When we hear about holidays in a warm, tropical place, we imagine sandy beaches, long days in the sun, and a new pair of high-quality sunglasses. If the third part applies to you, and you’re searching for your new pair of sunnies for that ultimate relaxing tropical holiday experience, look no further than the award-winning Maui Jim’s!
From visitors forgetting their shades and purchasing them from Jim at the poolside, to celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon, Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, and former President Barack Obama, all wearing the renowned sunglasses, Maui Jim’s has grown in popularity. Even Tom Ford, the legendary designer, has been seen wearing a pair.
The History of Maui Jims
Maui Jim began in 1980 with a fisherman named Jim Richards, who began selling sunglasses on the pool decks of one of the resorts in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. Many visitors that came to the island had forgotten or misplaced their sunglasses. Thus, this appealed to them.
Wearing a hat to protect your eyes from the sun is effective, but with more than 12 hours of sunlight each day on Maui, even a wide-brim hat is ineffective at reducing glare from water and sand. As more individuals purchased Jim’s sunglasses, the brand grew solely through word-of-mouth.
The sunglasses subsequently drew the attention of RLI Vision (Replacement Lens Inc.), an American company that became the mainland distributor for Jim’s sunglasses before rebranding as Maui Jim Sunglasses.
Maui Jim Inc. had over 500 employees by 2015, and in March 2018 it began selling optical eyeglasses and later built its prescription lab. Maui Jim presently offers over 125 different varieties of polarised sunglasses. They have acquired the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation as an effective UV filter for the eyes and surrounding skin and are available in over 100 countries.
What Is So Special About Maui Jim Sunglasses?
The exclusive Polarised Plus2 ® lens technology places genuine Maui Jim sunglasses elevated above the competition. That permits horizontal glare to be reflected from any surface, effectively eliminating all glare and 100% dangerous UV rays and regulating high-energy visible light. That can be useful in everyday life, especially while playing sports and wanting to see finer details, lounging on a beach on vacation, or driving in bright sunlight.
Furthermore, top-tier frame construction options are available in retro and modern styles, produced from the most excellent-grade lightweight materials such as Nylon, Titanium, and superior Acetate. Also, 95% of Maui Jim’s sunglasses come in single-vision, bifocal, or progressive prescriptions. Their labs produce prescription lenses up to ten times more accurate than their competitors’ labs, allowing for a more extensive range of vision.
All frames are made in Italy and Japan, with 15 distribution sites worldwide.
Maui Jim, the world’s largest privately owned sunglass brand, is not a copycat; they’re real investors. Together with these and so many other reasons, we strongly recommend Maui Jim sunnies as the go-to choice when looking for protective eyewear that is both fashionable and provides the best eye health. They still have a ton to offer their dedicated customers, so keep an eye out for additional information and new products from this leading eyewear brand.
Here are some additional significant advantages above any other sunglass brand now available:
- They are constantly investing in technology and design.
- Polarising sunglasses lens materials, in conjunction with multi-layer coatings, provide the optimum performance.
- They have a world-class customer service team, a logistic team, a prescription lab, and everything in between. They hire the best in the industry to provide unrivalled client interactions and support. Their well-known customer service department will replace temples, screws, nose pads, and springs!
- They also include a 1-year scratch warranty and a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty if cared for properly.
Are Maui Jim Better Than Ray Bans?
Maui Jim and Ray Ban sunglasses are renowned for their practicality, protection, and style. When deciding between Ray-Ban and Maui Jim, weigh your preferences and needs and consider your priorities. Maui Jims offers superior outdoor sports performance, while Ray Bans makes a bold fashion statement, but has limited glare protection.
Style and Origin
Ray-Ban, an iconic brand starting in the 1930s, gained popularity with the Aviator model designed for pilots. Its classic, eclectic, and modern styles suit various face shapes. Maui Jim, originating in 1980 on the Hawaiian Islands, focuses on blocking glare and UV rays, offering over 125 glass styles and a “Color and Light” philosophy.
Frames
Ray Ban’s Aviator and Wayfarer frames, known for durability and iconic looks, contrast with Maui Jim’s flexible eyewear designed for comfort and small faces. Maui Jim offers diverse materials and collections, emphasising a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor use.
Lenses
Both brands feature durable glass lenses. Ray-Ban lenses vary from Solid to Gradient, Mirror, Polarized, and Chromance, enhancing colours and contrast. Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus 2 technology efficiently blocks horizontal glare, catering to lens types like Hyper-Precise Polarization and Mirror variations.
Price and Use Cases
Maui Jim’s prices range from $200 to $500, while Ray Ban’s median price is $160, with popular models like the Wayfarer and Aviator often costing more. Maui Jims excel in outdoor sports due to better glare protection, while Ray Bans serve as fashion statements.
