Ray-Ban products are popular for their versatile array of timeless and eccentric designs. They can be found in stores all around the world or being worn by most of the people passing you by on the street. Crafted with high quality materials that offer excellent protection against UV rays, Ray-Bans are often considered superior to their competitors. Since their products are so highly rated it is understandable as to why the price point may not fit into the budget. That's why we searched for the best dupes that will still give you that iconic Ray-Bans look but at a much more affordable price!
What we will cover today:
- What a dupe is (and isn’t)
- Why Ray-Ban products are so sought after
- Our top Ray-Ban dupes
- Tips to maintain your eyewear
What Is A “Dupe”?
Have you ever wanted to purchase a product that was absolutely gorgeous but the price was more or less hideous? That is where dupes swoop in and save the day! Dupes, aka “duplicates,” are alternatives of brand-name or expensive products but are offered at an affordable price point. They are commonly offered in a variety of styles that you might not see from the name-brand. Dupes can be found from a multitude of stores online such as Amazon, or better yet, found from a smaller or locally owned business.
While the cheaper price of the dupe may send your finger soaring for the “checkout” button, consider a few things before doing so.
Check The Reviews
Customer reviews contain valuable information regarding the product's quality, durability, style, and more. Often the pictures of a product may look amazing but once you receive it in the mail- you might not even recognize it! That's just an online shopping “horror” story but it unfortunately does happen. To save yourself the trauma, read through the feedback and glean as much information as you can so that you can make an informed purchase! This doesn’t pertain to only dupes but for general purchases as well.
Does It Feed Your Soul?
Take a moment to think about what aspects of the product that are grabbing your interest. Once you have determined the aspects then compare the original (name-brand) item to the dupe. Are there certain characteristics that don’t match up and are non-negotiable? Sometimes the dupe may not be an exact match to the name-brand item but these small compromises are necessary if you want to stay within your budget. The more expensive item may have your heart but being financially secure will feed your soul.
The Allure of Ray Bans
Originally created to banish the sun rays from those serving in the United States military forces, their designs, especially the Aviator style for pilots, were immediately popular for military personnel and for regular citizens. Ray-Ban has stayed true to their identity as trends have come and gone throughout the decades. Without sacrificing their image, they have recognized these trends and incorporated (or molded) them into their products. Their designs aren't the only reason that they are beloved but the high quality of the materials used to craft are also a main reason. By constantly innovating and utilizing premium materials to make their visions come to life the company produces eyewear that can stand the test of time and the elements.
The UV rays from the sun work hard but the Ray-Ban marketing team works even harder. The company capitalizes on the nostalgic, innovative, impossibly cool characteristics that their products and brand embody. The world knows that they are undeniably authentic and they know that we know so they put that knowledge to good use in their marketing tactics. Aside from maintaining their classic styles of the Wayfarer, Aviator, or the Clubmaster, just to name a few, their products can be seen in famous films and on famous people.
Such as:
- Tom Cruise in Top Gun sporting the Aviator style, very on point for someone portraying a pilot…
- Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street wearing a pair of Wayfarers.
- Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffanys elegantly donning the Wayfarer design as well.
Honestly speaking…there is just a cool-factor associated with Ray-Ban eyewear that makes them so magnetic.
Our Top Picks For You
Now it is time for what you are most likely looking forward to- the dupes! You’ll see that soaking in the sun with these shades won’t lose you the cool-factor that Ray-Bans offers.
WearMe Pro Round Metal Dupe
Starting off strong! This dupe looks identical to the Ray-Ban round metal sunglasses. The lenses and the metal frame are offered in other colors such as black and silver!
Cost: $14 VS $230
Review: These sunglasses are so cute and feel like a good quality, like they won’t break easily. And they come in such cute packaging and a cloth case. Highly recommend these!
EyeBuyDirect “Good Vibrations” Aviator Dupe
Although Tom Cruise pulled off the all-American heartthrob look with this style in Top Gun, we know that you can do it better! Eye Buy Direct offers a multitude of eyewear options that can have a prescription lens custom made for you. What's better than a pair of glasses that can be sized to perfectly fit your face? A pair that is totally within the budget!
Cost: $45 VS $180
Review: These sunglasses are light, yet sturdy, and fit really well. I love the classic aviator style and the polarized prescription lenses are great for driving. - fbostic
KALIYADI Clubmaster Classic Dupe
The Clubmaster Classic from Ray-Ban is arguably one of their most recognizable styles. This dupe in particular is an almost perfect recreation of the name brand. It is available in the adored tortoise shell frame as well as the black frame pictured above.
Cost: $13 VS $180
Review: I am very surprised how good these are for the money. Excellent quality, very stylish, exactly as described! I will be a loyal Kaliyadi customer for life now!
SOJOS Burbank Dupe
ELEVEN colors! We repeat, ELEVEN colors for this beautiful dupe with a cat eye silhouette. The tortoise shell color is gorgeous but the light pink color is our personal favorite.
Cost: $14 VS $191
Review: These sunglasses were above my expectations for the price. Such a great deal AND these glasses feel so nice, great weight and sturdy feeling. These definitely won’t break after a few wears and so stylish. Blew me away and I’ll be coming back to this company for my next sunglasses purchase.
Foster Grant Caravan Dupe
Founded in 1919, the Foster Grant brand is known for producing affordable eyewear that is available online and in convenience stores nationwide. Although the lenses are similar to the Aviator style, this dupe for the Ray-Ban Caravan design is very unique.
Cost: $33 VS $180
Review: They look great with a modern touch on a classic aviator design. They have a sleek golden/silver finish with good UV protection. My favorite pair of sunglasses so far. -Anonymous
EyeBuyDirect Vinyl Glasses RB5387 Optics Dupe
Technology has become a huge part of everyday life and looking at a screen for any amount of time can strain your eyes. Wearing glasses with lenses that can protect your eyes from the blue light emitted from your phone screen will save you the headache. Think about adding this dupe for your daily use!
Cost: $45 VS $166
Review: Man these glasses are so adorable! Between the style , the fit, and the comfort ! These glasses are an all around package deal! Thank you so much!! -Britteny D.
Survival Strategies for Your Specs
Sunglasses and eyeglasses alike need to be properly maintained to ensure their longevity. Since you will most likely be using your glasses everyday, there are a few key practices that should be performed. Cleaning your eyewear everyday with a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol can remove any oil from your skin that is transferred- and it removes those pesky smudges of course! Once your glasses are cleaned, they should be placed in a protective case when they are not being used. Wearing clean glasses will not only make you look refined but also keep away germs.
Did any of these Ray-Ban dupes catch your eye? They’re budget friendly and come in an assortment of colors if you're feeling bold!
