Ray-Bans are pretty much a timeless classic. With the original Wayfarers dating back to 1956, seen as a revolutionary break from the sharp metal eye-wear of the past, it really is quite impressive to see that they are still as present as ever. Although I’ve lusted after a pair for what seems like years, I’ve never plucked up the courage to spend over £50 on a pair of sunglasses, usually opting for cheap, basic pairs which last me a summer and then are thrown away. However, since Ray-Bans are not only timeless classics, but also timeless in their uses, I thought it was about time to try a pair out.
Whilst in store many pairs of the classics are priced at £100 onwards, online the prices are more competitive and you can snap up yourself a pair for £89. With a 100-day return policy, fast shipping and free delivery, Smart Buy Glasses online was the best in terms of value and service. However, with such an extensive range to choose from, it was hard to know quite what to choose.
Eventually, seeing as it was slowly progressing towards the end of Summer (and into Autumn, unfortunately), I opted for the Ray-Ban RB2140 Originals, in the Havana (tortoiseshell) shell with Brown Shaded lenses. The brown shaded lenses mean that instead of being absolutely pitch black once you’ve popped them on your face, they have a much more subtle lenses colour – still providing protection against UV rays, but still granting you with light. In essence, they are the perfect glasses for the S/A transition. Light enough you can still wear them without looking silly, but at the same time – they’re still classed as ‘sun’ glasses.
The glasses themselves are surprisingly heavy (although not heavy to wear) in comparison to my cheaply made Primark dupes, which really shows and proves their quality. The frames are sturdy and again of high quality. In fact, I’m over 80% sure you could probably sit on them and they’d be fine. I tend to be quite an expert at this, so this is a positive factor. But I’m not going to put it to the test quite yet.
Rather than hugging and gripping your face to the point they give you a headache (again, the sunglasses I choose tend to be a prime suspect of this), these feel light and comfortable on your face, and similarly – when worn pushed back on your head.
For a timeless classic, which can be worn summer after summer (and even in the Winter if you fancy it), £88.95 is a real bargain. Picking up a pair of £20 sunglasses each year might seem like a ‘bargain’ at the time, but if you consider the fact you’ll probably be throwing them away again, the extra investment for a pair of designer sunnies doesn’t really seem so bank breaking. Smart Buy Glasses also offer a range of Prada, Dolce & Gabana, Chloe, Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford Designer Sunglasses, among many other fantastic brands – and I can definitely recommend their service and value if you’re looking for a deal!