Different Styles of Ray-Ban Sunglasses
By Jonathan Bales
, last updated June 14, 2011
As the brand's most recognizable style of sunglasses, the Wayfarers possess a distinct, geometrical shape and the signature Ray-Ban logo on the temples. The Wayfarers were designed in 1952 and quickly became popular among celebrities. The sunglasses are available in a wide selection of colors, although the traditional black look is still the most popular today. There are a ridiculous 76 different types of Wayfarer sunglasses, each with a unique combination of colors, lenses and materials. The rounded version, for example, gives a more contemporary look to a pair of sunglasses that manages to retain the traditional Wayfarer style. Each pair also has a polarized lens option. The classic Wayfarer style retails for anywhere from $109 to $195. Ironically, the traditional black style, unchanged for years, is the priciest due to its popularity.
Ray-Ban Jackie Ohh II Sunglasses
As a more contemporary take on traditional female sunglasses, the Ray-Ban Jackie Ohh II style provides a bold look. They have large, oversized frames that represent today's current feminine style of sunglasses. The rounded corners of the frames give a look that might seem a bit different than the usual Ray-Ban style. The sunglasses are available in a full range of colors and contain an option for gradient lenses. As usual, the traditional Ray-Ban logo is on both temples of the sunglasses. There are 25 different sub-styles of the Jackie Ohh II, all of which retail for $139.
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses
Ray-Ban sunglasses were originally designed for the military, and the Aviator style is the one the pilots used. Although the Wayfarer look is the most popular today and gets associated most often with the Ray-Ban company, the Aviator sunglasses really started it all. Aviators are marked by their teardrop-shaped lenses and thin frames. The style quickly spread past pilots and into Hollywood, helping to launch the Ray-Ban brand. A few versions of the glasses are available with polarized lenses, although the majority are more about looking stylish than keeping the sun out of one's eyes. The largest pro of the Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses is their timelessness. It is unlikely Aviators will ever really go out of style. There are 78 different styles of Aviators in the Ray-Ban line, and they range from $99 to $239.
Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses
As the company's signature retro look, the Clubmaster design is just as in-style today as it was 50 years ago. Made popular by civil rights leaders, the Clubmasters have a look that resembles a cross between the Wayfarers and Aviators. They possess classic curved lines and are recognized for the fact that the frames do not entirely encircle the lenses. There are 31 different sub-styles of Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses, ranging in colors and design. Nonetheless, like the majority of styles, the traditional black look is still the most popular. They retail for $145.
Ray-Ban Cats 1000 Sunglasses
The Cats 1000 Sunglasses are slightly reminiscent of the Wayfarer style, but they possess rounded lenses. Still, the thick frames and carbon fiber material are the same. The sunglasses have come to be known as a unisex style and are available in 25 different looks. They range from $135 to $179.
Ray-Ban Caravan Sunglasses
Similar to Aviators, the Caravan style was actually launched in 1957 as an alternative to the original model of Ray-Bans made for pilots. The Caravans possess the same thin metal frames as the Aviators, but a more geometric shape which includes squared lenses and frames. The Ray-Ban logo is also printed on the nose pads of the sunglasses as opposed to the temples. The Ray-Ban Caravan Sunglasses are available as prescription sunglasses, giving one the ultimate combination of practicality and fashion. Most Caravan sunglasses range from $125 to $239, but the new limited edition variety cost $480. These rare sunglasses are a collector's item, made of titanium and plated with 18k gold.
