How to spot fake Ray-Ban sunglasses
Medically reviewed by Vojtěch Brtinský, Optometrist, on 23 Aug 2021
Written by Leonie Bauer
Stylish, high-quality and popular – Ray-Ban sunglasses are in fashion again this year.
Provided they are genuine.
Many of you are asking: How can I distinguish genuine Ray-Ban sunglasses from fakes?
Read our ultimate guide to distinguishing original Ray-Ban sunglasses from fakes!
1. Make sure that the packaging is complete
Box, case, microfibre cloth and booklet – these are all part of a proper Ray-Ban package. If an element is missing, you could be buying a fake. But even if everything is present, you should be careful.
You can spot a fake by paying attention to a few other details.
In the picture above you can see an example of what the original packaging should look like. Fake Ray-Bans may have one or more of the following elements:
- The logo on the front of the box is of poor quality or can be wiped off with a finger.
- The side of the box is missing a sticker with information about the manufacturer and the model.
- There is no logo on the case. The logo should say: 100% UV protection - Ray Ban - Sunglasses By Luxottica (or similar).
- There is no red logo on the microfibre cloth.
2. Check the frame
Look closely at both temples ('arms') of the sunglasses. On the inside of the left temple, there should be a code indicating the number and colour of the model. The code always starts with the letters RB and four digits, followed by more numbers and letters.
Look for the words "Made in Italy" or "Made in China" or the letters CE (although these are not present on all models) on the right inner temple. If you buy prescription Ray-Ban glasses, the logo is on the inside right temple.
Original Ray-Bans have the following features:
- The model number (e.g. RB 4246) on the inside of the left temple
- The model description (e.g. RB 4246 990 51)
- The lens width and bridge length (should match the bridge engraving (e.g. 51 □ 19)
- A lens-type code (e.g. 3N)
The specific example we've used is for the model Ray-Ban Clubround RB 4246 990 51
130 mm Width
135 mm Temple length
3. Don't forget to check the lenses and nose pads
Original Ray-Ban sunglasses have an embossed logo on the lenses and nose pads.
The logo on the lenses is on the right lens for sunglasses and the left lens for prescription glasses.
4. Protect your eyes
Only buy Ray-Ban sunglasses from certified retailers. Fake sunglasses may offer poor UV protection.
Without proper UV filters, dark lenses dilate the pupils, allowing harmful UV rays to enter the eye (even more than if you were not wearing sunglasses at all!) This can lead to painful inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea.
This inflammation causes red, watery and burning eyes. The symptoms appear six to eight hours after sun exposure.
5. Look for the CE marking
Over the years, prolonged exposure to UV radiation can damage the lens of the eye, leading to cataract. The disease is gradual and leads to blurred vision, a grey haze and glare.
Therefore, it is important to check whether the glasses have a CE marking, which is mandatory in Europe. This marking is proof that the glasses offer protection against UV light with a wavelength of up to 380 nanometres. Harmful light, however, can reach up to 400 nanometres. An additional UV400 marking indicates that all rays up to this wavelength are blocked.
Please be aware that there are two very similar logos that represent two completely different things. The European CE mark (indicating conformity with health, safety and environmental protection standards for products sold within the European Economic Area) and the Chinese CE mark (standing for 'China Export', i.e. without safety standards) look almost identical. The few genuine Ray-Ban models manufactured in China carry the European CE mark and therefore comply with European safety and environmental regulations.
Source: ybw.com
Remember – when the price seems too good to be true, it’s probably a fake. Don’t want to risk it? Buy Ray-Ban sunglasses from us.
Comments
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Reply
Hi ,
I just purchased a ray ban for myself everything matches with the above points expect on right side it’s just printed ray ban and Polarised in captial letters Now I am confused if they are original or not .
The model name is RB3677I-
ReplyHello Ajay,
All items sold by our store are original, sourced directly from the manufacturer (in this case, Luxottica in Italy).
There are small variations in each model depending on year of production.
However, if there is any concern regarding the quality or provenance of glasses/ sunglasses received, customers can always return intact items to us for a full refund.
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Good Blog Post
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Hello,
Thank you for your comment!
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Hello! My RayBan RB 3570. It's been 2 years of sparing use but I'm noticing a slight peel-off around the lenses. Is it genuine for RB glasses to be peeled off? Other than this everything appear to be as genuine as per your points.
Thanks!
VK-
Reply
Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
We would assume that the sunglasses are genuine if all other points are taken into consideration.
Of course, there would be no way for us to guarantee the state of a product if it has not been purchased from our online shop.
Kind Regards.
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My ray ban has marking RB 3016 clubmaster 901/58 49box 21 140 3P. On left arm. Is it original
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Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
Please take a look at the other markings and points within the article. They might help you determine whether the product is original or not.
We cannot, anyhow, guarantee nor suggest whether a ceratin pair is genuine if it was not purchased by us.
Kind Regards.
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hi I was given a pair of rayban glasses markedrb4260 54016-145 on side arm, and rayban made in italy ce on the other arm. In box with holder and cloth marked rayban. Could these be genuine?
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Hello Holly,
Thank you for your comment.
The markings and the accessories do suggest that the sunglasses are genuine. Please, also take a look if any leaflets or booklets are provided, as those usually are included in the packaging as well.
We cannot, anyhow, guarantee nor suggest whether a ceratin pair is genuine if it was not purchased by us.
Kind Regards.
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In my RB 7091 there is no T(like tesla mark) and CE written.
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Hello,
Thank you for your email.
The letter T is not present on all models.
Kind Regards.
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On RB2140 What does K or B Before CE stand for?
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Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
Most likely, the marking is associated with the model.
However, we cannot provide you with a definitive answer.
We would recommend contacting Ray-Ban directly.
Kind Regards.
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I purchased a pair of New Wayfarer sunglasses from Ray Ban's website and got a discount, $150 instead of $200. When they arrived (from Italy) the box didn't have the label on the bottom with specifications and the inside arm only had the name and model number, no other specifications like color, size and lenses color and no N or P for non polarized or polarized. Is it possible Ray Ban sold me fake Ray Bans?
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Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
I would not be concerned regarding receiving a fake pair if it has been bought from Ray Ban's original website.
In any case, you should contact their customer service line if you have any concerns.
Kind Regards.
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Hi,
The serial number on my glasses have no RB. They just say 2140 ( not RB 2140). Guess they are fake? -
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I have a air of Ray ban blaze General there is no rb etching on the lense does this mean they are fake
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Hello Ken,
Thank you for your comment.
This might be the case, however, you should also make sure to check all other
details (for example certificates, etc). Also, they should not be fake if bought
from an authorized reseller.
Regards.
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i have all 5 verifying these are authentic but i cant find the model anywhere. RB4260 54 (sqare symbol) 16-145. i have the package labeled to me address correct etc but i never ordered or payed for these..? everything from the CE made italy cloth booklet excact. price range on these frame any info on these frames?
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Hello Brandon,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, we do not have said model on our website. You can try
searching on the official Ray-Ban website or contact them directly.
Kind Regards.
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Ha. Just had the exact thing happen.
Never ordered them.
But same codes as you.
Guess they are fake.-
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Hello,
Thank you for your comment. Have you ordered the glasses that you are refering to from us or some other retailer? Kind Regards.
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Thanks give me the information original or fake can you sent me location in saudi arabi Riyadh which places in ray ban showroom 966530743630 this my numbers plz help.
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Hello Mohammed,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, I do not have this information.
Regards.
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Rb 4293- ch 622/71 63015 140 3p
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Hello,
Thank you for your comments.
In the text above we have described shortly what the numbers are supposed to
mean: ''A model No. (i.e RB 4246 on the inside of the left temple)
A model's description (i.e RB 4246 990 51) The lens width and
bridge's length [should match with the Bridge's engraving (eg, 51 – 19)]
And a lens type code (eg, 3N)'.
It seems that we do not have a particular pair so I wouldn't be able to give
you further information.
Kind Regards.
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I have RB 4263 -CH 622/71 63O15 140 3P THE Case is black and says sunglasses by LUXOTTICA. CAN'T FIND ANYTHING THAT EXPLAINS ALL THESE NUMERS. HELP
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I have RB 4293-CH 622/71 140 3P black lenses can't find out what 622/71 mean
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how can I tell which filter my Ray Bans have?
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Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Original Ray-Ban sunglasses should have a marking regarding the UV protection
on the case.
Kind Regards.
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Hi! I bought a pair of Ray Bans at a Duty Free shop while traveling last year, and recently noticed that the logo on the lens is coming off. It is a rounded model with glass frames. This is the third pair of Ray Bans that I am using, and I have never had this issue before. Is this normal?
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Hi, I’m looking at a pair of sunglasses on eBay. They look good and the seller has sent extra photos. However there a two things bothering me. One is the grey sticker on the lens instead of the black one I see everywhere and the other is the sunglasses are in a plastic bag inside the case. I’ve never seen this before but have seen on a YouTube guide this could mean they are a fake. Please help!
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Hello Chris,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to help, since we cannot guarantee for any
other products, except for the ones sold by us. You could verify with the seller
whether he has the booklet and the sticker on the side of the box.
Kind Regards.
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Hi! I don’t have the logo Raybans on my lenses and they’re prescripted sunglasses. However, there is a logo on the nose pads, right side said made in italy and left side has the code and everything.
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Hi,
Thank you for your message.
You can check out with Ray-Ban or the company that sold you the RayBans if
they're truly original. In Lentiamo, we sell only original products.
Best regards,
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What does the letter mean on the right
Eg. Rayban. Made in Italy k C E-
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Hi,
It's the code of the factory. This arm is just for production-related
information.
Regards
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If there is no length indicated, it means fake?
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Hi,
As far as we know, the length should be indicated inside the code. You can
check the seller here: https://www.ray-ban.com/…tore-locator?… or contact Ray-Ban to verify it.
Regards,
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I have rayban with no temple length is it original or Fake?
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Hi,
It should be mentioned the code on the inner left part, identifying the
number and colour of the model. As you can see in our article, point 2, first
picture, 145 is the temple length.
Thanks,
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Is they a way l can send pictures to use to see if mine a fake course l found them I box of the when l clean out a house
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Hi,
You can read the article above and try to find the mentioned parameters on
your sunnies in order to verify if your sunglasses are original or not.
Best regards,
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I have old original Ray Ban glasses, and I keep them as my eyes, because if I lose them I will have to buy new ones, and you with your branches and factories in China are no longer a serious company for me, I will be sorry to spend even and one euro for products from your new production, even if it is twice the quality.
Point of view.-
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Hello Mitko,
Well, maybe you could place a formal complaint with Luxottica and not with a
seller? I am afraid we can do absolutlely nothing about where a producer
decides to open a plant… Besides the fact that I may partially agree with
you: Chinese are famous for producing cheap rubbish, but when they have to
produce high quality products they are second to none.
Best regards, Fabrizio
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Hi,
Right leg frame states Ray-Ban T CE.
So where its manufactured? -
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Hi Kajal, Greetings from the island of Guam. I have an old Ray-Ban sunglasses that I would really like to replace. It's the best I've ever had and nothing else can replace the fit and the look. It says Made in Italy but can't read model number other than RB (all worn out)
May I have the email address that I can send you a photo of? Is it possible to replace the lens if I send it to you?-
Reply
Dear George,
First of all our email is info@lentiamo.co.uk
However, we are not yet in the position to exchange lenses in sunglasses. We
are in the process of starting the sale of prescription glasses and we will be
able to sell frames without lenses, but no plans to replace lenses, at the
moment.
Best regards, Fabrizio
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Most RB prescription frames are made in China. If they say made in Italy it is very likely fake. Ray Ban T stands for the Tristar manufacturing plant in China. The photograph above indicates original Chinese manufacturing.
For the untrained eye, the easiest way to identify a fake is the packaging:
1. The printed material is almost always a lower quality. Paperwise. Inkwise. Ink runoffs. Fuzzy text. Off center print.
2. They come in a zip loc bag with Ray Ban or Luxottica printed on them. Tge bag should be clear.
3. That is it. Case, cloth and box are very good quality. Hard to tell the difference for a novice.
RX frames that sau made in Italy are most likely to be fake. If they say made in China you can be 100% comfident they are original. Fake goods never say made in China.-
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Dear Abe,
Thanks for the comment, which is partly correct.
First of all Luxottica, an Italian firm, has plants in different parts of
the world.
Sunglasses made by RB are very often made in Italy, whilst prescription
frames are often made in China.
You can check all the information on the Ray-Ban official website.
Best regards, Fabrizio
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Can you tell if there is any RayBan article with the model number RB4252I601/8G 51 20 140 3N ? Is it original?
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Hello Kajal,
I can't seem to find that specific model, but I can guarantee that all our
products are original.
Best regards, Fabrizio
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