New Wayfarer vs. Original Wayfarer review compares the two most popular Ray-Ban Wayfarers of all time. New Wayfarer – also known as Ray-Ban RB2132 & classic Original Wayfarer – identified by model name Ray-Ban RB2140. They have a similar style, but strictly speaking, they differ in some respects.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses have been produced by Ray-Ban already in seven decades and probably never go out of style. They are cited as the best-selling design sunglasses along with other fashion icon Ray-Ban Aviators. Most Wayfarer styles are unisex, so they are suitable for men and women.
At first, we go through the main differences between New and Original Wayfarer.
Second, we introduce some best-selling Wayfarer frames.
Third, we offer you a handful size guide with all the relevant information about Ray-Ban Wayfarer frames in terms of lens, temple, and bridge sizes.
In the final part of this review, we present details about Ray-Ban Wayfarer lens selection, frame patterns, color options, and all the necessary information. To help you decide which sunglasses will suit best for your face shape.
Main Differences Between New & Original Wayfarer
When New Wayfarers made the scene in 2001, they were deliberately designed smaller and less angular than Original Wayfarer style that became temporarily unpopular in the 1990s. Even when using the same kind of iconic rectangular frame shape as the classic model, the new modern style offers smaller frames and lenses with a slightly “softer” design. Albeit lens width is one or two millimeters broader, the difference comes with lens height, which can be up to more than 7 mm shorter as Original Wayfarer’s comparable.
The figure above shows the difference even though it represents medium size shades which lens height split is only 3 mm (image size reduced). As you can see Original Wayfarer frame design is more distinctive and a bit bulky.
Tilt & Weight Comparison
Another prominent differential between new and original style is that Original Wayfarers frames are slightly tilted towards your face and taking into account the fact its lenses are higher than New Wayfarer model lenses, makes people with high cheekbones or long eyelashes feel uncomfortable wearing them. Particularly when smiling, the sunglasses may “hit” you or sit improperly on your face.
The image confirms that RB2140 (lower frame in pic) has some vertical angle.
The last major significant divergence is that the original model is somewhat more cumbersome. As being larger and usually made from the same plastic, it’s obvious, of course. In the past, Original Wayfarer frames were overly tilted. The plastic was so sturdy that no one could not place them on top of the head without they fell back down.
With New Wayfarer, it’s not a problem and hardly with original style either, nowadays. New manufacturing technologies enable Ray-Ban to make lightweight but still amazingly durable frames.
Popular Ray-Ban Wayfarers
Even though most Ray-Ban Wayfarer styles are unisex, many of the various color and size options usually favor male or female. Here come our favorite pairs of New & Original Wayfarers for men and women from Amazon collection.
Popular New Wayfarer for men:
Popular New Wayfarer style designed for women:
Classic Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer for men:
Stylish Original Wayfarer sunglasses frames for women:
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sizes
New and Classic Original Wayfarers comes with two sizes. Check detailed specifications from below:
New Wayfarer Sizes
| Ray-Ban RB2132 New Wayfarer Tortoise | Medium: | Large: |
| Lens Width: | 52 mm | 55 mm |
| Lens Height: | 38 mm | 40 mm |
| Temple: | 145 mm | 145 mm |
| Bridge: | 18 mm | 18 mm |
Original Wayfarer Sizes
| Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer Black | Medium: | Large: |
| Lens Width: | 50 mm | 54 mm |
| Lens Height: | 41 mm | 46 mm |
| Temple: | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Bridge: | 22 mm | 18 mm |
Additional Wayfarer Size Info
It’s good to keep on mind the measurements represented here are for top-selling classic models. You may find Ray-Ban Wayfarers which carry the same product code as some special editions that might have lens height as short as 30 mm or perhaps temple size only 140 mm.
Special editions size range variety is ezcellent for people who have a narrow nose and still would like to wear over-sized shades. With a little effort can find large (54 mm) Original Wayfarer frames with a bridge size as small as 15 mm, which will fit nicely for slender nose structure.
Original and New Wayfarer sizes are usually expressed in brief form. Here are the two most common examples:
- 52-18-145mm = lens width – bridge width – temple size
- 902/57-5418 = frame color (or pattern) code / lens type code – lens width – bridge width
New Wayfarer vs. Original Wayfarer – Frame and Lens Comparison
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Frames
Color options for frames are nearly the same with both Wayfarer styles. The main colors for frames are black, blue, brown, gray, red, and yellow, but the most interesting ones are sorbet pastels like pink and aqua. Despite the wide range of different colors, the most popular is still traditional black. Noteworthy is that most colors are also available in Matte texture.
Most established patterns are undeniably Havana and Tortoise. Even though the main designs are the same for RB2132 & RB2140, some variety is found. Ray-Ban introduced renewed Original Wayfarer model in 2007 with expanded color patterns like Checks and Camouflage – fits perfectly for men. Various Demi Gloss frames seem to engage attention from many female celebrities at the current fashion season.
Top 3 most popular Ray-Ban Wayfarer frame colors/patterns:
- Black
- Tortoise
- Brown
Frame material is usually plastic. Most often acetate, but some New Wayfarer models are made from nylon. Few models use composite.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Lenses
Lens options are almost the same with RB2132 & RB2140 models. For both, Ray-Ban offers numerous color and lens tech combinations. Lenses are usually made of glass or crystal, sometimes of plastic, depending on the model. We recommend G-15 XLT lenses if you prefer soft and natural vision. G-15 XLT utilizes Ray-Ban’s new technology to make glasses extremely light yet keeping optical quality at its peak.
If your eyes are sensitive or you work under harsh sunlight, it will be wise to cut the maximum amount of glare and haze. Thus pick polarized lenses for your Wayfarers. Polarized lenses offer you great comfort and visibility as well as reduce the eye strain. Be aware of the fact some people have reported polarized lenses to reduce the visibility of images produced by LCDs. For more information read our post to find out the difference between polarized and non-polarized lenses.
Sunglasses with mirrored lenses are one alternative to polarized lenses. They reflect light away efficiently, and you may see LCDs more clearly. Though, your companions will feel uncomfortable for not getting any eye contact on you.
The color range for lenses is extensive. Gray, green, and brown lenses are the most popular picks because they minimize the color distortion and make you feel more comfortable behind the wheel. Wayfarers with black or blue lenses are also conventional.
If you don’t be afraid to try something not so traditional, go wild and have a bash with gold, silver, or even pink lenses. Keep in mind that yellow and pink tinted lenses may weaken your ability to distinguish traffic lights.
Final Tips
Five key points to consider when choosing between New Wayfarer & Original Wayfarer:
- Do you seek large frames? Is your head size or face shape suitable to carry large shades? If the answer to both questions is Yes – go for Originals. If you’re wondering about your face structure, check out our helpful face shape guide.
- Are you looking for a traditional “Ray-Ban look”? If you are – you may want to pick classic polarized Original Wayfarers (links to Amazon).
- Are you after modern sunglasses that most probably will be in fashion for a long time after purchase? We recommend getting these New Wayfarers from Amazon!
- Looking for the best-selling pair of sunglasses now, which most celebrities use on regular bases? Pick New Wayfarers.
- If you’re uncertain about the convenience of large frames or perhaps the tilt doubts you – New Wayfarers are safer opt.