Collection: Ray-Ban Junior

Our Ray Ban Junior collection brings the world's most recognisable sunglasses brand down to a child-friendly scale, pairing the same iconic silhouettes you know from the adult range with smaller frames, lighter weights and the kind of durable construction that survives playgrounds, beach holidays and the back seat of the car. At Ardor Eyewear we are an authorised UK stockist of 100% genuine designer eyewear, and every pair in this edit is the real thing — the same lens quality, the same hinges and the same heritage logos, simply built for younger faces. With prices ranging from around £50 to £85, this is a place to find proper sun protection for children without compromising on style or authenticity.

Ray Ban Junior takes the brand's most loved shapes — the Wayfarer, the Aviator, the Erika and the Jack — and rescales them so they sit correctly on a child's smaller nose bridge and shorter temples. That matters far more than aesthetics alone. A frame that is too wide slides down constantly, leaves gaps at the sides that let light in, and quickly gets abandoned. A correctly sized junior frame stays put, which means a child actually keeps it on and actually gets the UV protection that sunglasses are meant to provide.

Why choose Ray Ban Junior sunglasses for children

The single most important reason to invest in a quality children's frame is eye health. A child's crystalline lens is clearer than an adult's and lets more ultraviolet light reach the retina, so good UV protection in the early years genuinely counts. Every pair of Ray Ban Junior sunglasses we stock offers full UV protection, filtering out harmful UVA and UVB rays whether your child is at the seaside, on a ski slope or simply playing in the garden on a bright day.

Beyond protection, there is the question of habit. Children who grow up wearing sunglasses that fit well and look good are far more likely to keep wearing them as teenagers and adults. The familiar Ray Ban styling — those clean Wayfarer lines, the teardrop Aviator lens — gives a child a sense of wearing "grown-up" glasses, which is often exactly the motivation needed to keep them on. If you already wear the adult range yourself, browse our wider Ray-Ban sunglasses selection and you will spot the family resemblance immediately.

Signature Ray Ban Junior models

The collection centres on a handful of legendary shapes, each scaled for younger wearers:

• RJ9052S Junior New Wayfarer — the unmistakable angular Wayfarer, the frame that defined cool for generations, now in a junior fit. A safe, hugely versatile choice that suits almost every face.
• RJ9506S Junior Aviator — the classic metal teardrop Aviator in a lightweight, smaller build. Great for children who want a slightly more grown-up, adventurous look.
• RJ9060S Junior Erika — the rounded, semi-rimless Erika silhouette, soft and friendly, popular with both boys and girls.
• RJ9565S Junior Jack — a smaller take on the round metal Jack, a lighter, retro-leaning option with thin temples.
• RJ9064S and RJ9075S — contemporary injected frames in playful colourways, built tough for everyday wear.

Because the styling echoes the grown-up range so closely, these frames make brilliant matching family sunglasses. Parents shopping our aviator sunglasses for themselves often pick up the Junior Aviator at the same time.

How to get the right fit in Ray Ban Junior glasses

Fit is everything with children's eyewear, and it is the area where parents most often go wrong by simply buying "small". Here is what to look at:

• Frame width versus face width. The frame should be roughly as wide as your child's face. If the temples bow outwards at the hinges to reach the ears, the frame is too narrow; if there are visible gaps at the outer edges, it is too wide.
• Bridge fit. Young children have flatter, less developed nose bridges, so frames with adjustable nose pads (common on the metal Aviator and Jack styles) or a well-judged moulded bridge sit best.
• Temple length. The arms should reach the ears comfortably and curve gently behind them without pinching. Over-long temples are a common cause of slipping.
• Lens height. The lenses should cover the eyes fully, including when your child looks up, so that stray light does not sneak in from above.

Each product page lists the frame's measurements — lens width, bridge width and temple length in millimetres. If you have an old pair that fits, those printed numbers on the inside of the temple are the easiest reference point. Match them closely and you cannot go far wrong.

Materials and durability

Ray Ban Junior frames use the same two core materials as the adult line: lightweight propionate and injected nylon for the Wayfarer-style frames, and metal alloys for the Aviator and Jack. The plastic frames offer a little more flex and forgiveness — useful when a frame is inevitably sat on or stuffed into a bag — while the metal frames bring adjustable pads and a more refined feel. Hinges are sturdy and the lenses are scratch resistant, though no children's lens is entirely scratch-proof, so a hard case is always wise.

Can Ray Ban Junior frames take prescription lenses?

Many parents do not realise that children's designer sunglasses can often be fitted with prescription lenses, and this is one of the questions we are asked most. A number of frames in this collection can be glazed with a child's prescription, turning a fashionable pair of sunglasses into genuine prescription sun protection. We offer single vision, tinted, polarised and photochromic options through our in-house glazing service. If your child wears glasses day to day and you want a sunglasses solution as well, this is well worth exploring — and if you need everyday clear frames too, our main glasses and eyesight glasses frames ranges include plenty of smaller fits. Prescription orders typically take around 7 to 10 working days for glazing, and UK delivery is free.

For families who prefer ready-made tinted sun lenses rather than a prescription, the standard Ray Ban Junior lenses already deliver excellent glare reduction and full UV filtering straight out of the box.

Styling Ray Ban Junior for everyday and holidays

Half the appeal of Ray Ban Junior is that children genuinely want to wear them. The Wayfarer is the great all-rounder — it works with school-holiday outfits, swimwear and party clothes alike, and comes in everything from classic black to brighter tortoiseshell and translucent colourways. The Aviator leans a little more adventurous and photographs beautifully on family holidays. The Erika and Jack suit children who like a softer, rounder look.

For a coordinated family photo, pair a child's Junior Wayfarer with an adult Wayfarer from our men's sunglasses or women's sunglasses ranges. It is a small touch that makes holiday snaps look properly put together, and it reinforces the wear-them-every-day habit that protects young eyes.

Looking after children's sunglasses

Children are tougher on eyewear than anyone, so a little care goes a long way. Encourage two-handed removal — pulling a frame off by one arm is the fastest route to a bent or snapped hinge. Clean the lenses with the microfibre cloth supplied and a spot of lukewarm water rather than a dry sleeve, which can grind grit across the lens and scratch it. Store the glasses in their case when not in use, and keep them out of hot cars, where heat can warp plastic frames over time. Treated sensibly, a pair of Ray Ban Junior sunglasses will comfortably last until your child has grown out of the size.

Why buy Ray Ban Junior from Ardor Eyewear

The children's eyewear market is unfortunately awash with fakes, and counterfeit sunglasses often provide little or no real UV protection — the worst possible outcome, because a tinted lens with no UV filter causes the pupil to dilate and lets more harmful light in. Buying from an authorised stockist removes that risk entirely. At Ardor Eyewear every Ray Ban Junior frame is genuine, supplied through legitimate channels, and comes with the brand's own case and cloth.

You also get the reassurance of a UK-based retailer: free UK shipping, a 14-day returns policy (customers cover return postage), and a real prescription glazing service if you need it. If you would like to widen the search before deciding, our broader sunglasses hub and our designer sunglasses UK collection give you the full picture of what we carry, while parents who also need optical frames can explore Ray-Ban glasses for clear-lens options in the same family of styles.

Understanding Ray Ban Junior lenses and tints

The lens is where a great deal of the value sits, and Ray Ban Junior does not cut corners. Every pair filters 100% of UVA and UVB light, which is the single most important specification for a child's sunglasses. Beyond that, the lens colour subtly changes the experience. Classic green (G-15) and grey lenses reduce brightness while keeping colours looking natural, making them an easy all-rounder for everyday use and holidays. Brown and amber tints lift contrast, which some children find helpful on hazy or overcast bright days. Mirrored and gradient lenses, found on several junior styles, add a fun, fashion-led finish that appeals to older children in particular.

Some frames in the range can also be specified with polarised lenses, which cut the harsh glare bouncing off water, snow, sand and wet roads. For a child who spends time at the pool, on the beach or in the car, polarisation noticeably improves comfort and reduces squinting. If you are weighing up polarised options across the wider catalogue, our adult Oakley sunglasses range is a useful reference point for how polarised lenses perform in practice.

When should children start wearing sunglasses?

Eye-care guidance generally suggests that children benefit from UV-protective sunglasses from a young age whenever they are out in strong sun, because cumulative UV exposure across childhood contributes to eye health later in life. The exact starting age depends on the child and the situation, but most families find that once a child is old enough to keep a frame on without pulling it off constantly — often from around three or four — a properly fitting pair becomes genuinely useful. The Ray Ban Junior range is built around exactly this stage, with frames scaled and constructed for active younger wearers rather than simply being shrunken adult glasses.

Strong-sun situations are not limited to summer holidays. Bright winter days, time near water, and snow sports all reflect significant UV, and snow in particular bounces a large proportion of UV light back upward toward the eyes. A child skiing or sledging benefits from sunglasses just as much as one on a beach. For families heading to the slopes, a snug-fitting Junior Wayfarer or wraparound-leaning style with good coverage is a sensible choice.

Choosing Ray Ban Junior by activity

Matching the frame to how your child spends their time makes the purchase work harder:

• Beach and pool days — polarised lenses cut water glare, and a secure-fitting frame such as the Junior Wayfarer or Erika stays put during play.
• Cycling, scooting and active play — lighter injected frames flex and forgive knocks; look for a snug fit that will not bounce off.
• Everyday and school holidays — the versatile Junior New Wayfarer goes with everything and is the easy default choice.
• Family photos and special occasions — the Junior Aviator and brighter translucent colourways photograph beautifully and feel a little more grown-up.

Ray Ban Junior as a gift

Genuine designer sunglasses make a memorable present for a child, and Ray Ban Junior hits a sweet spot: recognisable, properly protective, and priced within reach at roughly £50 to £85. Because they arrive in the brand's own case with a cleaning cloth, they feel like a real gift rather than a token. If you are buying for a birthday or holiday and are unsure of the exact size, the safest approach is to choose a versatile Wayfarer or Erika style in a mid-range width, keep the receipt, and rely on our 14-day returns policy if an exchange is needed. Parents buying matching pairs for siblings, or coordinating with their own shades from our designer sunglasses UK range, can put together a complete set in a single order.

Frequently asked questions about Ray Ban Junior

What age is Ray Ban Junior designed for?

Ray Ban Junior frames are generally designed for children roughly from age four up to early teens, depending on the specific model and your child's face size. The collection spans a range of widths, so the best approach is to check the millimetre measurements on each product page against a frame that already fits your child rather than relying on age alone.

Are Ray Ban Junior sunglasses genuine and UV protective?

Yes. Every pair in this collection is 100% authentic, supplied as an authorised stockist, and provides full UVA and UVB protection. This is exactly why buying from a trusted retailer matters — counterfeit children's sunglasses frequently lack proper UV filtering despite looking dark.

Can I put my child's prescription in Ray Ban Junior frames?

Many Ray Ban Junior frames can be glazed with a child's prescription, including tinted and polarised sun lenses. We offer single vision and other lens options through our in-house service. Add the frame and select your prescription requirements, or contact us with the details and we will confirm suitability for the specific model.

How much do Ray Ban Junior sunglasses cost?

Within this collection, Ray Ban Junior sunglasses typically range from about £50 to £85, which represents excellent value for genuine designer frames with full UV protection and the brand's quality lenses and construction.

How do I choose the right size for my child?

Measure against a frame that already fits well, or use the lens, bridge and temple measurements listed on each product page. The frame should be about as wide as your child's face, sit level on the nose, and have temples that reach the ears without pinching or leaving gaps at the sides.

What is your delivery and returns policy?

We offer free UK shipping on all orders. Standard stock items dispatch quickly, while any prescription glazing adds roughly 7 to 10 working days. Returns are accepted within 14 days under our returns policy, with customers covering the cost of return postage.

Do Ray Ban Junior glasses come with a case?

Yes — genuine Ray Ban Junior sunglasses arrive with the brand's own protective case and a cleaning cloth, which we strongly recommend using to keep the frames safe and the lenses scratch-free between wears.