Maya Ellison
Wayfarer sunglasses are an iconic style that has been popular for over 60 years. They have been worn by presidents and movie stars and are known for their versatility and ability to suit most face shapes. While they were originally designed as glasses, they have since become a fashion statement, with Ray-Ban releasing both the Original Wayfarer and the New Wayfarer. The Original Wayfarer features a forward tilt, while the New Wayfarer has a more contemporary look with a lighter frame. Wayfarers come in a variety of colours and finishes, including plastic and rubber. While black plastic Wayfarers can be a casual style, they may not suit all skin tones and can be harsh relative to the wearer's complexion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Casual |
| Skin tone | Suits deeper skin tones |
| Occasion | Not for business attire |
| Face shape | Flattering for round and oval faces |
| Material | Plastic, acetate, rubber |
| Durability | Long-lasting |
| Price | $120 |
| Authenticity | Metal hinges, 'Hand Made in Italy' printed on the inside right temple |
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What You'll Learn
Wayfarer plastic sunglasses: a fashionable choice?
Wayfarer sunglasses have become an essential fashion accessory, with many iconic figures such as Bob Dylan and Ryan Gosling sporting the style. The sunglasses have a deceptively simple design that will always look stylish, and they can instantly elevate any outfit.
Wayfarer sunglasses typically feature square-ish lenses with a slightly curved bridge, often angled forward, and temples that wrap around the ear. The frames are usually black, tortoiseshell, or shades of brown. While black Wayfarers can be a stylish choice, it is a myth that black goes with everything. Black can be a harsh colour for sunglasses relative to skin tone, so fair or medium skin tones may wish to avoid it. Deeper skin tones will show less contrast, so black will be more complementary. Black Wayfarers are best suited for casual wear, whereas tortoiseshell or more unique frames may be a better choice for business attire.
Wayfarer sunglasses are available in a variety of materials, including plastic and acetate. While plastic Wayfarer sunglasses can be a more affordable option, some products may be flimsy and prone to breaking. It is important to read reviews and purchase from reputable sellers to ensure the quality of the product. Some plastic Wayfarer sunglasses may also have sharp edges that can cut the tops of the ears. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the tint and distortion of the lenses.
For those seeking a more refined and unique look, avoiding the standard black Wayfarer and opting for different shades and colours can be a fashionable choice. Folding Wayfarer sunglasses with rounded-off edges and narrow lenses are also available, offering a modern and travel-friendly alternative to the original style. Some brands, such as Walden Eyewear, offer Wayfarer designs inspired by nature, while others like Celine provide subtle differences in lens shape, temple width, and frame thickness for a high-fashion take on the classic style.
Overall, Wayfarer plastic sunglasses can be a fashionable choice, depending on the quality of the product and the style preferences of the wearer. While black Wayfarers have a classic and versatile appeal, they may not suit all skin tones and occasions. Exploring different colours, materials, and designs can help individuals find the most fashionable Wayfarer sunglasses for their needs.
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The pros and cons of black plastic Wayfarers
Black plastic Wayfarers have been a popular style of sunglasses for decades. They are a contemporary look, offering a lighter frame and a comfortable fit. While black Wayfarers can be a stylish choice, there are some pros and cons to consider before purchasing a pair.
Pros
- Black Wayfarers are versatile and can be worn in a variety of settings, from the beach to a casual downtown outing.
- They are often more affordable than other unique frame colours or designs.
- Black Wayfarers can be a good choice for those with deeper skin tones, as the colour will show less contrast and be more complementary.
- They are a classic style that has been around for a long time and is not likely to go out of fashion.
Cons
- Black Wayfarers can come across as casual, and may not suit all attire or occasions.
- The black colour can be harsh relative to certain skin tones, particularly for those with fair or medium skin.
- Some people may find the all-black style too simple or boring, preferring to make a statement with unique shades or designs.
- The plastic frames may be flimsy or of poor quality, depending on the brand and price point.
Overall, black plastic Wayfarers can be a good choice for those seeking a versatile, affordable, and classic style of sunglasses. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the casual style limiting attire options and the potential for the black colour to be unflattering on certain skin tones.
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The history of Wayfarers
Wayfarer sunglasses have a rich history dating back to the 1950s. They are defined by their horizontal rectangle shape, with broader frames near the top that reach out to a point, sometimes referred to as "wings". The lower half features a rounded shape that covers a wide range of the eye area without being too overbearing.
The roots of Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses can be traced back to World War II, but their popularity is credited to stars such as Tom Cruise and Bruce Willis. Wayfarers were first introduced in 1952, and their popularity was cemented by James Dean in the 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause. In the film, Dean's character, Jim Stark, dons a pair of Wayfarers, which inspired a generation of men to get the frames for themselves.
Throughout the 1960s, several other icons helped cement the popularity of Wayfarer sunglasses, including Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, and even The Beatles. They became synonymous with the look of the 1960s counterculture movement.
The 1970s were a down period for Wayfarers as the hippy movement favoured a new wave of slicker and chunkier shades. However, in 1982, Bausch & Lomb signed a contract to place the Wayfarer sunglasses shape on the faces of icons in movies and television, bringing them back into fashion. Throughout the 1980s, Wayfarers shared the screen with big hitters such as Tom Cruise in Risky Business and Miami Vice, helping to cement their popularity once again.
Wayfarers have continued to evolve over the decades, becoming more friendly to the wearer and encompassing a wide range of classic and updated styles. They remain one of the most popular sunglasses on the market today, with fans including Johnny Depp, James Franco, and Jude Law.
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Wayfarer alternatives
Wayfarers are a type of sunglasses that have become an essential fashion accessory. They are known for their square-ish lenses with a slightly curved bridge and temples that wrap around the ear. While black Wayfarers are classic, they are not always the most flattering option, especially for those with fair or medium skin tones. Here are some alternatives to the traditional black Wayfarer style:
Tortoiseshell or Brown Wayfarers
Tortoiseshell or brown Wayfarers can be a great alternative to black, offering a more unique and refined look. They are also more flattering on fair and medium skin tones, as black can sometimes be too harsh.
Persol Wayfarers
Persol's take on Wayfarers is distinctively their own, with incredibly comfortable frames and exceptional lens clarity. The Persol sunglasses are instantly recognizable by the metal details on the temple, giving them a sleek and formal look.
Tom Ford Wayfarers
Tom Ford's interpretation of the classic Wayfarer features a sleek black frame with gold accents and a fashion-forward shape. This modern twist on the classic style adds a touch of luxury to any outfit.
Todd Snyder x Moscot Wayfarers
Todd Snyder, a popular menswear brand, collaborated with New York eyewear label Moscot to create a unique take on Wayfarer sunglasses. The frame is angular and sleek, while the lenses are an aquatic shade of blue, making them perfect for a formal look.
The Adin Wayfarers
The Adin Wayfarers offer a modern twist on the traditional style, with a slightly transparent gray-blue front and dark tortoise temples. They are polarized and provide strong lenses and comfortable frames, making them perfect for long days in the sun.
Huckberry Wayfarers
Huckberry offers excellent sunglasses, but their in-house frames are particularly noteworthy. Their design is simple and smooth, built for versatility, and at a great price point. They offer various color options, including classic black, tortoise, and dark translucent yellow.
Maui Jim Wayfarers
Maui Jim sunglasses are known for their high quality and are available at more affordable prices through Costco for members. They offer a range of models, including some Ray-Ban Wayfarer styles, providing an alternative source for purchasing the iconic shades.
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Spotting fake Wayfarers
Black Wayfarers are a casual style of sunglasses, though this is not always the case. Black can be a harsh colour relative to skin tone, so fair or medium skin tones should avoid it. Deeper skin tones will show less contrast, so the black colour will be more complementary.
Wayfarers are a popular style of sunglasses, and it can be tricky to spot the fakes. If you want the real thing, you must know how to flag the forgeries. Authentic Ray-Ban Wayfarers are known for their high-quality lenses made from superior glass or premium plastic. These lenses offer exceptional clarity, scratch resistance, and durability.
- Check the price. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Inspect the logo etching on the lenses. The real Wayfarers have a neatly etched logo on the top corner of the right lens. It should be crisp, clean, and securely embedded.
- Inspect the lenses under bright light for clear, distortion-free vision.
- Check the hinges. Ray-Ban Wayfarers have distinctive metal hinges with seven prongs — four on one side, three on the other — and two metal studs on each half of the hinge. Fakes typically have plastic hinges or low-quality metal hinges.
- Check the nose pads. Authentic Ray-Bans with metal frames typically have transparent nose pads embossed with the Ray-Ban logo at the centre.
- Inspect the arms. They should be reinforced by metal.
- Check the packaging. Genuine Wayfarers come in a box with the distinctive Ray-Ban logo. Look for high-quality printing in the lettering and colours.
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Frequently asked questions
Black Wayfarers can be a very harsh colour relative to your skin tone, so fair or medium skin tones should avoid them. Deeper skin tones will show less contrast, so the black colour will be more complementary.
Wayfarer sunglasses are usually made of a type of reinforced plastic. However, some Wayfarers are made from acetate rather than injection-moulded plastic.
No, Wayfarers come in a variety of colours and finishes.
Yes, Wayfarers are arguably the most iconic sunglasses style ever created and are still in style after 60 years.
To avoid buying fake Wayfarers, purchase from authorised dealers that offer returns. True Wayfarers have oversized metal hinges and are made in Italy. They should come with a leather case with the Ray-Ban logo.
