How did Oakley become the most iconic eyewear brand for both the sports and fashion industries?

Innovative design, technological advancements, and strategic marketing are all things Oakley has succeeded at since it's very inception, creating performance product with groundbreaking designs which gained the appeal of both athletes and fashion enthusiasts.

best oakley collabs. Satisfy x Oakley

The brand first established a strong presence in the sports industry by aligning itself with top athletes across various disciplines, starting with the motocross world. Oakley worked closely with athletes to understand their needs and challenges, and then developed eyewear specifically tailored to enhance their sports performance, and their sunglasses quickly became synonymous with athletes in sports like cycling, skiing and golf, gaining immense credibility and of-course, visibility.

Oakley invested heavily into research and development to create advanced technologies for their eyewear. For example, they developed the High Definition Optics (HDO) technology, which offered superior optical clarity and visual fidelity whilst also being pioneers with the use of Plutonite lenses, which provided excellent UV protection and impact resistance. These technological advancements further reinforced Oakley's reputation for high-quality eyewear, setting them way above the standard currently set in the industry.

the histotry of Oakley. Oakley Motocross Glasses

When you think about Oakley, you think about their iconic branding and marketing techniques. From the beginning, Oakley employed effective branding and marketing strategies who would go on to position the brand as the true leader in its space, cultivating a strong brand image associated with innovation, performance, and style. They also were sponsoring major sporting events and athletes which of-curse made their brand image and credibility soar.

Be prepared to spend hours on his instagram if you take a look, but Peter Yee, One of Oakleys most iconic designers says "Over The Top is the Brainchild of Oakley's founder Jim Jannard, and an example of how Oakley innovativly solves problems with unique and brave solutions. Over The Top is definitely not for everyone, but everyone knows about Over The Top."

You've been warned x

Oakley successfully expanded its reach beyond the sports industry by collaborating with carefully selected fashion designers and influencers. They launched collections in partnership with renowned designers, such as Palace, L'art de L'automobile, Braindead, Samuel Ross and most recently, Satisfy. These collaborations continue to allow Oakley to merge sports performance seamlessly with fashion-forward aesthetics, appealing to both consumers.

Oakley of-course ended up diversifying its product offerings beyond sunglasses, expanding into prescription eyewear, goggles, apparel, footwear, and accessories to fulfil their hungry consumers needs, and their apparel rage has become one of our most sought after brands for outdoor sports attire.

The Oakley Timeline :

Oakley was first created in 1975 by James Jannard whos first product was “The Oakley Grip”, selling handle bars at motocross events and starting the business with only $300! 

The History Of Oakley, Oakley Grip Motocross Handlebar

Later on in 1980 the brand made their debut into the eyewear space, with their first product being the Motocross goggles and shortly after producing ski and snowboardinging goggles. 

In 1984 the brand realised their first ever sunglasses, with the first product being the “ Oakley eyeshade” This was infact the product which helped greg lemond  to go on to win 3 Tour De France titles, and ultimately become the start of the Oakleys performance eyewear revolution.

In the late 1980’s, Oakley introduced their next model named the “Mumbo or M “ Frame, which went on to becoming a staple for athletes across basketball, cricket, golf and tennis.

1n 1992 The brand then decide to introduce their first pair of eyeglasses with the RX model, bringing the brands renowned heritage of optical expertise to their hungry consumers. 

In 1994 the brand would introduce their breakthrough product which was named The Eye Jacket. This product was the first ever pair of commercialised sunglasses using Compute Aided Design, which allowed for them to produce a sculptural, architectural designed silhouette, and continues to be just as popular today as it was back then. 

Shortly after the Eyejacket in 1997 oakley released the X Metal which were the first sculptured titanium eye glasses ever made 

In 2000, during the Sydney summer Olympics Oakley introduced the first ever pair of sunglasses with no ear stems and a hingeless frame which wraps the upper cranium named “OVER THE TOP” The pair still holds its title of being the most innovative and revolutionary designs of today. 

Moving into the 2000’s as technology advanced, Oakley continued to innovate. The brand introduced their first collection of ophthalmic frames, polarized lenses, Prizm lens technology and the Switchlock interchangeable lens system, allowing users to adapt their eyewear to different lighting conditions.

In 2020, oakley released the Oakley Kato which has been engineered to push the boundaries even firsther of performance and design which is said to function like the extension of the users body.

In 2020, 30 years after its initial release in 1992, Oakley reintroduces its iconic Sub Zero sunglass, Originally inspired by the future, the Sub Zero’s ‘90s design aesthetic has been revived from the past with Prizm™ Lens Technology in its unique shield lens design. Unobtainium® nose pads provide no-slip grip in this piece of Oakley history that was designed to weigh next to nothing.

40 years after the brand inception, Oakley continues to introduce revolutionary new technologies, styles, and collaborations, staying true to its commitment to providing exceptional performance and quality. Through its unwavering commitment to innovation, Oakley has paved the way for advancements in eyewear technology, design, and performance.

Each product is hand selected by our in-house curators, and we may receive a commission if you make a purchase.

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Exploring The Best Womens Oakley Sunglasses from Slopes To Prescription

Innovative design, technological advancements, and strategic marketing are all things Oakley has succeeded at since it's very inception, creating performance product with groundbreaking designs which gained the appeal of both athletes and fashion enthusiasts.

best oakley collabs. Satisfy x Oakley

The brand first established a strong presence in the sports industry by aligning itself with top athletes across various disciplines, starting with the motocross world. Oakley worked closely with athletes to understand their needs and challenges, and then developed eyewear specifically tailored to enhance their sports performance, and their sunglasses quickly became synonymous with athletes in sports like cycling, skiing and golf, gaining immense credibility and of-course, visibility.

No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Oakley invested heavily into research and development to create advanced technologies for their eyewear. For example, they developed the High Definition Optics (HDO) technology, which offered superior optical clarity and visual fidelity whilst also being pioneers with the use of Plutonite lenses, which provided excellent UV protection and impact resistance. These technological advancements further reinforced Oakley's reputation for high-quality eyewear, setting them way above the standard currently set in the industry.

the histotry of Oakley. Oakley Motocross Glasses

When you think about Oakley, you think about their iconic branding and marketing techniques. From the beginning, Oakley employed effective branding and marketing strategies who would go on to position the brand as the true leader in its space, cultivating a strong brand image associated with innovation, performance, and style. They also were sponsoring major sporting events and athletes which of-curse made their brand image and credibility soar.

Be prepared to spend hours on his instagram if you take a look, but Peter Yee, One of Oakleys most iconic designers says "Over The Top is the Brainchild of Oakley's founder Jim Jannard, and an example of how Oakley innovativly solves problems with unique and brave solutions. Over The Top is definitely not for everyone, but everyone knows about Over The Top."

You've been warned x

Oakley successfully expanded its reach beyond the sports industry by collaborating with carefully selected fashion designers and influencers. They launched collections in partnership with renowned designers, such as Palace, L'art de L'automobile, Braindead, Samuel Ross and most recently, Satisfy. These collaborations continue to allow Oakley to merge sports performance seamlessly with fashion-forward aesthetics, appealing to both consumers.

Oakley of-course ended up diversifying its product offerings beyond sunglasses, expanding into prescription eyewear, goggles, apparel, footwear, and accessories to fulfil their hungry consumers needs, and their apparel rage has become one of our most sought after brands for outdoor sports attire.

The Oakley Timeline :

Oakley was first created in 1975 by James Jannard whos first product was “The Oakley Grip”, selling handle bars at motocross events and starting the business with only $300! 

The History Of Oakley, Oakley Grip Motocross Handlebar

Later on in 1980 the brand made their debut into the eyewear space, with their first product being the Motocross goggles and shortly after producing ski and snowboardinging goggles. 

In 1984 the brand realised their first ever sunglasses, with the first product being the “ Oakley eyeshade” This was infact the product which helped greg lemond  to go on to win 3 Tour De France titles, and ultimately become the start of the Oakleys performance eyewear revolution.

In the late 1980’s, Oakley introduced their next model named the “Mumbo or M “ Frame, which went on to becoming a staple for athletes across basketball, cricket, golf and tennis.

1n 1992 The brand then decide to introduce their first pair of eyeglasses with the RX model, bringing the brands renowned heritage of optical expertise to their hungry consumers. 

In 1994 the brand would introduce their breakthrough product which was named The Eye Jacket. This product was the first ever pair of commercialised sunglasses using Compute Aided Design, which allowed for them to produce a sculptural, architectural designed silhouette, and continues to be just as popular today as it was back then. 

Shortly after the Eyejacket in 1997 oakley released the X Metal which were the first sculptured titanium eye glasses ever made 

In 2000, during the Sydney summer Olympics Oakley introduced the first ever pair of sunglasses with no ear stems and a hingeless frame which wraps the upper cranium named “OVER THE TOP” The pair still holds its title of being the most innovative and revolutionary designs of today. 

Moving into the 2000’s as technology advanced, Oakley continued to innovate. The brand introduced their first collection of ophthalmic frames, polarized lenses, Prizm lens technology and the Switchlock interchangeable lens system, allowing users to adapt their eyewear to different lighting conditions.

In 2020, oakley released the Oakley Kato which has been engineered to push the boundaries even firsther of performance and design which is said to function like the extension of the users body.

In 2020, 30 years after its initial release in 1992, Oakley reintroduces its iconic Sub Zero sunglass, Originally inspired by the future, the Sub Zero’s ‘90s design aesthetic has been revived from the past with Prizm™ Lens Technology in its unique shield lens design. Unobtainium® nose pads provide no-slip grip in this piece of Oakley history that was designed to weigh next to nothing.

40 years after the brand inception, Oakley continues to introduce revolutionary new technologies, styles, and collaborations, staying true to its commitment to providing exceptional performance and quality. Through its unwavering commitment to innovation, Oakley has paved the way for advancements in eyewear technology, design, and performance.

Each product is hand selected by our in-house curators, and we may receive a commission if you make a purchase.

No items found.