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Both Maui Jim and Ray Ban sunglasses are widely praised for their practicality, protection, and stylish aesthetic. If you’ve heard of both brands, you may be wondering which is best for you. At Revant, we offer premium lenses for both Maui Jim and Ray Ban. In this post, we’ll present each brand’s style, frames, lenses, distinct features, and price so you have all you need to make an informed decision. 

Maui Jim vs Ray Ban: Style

While Ray Ban and Maui Jim glasses are both incredibly popular, Ray Ban is an iconic brand in the world of sunglasses. Originally established in the early 1930s for pilots, one of Ray Ban’s first models was developed to reduce glare without obscuring vision. Initially, the Ray Ban Aviator model was constructed with plastic frames but was later switched to metal. They were so successful amongst pilots that they quickly found their way into mainstream culture and have been a fan favorite since then, expanding into the outdoorsman market and beyond. Now established for nearly a century, Ray Ban currently boasts a variety of classic, eclectic, and modern aesthetics, each suiting a different face shape. 

Maui Jim started as a small sunglasses business on the Hawaiian Islands in 1980 and has seen great success since. Their objective from inception has been to manufacture sunglasses that work to block intense glare and harmful UV rays while simultaneously providing exceptional color enhancement. From this emerged Maui Jim’s seven main styles and the entirety of their “Classic Collection”. They now have over 125 styles to choose from, and their guiding philosophy is, “We believe color and light are the key to human experience designed to change how you see the world.” 

Maui Jim vs Ray Ban: Frames

Two of Ray Ban’s most recognizable frames are the Aviator and Wayfarer. When you think of Ray Bans, you’re more than likely imagining one of these classics (think Tom Cruise in Top Gun). The Ray Ban Aviator sports a metal frame, and as mentioned above, was designed for pilots to have visual clarity in flight, so you can be assured it’s constructed with the highest quality in mind. The Aviator frames suit those with a heart-shaped face or bold facial features and are highly customizable. Another prominent Ray Ban frame is the Clubmaster, which comes in various shades and patterns such as flat black, brown and tortoiseshell. 

Maui Jim frames have a reputation for being strong and flexible and suitable for small faces. Crafted with care and elegance, Maui Jim has a keen awareness of style, engineering and comfortability. Their Acetate Collection, Metals (and Specialty Metals) Collections, Rimless and Nylon Collections are made from a collection of materials such as stainless steel flat metal, beta-titanium, and nylon, respectively. Their signature Clip-On Collection was designed to create a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors and reduce the need for separate ophthalmic frames and sunglasses. Within their collections, Maui Jim offers the following frame styles: Aviators, Classic, Wrap, Fashion, Rectangular, Rimless, Cat Eye, and Luxury. Compared head to head, Maui Jim offers far better UV protection because of their wraparound style, whereas Ray Bans offer minimal coverage from the sides.

Maui Jim vs Ray Ban: Lenses

There are many different parts of sunglasses and the lens is one of them. Ray Bans and Maui Jim sunglasses both feature top-end glass sunglass lenses, making them more durable and resistant to scratching. However, there are a few key differences between them. 

All Ray Ban lenses can be characterized as Solid, Gradient, Mirror, Polarized and their latest cutting-edge technology, Chromance. It affords the wearer an impressive viewing experience, possessing brighter colors, enhanced contrast, and better visual clarity. This is achieved through high contrast pigments, polarization, and anti-reflective/hydrophobic treatments. Other Gradients come in various colors, such as Gold Green, and provide a playful and flashy look. 

Maui Jim is the fastest growing premium polarized sunglasses manufacturer in the world, which eventually led them to engineer the PolarizedPlus 2 lens technology. According to their website, this technology “delivers the highest level of efficiency in blocking horizontal glare. Known as the most common glare, horizontal glare reflects from any flat, smooth, or shiny surface.” Other lens types include Hyper-Precise Polarization, Bi-Gradient Mirror, Fashion Lens Mirror, MauiGradient, and Anti-Reflective Treatment. 

Revant offers premium quality replacement lenses for both Maui Jim and Ray Bans’ most popular frames, making it easier than ever to upgrade your pair should that be something you’re seeking.

Maui Jim vs Ray Ban: Price

Maui Jim and Ray Ban sunglasses provide lasting quality, which is reflected in their pricing. Maui Jim sunglasses range in price from $100 to $300 for your more personalized and technological models. The median price for Ray Bans is $155, which is also the price of one of their most popular models, the Wayfarer. Their Aviator models typically come at a higher price of $200 or more. At their most expensive, both Ray Bans and Maui Jims have a price tag of $300. 

Maui Jim vs Ray Ban: Use Cases

Ray Bans and Maui Jims both bolster eye health because of their highly protective makeup. It is worth noting that Ray Bans, unlike Maui Jims, are not the best option for outdoor sports because of their inability to block harsh glares off water or snow. That said, they will certainly make a fashion statement. Maui Jims suit a more active lifestyle and they are some of the best sunglasses for watersports, tennis, golf, fishing, running, driving and hiking.

Which Brand is Right For You?

As with any important decision-making process, it’s beneficial to consider which features are important (and non-negotiable) to you in a pair of sunglasses. In a head-to-head comparison, Maui Jim and Ray Ban both offer UV protection and polarized sunglasses, but Maui Jims are much more appropriate for outdoor sports, while Ray Bans can make a bold fashion statement but won’t offer the same sunglasses protection. So the question remains: Will you choose Ray Ban or Maui Jim?