Buying guide for best women’s maui jim sunglasses
International sunglass sensation Maui Jim has come a long way from its simple sunglass shop on Hawaii’s Ka’anapali Beach. The company started out selling fewer styles than you can count on both hands. Today, Maui Jim sells well more than 100 styles in at least as many countries.
But it’s not just about looks. Maui Jim shades provide amazing sun protection, blocking 100% of damaging UVA and UVB rays. Every pair features polarized lenses, since the maker’s original goal was cutting the Hawaiian sun’s intense glare without compromising the scenery’s vibrant colors. A variety of lens options ensure you’ll find the perfect pair for your favorite pastime.
Maui Jim offers styles to complement everyone, whether you’re hiking in the mountains, taking in a suburban soccer game, or surfing Waikiki Beach. But these shades are an investment, so you’ll want to choose a flattering style that fits both your features and your budget. Keep reading to learn more. When you’re ready to buy, check our recommendations for the best women’s sunglasses by Maui Jim.
Key considerations
Frame material
You have a choice between plastic and metal frames when you buy Maui Jim sunglasses. It’s possible to find both classic and contemporary styles made with either. You can even find rimless styles made with either. The material you choose is a matter of use and appearance.
Metal: Metal frames have real staying power, from timeless aviators to new classics. They’re often smaller than plastic frames, giving you a more subtle look. Metal frames are usually lighter in weight, so they’re a good choice for small faces. Additionally, most metal frames come with nose pads that help keep the glasses in place. Some find them cooler to wear because the thinner frames allow for better airflow. Maui Jim offers many women’s designs in goldtones, silvertones, and rosetones, and the company is branching into brighter colors, too.
Most metal Maui Jim frames are made with strong, flexible titanium. Titanium is extremely durable and hypoallergenic. It’s also more expensive than other metals.
A number of frames are made from stainless steel, a sturdy metal with a gorgeous sheen. Stainless steel frames are not quite as durable as titanium, but they’re not as expensive, either.
Other frames are made of nickel alloys, which cost less but may irritate sensitive skin.
Plastic: If you want something more trendy, look no further than Maui Jim’s plastic frames. Made from materials like acetate and nylon, these designs often cut thicker, bolder silhouettes than metal options. That’s because these materials can wrap around the head more easily, creating oversized circles or exaggerated cat eye designs. They’re a natural choice if you have a larger face or are looking for increased sun protection.
Maui Jim designs plastic frames in classic colors like black, white, and tortoise shell, as well as lighthearted looks in pastels, greens, imitation wood grains, and more.
Lens material
Maui Jim offers lenses made from glass, polycarbonate, and hybrid materials that give you advantages of both lens types.
SuperThin Glass lenses provide superior scratch resistance and amazing visual clarity. These lenses are heavier than other lenses Maui Jim manufactures, but they are still thinner and lighter than traditional glass lenses.
MauiPure lenses combine the sharp optics of glass with the lighter weight of polycarbonate. This hybrid material is unbelievably tough and is probably Maui Jim’s most popular option.
- MauiEvolution polycarbonate lenses don’t offer as much visual clarity as other lens materials, but they make up for it with durability and impact resistance — attractive options for those who are hard on their shades.
Frame style
With more than 125 styles on the market, it’s impossible to describe every frame silhouette. We will, however, touch on some of Maui Jim’s most popular options for women.
The classic aviator design features lenses that are rounded across the top and somewhat tapered along the bottom. A double bridge spans the nose, connecting the two sides of the metal frame. Named for the military pilots to whom they were issued in World War II, most aviator styles have mirrored lenses.
Wrap styles are usually larger in size. They extend slightly around the sides of the head to protect to the sides of the eyes. Wrap styles exude a sporty style that is great for athletes and for women who want a little more coverage.
Fashion frames give you the latest up-to-the-moment looks. They may have oversized, off-round lenses; bold, colorful frames; or other eclectic designs. You’ll find the greatest variety in color, shape, and size in this category.
Round lenses are back, both large and small. You could choose to wear a small version that hugs your face or an oversized model that makes a serious statement. Take note: most contemporary-style round lenses are colored, but they are transparent rather than mirrored.
- Cat eye sunglasses are an old-school throwback prized for their feminine allure. The outer edges of these frames sweep upward to create a silhouette that’s slightly feline.
Did you know?
Maui Jim’s shades are so effective at protecting eyes, the Skin Cancer Foundation has awarded them their prestigious Seal of Recommendation.
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Features
Lens color
Lens colors are more than a stylistic preference. Different translucent lens hues maximize your vision for a variety of activities.
Gray lenses are best for shading your eyes in direct, bright sunlight. The neutral tone enhances contrast and lets you see the world in vibrant color.
Bronze lenses are more appropriate for managing fluctuations in daily light conditions. They’ll color your outlook with a warm glow that emphasizes contrast.
Rose lenses provide a maximum level of contrast to help you keep up with all the action.
- Green lenses give you the perfect amount of shade in situations that involve lower light. They’ll also give you an advantage on the golf course.
Mirrored lenses
Maui Jim delivers stunning mirrored lens finishes in colors that mimic vibrant pink sunrises, lush green foliage, and crisp blue waves. But these finishes aren’t just about privacy or style. Mirrored finishes reflect rays away from your eyes rather than absorbing them, so they actually give you a brighter view than translucent glasses. This can reduce eye strain for wearers who spend much of their time driving and athletes who spend many hours outdoors.
Nose pads
If your face is on the smaller side or your shades are prone to sliding, look for sunglasses with nose pads. These rubberized cushions rest against the sides of your nose and prevent shades from slipping. If you have skin sensitivities triggered by nose pads, check out plastic frames with pronounced nose guards.
Accessories
Shades are a good start, but if you want serious sun protection, you’ll need a hat, too. This woven straw hat from the San Diego Hat Company provides excellent coverage for your face, neck, shoulders, and more. An elegant braided straw band dresses up the rear view.
You’re investing in eye protection; now invest in your skin with a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen. This luxurious formula gives you 60 SPF of sun protection for up to 80 minutes. True to its name, the creamy sunscreen absorbs easily and feels fantastic on your skin.
If you can’t find a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses you like, maybe it’s time to give Ray-Bans a look. These iconic lenses give you fantastic visual clarity and look amazing while doing it. Choose from a variety of different metal frames, lens colors, and options for polarization.
Expert Tip
If you’re hooked on Maui Jim styles after just one pair, keep in mind that the company also sells prescription eyeglasses.
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Women’s Maui Jim sunglasses: prices
As mentioned, Maui Jim sunglasses are an investment. The least-expensive Maui Jims typically cost $150 to $200. Most sunglasses in this price range will be rimless and come in basic colors like black, brown, and blue.
The next tier of sunglasses runs between $200 and $250. In this bracket, you’ll find a wide selection with style to spare. They most likely feature favorite designs from prior seasons. Many come in oversized silhouettes that are excellent for major sun protection.
Maui Jim sunglasses in the highest price range cost $250 to $300. If you pay this much, you should be getting the company’s latest, most stylish designs. You’ll also find classic sunglass silhouettes with timeless appeal. At this price, you should have your choice of frame and lens colors.
Tips
FAQ
Q. What frame styles will flatter my face?
A. When you pick sunglasses, avoid lens shapes that mimic your natural face shape. For example, women with round faces should avoid circular silhouettes. Instead, try squared looks or aviators to create the appearance of angles. If you have an oblong face or a strong square jawline, round or oval shades can help soften your angles. Those with an oval face shape can pull off almost any frame, but lenses that are distinctly wider than long can help keep things proportional. Squared frames should complement the slender chin of triangular or heart-shaped faces, while oversized styles should be avoided.
Q. What do polarized lenses do?
A. Optimizing polarization was one of the earliest goals at Maui Jim. In short, polarized lenses filter and block the glaring light that’s reflected when sunlight hits water. They’re a must-have for beachgoers as well as women who enjoy fishing and boating. Since they block glare, they’re also beneficial for driving and other activities where reflected light can diminish your ability to see.
Q. What’s the best way to clean my Maui Jims?
A. To get the most out of your sunglasses, rinse them regularly with warm water. If they need a little extra care, you can use a dab of dish soap on the lenses. When you dry the lenses, use a soft cloth rather than paper products, since the latter can leave scratches. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which can damage your lenses, as well as cleaning products that could leave residue behind.
