Wayfarer glasses have a history that dates back to the 1950s, when they were first developed by Ray Ban and made popular in the shape of wayfarer sunglasses worn by actors such as Audrey Hepburn – the image of her wearing wayfarer sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s has to be one of the most iconic movie images of all time.
Since then, wayfarer glasses and sunglasses have gone in and out of fashion but they are currently going through something of a revival. They are sometimes referred to as ‘geeky glasses’ due to the fact that they have thick frames and large lenses – however, it seems fair to say that nerds are now cooler than ever before and so everyone is becoming in wayfarer glasses.
Versatility and variety
They are a popular style for both glasses and sunglasses. One of the reasons the wayfarer style is popular for sunglasses is that the large lenses allow for total protection from sunlight – something that can be a challenge if you choose smaller frames as these leave less room for tinted lenses.
Wayfarer glasses are also available in an increasing range of sizes. For example, as well as the bigger sunglasses models, they are also available as a slightly scaled down version – as well as specific designs for women, which tend to be more delicate to take account of their smaller average head-size. This means that wayfarer glasses can be worn by anyone. In fact, they are sometimes taken to be a fashion accessory, which has led to some people wearing them even though they don’t actually need prescription glasses.
You can also find wayfarer glasses in a range of different colours. Traditionally, they come with black frames, but you can increasingly find exciting alternatives. This is popular with a lot of people, particularly those who are conscious of what they look like while wearing their glasses. For instance, you can now find purple wayfarers, as well as arms and frames that come with patterns on them. This reflects the growing trend to make a style statement through your choice of eyewear.
The practical side
One of the benefits of wayfarer glasses is that their thicker than usual frames makes them sturdier than some other modern glasses options. This can be particularly useful if your glasses tend to receive a lot of wear and you need to take them on and off frequently. It also helps to give you peace of mind if you know you have got a sturdy, good quality pair of glasses.
With so many variations of wayfarer glasses now available, it definitely helps to look at your options before you make your final choice. The good news is that it is now easier than ever before to do so: buying them online to view different styles of frames and input your prescription details to make sure your chosen glasses are suitable for your needs.
Overall, wayfarer glasses are a practical option that is suitable either for sunglasses or regular prescription glasses. They are also very ‘now’, very stylish and have an enduring appeal, making them a great option if you are currently trying to decide which style of glasses to go for next.
