When you’re ready to invest in a pair of Ray-Ban eyeglasses or sunglasses, you want to make sure you’re getting the real thing. Unfortunately, there are a lot of fake designer glasses out there, including counterfeit Ray-Bans.
Read on to learn how to identify real Ray-Bans and ensure you’re buying authentic eyewear.
The first thing you may notice about a genuine pair of Ray-Ban eyeglasses or sunglasses is how they feel in your hands. The materials should feel smooth, substantial, and well-made.
Here are other details to look for when you’re doing your Ray-Ban authenticity check:
Ray-Ban lenses feature the brand’s iconic cursive logo near the top of the right lens. The letters “RB” should be etched into the left lens. Take a minute to closely examine the logo and the letters. You may want to use a magnifying glass for a more detailed view. Be on the lookout for:
For polarized lenses, there will be a capital “P” next to the Ray-Ban logo on the right lens.
The hinges connect the temple arms (the parts that rest over your ears) to the front of the frame. Authentic Ray-Ban hinges are typically metal, and the temple arms should open and close smoothly.
Some styles, like the classic Wayfarer, have Ray-Ban’s distinctive seven-prong hinges. These hinges typically have three prongs on one side and four on the other, with metal studs securing the hinge on each end.
Counterfeit Ray-Ban frames may have plastic or lower-grade metal hinges, lacking the quality and durability of authentic Ray-Ban materials.
Nose pads are often made of silicone. They sit on each side of your nose and help prevent the glasses from slipping when you wear them.
On authentic Ray-Bans, the letters “R” and “B” with a dot between them are inscribed on the metal inlay in the center of each nose pad.
To determine if your Ray-Bans are real, check for the following information on the temple arms:
These details are easier to see on frames with thicker temple arms like the Wayfarer or Clubmaster styles.
Authentic Ray-Bans will have neatly printed and legible details. Fake Ray-Bans may not have all of this information and if they do, the type may look messy.
The saying “you get what you pay for” applies when shopping for a premium brand like Ray-Ban. While certified stores such as FramesDirect may offer sales on Ray-Ban glasses, be wary of prices that are significantly lower than those from authorized sellers.
Be cautious of current styles of Ray-Ban eyewear discounted more than 30% below the suggested retail price, as it may be counterfeit. Ray-Ban is owned by EssilorLuxottica, and there are strict discounting regulations in place.
Genuine Ray-Bans are crafted from high-quality materials that are designed to last. When inspecting for authenticity, look for the following:
The packaging is another way to help confirm eyewear authenticity. However, be on the lookout for fake Ray-Bans placed in authentic boxes. The label on the box should have bar codes that list the size of the glasses, the model number, and Luxottica as the manufacturer. These details should match the information printed inside the temple arms.
In addition, genuine Ray-Ban eyeglasses or sunglasses typically come with the following accessories:
All Ray-Bans come with a limited two-year manufacturer’s warranty that guarantees against manufacturer defects. Authorized Ray-Ban dealers, such as FramesDirect, often provide additional warranties. (FramesDirect has a warranty for lens and frame defects.) This protection usually doesn’t come with counterfeit eyewear.
To guarantee your Ray-Bans are real, it’s important to purchase them from an authorized retailer. FramesDirect is a Ray-Ban Certified store and sells only 100% authentic Ray-Ban sunglasses, eyeglasses, and prescription sunglasses frames. All Ray-Ban eyewear comes in its original packaging with original brand markings, certified by Ray-Ban itself.
Explore the Ray-Ban eyewear collection at FramesDirect today to find your perfect pair.