Product Details
Color Details
Size DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Ray-Ban Wayfarer 5121F different from the 5121 model?
What prescription lens types work with the Wayfarer 5121F frames?
What face shapes look best with the Wayfarer 5121F?
Are the Ray-Ban 5121F frames durable for daily wear?
What's the difference between the Wayfarer 5121F and the New Wayfarer 5184?
Do the Ray-Ban Wayfarer 5121F frames come with a case?
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Ray-Ban Wayfarer 5121F Eyeglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- More contemporary interpretation of the Wayfarer shape
- May offer different color and finish options
- Modern updates while maintaining Wayfarer DNA
Read the full comparison
Ray-Ban Wayfarer 5121F vs. 5121 vs. New Wayfarer 5184
Choosing the right Wayfarer prescription frame comes down to fit, style preference, and how much vintage authenticity matters to you.
5121F vs. 5121: Fit Is the Only Difference
The Wayfarer 5121F and the standard 5121 are identical in design—same iconic Original Wayfarer shape, same thick acetate construction, same heavily tilted front that defined the 1952 original. The only difference is the fit profile. The 5121F features a lower nose bridge and modified frame angles (the "F" stands for fit), making it ideal for wearers with higher cheekbones, flatter nose bridges, or Asian facial structures. If standard frames tend to slide down your nose or rest on your cheeks, the 5121F solves that problem. If you have a higher nose bridge and standard frames fit you well, save a few dollars and go with the regular 5121 at $222.
Original Wayfarer (5121F) vs. New Wayfarer (5184)
This is the classic debate. The Original Wayfarer 5121F is based on the RB2140 sunglasses—the 1952 design with a heavily tilted front, thick acetate, and bold, angular lines. It's the frame James Dean wore, the one that defined mid-century cool. The New Wayfarer 5184 (based on RB2132) was introduced decades later with a less tilted front, slimmer profile, and more modern proportions. The New Wayfarer looks cleaner and more contemporary; the Original looks vintage and makes a stronger visual statement.
If you want the most authentic Wayfarer experience and don't mind the bolder look, the 5121F is the choice. If you prefer something subtly updated that still reads as "Wayfarer" but feels less retro, the 5184 delivers. The New Wayfarer also starts at a lower price ($125.75 vs. $196 for the 5121F), though both can reach similar highs depending on lens options.
Why Choose the 5121F?
The Wayfarer 5121F is the right pick if you need the alternate fit, want the most historically accurate Original Wayfarer design, or simply prefer the bold, tilted aesthetic that made this frame famous. It's the frame with the deepest heritage, and if that matters to you—if you want the real Wayfarer, not a modern reinterpretation—this is it.
At a Glance
Ray-Ban Wayfarer 5121 Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Traditional fit works for most face shapes and bridge heights
- Same iconic Original Wayfarer design and acetate construction
- Slightly lower price point at $222
Cons:
- May not sit properly on faces with higher cheekbones or flatter nose bridges
- Standard bridge height can cause frames to slide on some wearers
- Less suitable for Asian fit or alternate fit needs
Ray-Ban New Wayfarer 5184 Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Less tilted front creates a more modern, streamlined look
- Slightly slimmer profile may feel less bold on smaller faces
- Lower starting price at $125.75 makes it more accessible
Cons:
- Loses some of the vintage, heavily-tilted aesthetic of the Original
- Not as iconic or historically significant as the 5121F design
- May not have the alternate fit option for higher cheekbones
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Ease 4340V Eyeglasses
Pros:
- More contemporary interpretation of the Wayfarer shape
- May offer different color and finish options
- Modern updates while maintaining Wayfarer DNA
Cons:
- Less historically iconic than the Original Wayfarer 5121F
- Different proportions may not suit those wanting the classic look
- Starting price of $147 is lower but max price of $268 is similar