Collection: Maui Jim Aviator Sunglasses

Maui Jim aviator sunglasses pair the timeless teardrop shape with the Hawaiian brand's acclaimed PolarizedPlus2 lens technology — a combination that delivers classic pilot style and some of the clearest, most colour-rich vision in sunglasses. This collection gathers Maui Jim's aviator styles, including models such as Sharks Cove, Seacliff, Keokea, Castles, Wiki Wiki and Walaka, with prices from around £165 to £235. Every pair is genuine, authorised Maui Jim, and can be fitted with prescription lenses at Ardor Eyewear, with free UK delivery on every order.

The aviator shape and why it endures

Born in the 1930s for military pilots, the aviator is one of the most recognisable and enduring silhouettes in eyewear. Its defining features — a slim metal frame, a double or triple browbar, adjustable nose pads and large teardrop lenses — were designed to cover as much of the eye as possible, and that generous coverage still makes aviators a superb everyday sun lens. The shape flatters a huge range of faces, softening angular features and adding definition to rounder ones, and it reads as effortlessly cool on men and women alike. Maui Jim keeps the classic proportions but updates them with lightweight metals, modern colourways and its own lens science.

If you love the aviator look but want to explore other brands and materials, browse our full aviator sunglasses collection and the wider designer sunglasses range to compare.

What sets Maui Jim lenses apart

Maui Jim built its reputation on lens quality, and its PolarizedPlus2 technology is the reason so many wearers become loyal to the brand. Beyond standard polarisation, these lenses are engineered to do several things at once:

• Eliminate glare: Polarisation removes the harsh, reflected light from roads, water and bright surfaces.
• Boost colour: The lenses enhance reds, greens and blues so the world looks more vivid, not just darker.
• Block harmful light: They filter UV and manage high-energy visible (blue) light for comfortable, protected vision.
• Stay clear: Multiple treatments guard against scratches, water and smudges.

Maui Jim offers its lenses in several tints — neutral grey for the truest colour, warmer bronze for contrast, and rose tones for definition in variable light — so you can match the lens to how and where you wear them. For more polarised options across the store, see our polarised sunglasses collection.

Choosing the right aviator for your face

Aviators are forgiving, but a little fitting knowledge helps. Because the shape is wide at the top and tapers below, aviators particularly flatter square and heart-shaped faces by softening strong angles, and they add welcome structure to round faces. Very small faces are best suited to a moderate aviator rather than an oversized one, so the lenses do not sit too low on the cheeks. Check that the frame rests comfortably on the bridge via the adjustable nose pads, sits level, and does not touch your cheeks when you smile. The lightweight metal construction means even larger aviators feel comfortable for all-day wear.

Materials, fit and durability

Maui Jim aviators are built from lightweight metals and, in some models, the brand's own injected nylon for extra durability and flex. Adjustable silicone nose pads let the frame be fine-tuned to your face, sprung and standard hinges keep the arms comfortable, and the finishes — from classic gold and gunmetal to matte and two-tone colourways — are chosen to last. Each pair arrives with a Maui Jim case and cleaning cloth. Their combination of light weight and secure fit makes them a favourite for driving, travel and active outdoor days.

Prescription aviators at Ardor

Many Maui Jim aviators can be glazed with prescription lenses at Ardor, including polarised and tinted options, so you get the brand's celebrated clarity fitted to your own sight. Single vision and varifocal prescriptions are available in a range of lens tints. See our dedicated prescription sunglasses collection for more, or explore men's sunglasses for coordinating styles. Prescription orders are usually ready within about 7–10 working days, with free UK delivery.

Where aviators shine

Aviators are the natural choice for driving, travel, hiking, fishing, golf and everyday city wear — anywhere you want wide coverage and glare-free vision. Style-wise they are endlessly versatile: a gold aviator with a warm bronze lens looks classic with casual and smart-casual outfits, while a matte gunmetal frame reads more contemporary and sporty. They suit both men and women and are one of the safest choices when buying sunglasses as a gift.

Caring for your Maui Jim aviators

Maui Jim lenses carry several protective treatments, so cleaning them correctly keeps them performing at their best. Rinse the lenses under lukewarm water first to float off dust and salt, add a drop of mild washing-up liquid if needed, then dry with the microfibre cloth supplied — never wipe dry lenses when they are gritty, as this can scratch even a treated surface. Store the sunglasses in their case when not in use and set them down lenses-up. If the adjustable nose pads or hinges loosen with time, an optician can tighten them quickly. Kept this way, the PolarizedPlus2 lenses hold their glare-free clarity and vivid colour for years.

Why buy from Ardor Eyewear

Ardor Eyewear is a UK authorised stockist of genuine designer eyewear. Every pair of Maui Jim aviator sunglasses is 100% authentic, with real PolarizedPlus2 lenses and full UV protection, supplied in original packaging. You get free UK delivery, an in-house prescription service, and a 14-day returns policy (customer pays return postage).

Frequently asked questions

What makes Maui Jim lenses better than standard polarised lenses?

As well as removing glare, Maui Jim's PolarizedPlus2 lenses enhance colour and contrast and filter harmful light, so the view looks vivid and natural rather than simply dark. Many wearers notice the difference immediately.

Do aviator sunglasses suit women as well as men?

Yes. The aviator is a unisex shape that flatters a wide range of faces. Choosing the right frame size — moderate for smaller faces, larger for bigger features — matters more than gender.

Can I get Maui Jim aviators with my prescription?

Many models can be glazed with prescription lenses at Ardor, including polarised and tinted options in single vision or varifocal.

Are Maui Jim aviators good for driving?

They are excellent for driving thanks to the wide coverage and glare-cutting polarisation, though as with all polarised lenses some digital dashboard screens may appear darker.

How long does delivery take?

Non-prescription sunglasses ship quickly with free UK delivery. Prescription orders take around 7–10 working days for glazing before dispatch.

What is the returns policy?

You can return sunglasses within 14 days, unworn and in original condition. Return postage is paid by the customer.