Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Review: Still Worth the Money?
The square frame that has been on movie stars, musicians and everyone else for decades. A pair he keeps for years instead of losing cheap ones every summer.
Mostly yes, for a boyfriend with a medium or wide face who goes through cheap sunglasses. The Original Wayfarer is made in Italy with true-color G-15 lenses [1] and a case. Skip it if his face is narrow; the listing warns this size can look too wide.
By Andrew Pataleta, GiftX founder · Updated October 29, 2026 · Sources
Specs at a glance
| Model | RB2140 Original Wayfarer [1] |
| Lenses | Crystal G-15 green [1] |
| UV | 100% UV protection [1] |
| Made in | Italy [1] |
| Fit | Large lens for wider faces [1] |
| Included | Case and cleaning cloth [1] |
Pros and cons
- Too wide for narrow faces
- Not polarized in this version
- A real loss if he leaves them at a bar
The pair he does not lose
Men who buy gas station sunglasses lose or break a pair every summer and never care. Give him a real pair and he starts using the case.
The Wayfarer has looked right since the fifties, on rock stars and on dads at the beach. That staying power is the point of the gift: it does not go out of style.
Good lenses also matter more than people think. Cheap sunglasses can tint everything an odd color and leave eyes tired after a long drive, while a quality lens keeps colors natural and cuts glare.
Lenses, frame and what is in the box
Ray-Ban lists the RB2140 with crystal G-15 green lenses for true colors, sharp vision and reduced glare, with 100% UV protection [1]. The frames are crafted in Italy [1].
Each pair comes with a protective case and a cleaning cloth [1]. The listing frames it as a unisex style, so it works for both of you [1].
This version is not polarized. Ray-Ban sells a polarized Wayfarer for more, which helps on the water.
Keep the cloth in the case; wiping lenses on a shirt is how most scratches start.
Narrow faces and sizing
The listing is direct: it is a large lens for wider faces, and narrow faces may find it too wide [1]. Picture him in it before you buy.
Ray-Ban also sells smaller Wayfarer sizes and the New Wayfarer, which sits closer to the face. If he has a slim face, those are the safer pick.
The other risk is the obvious one: an expensive pair left on a bar table is gone. The case helps; so does a habit of putting them on his shirt collar, never on the table.
Sunglasses for the long haul
Sunglasses make a strong gift for a couple who travels or spends summers outside. Tuck a note about your next trip in the case.
From this guide, they pair with the Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison Field Watch for a classic look, or with the Chemical Guys car cleaning kit for the boyfriend who loves to drive.
FAQ
Are Ray-Ban Wayfarers polarized?
This listing is the standard Original Wayfarer, not polarized, with green crystal lenses and full UV protection [1]. Ray-Ban sells a polarized version separately at a higher price. For driving and city wear the standard lens is fine; polarized helps most on water [1]
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Sources and how we checked
- Amazon.com listing for the Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer Square Sunglasses
Source check: Amazon prices and contents above were checked on October 29, 2026. We did not test these products hands-on. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, Amazon listings and the reasons people actually give these gifts.
As an Amazon Associate, GiftX earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability change, so check Amazon for the current price.