The Blues Brothers wore black Ray-Ban Wayfarers — the RB2140 model — with dark lenses. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s matching Wayfarers, paired with black suits and skinny ties, turned the frame into one of the most recognizable looks in pop culture.
Here is the full breakdown of the Blues Brothers’ iconic sunglasses.
The Blues Brothers’ Sunglasses: Iconic Style
The Wayfarer Frame
One of the most recognizable features of the Blues Brothers’ sunglasses is the classic Wayfarer frame. The Wayfarer style, initially introduced by Ray-Ban in the 1950s, gained renewed popularity in the 1980s. This particular frame type has a distinct trapezoidal shape with thick rims and a slightly arched top. The Blues Brothers’ sunglasses sported this timeless design, which added to their cool and stylish demeanor.
Black Frames for a Classic Look
The Blues Brothers’ sunglasses were primarily characterized by their black frames. The dark color not only added a touch of sophistication but also complemented their black suits, white shirts, and black ties. The contrast between the black frames and their attire created a visually striking and memorable ensemble. The black frames also helped to enhance the intensity of their gaze, making them appear even more mysterious and intriguing.
Dark Lenses for the Blues Brothers’ Coolness
The sunglasses worn by the Blues Brothers featured dark lenses, further contributing to their iconic style. The lenses were typically made of glass, which provided superior optical clarity compared to plastic lenses. The darkness of the lenses served multiple purposes. Firstly, it shielded their eyes from the bright stage lights and glare, allowing them to perform with ease. Secondly, the dark lenses added an air of mystery and coolness to their characters, reinforcing their enigmatic personas.
Customized “Joliet Jake” Sunglasses
In the movie “The Blues Brothers” released in 1980, one of the characters, “Joliet” Jake Blues, portrayed by John Belushi, wore a customized pair of sunglasses. These sunglasses featured a subtle yet distinctive modification. On the temple arms, the words “Joliet Jake” were engraved in white. This personalized touch added a unique flair to the sunglasses and further solidified the character’s identity.
Brand and Model
The brand and model of the sunglasses worn by the Blues Brothers were the “Ray-Ban RB2140 Wayfarer.” Ray-Ban, a renowned eyewear brand, played a pivotal role in popularizing the Wayfarer style. The RB2140 model, in particular, closely resembled the sunglasses worn by the Blues Brothers. The Ray-Ban RB2140 Wayfarer sunglasses are still available today, allowing fans to capture the essence of the Blues Brothers’ style and pay homage to their timeless characters.
The Blues Brothers proved that one perfect accessory can define a character forever — the black Wayfarer did as much work as the suits and the music. If you want the look, a genuine Ray-Ban Wayfarer in black with dark green or grey lenses is the faithful choice; just make sure the lenses carry full UV protection. Content reviewed and updated in October 2026.
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