The Top Under $100 Sunglasses Ever

Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer – $74.72 – $95.00 (reg. $119.00)

They’re classic without looking retro hipsterish, they look good on almost every face shape, and although they cost more than a pair at a gas station, they’re really not that expensive. They’re not the Original Ray-Ban Wayfarer, but instead the lighter, less chunky, updated RB2132.

Ray-Ban’s “New” Wayfarer has been around for about a decade, but until you actually put a pair on, you might write them off as too similar to the gigantic pair Tom Cruise wore in Risky Business. You’d have to have a gourd the size of Charles Barkley’s to not have your face swallowed by those originals. That’s not the case with the RB2132. They’re slimmed down, extremely well proportioned, made in Italy, & the hinges feel indestructible.

Tortoise for under $100 through Bluefly. Black 55mm (try and find a 52 if you have narrow face) are available for a downright cheap $74.72 direct through Amazon. Check your local outlet mall’s Sunglass Hut. Ask to see factory defect pairs. I scored mine for $40 due to a tiny scratch you can’t even see.

Got another nominee for best sub $100 sunglasses? Leave it in the comments section below…

RB2132 55mm, which refers to the size of the lens.

Comments

Andrew says

February 21, 2011 at 10:04 AM

Lands’ End Canvas offers three classic-looking options at a very inexpensive price ($30-$50). Here’s the LEC Wayfarer alternative: http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/ClassicSunglasses~205625_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BLA&CM_MERCH=IDX_00017__0000002206&origin=index

I can’t testify for their quality or fit/size, but at that price they’re worth a look.
destroyideas says

February 21, 2011 at 9:03 PM

I have a prescription, and buying Ray-bans and getting lenses for them can cost upwards of $400. Instead, I went to Zennioptical.com and got some wayfarer-type glasses with tinted prescription lenses for about $20. They look great, and my wife says they look “manly.” No logo, but I saved $380. I got the turtle brown color. http://www.zennioptical.com/820415-plastic-full-rim-frame.html
dvb says

February 22, 2011 at 1:02 AM

I bought the lands end canvas sunglasses mentioned by Andrew above. I’m happy with them, even if they’re slightly small. I already own Ray-Bans, which are better, but if you wanna talk under $50? The LEC are the way to go.
Blacksby says

February 22, 2011 at 1:54 AM

I have some originals from the 80’s and also grabbed a Mossimo Wayfarer clone from Target, for $20…actually very decent quality. tb
Pete says

February 25, 2011 at 12:44 AM

Would love it if these were polarized!
Salvador says

March 9, 2011 at 6:02 AM

@Pete – Ray Ban makes a polarized wayfarer