Ray Ban

"Change is the law of life. Those who look only to the past and present will miss the future," said former President and passionate Ray-Ban fan John F. Kennedy.

For this reason, the then subsidiary of Bausch & Lomb seized the opportunity when it entered the market with its first sunglasses. The path to becoming the world's most famous sunglasses brand was certainly not always straightforward, but looking back, the company only looked at its traditional cult models.

The success story of Ray-Ban (RB) is closely linked to the rise of aviation in the 1920s. "Higher, faster, further" was not an empty phrase at the time, but an expression of the rapid developments in the industry. New aircraft types, increasing altitudes and higher speeds presented pilots in both military and civil aviation with new challenges. Many fighter pilots in the US Air Force complained of headaches and nausea due to the intense light, which required immediate solutions.

General John A. Macready approached Ray-Ban to develop special sunglasses for aviation. These would meet the needs of pilots and at the same time provide perfect protection from strong light at high altitudes. The engineers' answer was the ANTI Glare sunglasses made of gold-plated metal with green mineral lenses that filtered infrared and UV rays. In 1936, the first plastic sunglasses frame in the iconic aviator design was presented to the public.

The following year, the sunglasses were patented and the Ray-Ban brand was officially launched. The Aviator began an unprecedented triumph, conquering the market both fashionably and commercially. Personalities such as General Douglas MacArthur wore the Ray-Ban Aviator during the landing of US troops in the Philippines in World War II, which further gave the glasses their cult status.

In addition to this iconic model, two other important frames followed, which emphasized the functional aspects of the brand. The Ray-Ban Shooter model (RB3138) is aimed at active sports people and is available with Ray-Ban Green and Kalichrome lenses (light yellow lenses for foggy conditions). The version with the light yellow lenses in particular became famous thanks to the US author Hunter S. Thompson and later to Johnny Depp in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas". A special feature: the nose bridge has a hole which, according to myth, allowed hunters to hold their cigarette while hunting.

The Ray-Ban Outdoorsman, originally known as “Skeet Glass,” was designed specifically for hunters, anglers and shooters and made a brief appearance in the Hollywood film “Cobra” starring Sylvester Stallone.

The 1950s brought many developments - also for RB. In addition to the introduction of the N-15 lens, which was later marketed as G-15 and only lets through 15% of sunlight, sunglasses experienced a transformation into a fashion accessory that was increasingly becoming a part of everyday life. Hollywood and the growing importance of cinema contributed significantly to this established view.

Ray-Ban's breakthrough ultimately came through a memorable appearance in a film. While Ray-Ban's models were already very popular, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer RB2140 catapulted the brand to the top of the eyewear industry overnight.

This success was actually based on a misunderstanding. When the Wayfarer appeared on Audrey Hepburn's nose in "Breakfast at Tiffany's", the model, originally designed as a men's pair of glasses with the distinctive frame, suddenly became attractive to all genders. Ironically, Hepburn was actually wearing a model from competitor Persol that looked similar to the Ray-Ban Wayfarer.

Since then, the brand's rise has been unstoppable. The Wayfarer continues to appear in cult films and is worn by famous people such as Bob Dylan, James Dean and John Belushi, further fuelling the myth and making Ray-Ban the number one in the industry. By constantly adapting to current trends and cleverly reinterpreting old models, Ray-Ban remains constantly innovative.

The company is committed to Kennedy's motto: "When, if not now? Where, if not here? Who, if not us?"

The immense demand has made Ray-Ban almost a synonym for branded glasses. The brand is highly recognizable worldwide, especially due to the characteristic lettering on the right lens. As a real eyewear brand, Ray-Ban offers a diverse range of products that have also been established in Hollywood films such as "The Blues Brothers," "Miami Vice," and "Malcolm X."

Despite this popularity, there are still many misconceptions about Ray-Ban. Our optics expert Phil clears up some of these misconceptions:

Ray-Ban was not founded by two American opticians named Ray and Ben and should not be incorrectly spelled as Ray-Ben. Spelling variants such as Ray Ban, Rayban, ReyBan or Rebähn are also incorrect. If an online shop advertises with these names, it is probably an imitation. Original Ray-Ban products can also be recognized by a characteristic case and a glasses cloth. A look at the official website www.ray-ban.com shows the original models, which have a serial number engraved in the left temple. A price comparison also doesn't hurt.

Ray-Ban not only sells sunglasses, but also prescription glasses for men and women. The Ray-Ban RX collections include numerous models, from vintage to modern.

With the “Never Hide” campaign, the brand underlines its claim to be an accessory for individualists.

Bausch & Lomb continues to play a role in the brand's origins, as original glasses from the time of its creation have the abbreviation BL in the lens, while newer models only have the initials RB. The trademark, which is located in the upper corner of the right lens, can be found in every model. If the imprint can be easily scratched off, it is probably an imitation.

The Ray-Ban Aviator (RB3025) is not just another model of sunglasses, but has established itself as an absolute cult object. Originally developed for radiation protection, it is now the symbol of aviator glasses and is often offered in different colors and versions, e.g. with mirrored lenses.

The Ray-Ban Clubmaster (RB3016) is also one of Hollywood's most famous accessories. Famous scenes from films such as "Reservoir Dogs" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" show how central this model has become to film history.

The Ray-Ban Balorama (RB4089) became a key element of the character in Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” and to this day embodies urbanity and style.

The women's models, such as the Jackie Ohh (RB4101), named after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and the Ray-Ban Erika (RB4171) or Justin (RB4165), show that Ray-Ban also sets standards in the women's sector.

A modernized version of the original, the Ray-Ban New Wayfarer (RB2132) offers a versatile design that is ideal for any occasion.

Ray-Ban stands for innovative lenses that can both provide UV protection and improve vision. Customers have the option of combining frames and lenses according to their wishes. The choice of lens color can also be individually determined, so that everyone can find the perfect sunglasses.

The wide range of color variations ensures that there is a model to suit every taste.

From round to square lenses, from Wayfarer to Aviator – the selection of Ray-Ban sunglasses is huge. The online shop allows you to search specifically for models that suit your personal style.

Ray-Ban sunglasses not only offer protection, but also complete your outfit in style.

Experiment with different styles, colors and models and use the online fitting option or get support from our digital master optician in choosing the right lenses. This way, your Ray-Ban glasses will be the perfect companion for every sunny slope.