Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Folding Sunglasses
Posted by Josh in Don't Buy, Ray-Ban, Sunglasses, Wayfarers
The number one problem I have with sunglasses is that I take them off when I’m inside and subsequently lose them, so I can appreciate Ray-Ban’s attempt to find a way that I can put their classic Wayfarers in my pocket without either damaging the glasses or having to deal with an unduly bulky case. That being said, the conversion process didn’t exactly leave the Wayfarers intact, and this case looks approximately the size of a Buick.
My biggest concern (it should be yours, too) for sunglasses is how they look and fit when they are on my head. These Ray-Bans have hinges and lines in the earpieces, even worse, in the middle of the front piece. Worst case scenario, these hinges wear down or don’t lock and the sunglasses eventually start folding while on your head. Best case scenario, people will always ask why your sunglasses have a big line at the bridge of the nose.
Ray-Ban Wayfarers are huge, obnoxious, and look cool. They have been awesome for the last 50 years. Why try to change them? If you are wearing them, you should accept that these are not sleek or technical sunglasses. Bob Dylan, The Blues Brothers, JFK, those guys from Miami Vice — throughout their history Wayfarers have been the province of people who had no intention of taking their sunglasses off. While folding Ray-Bans are a neat idea, they go against the very ethos of the Wayfarer brand.
In my opinion, don’t buy them. I strongly advocate that you buy a pair of Wayfarers if you are in the market for some high-end sunglasses, but just stick to a regular pair.
Comments on this post
I thought the same thing, but due to receiving them as a gift, and the store only having the tortoise shell style in the folding model, I ended up with a pair.
The folding feature is actually very cool, and I felt like the fit and looked good. Problem was, after about 5 months of wearing them the hinge in the center broke. Stopped at Sunglass Hut yesterday, and they guy told me I have to send them in to be fixed and it would probably cost me $25-$30, if the haven’t been discontinued.
I’ll call today and see what I can find out, I’m not going to be happy if they charge me to fix them.
Posted by Bob Weber on January 2nd, 2009 at 1:13 pm
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