There are brands that survive trends because they create them. Ray-Ban is one of them: founded in 1936 as a supplier to the American military aviation, it has become the most recognizable sunglasses brand in the world over the decades. Worn by James Dean, Bob Dylan, Tom Cruise in Top Gun, and generations of everyday people looking for uncompromising style and quality.
The history of Ray-Ban: from the American Air Force to shop windows around the world
Ray-Ban was born from a military commission: in 1936, Bausch & Lomb developed sunglasses for the US Army Air Corps capable of reducing glare at high altitudes during flights. The name itself says it all: Ray-Ban, literally "ban the rays" — eliminate the rays. The green G-15 lenses, still among the brand's most iconic today, were developed in those years to ensure maximum clarity and minimum chromatic distortion.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Ray-Ban conquered American popular culture: sunglasses left military airplanes and entered beaches, college campuses, and movie sets. The Wayfarer — launched in 1956 — became the symbol of an entire generation.
In 1999, the brand was acquired by Luxottica (now EssilorLuxottica), which consolidated its global distribution while keeping its original DNA intact: superior optical quality, iconic design, durable construction.
Iconic Ray-Ban models
Aviator: the progenitor
The Aviator is the first Ray-Ban sunglasses — and probably the most imitated in eyewear history. The oversized teardrop lenses, double metal bridge, and thin temples have been copied by hundreds of brands for almost a century. The original, however, is unmistakable: the quality of the G-15 lenses, the precision of the hinges, and the comfort of the metal frame have no equals.
Wayfarer: the cultural icon
Launched in 1956 with a revolutionary acetate design — a complete novelty at the time — the Wayfarer is the sunglasses of James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, the Blues Brothers, and dozens of cultural icons. The trapezoidal shape with pronounced angles has remained unchanged for almost seventy years: one of the few shapes in design history that does not need to be updated because it is already perfect.
Clubmaster: the return of the 1950s
The Clubmaster revisits the aesthetic of 1950s browline frames — with the upper part in acetate and the lower part in metal — and brings it into the contemporary era with an unmistakable retro elegance. It is the sunglasses for those looking for something more sophisticated than the classic Wayfarer, with an intellectual and vintage touch.
Round: for those who love vintage
Ray-Ban's round shapes immediately evoke John Lennon and 1960s and 1970s culture. Lightweight, sophisticated, and capable of softening angular features, Ray-Ban round frames are one of the most refined choices for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
Ray-Bans available from Infinity Vision
Ray-Ban Clubmaster 0RB0316S – Gold and Black
The Clubmaster in its most elegant version: gold and black frame for a sophisticated look that pairs perfectly with fall outfits. The upper part in black acetate and the lower part in gold metal create a refined and unmistakable contrast.
→ Discover Clubmaster 0RB0316S on Infinity Vision
Ray-Ban RB3783 – Silver with Blue Lenses
An aviator in a silver frame with blue lenses: fresh, contemporary, and with the unmistakable Ray-Ban DNA. The blue lenses add a touch of personality to one of the brand's most classic shapes.
→ Discover RB3783 on Infinity Vision
Ray-Ban RB2224 – Two versions, one style
The RB2224 model is available in two variants that cover the most diverse tastes:
- 710/31 Havana with classic green lenses — the Havana/green G-15 combination is the most authentic in the Ray-Ban universe: warm, natural, and timeless
- 901/B1 Black with dark gray lenses — the timeless classic: black frame and gray lenses for sunglasses that work in any context
→ RB2224 Havana/Green | RB2224 Black/Gray
Ray-Ban R0502S – Black Acetate with Blue Lenses
A unisex model in black acetate with blue lenses for those who want a Ray-Ban with an unexpected touch of color. The blue lenses add personality without compromising the sobriety of the black frame.
→ Discover R0502S on Infinity Vision
Ray-Ban RB4457D – Women's Havana with Brown Lenses
A feminine model in Havana acetate with brown lenses: the warmest and most autumnal combination in the Ray-Ban collection. Perfect for complementing new season looks with the comfort and optical quality that only Ray-Ban can offer.
→ Discover RB4457D on Infinity Vision
How to choose the right Ray-Ban
With so many iconic models available, choosing can seem difficult. Here are a few guidelines:
- Oval face — almost everything works: Wayfarer, Aviator, Clubmaster. You have the maximum freedom of choice.
- Round face — favor Wayfarer and Clubmaster with pronounced angles to elongate the face.
- Square face — round shapes and the Aviator soften angular features.
- Heart-shaped face — Aviator and Round balance a wider forehead.
- For a classic look — Aviator or black Wayfarer are the safest and most versatile choices.
- For a look with personality — gold Clubmaster, colored lenses, or Havana frames add character.
Frequently asked questions about Ray-Ban
How to recognize an original Ray-Ban?
Original Ray-Bans feature the "RB" logo engraved on the left lens, measurements printed on the temple (e.g., 50□21 140), an original case with the Ray-Ban logo, and a microfiber cloth. By purchasing from Infinity Vision, you are guaranteed 100% authentic products.
Do Ray-Ban lenses protect against UV rays?
Yes. All original Ray-Bans guarantee UV400 protection, which blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays. The iconic G-15 lenses also offer natural color rendering without altering color perception.
Can I replace the lenses of a Ray-Ban?
Yes. Ray-Ban offers an official lens replacement service, and many qualified opticians — such as Infinity Vision — can replace the lenses with prescription alternatives or different treatments. A good reason to choose quality frames: they last over time even when the lenses wear out.
Do Ray-Ban Junior sunglasses have the same features as adult models?
Yes — the same optical quality, the same UV400 protection, the same construction. The differences are in the sizes (adapted to smaller faces) and the available shapes. The Ray-Ban Junior 9064S is one of the most appreciated models for children.
Conclusion
Ray-Ban is not simply a sunglasses brand: it is a piece of 20th-century design and popular culture history. Choosing a Ray-Ban means choosing certified optical quality, a design that never goes out of style, and a history that few brands in the world can boast. At Infinity Vision, you will find a curated selection of the most representative Ray-Ban models, with a guarantee of authenticity and professional assistance.
