Product Details
Color Details
Size DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I get prescription lenses in the Ray-Ban Boyfriend Reverse R0501S?
What makes the Reverse lens technology different from regular Ray-Ban sunglasses?
Are the Ray-Ban Boyfriend Reverse sunglasses made with sustainable materials?
What face shapes work best with the Boyfriend Reverse square frames?
Do the concave lenses provide UV protection?
How do the Boyfriend Reverse sunglasses fit compared to traditional Ray-Bans?
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Ray-Ban Boyfriend Reverse R0501S Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Classic Wayfarer heritage and instantly recognizable silhouette
- Available with prescription lenses for everyday wear
- Lower starting price point ($117.56 vs $167.57)
- Original Boyfriend oversized square design
- Available with polarized lens options
- Slightly lower price point ($115.12 starting)
- Modern Wayfarer update with sleek proportions
- Available with prescription lenses
- Comparable price range ($146.10 starting)
Read the full comparison
Ray-Ban Boyfriend Reverse vs. Classic Ray-Ban Square Frames
The Boyfriend Reverse R0501S represents Ray-Ban's most innovative lens technology, but how does it stack up against the brand's classic square frames? Here's what you need to know when choosing between the futuristic Reverse design and traditional options.
Boyfriend Reverse vs. New Wayfarer 2132
The New Wayfarer is Ray-Ban's most iconic square frame, and it's often the first comparison shoppers make. The fundamental difference comes down to lens technology and versatility. The Wayfarer uses traditional convex lenses and is available with prescription options, making it the practical choice for everyday eyewear. It starts at $117.56, making it more accessible.
The Boyfriend Reverse, however, delivers something the Wayfarer can't: concave lens technology with up to 70% glare reduction and bio-based sustainable materials (67% bio-acetate frames, 41% bio-nylon lenses). The inverted lens design follows your cheekbone curve more naturally, potentially offering better clearance for those who find traditional frames touch their face. The trade-off? It's sun-only—no prescription option—and starts at $167.57.
Choose the Boyfriend Reverse if: You wear contacts and want cutting-edge optical technology with standout style, prioritize sustainability, and value the advanced anti-glare coating for driving or water activities.
Choose the New Wayfarer if: You need prescription capability, prefer the proven classic design, or want a lower price point with the iconic Wayfarer heritage.
Boyfriend Reverse vs. Original Boyfriend RB4147
This is the most direct comparison—the original Boyfriend versus its Reverse evolution. Both share the same oversized square silhouette and unisex appeal, but the RB4147 uses conventional convex lenses and traditional materials. It's available with polarized options and starts slightly lower at $115.12.
The Boyfriend Reverse takes that familiar shape and reimagines it with inverted lens geometry, sustainable bio-based construction, and EssilorLuxottica's high-performance anti-reflective treatment. It's a more modern, eco-conscious take on the same bold aesthetic.
Choose the Boyfriend Reverse if: You want the latest Ray-Ban innovation, care about sustainable materials, and are drawn to the distinctive concave lens look that debuted at the 2023 Met Gala.
Choose the original Boyfriend if: You prefer traditional lens design, want polarized options, or are looking for a slightly more accessible price on the classic oversized square shape.
The Bottom Line
The Boyfriend Reverse isn't just a style variation—it's a genuine technological advancement in eyewear design. The concave lens delivers measurable optical benefits (70% glare reduction, sharper vision) and a fit that aligns with facial anatomy differently than any other sunglasses on the market. You're paying a premium for first-of-its-kind lens engineering and sustainable materials.
If you need prescription lenses, the Reverse isn't an option—stick with the New Wayfarer or original Boyfriend. But if you wear contacts and want sunglasses that combine innovation, sustainability, and conversation-starting design, the Boyfriend Reverse delivers on all three fronts.
At a Glance
Ray-Ban New Wayfarer 2132 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Classic Wayfarer heritage and instantly recognizable silhouette
- Available with prescription lenses for everyday wear
- Lower starting price point ($117.56 vs $167.57)
- Traditional convex lens design proven over decades
Cons:
- Standard lens technology without the advanced anti-glare coating
- Convex lenses may touch cheekbones on some face shapes
- Less sustainable materials compared to Boyfriend Reverse bio-based construction
- No innovative concave lens benefits
Ray-Ban RB4147 Boyfriend Sunglasses
Pros:
- Original Boyfriend oversized square design
- Available with polarized lens options
- Slightly lower price point ($115.12 starting)
- Traditional lens design familiar to most wearers
Cons:
- Standard convex lenses without the 70% glare reduction technology
- Not made with bio-based sustainable materials
- Lacks the distinctive futuristic aesthetic of the Reverse collection
- No advanced anti-reflective coating from EssilorLuxottica
Ray-Ban Wayfarer 4340 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Modern Wayfarer update with sleek proportions
- Available with prescription lenses
- Comparable price range ($146.10 starting)
- Versatile styling for everyday wear
Cons:
- Traditional convex lens design
- No bio-based sustainable materials
- Lacks the innovative concave lens technology and glare reduction
- Less distinctive and conversation-starting than the Reverse design