Ray Ban Power Rankings

Ray Ban Power Rankings – Four of the most popular models

More than a few namesake American companies have been bought up by off-shore operations and moved over-seas.  Usually this scenario ends with a classic American name losing most of its style and quality, and only becoming a shell of what it once was.  That didn’t happen to Ray Ban when the Rochester New York company was purchased in 1999, and headquarters moved to… Milan.  Yes, that Milan.  And thus, the re-birth of Ray Bans began to really gain steam.

Ray Ban has done a fantastic job with continuing production on their classic frames, releasing updated forms of those classics, as well as brand new styles.    Here’s four of their more popular models, ranked from worst to first.

#4 – Ray Ban Original Wayfarer | RB 2140

Price: $139.00
Risk: High
Where to Wear Them: In your car.  If it’s a DeLorean.
Analysis: Can someone please tell me why these are so popular?  They’re the Ascot of the eye wear industry.  Granted they can look great on a few faces, but those faces are extremely rare.  Most of the time a pair of original wayfarers will make you look just plain goofy.  Hipsterish.  They don’t blend in at all and are overall distracting.  They look gigantic on me, and I’ve got a pretty big head.  No thanks.

#3 – Ray Ban Classic Clubmaster | RB3016

Price: $129.00
Risk: Medium High
Where to Wear Them: Hyannis Port.  Or on board a sailboat.
Analysis: Like the Original Wayfarer, these have an obvious retro feel.  Unlike the Original Wayfarer, they actually look good.  Easy to pull off as long as you’re not tromping around in saddle shoes and a fedora.  If you’re going to wear these, steer clear of other throwback items.  Unless you want to look like you’re headed to a costume party.

#2 – Ray Ban New Wayfarer | RB 2132

Price: $119.00
Risk: Low
Where to Wear Them: Anywhere you want to look good and blend in.
Analysis: If the Original Wayfarer was so great, why’d they feel the need to redo it?  The updated New Wayfarer isn’t so jolting in its shape and looks great on almost anyone.  You still get the thicker curved Ray Ban earpieces and rectangle lenses, only in a tighter package.  There is one drawback:  The Tortoise frames are a little too feminine.

#1 – Ray Ban Round Wayfarer | RB4141

Price: $129.00
Risk: Medium
Where to Wear Them: Anywhere you want to look good but not totally blend in.
Analysis: These look like the Clubmaster and New Wayfarer had a baby.  They’re bold enough that they won’t look all that great on smaller faces, but on a medium to large face they’re the right balance between the past and present.  Would you ever see a Secret Service agent in these?  No.  They’re not “angry” enough.  But as long as you’re not out to look intimidating, you can’t go wrong with these in either the black or tortoise frames.