if you have a truly iconic frame and glass design, is there really a reason to change or update it? Well, this is fashion and fashion may go and come around, but there is always refinement and design updates. With the New Wayfarer Classic, Ray Ban kept the same essential, iconic shape, but opted to offer an updated version that includes a smaller frame and slightly softer eye shape. The effect is somehow obvious subtle and obvious, as the silhouette is eerily familiar, but the stripped down frame is clean, less bulky, and for those who prefer a more limited look, perfect. Ray Ban is confident in the success of the New Wayfarer and so are we. Stocking it in two lens sizes and a variety of frame and lens options was an easy decision. For lens widths, we have the 52mm and 55mm sizes. As for the frames, Black and Tortoise are the favorites. Lens color and technology wise, we chose the Violet Photochromic, Blue, Brown Gradient, and Brown Classic options.

The New Wayfarer features the lighter nylon frame and temple arm material. Despite it's light weight, nylon is strong and resilient. Both the 52 and 55m wide lenses are matched with an 18mm nose bridge and 145mm temple arm length. The quality hinge design, frame and lens logos are the same as you'd find on the original Wayfarer. The lens options include sunny and cloud cover tints. The Violet Photochomic are the most versatile, darkening in higher sun, getting lighter in less sun, mixed or cloudy conditions. The photochromic system does require UV light to change, so it rarely changes in today's vehicles, maintaining its shade it last had before entering the vehicle. The Blue Washed is best for cloudy or mixed conditions, with slight tint changes. The Brown Gradient is very similar in performance to the Blue, but with the Brown tint. For bright sun, the Brown Classic B-15 lens blocks 85% of light, for a VLT of 15%.

When style, light weight, Wayfarer design and a clean look are your preference, the Ray Ban New Wayfarer is here for you. We can fully appreciate the purists who will consider nothing but the classic original, but also value those who desire a little less frame and the slightly softer overall effect granted by the New Wayfarer. Return to Top