How Much Do You Know About Wayfarer Sunglasses?

Wayfarer sunglasses truly changed the sunglasses game. They have one of the most instantly recognizable classic shapes in eyewear, a design that people of all ages continue to love. This style first appeared back in the 1950s when Ray-Ban introduced it, and it quickly took off worldwide. 

Wayfarer style remains a go-to choice for anyone wanting that cool, fashionable edge – after all, they’ve been famously worn by style icons like Michael Jackson, Buddy Holly, Debbie Harry, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean.

The Story Behind the Wayfarer Sunglasses

The story of Wayfarer sunglasses begins in 1952 with optical designer Raymond Stegeman, whose creation was quite radical for its time. Design critic Stephen Bayley even compared its classic mid-century feel to iconic designs such as Cadillac tail fins. Ray-Ban started making these Wayfarer sunglasses in 1956, and the unique design completely shook up the eyewear world.

Wayfarer sunglasses were incredibly popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Their fame dipped a bit during the 1970s, but these classic frames made a huge comeback starting in 1982, and they’ve been popular again ever since the mid-2000s.

There’s a good reason Wayfarer sunglasses are often called one of the best-selling sunglass designs ever and a lasting fashion icon of the 20th century. Their history is quite interesting! A big part of their return to fame in the 1980s was actually due to some smart marketing. Ray-Ban signed a deal with a company called Unique Product Placement between 1982 and 1987 (though these efforts continued until 2007). This involved placing Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses in popular movies and TV shows.

For example, Wayfarer sunglasses were featured in hit films and shows like Risky Business, Miami Vice, The Breakfast Club, and Moonlighting – these all helped boost the sunglasses’ popularity and sales dramatically. Seeing huge stars like Tom Cruise, Madonna, Jack Nicholson, and even fashion leader Anna Wintour wearing Wayfarer sunglasses certainly helped cement their comeback.

The 80s Comeback

A huge reason for the comeback of Wayfarer sunglasses in the 1980s was how often they appeared in popular culture. It kicked off in 1983 when Tom Cruise famously wore them in the movie Risky Business, helping push U.S. sales to around 360,000 pairs that year. 

The momentum continued in 1984, thanks partly to Don Johnson sporting the look in the hit TV show Miami Vice, which helped double sales to about 720,000 pairs. That same year, Don Henley’s hit song “Boys of Summer” even included the line “you got that hair slicked back and those Wayfarers on, baby,” giving the sunglasses even more free publicity. 

By 1985, with appearances in shows like Moonlighting and the movie The Breakfast Club, annual sales soared to 1.5 million pairs. The cultural impact didn’t stop there; from 1987 to 1989, Michael Jackson made Wayfarer sunglasses a key part of his signature look during his worldwide “Bad” tour, further cementing their iconic status.

What Makes Wayfarer Sunglasses Unique?

Let’s look closer at what gives Wayfarer sunglasses their distinct character. The frames typically feature high-quality materials. The materials hit a sweet spot, which makes the sunglasses durable enough to last but also keeps them feeling lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Turning to the lenses, they usually have that classic large, somewhat trapezoid shape. This provides great coverage, protecting not just your eyes but also the skin around them. You can find these lenses in various tints, catering to different style preferences and light conditions. Plus, they are available for both regular sunglasses and prescription needs, making them versatile for almost everyone.

The overall design 

The overall is probably the most recognizable feature! That distinctive trapezoidal or slightly rectangular shape with its thick frame construction is instantly identifiable. While the frames have a sturdy look, the lenses are designed to be wide around the eyes without making your forehead or chin seem overly emphasized.

A really interesting detail about Wayfarer sunglasses is their slight forward angle, sometimes called a “pantoscopic tilt”. This forward angle isn’t just part of the style, it also serves the function of letting some light enter from the top. This helps you see your surroundings clearly without being bothered too much by direct sun glare. This forward tilt is part of what gives Wayfarer sunglasses their unique appearance and makes them practical in different kinds of light.

Who Looks Good in Wayfarer Sunglasses?

One of the best things about Wayfarer sunglasses is how well they suit so many different people. The classic design, known for its somewhat square shape and slight forward angle, is particularly great if you have an oval or round face. The stronger lines of the frames help add definition and balance to softer facial features.

Interestingly, the designers created the original Wayfarer sunglasses with the goal of fitting about 90% of people. There’s even a simple trick you can try with a credit card to get a rough idea of fit. Hold the card vertically, placing one long edge right in the middle of your nose. Look where the other edge lands. If it reaches the corner of your eye, the standard Wayfarer size will likely fit you well.

Should the card edge extend past the corner of your eye, a smaller frame size (around 50mm) might be more suitable. Alternatively, if the card doesn’t quite reach the corner, you might prefer a larger frame (around 54mm).

Many newer styles inspired by the classic Wayfarer sunglasses are designed to be even more versatile, working well with different face shapes. They often combine straight and curved lines with angled details that can highlight multiple facial features nicely.

Part of their huge popularity also comes from the fact that Wayfarer sunglasses look fantastic on both men and women. The original, classic shape often suits people with heart-shaped faces very well. For those with more square-shaped faces, Wayfarer styles featuring softer curves might be an especially good choice.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that Wayfarer sunglasses have a special kind of staying power. Whether you prefer the original look that brings back memories of the 1950s or you lean towards a more modern version, the essential Wayfarer sunglasses design keeps drawing people in. It really shows how truly great style never fades.

Speaking of new takes on this classic, if you’re feeling inspired by the enduring appeal of Wayfarer classic styles, we’ve recently added five brand-new wooden styles to our Los Angeles collection that you might love. It’s a great way to experience this timeless look with a fresh update.

Discover 5 new Wayfarer styles in our Los Angeles collection