Almost all of you might have already owned a pair of Maui Jim or Ray Ban at least once in your life, and that gives you a first hand experience of the both. What was your first impression of the two brands? It could be nothing less than ‘wow’. I bet!
We all agree that Ray Ban and Maui Jims, which are one of the most popular brands in the market both stand tall at whatever it promised to the customers by incorporating high-end features in its sunglasses.
Now, imagine comparing them. That is because today the ultimate face-off is to determine the best between the best, or if there really is a winner between Maui Jim vs Ray Ban.
Summary
Ray Ban is, by no doubt, a legend. A legend that revolutionized the entire eyewear industry with its aviators back in 1940s. The effect is still very very transparent as Aviators never seem to go out of style. After aviators there was no looking back. Ray-Ban has given us en-number of phenomenal styles and designs and we are still fond of them!
Maui Jim, on the other hand, primarily gained attention for its advanced technology lenses which blew up the market! People back then did not get a taste of what actual polarization looked like and that was the sole reason Maui Jim could succeed impeccably.
Both the brands brought something new to the industry, Ray-Ban brought styles which were loved by the people and Maui Jim brought advanced lens technologies along with it. The effect it had is still very evident as the other brands available in the market also incorporate the style and technology of Maui Jim and Ray Ban.
Despite how pricey both these brands are, their products are always out of stock or sold out! Such is their popularity and efficiency that even the sunglasses being expensive does not matter at all to the people.
Thus, it would be difficult to decide on one winner between Ray Ban and Maui Jims. Read on to find out!
A Brief Comparison of Ray-Ban and Maui Jim
Ray-Ban and Maui Jim are two of the most popular sunglasses brands in the market known for their performance based fashion eyewear. While Ray-Ban offers a classic and timeless style, Maui Jim is known for its advanced lens technology that provides superior clarity and color enhancement.
Both brands offer similar features which are similar in quality as well because great minds think alike. It is their pricing and retail availability that establishes a difference between them.
Let’s discuss each brand in detail!
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban is a distinguished brand renowned for producing premium sunglasses for over eight decades. The company’s establishment dates back to 1936 when it was founded by Bausch & Lomb. The first product they introduced was the Aviator sunglasses, designed to shield pilots’ eyes from the blinding sun. The Aviator sunglasses were, and still are, characterized by their teardrop-shaped lenses and metal frames. It became iconic. So iconic that Ray-Ban had to develop one for the general public as well! In today’s date, Aviators are a classic.
After Aviators, it went on to make the Wayfarers which was equally received good by the market! The innovative designs Ray-Ban came up with were extremely new to not just American eyewear industry, but also the world. Thus results its worldwide popularity.
At present, Ray-Ban presents an extensive array of sunglasses for both men and women. Their collection comprises iconic models like Wayfarer and Clubmaster and many more, in addition to contemporary designs that incorporate the latest fashion trends. Ray-Ban was acquired by the Italian luxury group of Luxottica.
Maui Jim
Maui Jim is a relatively new brand compared to Ray-Ban, having been founded in 1980. The company is based in Hawaii and its sunglasses are inspired by the island’s beauty and culture. It was founded by Jim Richards, and you would not believe how this sunglasses’ business started in 1980 that now stands at the net worth of $90 million. Richards himself used to sell the glasses on the beach! They were liked a lot by the people who brought them as they enhanced the vibrant colors of the Maui beach, while protecting the eyes from intense glare.
Maui Jim is known for its patented PolarizedPlus2 lens technology, which provides superior protection against glare and harmful UV rays while enhancing colors and clarity. The brand offers a range of sunglasses for men and women, including classic styles as well as sporty and casual designs.
Maui Jim vs Ray-Ban Sunlgasses
When it comes to Ray-Ban vs Maui Jim, there are a few factors to consider.
Lens Technology
Both Ray-Ban and Maui Jim offer advanced lens technologies that provide superior protection and clarity.
Ray-Ban uses a variety of lens materials, including glass and polycarbonate, and offers different lens coatings such as polarized and mirrored.
Maui Jim, on the other hand, is known for its patented PolarizedPlus2 technology, which enhances colors and eliminates glare while providing 100% UV protection. The brand also uses high-quality materials such as MauiPure and Maui Evolution, which are lightweight and shatter-resistant.
Price
When it comes to price, Ray-Ban sunglasses are generally more affordable than Maui Jim. Generally, Ray-Ban sunglasses range from less than $100 to $200 +, while Maui Jim sunglasses can cost anywhere from $150 to $400.
However, it’s important to note that the price of both brands can vary depending on the style and features.
Popularity
Ray-Ban has a considerably larger fan base compared to Maui Jim. Ray-Ban boasts over 7 million followers on Instagram, 15 million+ likes on Facebook, and more than 500,000 followers on Twitter, whereas Maui Jim has around 260,000 followers on Instagram, approximately 550,000 likes on Facebook, and almost 17,000 followers on Twitter.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to remember that social media following alone does not determine which brand is the superior choice.
Warranty & Replacement
Both Ray-Ban and Maui Jim offer a warranty on their sunglasses, but the details differ.
Ray-Ban provides a two-year warranty to its customers to cover any faults that arise from manufacturing defects. Conversely, Maui Jim offers a two-year warranty that covers both material and workmanship defects.
Moreover, they also offer a lifetime warranty that caters to repair or replacement costs due to regular wear and tear.
No. of Retail Outlets
Ray-Ban boasts a larger retail presence compared to Maui Jim, with 93 stores. You can find Ray-Ban sunglasses in various department stores, sunglasses specialty shops, and online retailers.
In contrast, Maui Jim has fewer retail outlets, but their sunglasses are available in select stores and online. Maui Jim mainly focuses on independent optical retailers and operates its own retail stores in some locations.
Should You Buy Maui Jims or Ray-Ban sunglasses?
We finally arrive at the tough question, and like I always say, I am going to leave it up to you. That is because, even though both the brands are very cool and classy, when it comes to price point we all know the differences. The Maui Jims are overpriced and even if the Ray-Ban sunglasses also are not very affordable, they are not as pricey as Maui Jim either.
But Maui Jim is a luxury and exquisite brand which is meant to be expensive and not be available to everyone. The nature of the brand is so. On the other hand, Ray-Ban decides on the price point based on the material it used in the making of the sunglasses and the features incorporated in the sunglasses. Thus, you will find sunglasses which are cheaper in value and sunglasses which are expensive too. This makes Ray-Ban a brand for the mass public and not just available to celebrities and top-models.
If you ask me, I personally love the collection of Maui Jim. The Tiger Lily is one of my favorite oversized aviators, that can go well with literally any outfit. Then comes the Koki Beach with its immaculate style statement that is gonna turn when you’re in a club. For a perfect and peaceful day at beach, you need to have these pretty Mariposa! We cannot miss out on football matches, especially when you are a Manchester United fan and Maui Jim have a whole damn collaboration with them! Go get your pair as soon as possible because the Siren Song, Mongoose, and Treble tend to be out of stock easily. Also, I cannot go by without mentioning that Maui Jim has to have the best Cat-Eye sunglasses collection that I have ever come across!
Ray-Ban’s collection does not take a step back either. Having designed two of the most famous sunglasses designs in the world, Ray-Ban is always one step ahead. It hosts a wide ranging collection of thousands, and I am gonna recommend you my extremely favorite ones. Starting with Clubmaster Classic, another legendary name in the world of eyeglasses that is Ray-Ban’s child. Then comes the absolutely stunning Caravan, just a look at this baby and you are already in love. Can we forget the classic RB3717? No way sir!
But, if I had to purchase sunglasses for myself for daily use, for wearing it to the supermarket, wear while driving or for those days when its raining heavily and I forgot my umbrella I will resort to RB4184 or RB3516. That is because I cannot spend $300+ on sunglasses and then wear it to save my eyes from rain, can I?
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Ray-Ban and Maui Jim are top contenders in the sunglasses market, each offering unique features and benefits. Ray-Ban boasts affordable prices, classic designs, and versatile lens options, while Maui Jim offers superior lens technology and sporty designs.
When deciding between these two brands, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences.
Whether you’re seeking a timeless look or advanced UV protection, the best choice for you is the one that meets your needs and makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Don’t let the sun’s harmful rays get in the way of your fashion statement – go ahead and take your pick, and rock your new shades with confidence!
