A pair of stylish sunglasses are a summer gamechanger and no brand is more famous or consistently cool than Ray-Ban. As popular with musicians and royals as they are with festival-goers, there are hundreds of men’s styles and silhouettes to suit every face shape.
(Photo: Rayban.com)
Ray-Ban sunglasses have been in fashion since the 1950s, shielding the eyes of everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Michael Jackson, but they weren’t invented as a mainstream sunshine staple. Eyewear brand Bausch & Lomb first designed the Ray-Ban Aviator in 1937 with the help of US Army Air Corps as a solution for pilots’ glare. Then came the Wayfarer in 1952 – sported by James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s – and the rest is sartorial history. Today, the brand boasts a staggering range of shapes and styles. We’ve sifted through the lot and have selected seven cool Ray-Ban sunglasses for men based on style, function and value for money.
Ray-Ban Classic Aviator
The first-ever pair of Ray-Bans in history, this style is one of the most iconic in the world. Combining a timeless shape with exceptional quality, performance and comfort, they’re impossible to knock. The classic gold frame suits most face shapes and you can choose from a variety of lens colours including crystal brown and G-15 polarized. Every pair boasts 100% UV protection too. Look to Tom Cruise in Top Gun for serious style inspiration. From $190.
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Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer
(Photo: Rayban.com)
They may not be quite as old as the Aviator, but the Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer is easily the most recognisable pair of glasses in history. The iconic style hasn’t gone out of fashion since they first appeared on the scene back in 1952 and they’re not likely to anytime soon. The frames are two colours, black or tortoise, and you can pair them with a variety of lens treatments including crystal green and crystal grey gradient. From $190.
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Ray-Ban Club Master
The Clubmaster became popular in the mid-century and gained a cult following with cultural intellectuals. It’s since become one of the brand’s bestsellers, for good reason too. The semi-rimless, browline frame is flattering on different face shapes and easy to pair with different outfits. The lenses are available in black or brown frames, both paired with a crystal brown lens treatment. It’s the perfect pair for those looking to make a statement this summer. From $180.
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Ray-Ban Oval 1970s
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For serious retro-cool, try these 70s style oval sunglasses on for size. These are based on an original design from the 70s, with a few contemporary updates. Lenses are available in a matte finish or mirror, as well as a variety of colours including gold and yellow. You can choose from gold or silver frames too. Unlike the Original Oval glasses, these shades are taller and best paired with a loud and raucous shirt for pure Flower Power joy. From $190.
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Ray-Ban Aviator Titanium
If you’re sold on the aviator style but you’re looking for a pair that can live as long as you, consider the Aviator Titanium. The elevated style promises to ‘defy gravity’ with an ultra-light titanium frame made in Japan. The ultra-fine filigree engraving on the front and temples, the white gold G15 green lenses and the brushed finishing smacks of luxury too. Plus, they’re practically unbreakable – forever glasses. From $600.
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Ray-Ban Blaze Meteor
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With a one-piece flat lens design, these frames make more of a statement than some of the more iconic styles. Unlike other styles, Blaze uses over-frame lenses, which means that the lenses la on top of the frames, rather than embedded into them. The sharp-edged frames are available in glossy black, tortoiseshell of a funky fade-striped variety of colours. The striped frame and temple colourways are always paired with matching lenses to give a unique, uniform look. From $215.
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Ray-Ban Wings
No pair of Ray-Ban’s is as divisive as the Wings. They’re an undeniably daring but classically cool statement on the right shape face. Plus, the wind-blocking design is helpful on particularly breezy beach days. They’re pure ‘80s vibes, with flat temples and bridges, as well as a one-piece nose pad. You can play them down with classic staple Ray-Ban colour combinations, or go full vintage motorcycle vibes with a mirror or gradient lens. From $215.
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