Fashion fans have been left surprised after discovering the clever meaning behind the name of iconic sunglasses brand Ray-Ban. The revelation came via a Reddit user on the 'Shower Thoughts' forum, who realised that the name is a play on the phrase 'banning rays'.
Ray-Ban was founded in 1937 by Bausch & Lomb in the US, after the Army Air Corps requested eyewear that could reduce glare for pilots at high altitude. Colonel John MacCready worked with the medical instrument manufacturer for seven years to create the Aviator sunglasses, which gave the brand its name.
The Redditor wrote: 'It just dawned on me, Ray-Ban is not just a name. It's about banning sunrays. I'm 23 years old and it just never occurred to me.' Other users admitted they had also missed the connection, with one saying: 'I never noticed this.'
Ray-Ban has become a cultural icon, with famous wearers including Tom Cruise in Top Gun, Bob Dylan and David Beckham. The brand's enduring popularity is attributed to classic designs like the Wayfarer, introduced in 1952, which remain simple and distinctive.
