The latest Ray-Ban Aviator is here—and it's like nothing you've seen before. The Aviator Reverse is the world's first sunglass with concave lenses. It looks pretty similar to the Original Aviator, but there are a few major differences. Keep reading to see how these iconic frames compare in our Ray-Ban Aviator Reverse vs Original Aviator guide.


Aviator Reverse vs Original Aviator

1. Ray-Ban Aviator Reverse Overview
2. Ray-Ban Original Aviator Overview
3. Aviator Reverse and Original Aviator Differences
4. Aviator Reverse vs Original Aviator Chart
5. Shop Eyewear Confidently with Free Shipping and Free Returns



Ray-Ban Aviator Reverse Overview

Ray-Ban's Aviator Reverse features a brand new twist on a classic frame. The Reverse frame has concave lenses. Instead of curving outward and away from your face, the lenses curve inward, toward your face. Just like the Original Aviator, the Aviator Reverse features a lightweight metal frame, adjustable nose pads, covered temple tips, and teardrop-shaped lenses. It is available in two sizes and three colorways. Because of the inverted lens design, the Aviator Reverse is not available with prescription lenses or polarized lenses.

Aviator Reverse in Gold with G-15 lenses side view

Aviator Reverse in Gold with G-15 lenses

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Aviator Reverse Sizes:

  • 59mm eyesize
  • 62mm eyesize
Reverse lens graphic

Reverse lens graphic featuring a concave lens


Ray-Ban Original Aviator Overview

The Original Aviator is the very first sunglass Ray-Ban designed. It debuted in 1937 and was created to protect US fighter pilots' eyesight while flying at high altitudes. With the unmistakable teardrop lens shape and lightweight metal frame, RB3025 is one of the top sunglass styles in the world. The Aviator is available in three sizes and multiple colorways. The most recognizable Aviator features a gold frame with Ray-Ban's proprietary G-15 lenses. The "G" stands for "green," and the "15" stands for the percentage of visible light transmission. G-15 lenses absorb 85% of visible light, cut glare, and enhance your natural vision—making them the perfect choice for the sunniest days.

 

Ray-Ban Aviator polarized driving sunglasses in gold with clear temple tips and grey green G-15 lenses.

Ray-Ban RB3025 Original Aviator with G-15 Green Polarized Lenses

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Original Aviator Sizes:

  • 55mm eyesize
  • 58mm eyesize
  • 62mm eyesize
Standard lens graphic featuring a convex lens

Standard lens graphic featuring a convex lens


Aviator Reverse and Original Aviator Differences

Lens Design

Despite their similar style, there are quite a few differences in functionality between these two frames. The main difference is the lens design. The Original Aviator, like all traditional eyewear, features convex lenses. The Aviator Reverse features concave lenses. The Original Aviator is available with prescription and polarization, but due to the concave lenses, the Reverse style is not.

Fit

The next difference is in fit. If you prefer low bridge-fit eyewear, the Reverse may be a great choice for you. The lens design follows the natural curve of your cheekbones. That means there is more space between the bottom of the lenses and the cheeks than there is on the Original Aviator. If you love the teardrop shape, but don't love when the lenses rest on your cheeks, give the Aviator Reverse a try! One other note on fit is the lens's proximity to your eyes. The lenses on the Reverse frame sit closer to your eyes due to the concave design. Therefore, your eyelashes may touch the lenses. If this happens, you can adjust the nose pads to help avoid this issue.

Materials

Next up, is product materials. The Reverse collection is one of Ray-Ban's most environmentally friendly collections yet. The acetate frames feature 67% bio-based materials and the lenses contain 41% bio-based materials. The product packaging and sunglasses case are also entirely made of recycled materials.

Wearability

When you first try the Aviator Reverse, you may be a little disoriented. The Reverse lens is the opposite of what you're used to, so there may be an adjustment period when wearing this contemporary frame. The Original Aviator is a standard sunglass, so you shouldn't experience anything out of the ordinary with this style.

Sizing

The final big difference is sizing. The Original Aviator is available in three sizes and the Aviator Reverse is available in two sizes. Check out the table below for a breakdown of the sizes and features of the Aviator Reverse vs Original Aviator.

Aviator Reverse vs Original Aviator Chart

 Aviator ReverseOriginal Aviator
PrescriptionNoYes
PolarizedNoYes
G-15YesYes
Low Bridge FitYesNo
Sizes59mm; 62mm55mm; 58mm; 62mm

Aviator Reverse in Rose Gold with Dark Blue Lenses

Aviator Reverse in Rose Gold with Dark Blue lenses

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