Jins Glasses Review: Innovative Japanese Eyewear Brand Offers Style, Comfort and Affordability

Are you in the market for a new pair of glasses? Whether you need prescription eyeglasses, computer glasses, or sunglasses, you‘ve got plenty of options to choose from. But if you‘re looking for high-quality, stylish frames at reasonable prices, you‘ll definitely want to check out Jins Glasses.

Jins is a Japanese eyewear company that has been designing and manufacturing innovative glasses since 2001. Over the past two decades, they‘ve grown into a major brand with hundreds of stores across Asia and a thriving global e-commerce business. Jins expanded to the US in 2015 and now has several retail locations as well as a popular online store.

In this comprehensive Jins Glasses review, we‘ll take a close look at the brand‘s history, best-selling frames, key features, customer feedback, ordering process, and more. By the end, you‘ll have all the information you need to decide if Jins is the right eyewear choice for you. Let‘s dive in!

About Jins Glasses

Jins Glasses was founded in Tokyo in 2001 by entrepreneur Hitoshi Tanaka. Tanaka got his start selling fashion accessories in the 1980s before eventually shifting his focus to eyewear. He saw an opportunity to disrupt the traditional glasses industry with a more modern, innovative approach.

From the beginning, Jins aimed to provide high-quality glasses that combined fashion and function at affordable prices. The company invested heavily in research and development to create lightweight, comfortable frames with cutting-edge materials and manufacturing techniques.

One of Jins‘ early breakthroughs was the Airframe, an ultra-lightweight frame made from a special flexible plastic. Weighing in at just 4 grams, Airframe glasses are barely noticeable to wear but still provide excellent durability. Jins has continued to iterate on the Airframe design over the years and now offers several variations.

Another key innovation for Jins has been its integrated lens lab system. By bringing the lens crafting process in-house, the company is able to offer fast turnaround times and quality control. Most Jins glasses can be made to order with your prescription in a matter of minutes.

These days, Jins is a major player in the global eyewear market, with over 300 retail stores in Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines in addition to its US locations and online store. The company reportedly sells over 10 million pairs of glasses annually.

Some of Jins‘ notable milestones and achievements include:

• Launching the Meme smart glasses in 2015, which track eye movement and blinking
• Opening its first US stores in San Francisco and Los Angeles in 2015
• Collaborating on exclusive frame designs with fashion brands and designers
• Partnering with Zeiss, a leading lens manufacturer, on premium lens options
• Introducing the Jins Screen collection of blue light blocking computer glasses

Frames and Styles

Jins offers an extensive selection of frames in a variety of styles for both men and women. You can shop by frame shape (square, round, oval, etc.), material (metal, acetate, mixed material), color, size, or special feature (adjustable nose pads, ultra-lightweight, etc.). There are also separate sections for sunglasses and computer glasses.

In terms of aesthetics, Jins‘ frames tend to be stylish and contemporary but not overly trendy or flashy. You‘ll find plenty of classic styles like rectangular, wayframe, and round frames in neutral tones, as well as some bolder looks with unique colors and patterns. Most of the frames have a minimalist, refined vibe.

One thing that stands out about Jins is the comfort and fit of its frames. Many styles have adjustable nose pads and temple tips to help you get a custom fit. The Airframe styles in particular are incredibly lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.

Some of Jins‘ best-selling and highly-rated frames include:

• Jins Switch 371: These versatile frames transform from glasses to sunglasses with removable magnetic clips. The rounded square shape is flattering on most faces.

• Jins Screen 25S-0001: From the company‘s blue light blocking collection, these computer glasses have a sleek square shape in a translucent gray acetate. Great for reducing eye strain from screens.

• Jins Airframe 134: A thin metal Airframe style with an angular browline and adjustable silicone nose pads for a secure fit. Looks smart and professional.

• Jins Frontswitch 112: These retro-inspired oversized sunglasses have a cool double bridge design and gold metal details. The lenses flip up so you can switch between shades and indoor glasses.

• Jins Slim Half Rim 229: A refined semi-rimless style with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The slim metal frame comes in silver, gold, or black and has comfortable curved temple arms.

In addition to adult frames, Jins also has a small selection of kids‘ glasses designed with extra durability and flexible hinges. New styles are added to the Jins collection regularly, so it‘s worth checking back if you don‘t see frames that catch your eye right away.

Lenses and Upgrades

Of course, frames are just one part of the equation when it comes to glasses. Jins also offers a variety of lens options and upgrades to customize your eyewear. All lenses come with anti-glare, UV protection, and scratch-resistant coatings included.

Some of the lens types and upgrades available at Jins include:

• Single vision lenses (included in base price)
• Progressive/multifocal lenses ($200 upgrade)
• High index lenses for strong prescriptions ($60-$200 upgrade depending on thickness)
• Blue light blocking lenses ($50 upgrade)
• Thin & light lenses ($60 upgrade)
• Polarized sunglass lenses ($75 upgrade)
• Photochromic Transitions lenses that darken in sunlight ($150 upgrade)

For an additional fee, you can also add optional lens coatings like anti-fog treatment or super hydrophobic coating to repel water and smudges. Jins‘ lenses are all made to order in the company‘s own labs, which allows for faster turnaround times and better quality control compared to many online glasses retailers that outsource lens crafting.

Ordering Process

To order glasses from Jins, you‘ll need a valid prescription from an eye doctor or optometrist. You can enter your prescription details directly when ordering online, or bring it with you if shopping at a Jins store.

If ordering online, the process is fairly straightforward:

1. Choose your frames and add them to your cart
2. Enter your prescription information
3. Select any lens upgrades
4. Check out and pay

Jins offers free standard shipping on all US orders, which typically takes 5-10 business days. For an additional $15 fee, you can select expedited shipping to get your glasses in 2-4 business days. If you‘re not in a rush, it‘s worth opting for standard shipping to save money.

One helpful feature of the Jins website is the virtual try-on tool, which allows you to preview how frames will look on your face using your computer or phone camera. While not a perfect representation, this can give you a general idea of size and fit before ordering.

Jins also offers a 30-day return policy for frames in new condition with original packaging. You can return glasses purchased online either by mail using a prepaid shipping label or at a Jins retail store.

Customer Reviews

To get a sense of how well Jins glasses live up to the hype, we combed through dozens of customer reviews on the brand‘s website, Trustpilot, Yelp, and other online forums. Overall, Jins gets very positive feedback from customers, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars across multiple platforms.

Many reviewers praise the style, comfort, and quality of Jins frames, especially for the price point. People appreciate the ultra-lightweight feel of the Airframe styles and adjustable nose pads on many frames. The fast shipping and easy ordering process also earn high marks from online shoppers.

Here are a few representative reviews from happy Jins customers:

"I love my new Jins glasses! They‘re super comfortable and lightweight, I barely feel like I‘m wearing them. The virtual try-on feature was really helpful in picking out frames that fit my face well. Shipping was fast and the glasses were packed securely. Would definitely order from Jins again!" – Emily L.

"I‘ve been wearing Jins blue light blocking glasses for work and they‘ve made a huge difference with eye strain and headaches from staring at screens all day. The lenses are crystal clear and the frames are stylish enough to wear outside the office too. Great product and customer service." – Jared S.

"Jins has become my go-to for glasses. I love how many different styles they have and that you can customize the lens type and coatings. I have a strong prescription and their high index lenses are much thinner and lighter than what I‘ve gotten from other brands. Highly recommend giving Jins a try!" – Melissa T.

Negative reviews are relatively few and far between, but a handful of customers report issues with lens quality, shipping delays, or poor customer service interactions. However, these complaints seem to be the exception rather than the norm based on the volume of positive reviews.

Comparisons

If you‘re considering Jins glasses, you may also be looking at other leading online glasses retailers like Warby Parker, Zenni Optical, or EyeBuyDirect. So how does Jins stack up to the competition?

In terms of price, Jins is comparable to Warby Parker, with frames starting around $100-$150 including basic single-vision lenses. Zenni and EyeBuyDirect offer much cheaper options, with some frames as low as $6.95, but the quality and selection are more limited.

Jins has a few key advantages over other online glasses stores:

• Ultra-lightweight, comfortable Airframe styles that you won‘t find elsewhere
• Adjustable nose pads and temple tips on many frames for a more custom fit
• In-house lens crafting for faster turnaround times and better quality control
• Free anti-glare, UV, and scratch-resistant coatings included on all lenses
• Generally better customer reviews and higher ratings

Of course, the "best" glasses retailer for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you want the absolute lowest prices and don‘t mind sacrificing some quality or service, Zenni or EyeBuyDirect may be a better bet. If you‘re looking for premium frames from designer labels, Warby Parker or another high-end retailer may have more options.

But if you‘re looking for a good balance of style, comfort, quality, and value, Jins Glasses is definitely worth checking out. The brand‘s innovative designs, wide selection, and customer-friendly policies make it a strong contender in the crowded online glasses market.

Bottom Line

After taking an in-depth look at Jins Glasses, it‘s easy to see why this Japanese eyewear brand has developed a devoted following around the world. With a focus on innovative design, high-quality materials, and affordable prices, Jins offers a compelling option for anyone in the market for new glasses.

While no brand is perfect, Jins gets far more positive reviews than negative ones from customers. People appreciate the lightweight, comfortable frames, customizable lens options, fast shipping, and easy ordering process. The 30-day return policy and virtual try-on tool help take some of the risk out of buying glasses online.

Compared to other online glasses stores, Jins stands out for its proprietary Airframe designs, adjustable frames, in-house lens crafting, and free coating upgrades. You may pay slightly more than budget-focused competitors like Zenni or EyeBuyDirect, but the step up in quality and service is worth it for many shoppers.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if Jins Glasses is right for you is to browse the frame selection and try some on virtually. Odds are you‘ll be able to find at least a few styles that suit your aesthetic and fit your face comfortably. And with free shipping and returns, you don‘t have much to lose by giving Jins a shot.

Whether you‘re looking for classic prescription eyeglasses, blue light blocking computer glasses, or stylish sunglasses, Jins Glasses is definitely a brand to consider. With a track record of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, they‘re poised to keep shaking up the eyewear industry for years to come.