Tuesday, March 30, 2010

The Wayfarer Family

Ray Ban's iconic Wayfarer model might be my all time favorite due to their obvious embodiment of everything classic, badass and down right awesome.  With that being said I think that people often jump into buying a pair without giving any consideration to the various models that Ray Ban has to offer.  It's always better to try sunglasses on in person so that you know without a doubt they look good, but at the same time it's also integral to get a handle on the situation ahead of time to prepare yourself for the purchase.  Keep in mind that there are a few other models in the Wayfarer family not talked abut here (the folding RB4105, the hipster RB2143, etc.), but I am overlooking those because you shouldn't be buying those in the first place.


The Original Wayfarer - RB2140

The closet thing being sold to the original 1952 model today, the RB2140 is the standard of old school cool.  When buying these be careful of the lens size (most commonly 50mm and 54mm) because this seemingly small details makes a huge difference on how the sunglasses, which are of the larger variety, look and fit on your face.

The New Wayfarer - RB2132

The New Wayfarer was introduced a few years back as a smaller alternative to the original.  While they definitely are smaller I actually think Ray Ban messed with the proportions a little too much and the glasses seem more "squished" that anything else.  Granted this shape is much more appealing to people who think the original is a little too big or intense, but keep in mind that it does lack some of the edge and angles that made the original so iconic.

RB2113


This now defunct model, being phased out by Ray Ban, is the holy grail of Wayfarers as far as I am concerned.  It really is the perfect combination of the two styles above, keeping the personality of the original while streamlining the shape just enough with its trimmed up frames (especially around the lenses) as seen on the New Wayfarer.  While it's hard to tell the difference between this and the original on a computer screen, in person you can really see the improvements - I am assuming these minute differences are what caused Ray Ban to discontinue them in the first place as it must have proved confusing to customers.  Keep in mind that you can still buy the RB2113 all over the interwebs and many stores still have them in stock.

In closing, make sure you know what you are getting into before you drop upwards of $100 on a new pair and try them on in person if you can.  If you ever want to see the model number of the pair you are trying on it is always listed on the inside of the left stem and be sure not to overlook the importance of lens size either, even on the same model, as I have often found that is the most important factor.  Oh yeah and before I forget, only black and tortoise shell please - unless of course your style icon is Lindsay Lohan.

-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: The RB5121 is an optical version (for prescription glasses) of the RB2140.]

59 comments:

  1. Respect. I've noticed the different models whilst searching but never looked into it. Going to hook myself up with a pair of 2113's if I can.
    Thanks!

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  2. I got some New Wayfarers a few years ago that resembled the 2113. I suspect that the 2132 is a replacement for it. I now sport the 2140 and am damn glad I do - although the tortoise is a bit darker than in the past.

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  3. I actually tried on some tortoise New Wayfarers at Martin + Osa a month or two ago. I like the way they fit. Made me miss my black ones that I had in the early 90s when Wayfarers weren't cool. Pre-Luxottica models that were most likely made in the US, I lost them only to find an identical, albeit slightly beat up, pair in a science lab a few weeks later. Lost those eventually too. Sigh.

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  4. Thank you for the post. I also got some wayfarers a couple of years ago and this would have made it considerably easier. Come to find I got the 2140 in tortoise and they are the answer to all my sunglass questions. I might need another pair at some point but I know I will never need another style.

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  5. 2113s are easily the best. Due to a lighter frame than the 2140, it'll actually stay on your nose if it doesn't fit you perfectly.

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  6. What about clubmasters? I've been looking for some frames to have with my (clear) prescription lenses, need something relatively small but angular.

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  7. This post is a sad reminder of my tortoise 2132s getting stolen out of my truck.

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  8. Great post! It's easy to think that a pair of Wayfarers are just a pair of Wayfarers. I now consider myself schooled. Well done sir.

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  9. Thanks for doing the legwork, dude. I'm glad you didn't pay any lip service to the Wayfarer II (2143), blah.

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  10. I believe that the 2113s were introduced in the 80s or possibly 90s as the "New Wayfarers," with the intention of replacing the older style. I'm pretty sure that the 2132s are basically just the smaller version of the 2113s. The 2140s were reintroduced in the early 2000s as the "Original Wayfarers" and, as you stated, are most similar to the original versions from the 50s and 60s. If I were to choose a pair, I'd go with the 2140s in the larger size.

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  11. Just picked up a pair of 4140's in tortoise shell yesterday. Some subtle changes that I love described in their text here:

    Wayfarer inspired RB4141 sunglasses have the distinct lines of the original, but is reinterpreted here into a trendy mid sized round shape that flatters both men and women. A sweeping curve at the end piece has a retro cat-like angle. The signature sculpted temples with the metal Ray-Ban® logo complete the sunglass look. This model is paired with G15 or polarized crystal lenses and can easily accommodate a prescription.

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  12. Chuck- The 4140's may be grouped in the Wayfarer family, but they are a whole different monster in my opinion. From the lens shape to the keyhold in the bridge, they are striking, for sure, but resemble the original Wayfarer very little.

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  13. True dat.... but a smaller frame for a smaller face and the rounder aspect of the lens also helps with my particular chin-cheek bone combination.

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  14. I had no idea they made so many different Wayfarer sunglasses. That will make my decision a lot more difficult.

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  15. I miss my Bosh and Lomb era Toroise wayfarers. I'll have to give the RB2140s a shot sometime soon.

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  16. very informative.thanks.i'm glad i've not made my purchase yet.its definitely going to be either 2140 or 2132 or better still 2113(if i can find one in bangalore,india).can you please enlighten me on the differences in lens size-what does it really mean and what seperates a 50mm from a 54mm?here's my alternate email id- paulvaiphei2003@yahoo.co.in.

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  17. I don't know... I actually think that the whole Wayfarer thing has gone too far. So much so, that I created this:
    Wayfarer Warning Sign

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  18. Wayfarer RB2140 is the best of all...

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  19. 5022 is the only option.

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  20. Nice Summary! Thanks.
    But even though you're a strict black or tortoise guy, for me the best model is the 2132 in the shiny havana color. It's like tortoise, but a little bit shinier. Like this one: Ray Ban New Wayfarer

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  21. Greetings everybody, This webpage is superb and so is how the matter was expanded. I like among the comments as properly though I would favor we all hold it on matter in order add value to the subject. It is going to be also encouraging to the author if all of us could share it (for some of us who use bookmarking services akin to a digg, twitter,..).

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  22. I just bought not one, but two (2) of the RB2140 3P (polarized).
    I considered after reading all the posts here on the subject, that this sunglasses are "THE-WAY-TO-GO".
    And eventually they will become very popular and very scarse too.

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  23. Really good breakdown of the different styles. By the way, cool site. Linked here from www.thenewspeakeasy.com

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  24. I've got a pair of the original Wayfarer II Ray-Ban sunglasses and they're brilliant. Not like the sort of pop-hipster shit 2143's of today

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  25. It is really too bad to see how wayfarers have been mutilated since Ray Ban became one of the scores of Luxxotica brands. The original wayfarer 5022 (not the so-called original 2140) is still around online and it is the model to get. New wayfarers have a different plastic compound that can be prone to scratching and flaking due to a separate shiny outer layer. Plus they have lots of gaudy branding all over them so that you can make sure everyone knows YOU are wearing RAY BANS. For my taste, the only time you should cover yourself with brand names is if your'e being paid lots of money to do so, driving in nascar, or preferably both. So go on ebay, get yourself some USA-made ray ban 5022s and forget this Italian garbage.

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  26. I've got a pair of 5024s in black that just have the silver insets (no script) and slightly green, BL stamped lenses. Simple, classic USA made Wayfarer. I think I bought them back in 1996 when I was a kid.

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  27. so confused whether to purchase the 2140s or the 2113s!!!!!! I have a medium-large face and am looking for a good pair that dont protrude from my face a lot (as i have noticed the 2140s do), with kind of an angled effect. do the 2113s angle as much?
    would the 2113s fit the bill?

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  28. thanks for your article about the Wayfarer give me enough explanation to understand

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  29. I was going to pick up the 2132's but actually found a pair of 2113's in a bathroom (checked for authenticity and they were real). Cleaned them up nice and they are the most perfect sunglasses of all time.

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  30. So you stole them from someone.Oh, and they were authentic? Great! Would you have taken them if they weren't? Or do you only steal things that are worth having? I wonder if the owner misses their most perfect sunglasses of all time.

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  31. The 2113s do not have the dramatic angle. As a lover of the whole Ray-Ban line, these are my favorite. Also check out the Metora and Clubmaster models!

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  32. I really really like Ray Ban Wayfarer Square.

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  33. I have a pair of 2113 ray-ban sunglasses and was wondering if anyone would have any idea where I could sell them?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i want to buy yours if you want. giken@hotmail.fr

      Delete
  34. I'm really looking for this model of sunglasses : RB2113 901 50mm

    If someone has tips ?
    my email : giken@hotmail.fr

    Thanks

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  35. I happen to really like my folding wayfarers

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  36. I have a pair of black Wayfarer IIs, with the markings L1724 on the left. I understand these are the discontinued model RB2037.

    They are quite beat up after years of use and I would like to get another pair. What would be the closest model now? The RB2140? And what is the difference between the RB2037 and RB2140?

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  37. very good blog u cleared my confusion reg these models......

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  38. I have rb2140 and its for sale

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  39. Wow, those glasses look great on you! Super cool. Loving the antlers too ;)
    Fastrack sunglasses | Rayban eye wear

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  40. Good article. Thanks. I just had hoped to find descriptions of the "old" originals (Bausch & Lomb) included in a family tree. Since there's a market for those vintage sunglasses I am curious as of what details mark which age/decade.

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  41. Wayfarer Ray Ban New and Old Designs are Top Picks of Celebs!

    There may be no other fashion accessory which owes its popularity to celebrities more than the Wayfarer Ray Ban has produced and successfully promoted. Ray Ban Wayfarers have hung on famous noses for more than six decades already.

    First designed and patented by Raymond Stegeman in early 1950s, the Wayfarers' introduction had been treated as revolutionary back then. Wayfarer Style Sunglasses stood out in the middle of hundreds of models of traditional competitors, all of which contained metals as frames. More than the visual appeal and comfort of the design, the fame of Wayfarer glasses was attributed to celebrity acceptance and actual usage.

    Fast forward to about 60 years. A question is born: will the revival of the original Wayfarer Classicbe enticing for the modern famous personas, enough for them to wear one?

    The answer to this is immediately available with a quick browse to photos of the famous, be it on the Internet or other printed media. The list of celebs sporting the Wayfarer model includes Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, James Franco, and Jude Law, to name a few on the male side. The ladies' listhas Demi Lovato, Beyonce, Rihanna, and even Madonna.

    After all those years of changes and challenges, why do people hugging the limelight choose these "revived" Ray Bans? And why do the ordinary audience find their way to buy the not so cheap Wayfarer Sunglasses?

    Wayfarer Ray Ban

    ReplyDelete
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  44. Polarized wayfarer sunglasses are better than normal sunglasses reduce the strength of everything by the same amount. Polarized sunglasses can precisely remove the representation from light coming from above the water surface.

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  47. Can somebody give me some info regarding the ray-ban wayfarer i bought 12 yrs ago RB2008 Wayfarer L2008 made in Italy by Luxottica,is this kind of model also included in the list of what we talked here the " Discontinued Model" of wayfarers?, because when i search the web it always shows me the wayfarer II classic 5022 that is made in USA by Bosch and Lomb.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Question: I scored some REAL Wayfarers, the 5022, in tortoise. Will polarized lenses from the 2140 fit these frames?

    ReplyDelete
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  50. Be careful people when buying Ray Ban's. There are so many counterfeits out there. I pretty much doubt they copied the RB2113 since it hasn't been around for many years. I have a pair that I loved over all the years, but they are well worn and scratched from being in the car. I have to say that I do get a lot of looks when I have them on. The 2113 is less chunky and I don't look like a kid wearing adult glasses. I have the 50mm lens width and 19mm bridge width. I ended up finding a second pair on Ebay without lenses. The frames are in much better shape than my old ones, but the case looks like someone had it in their basement because the snap rivets are corroded. A good sign to me that they are true Ray Ban's. This being said, look to YouTube to see the difference between fakes with the many videos.

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  51. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  52. Wayfarer sunglasses, especially the RB2132 model, are timeless classics. Their iconic design ensures they'll never go out of style. A favorite for many, they epitomize enduring fashion.

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