Ihave I have some old Ray Bans, yellow, brown, black, you name it. They never go out of style. I break or scratch them up, long before they ever go out of style.
This new collaboration between Dolce & Gabbana and Ray Ban shows the new cool version for 2026. But trust me, the vintage ones are just as great as the new ones, as Corky Robinson over at C. Woodcock & Co., can attest, he even goes so far as to collect vintage eyeglass and sunglass frames and have prescription lens dropped in them for as little as $60. I haven’t gone to the point of buying vintage frames, but I have many I purchased new some 40 years ago which probably now almost fit in that category. They were made cool by military pilots, Tom Cruise in the 80’s both on screen and off, and even back in the days of Hemingway and the likes. I wasn’t going for fashion when I first bought them, I was going for their optical qualities afield.
Introduced in 1937 for U.S. military aviators, Ray-Ban’s legendary G-15 and B-15 lenses were engineered to provide exceptional optical performance in the brightest conditions. Rather than simply darkening the view, these precision-crafted mineral glass lenses were designed to reduce glare, improve visual comfort, and preserve natural color perception—essential qualities for pilots navigating long hours in the cockpit.
The G-15 lens, with its distinctive green tint, transmits approximately 15 percent of visible light while maintaining true-to-life colors and excellent contrast. The amber-tinted B-15 lens also allows about 15 percent light transmission but enhances depth perception and contrast, making it particularly effective in hazy or low-contrast environments. Both became hallmarks of Ray-Ban’s commitment to performance long before the brand evolved into a global fashion icon.
Today, these original solid-color lenses remain true to their military heritage while incorporating modern UV protection. They continue to offer outstanding clarity, reduced eye strain, and all-day comfort, making them favorites among pilots, drivers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates timeless style backed by proven optical performance. More than eight decades after their introduction, the classic G-15 and B-15 lenses are still considered among the finest examples of functional eyewear design ever produced.
