Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer: Why This Iconic Frame Still Stands Out

Few glasses designs are recognisable enough to be identified by their shape alone.

The Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer is one of them.

First introduced in 1952, the Wayfarer went on to become one of Ray-Ban's defining designs, appearing across music, film, fashion and popular culture for generations. Ray-Ban itself describes the Original Wayfarer as one of the most recognisable styles in the history of sunglasses.

More than 70 years later, the RB2140 remains part of the Ray-Ban range.

So what makes this particular frame so distinctive?

What is the Ray-Ban RB2140?

RB2140 is the model number used for the Original Wayfarer.

It's important to know the model number because Ray-Ban has produced several designs within the wider Wayfarer family.

If you're specifically looking for the traditional Original Wayfarer shape, RB2140 is the reference to remember.

The unmistakable Wayfarer shape

The RB2140 has a bold, structured appearance.

Ray-Ban officially categorises the frame as square, although its distinctive shape isn't simply a conventional rectangular frame.

The relatively thick frame front, prominent upper corners and recognisable lens shape give it the character people associate with the classic Wayfarer.

It manages to look retro without feeling like a frame that belongs exclusively to the past.

A substantial acetate frame

The Original Wayfarer is made from acetate.

That gives the RB2140 the substantial appearance that forms such an important part of its identity.

Rather than trying to disappear on the face, the Wayfarer is deliberately noticeable.

If you prefer extremely thin or barely visible eyewear, this probably isn't the aesthetic you're looking for.

If you like glasses that form part of your overall style, the RB2140 makes much more sense.

The distinctive Wayfarer tilt

One of the interesting characteristics of the Original Wayfarer is the way the frame sits.

Its traditional construction creates a noticeable forward tilt that contributes to the unmistakable Wayfarer profile.

This is one reason the RB2140 can look and feel different from more conventional modern square frames.

What size is the RB2140?

One of the classic RB2140 configurations is 50-22.

That means a 50 mm lens width combined with a 22 mm bridge.

Ray-Ban lists the lens height of this version as 41 mm and the temple length as 150 mm.

A larger 54-18 version is also available in some classic colourways, with Ray-Ban listing a 47.2 mm lens height and the same 150 mm temple length.

The difference between these sizes is worth considering rather than simply assuming that the larger option will always be preferable.

What does 50-22 actually mean?

The first number refers to the approximate horizontal width of one lens in millimetres.

The second represents the bridge width.

These measurements can be particularly useful if you already own glasses that fit comfortably.

Look inside the temple of your existing frame and you may find a similar sequence of measurements.

The classic black Wayfarer

For many people, the definitive Original Wayfarer is the polished black version.

Ray-Ban's current classic black RB2140 uses an acetate frame and is available with its traditional G-15 green sunglass lenses.

It's a simple combination, but that simplicity is a large part of its appeal.

There are other finishes too

The RB2140 isn't restricted to black.

Ray-Ban has produced the Original Wayfarer in tortoise, Havana and numerous other finishes and lens combinations.

That allows the same recognisable silhouette to range from understated to considerably more expressive.

Who does the RB2140 suit?

There's no rule saying a particular frame can only be worn by one face shape.

The Wayfarer's defined angles can provide contrast against softer facial features, while its substantial construction can also complement stronger features.

More important is whether the dimensions work with your face and whether you actually like the bold appearance.

Is the RB2140 only a sunglass frame?

The Original Wayfarer is best known as a sunglass, but the frame can also accommodate prescription lenses in suitable configurations.

That opens up the possibility of retaining the classic Wayfarer aesthetic while using lenses made for your own prescription.

Whether a particular prescription is suitable will depend on the prescription itself and the lens options available.

Why has the Wayfarer lasted so long?

Eyewear trends change constantly.

Frames become thinner, larger, rounder, smaller and more colourful as fashions move on.

The Original Wayfarer has survived those cycles because its design is distinctive enough to be recognisable without depending entirely on one particular trend.

It can look vintage in one outfit and completely contemporary in another.

That's difficult for any design to achieve for more than seven decades.

RB2140 vs other Wayfarers

The word Wayfarer is sometimes used quite loosely, but not every Ray-Ban Wayfarer is an RB2140.

There are newer interpretations within the family with different dimensions, construction and fit.

If it's the traditional shape you're after, look specifically for the Original Wayfarer and the RB2140 model reference.

An eyewear design that became an icon

Plenty of frames look good for a season.

Far fewer remain recognisable generation after generation.

The Ray-Ban RB2140 Original Wayfarer has managed exactly that.

Its substantial acetate construction, distinctive square silhouette and unmistakable profile have made it much more than simply another pair of glasses.

More than 70 years after the original Wayfarer appeared, the fact that the design remains immediately recognisable is perhaps the strongest indication of why it became an eyewear icon in the first place.