Buying guide for best women’s ray-bans
Ray-Bans have long been synonymous with fashion, and they’re a classic style that’s always in vogue. The firm was developed in 1937 when U.S. Army Air Corps Colonel John A. Macready looked to specifically address the issue of glare for Air Force pilots without impeding vision. In 1939, the famous Aviator sunglasses were released, and Ray-Ban became synonymous with these stylish glasses.
Today, there’s a wide variety of styles to choose from, and the Ray-Ban brand has something for everyone. Things to consider when choosing the right frame for you include color, size, material, and type of lens. Sunglasses should offer UV protection for your eyes and, above all, should be comfortable on your head.
Read our buying guide to learn more about this iconic sunglasses brand and how to find just the pair for you. Check out our top picks when you’re ready to buy.
Key considerations
Frame shape
The basic shapes offered are round, rectangular, square, and pilot (Aviators). In addition to these categories, Ray-Ban also has sections called Tech, Active, and HIghstreet, as well as Icons (Wayfarers).
Frame color
Ray-Bans come in a range of colors and frames, from tortoiseshell to wire. Some have a contrasting color at the temple (the part that goes over your ears) or on the interior of the temple. Look for some fun and funky options, too, like graffiti on the temples or limited edition frames featuring icons like those created by Disney.
Size
Ray-Ban glasses have three numbers printed on them which relate to the size of the glasses. Measured in millimeters, the numbers read something like this: 50-20-150. This relates to the diameter of the lens, the width of the bridge (the bit that goes on your nose), and the length of the temple. This code is printed inside the left temple on most sunglasses.
Features
Type of lens
There are different types of lenses available with Ray-Bans. Most are offered in crystal (glass) or plastic.
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Standard: These are military originals, green G-15 and brown B-15. The 15 refers to the 15% of light which is allowed through the lens. G-15 lenses offer the most natural vision, with lifelike colors and contrast. B-15 lenses give greater contrast in lower light.
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Polarized: Polarized lenses reduce reflections due to a special coating and allow greater clarity and contrast. They are a great choice for sports. Ray-Bans that are polarized feature a “P” next to the Ray-Ban logo.
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Mirror lenses: Mirror lenses reduce glare and light and give you the chance to channel your inner state trooper.
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Gradient lenses: These lenses have a lighter color on the bottom of the lens. Their two-tone style is available in a range of colors, including a mirror lens fade.
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Legends: These offer a 1960s retro look in the vintage colors of blue, grey, and rose while offering modern attributes like UV blocking, color contrast, and clarity.
- Prescription: These crystal lenses are produced using digital surface technology (DST), which offers high definition while tailoring the lens to your corrective needs. You can order a single-vision or progressive lens.
Frame material
Most frames are made of nylon and propionate, a common plastic used in glasses thanks to the fact that it’s lightweight and durable and has hypoallergenic qualities. A number of Ray-Ban frames are made of acetate, which is pricier but offers a glossy look while being strong and scratch-resistant. Other materials include metal, titanium, carbon fiber, and even frames in premium materials like leather, wood, aluminum, and gold.
Accessories
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Case: It’s always best to keep your investment protected when not in use. Ray-Bans are sold in a signature case; you can also purchase additional authentic Ray-Ban cases in alternate colors and limited edition styles.
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Cleaning: Ray-Bans offer their own brand of microfiber cleaning cloths. A small one is provided in the case, and extras are available online in multi-packs.
- Care kit: There’s an official Ray-Ban kit available containing cleaning liquid, a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Fans of the brand can rejoice — everything is stamped with the logo.
Expert Tip
STAFF
BestReviews
Women’s Ray-Bans prices
These are not cheap sunglasses — you won’t be paying drugstore prices, though many users who balked at the price were convinced of the quality once they tried them. The least-expensive glasses are about $130, with many styles in the $150 to $200 range. This goes up to $500 for gold and titanium styles.
Tips
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Consider the shape of your face when choosing a style. If you have a round face, go for rectangular or square glasses, which balance the face and make it look longer and thinner. Square faces can go with round or oval glasses. Heart-shaped faces look best in deep-lensed glasses with thin temples. Those with oval faces get the pick of the litter, since they can pretty much pull off any style.
- There’s a lot of concern about getting counterfeit goods, and rightly so. All Ray-Bans have “RB” engraved on the far left side of the left lens and Ray-Ban in white embossed on the other lens. Most also have a serial number on the inside of the left temple, unless they are thin metal frames.
Other products we considered
Bookish-looking Clubmaster glasses make you look intellectually superior in a fun, retro way, especially if you go for the tortoiseshell frames.
Rectangular glasses make a heavier statement with thick frames and dark lenses that you can look mysterious behind.
If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with the original Wayfarer, which for many users remains the best of the bunch.
FAQ
Q. Which is better: crystal or plastic lenses?
A. Most plastic lenses are polycarbonate plastic, which is better than glass at absorbing UV rays. They are lighter than glass and better for sports because they won’t shatter. Glass wins out for clarity as well as for being more scratch-resistant. You also need glass for any prescription lenses. Expect to pay a bit more for glass lenses.
Q. Where are Ray-Bans made?
A. For the most part, they are made by Luxottica in Italy. The company also makes some products in their facility in China, however, so if your glasses come from there, that doesn’t mean they’re knock-offs.
Q. Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
A. The limited warranty covers defects in manufacture for two years. It doesn’t cover any scratches or damage you incur to the glasses, nor does it cover issues with prescription lenses. Keep your receipt, as proof of purchase is needed if you make a claim.
