Leather Ray-Ban Frames: Forgive Us, Greenpeace

Metal and plastic are far from the only materials used by the world-famous brand to produce frames. Titanium, aluminum, carbon, and even velvet — all of these are now utilized in Ray-Ban production.

Of course, leather was not left out either. In 2014, the familiar Wayfarer model appeared, fully clad in this material. It’s no surprise, as leather elements have been featured in eyewear collections for years, winning more and more loyal fans.

Straight from the Paleolithic

Leather is one of the first materials processed by humans: back in the late Paleolithic era, it was used to make clothing adorned with fur and embroidery. Interestingly, for many cultures, leather had a sacred meaning: leather bracelets, rings, and amulets were used in various sacred rituals.



As for leather production, it began in the East: the tradition of using items made from this material was started by the Jews and Egyptians, and later passed on to the ancient Romans.

In the Middle Ages, Turkey and Morocco were the main producers of high-quality leather. Eastern countries led the way until 1749, when the first factory for making Morocco leather was established in Alsace, France. Soon, leather production spread to Germany, England, Belgium, and Denmark, and by the mid-19th century, it reached the USA.

It’s also worth noting that not only animal skins are processed but also fish skins, used to make shoes, gloves, wallets, belts, and even paper. This unique craft is practiced in Canada, Japan, Norway, and Denmark.

You Can Never Have Too Much Leather

2014 was far from the first milestone in Ray-Ban's use of leather. The brand has created several models featuring one or more leather elements.

1. Craft Outdoorsman

This model, introduced in 1939, was originally called “Skeet Glass.” It featured a bridge on the nose area designed to protect the eyes from sweat. This feature made the glasses ideal for an active lifestyle, which is likely why they were later renamed Outdoorsman. Outdoorsman Craft sunglasses feature a leather-wrapped bridge combined with P3Plus lenses (100% polarization and dirt-repellent coating).

2. Craft Caravan

In 1957, Ray-Ban released the Caravan sunglasses, their fourth model with a metal frame. The name “Caravan” evokes images of camel caravans, trailers, and RVs, perfectly associating the glasses with travel.



Craft Caravan sunglasses, like the previous ones, feature a leather bridge that keeps sweat from entering the eyes.

3. Craft Wings

This is the third model with a leather nose bridge for eye protection. These sunglasses are the most athletic version offered by the brand with leather details.

4. Craft Round Metal

Ray-Ban Round Metal is a worthy continuation of the “teashade” fashion trend, which emerged in the 1980s. Its main feature is a tubular metal frame, providing incredible lightness and durability. The Craft version boasts leather-wrapped frames and temples in vibrant hippie colors.

5. Original Wayfarer Leather

Finally, the first Ray-Ban version fully wrapped in leather. 2014 marked the introduction of this modification to one of the brand's most popular models, Wayfarer, which translates as “traveler.”

A favorite of Bob Dylan, this model is now even more durable and pleasant to the touch. Additionally, the textured black and brown leather gives the Wayfarer a truly cool, rock-and-roll vibe.



There you have it — the centuries-old history of leather production reflected in Ray-Ban’s product line. If the love of our ancestors for this material, along with the test of time, is as strong an argument for you as it is for Ray-Ban, then leather sunglasses are the best choice to stay stylish and NEVER HIDE!