The Ray-Ban Wayfarer is an iconic design. It was released in the 1950’s and has stayed popular pretty much ever since; consistently being favored by musicians, actors, and the general public.
While we love the original version of the Wayfarer made by Ray-Ban, it can be pricey. On the Ray-Ban website, Wayfarers cost upwards of $150. This puts them out of reach of many people.
The good news is that the popularity of the design means there are plenty of wayfarer-style sunglasses out there that you can buy for significantly less the price of a pair of Ray-Bans.
Here are our favorite Ray-Ban Wayfarer alternatives at every price point.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Alternatives Under $20
Knockaround Classics
Knockaround is a San Diego based company that has made a name for itself due to its wide range of cheap yet decent quality sunglasses. The Classics cost $15 are available in several different frame and lens color combinations. The lenses have UV400 protection and, as the name of the brand suggests, they are the perfect sunglasses for knocking around in.
Check out Knockaround Classics at knockaround.com or Amazon.
Vans Spicoli
If you’re looking for a brand to rival Ray-Ban for rock’n’roll cool you don’t need to look much further than Vans. While better known for skate-apparel, the brand also sells shades; including the Spicoli frame that has a lot in common with Wayfarers. The shades have a polycarbonate frame, UV protection, and cost under $15.
Check them out on Amazon, or the official Vans website.
Under $65
Nectar Crux
Nectar is an Atlanta-based brand selling mid-range sunglasses. Their Crux style is the first frame they created and it makes this list because it is available in a truly astonishing 12 different frame colors. The glasses have polarized lens, a five-barrel steel hinge, and cost only $45.
Grab Nectar Crux sunglasses at nectarsunglasses.com
Quay Australia Hardwire
Quay Australia make a ton of great sunglasses at an affordable price. Their Hardwire frame has a great wayfarer-style design, is available in several frame and lens color combinations including a classic tortoiseshell frame and an on-trend clear frame. The glasses are made from injection plastic and, of course, the lens offer UV protection. What’s more, you can get a pair with polarized lenses for just $65.
Check out Quay Hardwire sunglasses on Amazon or the Quay Australia website.
Under $100
Warby Parker Harris
Warby Parker is one of our favorite independent sunglasses brands and they have a very large selection of frames including several square, wayfarer-like designs. The Harris is probably the style most similar to Ray-Bans and they are even available in the iconic black and tortoiseshell colors. They cost $95 for a pair with polarized lenses.
Check out Warby Parker Harris on warbyparker.com
Puma Rubber Eyes
You may not instantly think of Puma when you think of sunglasses but the brand has a good selection of mid-range sports sunglasses. The Rubber Eyes sunglasses are like a sporty pair of Wayfarers. They have a textured rubber temple, polycarbonate lens, and come in at under $100.
Check out Puma Rubber Eyes on the Puma Website.
