The best Wayfarers for an A-list-approved pair of shades
Launched by Ray-Ban in the 1950s, the Wayfarer remains one of the most iconic sunglasses silhouettes to this day, favoured by style icons from John F Kennedy to Robert Pattinson. Here's our pick of the best of 2024
There’s no shortage of classics when it comes to sunglasses, but the Wayfarer is in a league all of its own. It’s the original trendsetter; an icon for the best part of a century and it remains one of the most popular styles of shade to this day.
Prior to Ray-Ban launching its Original Wayfarer in the mid-1950s, men’s sunglasses were purely functional. They were tools for a job. Nothing more, nothing less. But this chunky, square-framed style turned them into a must-have fashion item for the first time.
Since then, there have been endless imitations. So many, in fact, that Wayfarers have become a whole sunglass subgenre, with every eyewear brand and fashion house producing its own version. If you don’t already own a pair, it's about time you did, which is why we’ve pulled together some of our favourite twists on this time-honoured eyewear essential, with something to suit every taste and budget.
Which style icons are known to wear Wayfarers?
Wayfarers and the world of celebrity have been intrinsically linked since the 1950s. So much so that it’s almost impossible to picture certain stars without a pair of the chunky acetate shades sitting proudly upon the bridge of their nose.
In the early days, this style of frame was popularised by James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and John F. Kennedy, and was later adopted by the likes of Muhammad Ali, The Blues Brothers, Elvis Costello, Jack Nicholson and Bob Dylan. As a result, the Wayfarer’s reputation as a symbol of rebellion, style and celebrity is now etched in stone.
Which face shapes are Wayfarers best suited to?
One of the best things about Wayfarer-style frames is their versatility when it comes to face shape. Whether yours is square, round, heart-shaped, rectangular, diamond or otherwise, the Wayfarer’s mix of straight lines, curved lines and angular points means it will work. If you often struggle to find sunglasses that suit you, a Wayfarer-style frame might be just what you need.
Shop GQ's pick of the best Wayfarers for men…
1/15Ray-Ban
The original and (arguably) best, Ray-Ban’s classic Wayfarer is the frame that started it all. It’s available in all sorts of finishes but this solid black version is the OG and remains a men’s style mainstay to this day. A true essential, up there with the likes of the plain white tee, running water and a nice bit of oxygen to breathe. £137. ray-ban.com
2/15Curry & Paxton
A rounded iteration of a classic style, Curry & Paxton's ‘Glenn’ Wayfarers are a pair that the likes of Bob Dylan would be proud of. Light, comfortable, and available in three different shades of tortoiseshell, a vote for these bad boys can hardly go wrong. £209. At curryandpaxton.com
3/15Gucci
The half-frame wayfarer often carries a certain vintage elan, and that’s certainly the case with these Gucci sunnies. Tortoiseshell acetate, gold metal touches and a sunny yellow-gold lens make these the apotheosis of seventies eyewear. Swap out the half-frame for something a little more contemporary or wear naked for a lovely wire-frame alternative. £610. gucci.com
4/15Cos
Semi-transparent frames are looking to be an eyewear pick of the summer this year, and this Cos example is proving exactly why. In smokescreen grey, these acetate shades throw a softer silhouette across the face, letting the wayfarer shine without dominating your outfit. £69. cos.com
5/15Quay
The Quay to a more affordable pair of wayfarers comes in the form of an Australian brand, which has both classic black and soft tortoiseshell designs on lock. With a slightly larger lens than the original Ray-Ban, they’re a marvellous choice for the man who loves to make his statements subtle. £59. quayaustralia.co.uk
6/15Brunello Cucinelli x Oliver Peoples
Wayfarers are most prominently seen on stage and in the city, but they work for the Riviera just as well. Brunello Cucinelli has that category sorted with its Oliver Peoples collaboration in flattering amber. Gold-tone flourishes guarantee this one will flash in the sun. £361. At mrporter.com
7/15Dior
You might look at a classic black pair of wayfarers and conclude that nothing could possibly be improved upon — and that’s why you and I are not designers. Dior’s spectacular interpretation combines a rose-tinted lens with a transparent frame stamped with logo and bee design. A work of art. £320. dior.com
8/15Ray-Ban
Forget shooting for the stars, this season we’re drawn to meteors. More specifically, these Meteor Classic Wayfarers from Ray-Ban. In a warm brown Havana design, these frames offer a distinctly 1960s-inspired feel. Just add a slick polo shirt for a sleek, vintage beatnik vibe. £156. ray-ban.com
9/15Kirk Originals
Kirk Originals wayfarers need little more than two subtle metal rivets to the arms to finish them off. A solid frame and rich tortoiseshell provide such a solid foundation that nothing else is needed to make these a most powerful sunny day companion. £225. kirkoriginals.com
10/15Prada
Metal flourishes make this pair of Prada eyewear a clear win for jewellery fans everywhere. A gunmetal nose bridge and centrally-placed rivets toe a line between Terminator-style action and fashion week elegance. The ideal companion to a slim-fit suit and matching narrow tie. £400. prada.com
11/15Vans
While you’ll know Vans’ “off the wall” goods most notably through its skate shoes, the retailer also puts a solid shift in on clothing and other accessories. This forest green pair of shades follows the lead of its footwear and tees by adding a light, street-savvy twist on the classics. £16. At asos.com
12/15Arnette
While the “Agent Z” name of these frames might suggest an undercover influencer with a license to thrill, these specs are simply a pair of undeniably smooth sunglasses that perhaps old JB himself might fancy. Additionally, they are made from bio-acetate which is 100 per cent biodegradable and 100 per cent recyclable, rendering them a better choice for the environment.
£91£45.50. At sunglasshut.com
13/15RetroSuperFuture
Retrosuperfuture’s intriguing brand name wasn't designed to be endearing, but for a fun-loving sunglasses brand, it totally is. These Colpo frames and their cool-blue lenses evoke an ice-cold feel, and, it's possible that some of that icy demeanour might just rub off on you. As if that weren't enough, the chic black marbling through the acetate further cements the absolute zero Fahrenheit temperature of these shades. £199. retrosuperfuture.com
14/15Tom Ford
These chunky shades from purveyor of all things sleek and luxurious, Tom Ford, are bold, brash and just the right amount of kitsch. The orange lenses give a not-so-subtle nod to the Seventies while the beefed-up acetate frame is sure to get heads turning for all the right reasons. £275. At sunglasshut.com
15/15Cubitts
Dubbed the “library” frame by Cubitts, the slither of cream alongside the dark wood panel effect of these sunglasses creates a specific level of panache that wouldn’t look out of place on a 100ft yacht rather than a fusty local library. In fact, they might also find themselves perched on the nose of a chic Booktok influencer reading Yara Rodrigues Fowler in Bloomsbury Square. Put simply, we mean to say that the chunky-framed elegance of this pair will always give you the veneer of sophistication, wherever you might end up. £125. cubitts.com
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