timeless style
Here’s Why Ray-Ban Reverse Sunglasses Are About to Become the Latest Summer Style Staple
The classic frames are deeply rooted in the music scene, and with the release of its new Reverse collection, Ray-Ban proves they're still as cool as ever
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Decade after decade, there are few brands that can compete with the enduring style of Ray-Bans. The glasses have been rock fashion icons since the Fifties, shading the eyes of musical juggernauts from Lou Reed to John Lennon, Bob Dylan and Buddy Holly. Now, more than 80 years after their debut with the release of the new Reverse collection, the glasses are still as cool as ever.
Like so many classic style staples, Ray-Bans were originally made for the military — harkening back to the original 1937 Aviators designed to shield pilots’ eyes from glare, these four new unisex sunglass styles feature an impossible new lens, completely reversed. The new shape of the lens switches out the traditional convex to a sharp-looking concave design, without sacrificing any viewing precision. The Ray-Ban Reverse Collection starts at $203 and can be purchased starting today at Ray-Ban.com and in stores.
They’ve not only got classic appeal, but their high-performance, anti-glare treatment reduces up to 70 percent of the reflections your eyes are most sensitive to — meaning you’ll get the sharpest visuals possible in one frame. The sleek, inverted lens design follows the natural curve of your cheekbones, giving it a modern yet timeless look (so it’s safe to say you’ll have these around for a while). The Ray-Ban Reverse Aviator, Wayfarer, Caravan, and Boyfriend still maintain that rebellious, adventurous spirit (which design critic Stephen Bayley once described as “hinted at unstable dangerousness”) with just a few modern tweaks, making them a clear choice for styling for your next big music festival or international travel excursion.
While Ray-Ban’s history is just as much a part of the allure as their design, they’re still continuing to pioneer new collaborations and upgrade with designs that’ll make people stop and say, “Who are you wearing?” So whether you’re looking to build your Ray-Ban collection — or shopping for your first pair — read on for the best Ray-Ban Reverse glasses to buy right now.
The Best Ray-Ban Reverse Sunglasses
To help narrow down your search, we’ve rounded up a handful of our favorite Reverse styles below. All are shoppable right now on Ray-Ban.com, and all can be customized with prescription lenses.
Aviator Reverse Black
Because the aviator has been around so long, it’s graduated from the classification of “military-style.” Now, it’s just plain stylish, going with any outfit from super casual to dressy. The Aviator Reverse still maintains that metal frame that’s thin (to fit behind a pilot’s earmuffs) but solid enough to withstand inevitable drops. The front and rear of the lens were also calibrated in together to create extra sharp visuals, so you’ll have a real pilot’s eye even if you’re on the ground watching a concert stage.
Aviator Reverse Chrome
While it’s not the original Aviator, this chrome-toned style is still a bonafide classic — 87 years after their release, the glasses look just as good (if not better) than they did back in the day, whether you choose to rock them with shorts and a tee or a full suit. Their super lightweight design makes them great for everyday use or traveling. The inverted, concave frame is flattering on almost any face, although they’ve got a wide fit in general.
Aviator Reverse Gold
While the Aviator Reverse comes in a variety of colors, these limited-edition gold metal frames show that Ray-Ban can still produce a stylish new design. The glasses are a nice blend of old- and new-school, with the slim arms and wide fit of the Aviators, and the monochromatic, curved Reverse design. Although they’ll work with most personal styles, we think they’re ideal as the cherry on top of a dressy, summer night-on-the-town outfit.
Aviator Reverse Washed Lenses
The crowd-pleasers of the Reverse line, glasses such as these colored, washed lenses have made a big comeback in the 21st century. They come in a variety of colors, so you can go classic with gunmetal and brown lenses or more modern with something like polished gold and dark violet.
Wayfarer Reverse Washed Lenses
These Reverse Wayfarers alter the original design for a statement-making look. These small tweaks include a more curved frame and dramatic slant toward the cheeks. The result is a ridiculously versatile pair of glasses that maintains the effortless cool but works with just about every face type and personal style. They also come in 10 color combinations, so even though we anticipate seeing some of these around town this summer, you can still choose something unique.