Since the 1930s, Ray-Ban® has shaped fashion and pop culture with timeless designs worn by our favourite celebrities and featured in music videos and movies. It’s one of the most distinguishable eyewear brands in the world. Constantly evolving, Ray-Ban® blends classic style with bold innovation. Discover our latest collection of cool, iconic Ray-Ban® glasses.
The rise of the Ray-Ban Aviator
Ray-Ban® created its iconic Aviator™ sunglasses in the 1930s for US Air Force pilots, who needed protection from the sun’s glare as aeroplanes began to reach higher altitudes. The first version in 1937 featured green anti-glare lenses and a plastic frame. A year later, they were redesigned in metal and officially named Aviators™. The name Ray-Ban® reflects their purpose—to ban harmful sun rays.
After becoming standard issue for pilots, Ray-Ban®’s high-quality Aviator™ sunglasses quickly gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. Their bold look led to new designs and by the 1970s, a more vibrant, unisex style emerged, showcased on runways and worn by women as a symbol of strength.
Beloved by rock stars, celebrities and film icons, the Aviator™ remains instantly recognisable with its teardrop lenses, sleek metal frame and double bridge. Reinvented over the decades, it’s a timeless style, whether you want stylish prescription glasses, or an iconic pair of Aviator sunglasses to channel your inner Maverick!
The timeless Ray-Ban Wayfarer
Launched in 1952, Ray-Ban®’s Wayfarer™ offered a stylish, understated alternative to the Aviator™. Thanks to plastic innovation, it became both practical and fashionable with its chunky black silhouette and signature metal rivets. By the 1960s, it was worn by everyone from presidents to cultural rebels. It rose to icon status in the 1980s through film and music.
Originally a striking masculine design, the Wayfarer™ evolved into a fashion staple, embraced across genres and decades. A shining star amongst many Hollywood icons, it has played a big role in the U.S. film industry over the years. Ray-Ban®’s Wayfarer™ is also associated with a variety of different music genres, from the punk scene to pop music videos and albums. Now available in bold colours and modern sleeker styles, it’s perfect as both prescription glasses and sunglasses. A consistent bestseller, the Wayfarer™ remains a timeless favourite.
Classic Clubmaster style
The classic Clubmaster™ is the ultimate in old-school cool, inspired by 1947’s original browline glasses. Popular with businessmen in the ’50s and ’60s, the style made a comeback in the 1980s thanks to popular American television. Ray-Ban® launched its own version in 1986, now a retro icon seen in period dramas and TV shows.
Defined by a bold upper brow, sharp curves and sleek gold accents, the Clubmaster™ has been modernised over time and now comes in a range of colours and styles. So, whether the sleek curves of the New Clubmaster draw you in, or you love the old-school classic with its striking Havana brow and metal accents, Clubmaster™ glasses never let you down when it comes to adding a stylish and professional edge to your look.
Round is cool and retro
Thought to be the earliest style of glasses, the classic round shape continues to be a fan favourite. In the Roaring Twenties, round metal glasses became increasingly popular as materials were introduced and eyewear became more affordable. This classic round shape was favoured by celebrities and in turn, became a common choice amongst trendsetters of the time. Once again, there was a rise in demand during the 1960s. This style of glasses was worn by hippies at music festivals and became a must-have fashion accessory. Circular frames also have deep associations with wisdom and have been popularised by famous artists and intellectuals throughout time.
Round Ray-Ban® glasses have a vintage look and are extremely versatile. They are made from a variety of materials and come in a selection of trendy colours. So, whether you opt for a classic metal style or a youthful acetate frame, you’re sure to achieve an ultra-modern look. After all, the chic retro look is certainly in vogue this season!
Stepping into the future
Ray-Ban® is constantly reinventing itself as a brand and creating unique and iconic looks. For example, Ray-Ban®’s Mega Clubmaster and Mega Wayfarer reimagine two iconic styles with bold, oversized updates. Meanwhile, the edgy Jack frame breaks boundaries, combining both classic round and hexagonal shapes. Below, you’ll see two of our most popular contemporary styles which add a modern twist to classic shapes.
At Glasses Direct, we also have a variety of attention-grabbing squares, elegant cat-eyes, subtle semi-rimless and quirky geometric designs from Ray-Ban® that have a fresh, contemporary edge. Combine them with our great-value lens options, from varifocals and reliable prescription lenses to prescription sunglasses and polarised lenses. Browse our full selection of Ray-Ban® frames online now and also don’t forget to check out our special offers.
