Ray-Ban Wayfarer vs Aviator and Which One Fits You

Two shapes, two different ideas

Customers ask us this every week. Wayfarer or Aviator? They are the two best-known Ray-Ban shapes, and they could hardly be more different.

The Wayfarer is a bold frame with a slightly angled, trapezoid lens and a thick rim, usually in acetate. It sits close to the brow and frames the eyes. The Aviator is a thin metal frame with a large teardrop lens, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. It sits lower on the face and shows more of it. One adds structure. The other adds openness.

Who each shape suits

Face shape is the easiest way in. Wayfarers add definition, so they work well on round and oval faces that want a firmer outline. Aviators run the other way. The curved teardrop lens softens a strong jaw, which is why square faces often look good in them. If you are not sure where you fall, our guide to wayfarer sunglasses and the full aviator range are good places to compare side by side.

Size matters as much as shape. A Wayfarer that is too wide will push into your cheeks. An Aviator that is too small leaves a gap at the brow and lets light in around the edges. Ray-Ban sells most models in more than one size, so check the numbers on the listing before you order.

Think about wear, too. Acetate frames feel solid and stay put during a walk or a drive. Metal frames weigh less, which many people notice after a long day. Nose pads on the Aviator can be adjusted by an optician, while a Wayfarer relies on the shape of the bridge, so a poor bridge fit is harder to correct.

Lens choices

Both shapes come with a range of lens colors. Classic green and gray are neutral, which means colors look close to natural. Brown lenses add warmth and contrast. Some models also come with mirrored finishes and gradient tints, where the lens is darker at the top and lighter at the bottom. Polarized options exist on many Ray-Ban models and they cut reflected glare, which helps on water and wet roads. Availability changes from model to model, so read the product page for the exact lens listed.

100% UV protection is standard across Ray-Ban sunglasses. A dark lens without UV protection is a real problem, because your pupils open up behind it. That is not an issue here.

The Aviator lens is larger, so you get more coverage and a wider field of view. The Wayfarer lens is shorter, but the thick rim blocks more light coming in from above. Neither is better. It depends on how and where you wear them.

Weather and activity play a part as well. For driving, the Aviator's large lens gives you a wide view, and the thin temples slide under a headrest without fuss. For a beach day or a festival, a Wayfarer stays put when you move around. If you are on and off a bike or a boat, grip behind the ear is worth testing before you commit.

Prescription lenses

Yes, both can be made with prescription lenses. Tell us your prescription at checkout or send it by email, and we make the lenses to fit before the pair ships. Metal Aviators with a very strong prescription can show a thicker lens edge, and a high-index lens helps there. The thicker rim of a Wayfarer hides that edge better. If your prescription is strong, say so early so we can advise on the better choice.

Single vision is the common request. If you wear progressives, call us before you order, because the large Aviator lens usually has room for the progressive corridor, while a shallow frame may not.

Colors of the frame count too. Black is the safest choice for both shapes, and it goes with nearly everything in a wardrobe. Tortoise and lighter acetate shades soften a Wayfarer for lighter skin tones or a more relaxed look. Gold metal on an Aviator is warmer, while silver and gunmetal read cooler and more technical. Try the color against your skin and hair rather than choosing it in isolation.

Other Ray-Ban shapes worth a look

Maybe neither one is quite right. The Ray-Ban Clubmaster blends a bold upper rim with a thin lower edge, so it sits between the two. The Ray-Ban Round Metal is the answer if you want a lighter frame with a rounder lens. And the Ray-Ban Aviator product page lists every size and lens option we carry for that model. You can see the whole range in our Ray-Ban collection.

If you are still undecided, email us your face measurements or the size of a pair you already like. You can also call +33 1 60 02 02 46 and an optician will talk you through the choice between Wayfarer and Aviator, including how to order with prescription lenses.