Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Classic RB2140
CERTIFIED tier
The Wayfarer debuted in 1956 and has remained in continuous production for seven decades — a track record no other sunglass design can match.
Origin
Made in Italy
Warranty
2-year manufacturer warranty against defects; replacement parts (nose pads, screws, temples) available through Ray-Ban and optical retailers
Price
~$160 (Mid)
Community
Reddit r/BuyItForLife Approved
The RB2140 is the original acetate frame, injection-molded from Italian cellulose acetate that holds its shape and color far longer than the polycarbonate frames found in disposable sunglasses. The mineral glass lenses provide superior optical clarity and scratch resistance compared to plastic alternatives — they will not haze or distort over years of daily wear.
The seven-barrel hinges are designed for tension and longevity, and replacement parts — nose pads, screws, and even complete temple arms — are readily available through Ray-Ban and any optical shop. The UV400 protection is built into the lens material, not applied as a coating that degrades.
At roughly $160, the Wayfarer costs four to five times what drugstore sunglasses cost, but owners regularly report ten to fifteen years of daily use. The cost-per-year drops below $15.
Ray-Ban backs the RB2140 with a 2-year warranty, and the global repair network ensures these frames can be maintained indefinitely. The Wayfarer is the most proven sunglass design in history, and the original Italian-made version remains the benchmark.