How to spot fake Ray-Bans

Ray-Ban was founded by the American company Bausch & Lomb in 1936 and has since become a household name. The brand is best known for its Wayfarer and Aviator models. In 1999, Ray-Ban was acquired by Luxottica Group.

This brand is a popular choice for sunglasses, so it's no surprise that many unreliable retailers are trying to pass off fake Ray-Bans as genuine products. Read our guide to ensure that you don't fall into the trap and find out how to know if your Ray-Bans are real.

How to tell if real Ray-Bans are fake?

The following tips will help you to distinguish real Ray-Bans from fake Ray-Bans.

Quality

Handmade in Italy, genuine Ray-Bans are of exceptional quality and crafted from high-quality materials. From the finish around the hinges to the weight of the material, you'll be able to tell whether Ray-Bans are genuine or not based on these top-quality details. Models like the Wayfarer are produced from a mould and cut from a block of acetate before being polished by hand. The acetate material is smooth and seamless, proving its quality.

You can test this by running your finger along the arms of the glasses. If the arms feel jagged or rough, the Ray-Bans might be fake.

Lenses

The lenses of Ray-Ban sunglasses are of superior quality. Plastic and glass lens materials are featured on most models. However, some of the more recent designs feature other materials instead. Real Ray-Bans will have "RB" and the Ray-Ban logo etched on the lenses. Ray-Ban polarised lenses will have "Ray-Ban P" etched on the top corner of the lens. If this is missing, they are almost guaranteed to be fake Ray-Bans. Genuine Ray-Ban lenses also do not scratch as easily as fakes, often using a cheap coating or coloured film.

Hinges

The hinges of the original Ray-Ban sunglasses will also be of good quality. They will be made of solid metal and securely attached to the frame of the glasses with two metal rivets on the front and two at the side. Poor-quality hinges on fake models won't be as neatly fixed onto the frame and may even show traces of glue or melted plastic.

Nose Pads

Real deal Ray-Ban sunglasses with metal frames feature plastic nose pads with the Ray-Ban logo embossed in the centre. The nose pads on metal Ray-Bans will either be transparent or a light peach colour.

How to spot fake Ray-Ban sunglasses?

Original Ray-Ban sunglasses will have "RB" or “Ray Ban etched onto the corner of the left lens to prove its authenticity. If the etching is missing, a low quality or painted on, the glasses will be fake.

Other signs to spot a fake pair of Ray-Bans include the packaging and how they are boxed to ship. The information on the label should correspond with the sunglasses and come boxed with a large white shipping label. Authentic Ray-Bans will come with a small booklet printed flawlessly on top-quality paper; fake Ray-Bans will not.

Do Ray-Bans come with a case?

Genuine Ray-Ban sunglasses will come with an official Ray-Ban case to protect them. While different designs feature different cases, most will be protected in black or brown imitation leather. The stud on the case will feature the Ray-Ban logo, a detail often missing on fakes. Real Ray-Bans also include a branded cleaning cloth with the case.

Check the Ray-Ban model number

The model number on a pair of genuine Ray-Ban sunglasses will be found inside the left temple arm. It will start with RB and be clearly etched and properly centred and aligned with the arm. The same should apply to the right arm, which will state "Made in Italy" and include a CE or UKCA mark.

In addition to proving authenticity, the CE mark also ensures that the sunglasses provide adequate UV protection. If they do not offer UV protection, this could potentially indicate that they are fake. The model number and manufacturing numbers should match those on the packaging. If this is not the case, the Ray-Ban glasses will likely be fake.

Where to buy Ray-Bans?

Be careful about where you buy your Ray-Ban sunglasses. You should only purchase Ray-Bans from a registered dealer who is licensed to sell original Ray-Bans. At Feel Good Contacts, you can be sure that you are purchasing real, authentic Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Whether you buy Ray-Ban glasses or sunglasses, you can save up to 40% on your favourite pair! We are an official distributor of this legendary brand, so you don’t need to worry about fake glasses or sunglasses when you buy from us. Select a suitable frame and try it on virtually before making your purchase.

Why are Ray-Ban sunglasses so expensive?

The quality of Ray-Ban is reflected in the price, which some may find rather expensive. For this reason, you may be tempted to purchase fake Ray-Bans due to their lower prices. Be warned, however, if the price is too good to be true, then you'll be sure to find that it is.

A lower price will be reflected in a lower-quality product made from poorer materials. Whilst real Ray-Ban sunglasses aren't cheap, they'll protect you against harmful UV rays and will last for many years. They are also timeless fashion accessories that are versatile enough to work with any look. If taken care of properly, a genuine pair of Ray-Ban’s will never go out of style.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.