Ray Ban Sale

Ray-Ban History

Ray-Ban was created in 1936 by American optical company Bausch & Lomb, which had itself been founded in Rochester, New York in 1853 by German immigrant John Jacob Bausch and his business partner Henry Lomb. The origins of Ray-Ban lie in a specific military problem: in 1929, US Army Air Corps Colonel John Macready approached Bausch & Lomb asking them to develop sunglasses that would reduce the glare, headaches and altitude sickness suffered by pilots at high altitude, caused by the intense blue and white hues of the sky. Pilots at the time wore bulky goggles that frequently fogged up, greatly reducing visibility.

The resulting prototype - known as "Anti-Glare" - was created in 1936 with plastic frames and green lenses that cut glare without obscuring vision. The sunglasses were redesigned with a lightweight metal frame the following year and the patent was registered on 7 May 1937, with the aviator-style Ray-Ban officially born. The name Ray-Ban was derived from the sunglasses' ability to ban the rays of ultraviolet and infrared light. At $6.75 per pair, they went on public sale in 1937. US Army Air Corps pilots immediately adopted them, and General Douglas MacArthur famously wore Ray-Ban Aviators when he landed on the beach in the Philippines in 1944 - photographs of which were reproduced worldwide and cemented the Aviator's iconic status. In 1951 Bausch & Lomb developed the G-15 neutral grey lens, originally for US Navy fighter pilots; it transmits all colours equally while absorbing 85% of visible light, and remains one of Ray-Ban's most popular lens options today.

The Wayfarer - the other great Ray-Ban icon - was introduced in the 1950s, designed by Raymond Stegman at Bausch & Lomb. Its bold trapezoidal acetate frame became the sunglasses of choice for James Dean, Audrey Hepburn, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and countless others through the 1950s and 1960s. The Clubmaster browline frame followed in the 1980s. A period of declining sales was dramatically reversed in 1982 when Wayfarer sales exploded following their prominent appearance in the film The Blues Brothers. Sales grew further when Tom Cruise wore Aviators in Top Gun (1986) and Will Smith wore them in Men in Black (1997). In 1999 Bausch & Lomb sold the Ray-Ban brand to Italian eyewear conglomerate Luxottica Group for a reported $640 million. Luxottica subsequently merged with French optics giant Essilor in 2018 to form EssilorLuxottica, the world's largest eyewear company, which owns Ray-Ban today. In 2021 Ray-Ban launched Ray-Ban Stories, smart glasses developed with Meta, featuring dual cameras and open-ear speakers. In September 2025 the brand announced the Meta Ray-Ban Display, their first augmented reality glasses. Also in 2025, ASAP Rocky was appointed Ray-Ban's first-ever creative director.

What does Ray-Ban sell?

Aviator Sunglasses

The original Ray-Ban style, patented in 1937. The Aviator features the classic teardrop-shaped lens with a thin metal frame and double bridge. The RB3025 is the modern standard Aviator; the RB3026 is a larger "Large Metal" version. Both are available in an extensive range of lens colours and finishes including the classic G-15 green and various polarised options.

Wayfarer Sunglasses

The Wayfarer is Ray-Ban's best-selling style and one of the most recognisable sunglasses frames in the world. The original RB2140 features the classic rounded trapezoidal acetate frame; the New Wayfarer (RB2132) has a slightly smaller, more modern shape. Available in a huge range of colours and lens options including polarised, gradient and Chromance.

Clubmaster Sunglasses

The Clubmaster browline frame, introduced in the 1980s, features a more substantial upper frame in acetate or metal with a thinner wire lower section. The RB3016 is the classic model. The style was popularised by Bruce Willis in Moonlighting and remains a popular choice for a sophisticated, retro-inspired look.

Prescription Eyewear and Smart Glasses

Ray-Ban produce a full range of prescription frames across their classic styles, as well as the Ray-Ban Stories and Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses range. The Ray-Ban Remix platform allows customers to fully customise their sunglasses online - choosing frame style, lens type (including polarised and prescription), colours and personalised engraving.

Common Ray-Ban Questions

Are Ray-Ban sunglasses worth the money?

Ray-Ban sunglasses offer 100% UV400 protection across the range and are made to high optical standards with quality materials - both genuine glass and polycarbonate lens options are available. The classic styles such as the Aviator and Wayfarer have a proven longevity; the original designs are over 80 years old and remain the world's best-selling sunglass frames. For a durable, optically sound pair of sunglasses with genuine style heritage, they represent strong value at their price point.

How do I spot fake Ray-Bans?

Genuine Ray-Ban sunglasses have the Ray-Ban logo etched or printed on the right lens, serial numbers on the inside of the arm, quality hinges and consistent branding on the case and cloth. The lenses should be optically clear with no distortion. Fakes are common - always buy from authorised retailers. Ray-Ban and its owner EssilorLuxottica actively pursue counterfeiters and have introduced strict minimum advertised price policies to protect the brand.

What is the difference between polarised and standard Ray-Ban lenses?

Standard Ray-Ban lenses provide UV400 protection and reduce overall brightness. Polarised lenses additionally filter horizontally polarised light - the glare reflected from flat surfaces such as water, wet roads and snow - which significantly reduces eye strain in bright, reflective conditions. Polarised lenses are particularly useful for driving, water sports and skiing. They are available as an upgrade across most Ray-Ban styles.

Who owns Ray-Ban?

Ray-Ban is owned by EssilorLuxottica, the world's largest eyewear company, formed by the 2018 merger of Italian Luxottica Group and French optics manufacturer Essilor. Luxottica originally acquired Ray-Ban from Bausch & Lomb in 1999 for a reported $640 million. EssilorLuxottica is headquartered in Paris and listed on Euronext Paris.

Does Ray-Ban offer NHS discounts?

Ray-Ban do not currently advertise a dedicated NHS discount programme. Their sale events - particularly Black Friday in November - are the best opportunity for savings on classic styles including the Aviator, Wayfarer and Clubmaster. The Ray-Ban outlet and sale sections carry selected styles at reduced prices.

When is the Ray-Ban Black Friday sale?

Ray-Ban participate in Black Friday each November with discounts across their sunglasses, prescription frames and smart glasses ranges. The Aviator, Wayfarer and Clubmaster are the most sought-after styles during sale periods. Signing up to the Ray-Ban newsletter gives early access to promotions and exclusive offers.

What Ray-Ban style suits my face shape?

The Aviator suits most face shapes, particularly oval and heart-shaped faces. The Wayfarer complements oval, square and heart-shaped faces. The Clubmaster suits oval, heart and oblong face shapes. The Ray-Ban website offers a virtual try-on feature allowing you to see how different styles look before purchasing, accessible via the Ray-Ban Remix customisation platform.

Black Friday History

Ray-Ban participate in Black Friday each November with promotions across their full sunglasses, prescription eyewear and smart glasses range. The Aviator, Wayfarer and Clubmaster are consistently the most popular styles during sale events. The Ray-Ban Remix customisation service - allowing personalised frames, lenses and engraving - is also available during sale periods. As one of the world's best-selling eyewear brands, Ray-Ban's Black Friday promotions attract significant demand, and popular colourways can sell out quickly.

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What to typically expect from Ray-Ban

• Iconic Aviator (1937), Wayfarer (1950s) and Clubmaster (1980s) - the world's best-selling sunglass frames
• 100% UV400 protection across the range
• Polarised, gradient, Chromance and G-15 lens options
• Ray-Ban Remix - online customisation with virtual try-on
• Ray-Ban Stories and Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses
• Owned by EssilorLuxottica - world's largest eyewear company