lenses and others do not. Polarized lenses have been manufactured with chemicals that filter light to boost color clarity and crispness and reduce glare. Lenses that are not polarized won’t filter light in the same way, which means they won’t block out ambient or reflected light.
Authenticity
Ray-Ban is one of the top-selling sunglass brands in the world, so, unfortunately, it’s widely known that fake Ray-Bans have saturated the market. In fact, the problem is so prevalent that Ray-Ban opened a portal for consumers to report retailers selling fake Ray-Bans.
To avoid buying fakes, it’s best to buy your sunglasses from a reputable, authorized retailer. You can also confirm their authenticity by examining signature features, such as the Ray-Ban logo and the serial number printed on the inside of the temples. Quality is also a key indicator of authentic Ray-Bans: the hinge mechanism, nose pads, and lenses should feel and appear to be well constructed and not flimsy.
If you intend to keep your Ray-Bans in your vehicle, store them in the case and out of sight. If they catch the eye of a thief, they might be tempted to break into your car to take them.
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Features
Size and fit
It’s important to find Ray-Bans that fit you well, which is why it’s a good idea to have your glasses professionally fitted. If that isn’t an option, you can refer to Ray-Ban’s online size guide, which takes temple, bridge, and lens size into consideration.
To choose the best size, you’ll need to hold a credit card vertically on your face to measure the dimensions of your eye. This will guide you to the recommended size on Ray-Ban’s chart, which ranges from XS Junior to XL Adult. Certain styles, such as the Aviator, have dedicated size charts as well.
Frames
Ray-Ban uses a variety of materials for its frames, including nylon, metal, and acetate. Metal frames can be made from steel or titanium, both of which are durable, stain-resistant, hypoallergenic, and ultralightweight. Most Ray-Bans also incorporate these materials, particularly metal, in the temples (or arms).
Lenses
Lenses on Ray-Ban sunglasses are typically made from high-grade glass or plastic. While the classic green color remains one of the most common options for Ray-Bans, many designs are available in other colors like purple, amber, and gray.
There are also gradient lenses, in which the lens color is darker toward the top and gradually lightens toward the bottom. Mirror lenses are also popular, and their opaque sheen reflects nearly as well and as accurately as a mirror. These lenses, more often than not, are available in green and blue.
Chromance: Some Ray-Bans have Chromance lenses that provide sharper, brighter colors through enhanced contrast. These polarized lenses use a six-layer, antireflective treatment to minimize glare. More than anything, though, Chromance lenses boost your perception of colors. Surprisingly, despite the cutting-edge technology, many entry-level and mid-priced Ray-Bans are fitted with Chromance lenses.
Case
Ray-Bans are designer sunglasses, so it’s not surprising that most styles come with a case to protect your investment. Hard clamshell cases offer the most protection, though the brand’s Craft leather cases are durable and offer considerable crush resistance. Regardless of the case you receive with your Ray-Bans, it will be lined in a soft, non-scratch material like velour or felt.
DID YOU KNOW?
Make a habit of keeping the case for your Ray-Bans with you and putting the glasses in it so they don’t get crushed, dropped, or scratched.
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Men’s Ray-Ban prices
Ray-Bans cost anywhere from $115 to $400. The price is mostly driven by the quality of the materials, the number of premium attributes, and whether the design is a newer release.
Inexpensive: Entry-level Ray-Bans cost between $115 and $200. These include styles with polarized and unpolarized lenses, as well as those with gradient color. There are also some Ray-Bans in this range that feature colors or designs from previous seasons.
Mid-range: These Ray-Bans cost $200 to $300. These glasses improve upon the foundational designs of their less-expensive counterparts and incorporate more light-filtering technology in the lenses.
Expensive: If you’d like top-of-the-line Ray-Bans, namely, unique new designs, be prepared to spend closer to the $400 mark. These sunglasses are made with premium lightweight materials and feature finer aesthetic details than other Ray-Bans.
If you’re looking for an edgy pair of Ray-Bans, consider a style from their retro, vintage, or counter-culture collections that draw inspiration from iconic designs of the 20th century.
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Tips
- Refer to the recommended light conditions. Each Ray-Ban style specifies the recommended light conditions for wear, ranging from cloudy to direct sunlight.
- Document your Ray-Bans. Photograph your Ray-Bans and note the serial number. If your sunglasses are lost or stolen, you might need this information for a police report. You’ll likely need the report to open an insurance claim if your glasses are insured.
- Consider your face shape. To choose the most flattering frames, you need to know the shape of your face. Oval faces look great in rectangular frames, while round faces do well with square or Aviator frames.
- Treat your sunglasses with care. An easy way to damage your Ray-Bans is by haphazardly placing them in the case, which can catch and bend the frames. Gently fold your Ray-Bans and make sure all the parts are centered in the case before closing it.
FAQ
Q. What does it mean if Ray-Bans are considered “Rx-able”?
A. This means the Ray-Bans can be fitted with prescription lenses. Keep in mind that not every pair of sunglasses has this option. If you’re unsure whether a certain style is indeed Rx-able, you can contact Ray-Ban directly or ask your optician.
Q. I’d like to choose frames that match most outfits. What’s the best color for my Ray-Bans?
A. If you’re going with metal frames, stick to the color or finish that matches your jewelry or watch. As for nylon or acetate frames, neutral options include black, tortoiseshell, and blue. It’s not unusual to have more than one pair of Ray-Bans either. Many men purchase a different pair for casual wear, formal occasions, and sports.
Q. Will Ray-Ban fix broken frames or lenses?
A. It depends on the issue. If your Ray-Bans get damaged due to a manufacturer’s defect within 24 months of purchase, you’ll need to open a claim for assessment. It should be noted that Ray-Bay won’t cover damage related to scratched lenses, unauthorized modifications, neglect, or normal wear and tear.
Q. Where do I take my Ray-Bans if they need adjustments?
A. Keep in mind that getting your Ray-Bans adjusted by an unauthorized vendor can void your warranty. If you can’t confirm whether a sunglass or eyeglass retailer is an official vendor recognized by Ray-Ban, you can request a list of vendors from Ray-Ban directly.
