Where to Find Wayfarer Sunglasses for Under $20

List of Retailers that Sell the Cool Shades for a Lot Less Than the Original

Joe Grobin
I've noticed them everywhere in kid-like neon shades, and yet, the traditional black wayfarer is not the easiest thing to come by - at least in a price range that is affordable. So, this set me on a bit of a mission to find frames that exude cool without breaking the bank. I've learned from this that not a lot of places sell the classic, but these are the ones that I've found that do and sell them for cheap without making them look cheap.

OC Shades - Large Classic Wayfarer: These are cheap; $10 cheap to be exact. They have a little bit of the vibe going for them, but they give off the appearance that they're going to snap easily and no one wants to look like they're wearing sunglasses that could fall off they're face with even the slightest wind. So, these pass on the basis that they have just the right tint on the lenses (not too light), and the frame is thick. But they are a bit lacking if you want frames that are somewhat angular.
Price: $10
Where: www.ocshades.com

Fred Flare - Risky Business Sunglasses: These are fun, and you can't beat the price. They have a little bit of a cat-eye look to them, are sturdy for the price, and I like the fact that the lenses are dark (so you look a bit mysterious). Plus, they protect your eyes from UV rays, so they're good for something beyond just a fashion statement.
Price: $11
Where: www.fredflare.com

Urban Outfitters - Kastro Wayfarer: I love the frames of these glasses. They look solid and look more expensive than they actually are. The lenses are tinted dark brown, which is a nice contrast off the black frames. Look for these in the men's section of the store.
Price: $20
Where: www.urbanoutfitters.com

Delias - Bananarama Sunglasses: I know I said I was looking for classic black, but I couldn't pass up on these. Delias' "Bananarama" frames are black with tiny neon speckles all around. There's subtle color that adds some fun but nothing too over the top that has people thinking you're an 80s throwback. Plus, I like the subtle shading of the lenses and the fact that they are a little bit bigger than the smaller, traditional wayfarer shape.
Price: $12.50
Where: www.delias.com

Delias - Corey Sunglasses: The classic wayfarer with lightly tinted lenses and the traditional frame shape for only $12.50!
Price: $12.50
Where: www.delias.com

UrbanSpecs - Wayfarer Sunglasses: I like the grey tinting of these lenses. Well, the company calls it grey, but it looks a little bit violet more than anything. I also like the slight wrap-around of the frames. It's not that two-dimensional look that some wayfarers have because they run straight across people's face (and kind of give you that 3-D glasses sort of look).
Price: $14.99
Where: www.aclens.com

Forever 21 - Wayfarers in Black: If you want something with just a little more kick than the traditional black, Forever 21's take on the wayfarer is completely classic with black frames, but the arms are white for a little peak of color.
Price: $5.80
Where: Forever21.com

1 Comments

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  • Malina Debrie7/6/2009

    Great places and prices. Thanks

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