Physics Elevated To An Art Form
Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge. Their dedication drives us to look beyond the conventional ideas of industry standards. It's in our DNA to identify problems, create inventions, and wrap those inventions in art. And simply to make things better than anyone thought possible.
Decades of Oakley innovation have been awarded more than 540 patents that elevate physics to the level of art. Technologies transcend sports to enhance the lives of consumers, and more than 110 countries now enjoy a full array of market-leading products including premium sunglasses, goggles, prescription eyewear, apparel, footwear and accessories. These products represent our commitment to excellence - a passion that redefines what is possible for those who defy their own limits.
Oakley, Inc. is a sport and lifestyle brand, driven to ignite the imagination through the fusion of art and science. Building on its legacy of innovative, market-leading optical technology, the company manufactures and distributes high performance sunglasses, prescription lenses and frames, goggles, apparel, footwear, and accessories. The essence of the brand is communicated through hundreds of professional and amateur athletes who depend on Oakley products to provide them with the very best while they redefine what is physically possible.
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Southern California, the company's optics brand portfolio includes Eye Safety Systems, Fox Racing, Mosley Tribes, Oakley, Oliver Peoples, and Paul Smith Spectacles. In addition to its wholesale business, the company operates retail locations including Bright Eyes, Oakley Stores, and The Optical Shop of Aspen.
Oakley Brand Overview
Oakley blends science and art to redefine product categories by rejecting the constraints of conventional ideas. The company is recognized as one of the most coveted brands in performance technology and fashion. Its icon is embraced by the global culture of sport competitors who define their own lifestyle - the world-class athletes who exceed the limits of possibility. In its devotion to these athletes, Oakley does the same.
Decades of Oakley innovation have led to a full array of market-leading products including performance apparel and accessories, prescription eyewear, footwear, watches and electronics. The company continues to build on its heritage of authenticity by reinventing products from scratch to achieve superior quality and genuine innovation that delivers the unexpected. Awarded more than 575 patents and 1100 trademarks, Oakley today is a global icon offering products to consumers in more than 100 countries.
Oakley Technology
Striving to redefine the limits of possibility, Oakley has been awarded more than 575 patents worldwide. The authenticity of Oakley invention is backed by state-of-the-art research and production facilities. Ideas enter the virtual world of CAD/CAM engineering. They take shape as prototypes, built in 16-micron layers of vaporized polymers that solidify in electromagnetic radiation. Progressive builds are tested with spectrophotometers, impact accelerators and environmental simulation chambers. Only then are new inventions ready to be field tested by the world's top athletes.
Technologies that reinvent performance in core sport categories transcend to the general public with innovations that serve all, from the most rebellious to the most discriminating. In addition, aggressive design technologies are matched with the best materials available to produce critical gear for occupational and military applications. As with all research and development categories, this leads to crossover of performance innovations to the general public.
Oakley Product Categories
Oakley invents each new product with a design philosophy called sculptural physics: the discipline of solving problems with science and wrapping those solutions in art. Supported by an infrastructure that includes the latest tools of technology, Oakley engineers and artisans continue to expand the company's array of product categories.
Sunglasses
As the undisputed leader in performance eyewear, Oakley continues to advance sport technology and redefine the lifestyle market with patented optical innovations. Numerous patents have been awarded to the inventions behind the company's High Definition Optics (HDO). HDO virtually eliminates the problems of ordinary lenses, including distortion that bends light (so objects aren't really where they appear to be) and optical flaws that magnify images in the manner of prescription lenses made for somebody else.
Eyewear is our passion. Some may say we're obsessed and that's okay. Since 1978, Oakley has led the way in maximizing lens style and technical performance. Right now, it's only getting better for you. Oakley polarized lenses are engineered with a liquid infusion process that bonds the polarizing filter at the molecular level, eliminating the haze and distortion found in conventional technologies. Below are seven exclusive Oakley technologies that put our polarized lenses at the top of the game. We make the difference, and you reap the benefits when you strap a pair of Oakley's on your head.
- High Definition Optics (HDO) - All Oakley polarized lenses utilize HDO, a collection of technologies that include patented innovations for unbeatable optical clarity and performance.
- Axis of Polarization - The orientation of the polarizing filter is critical for performance, so Oakley polarized lenses maintain the uncompromising precision of EN1836 standards.
- Infusion Molding - Our lens material bonds to the polarizing filter at the molecular level to eliminate haze and distortion.
- Lens Colors - You can match your optics to your environment by choosing from a spectrum of optional lens tints.
- Polarized Emission - This measure of polarization efficiency exceeds 99% in Oakley polarized lenses, a performance level unsurpassed in the industry.
- Impact Resistance - Oakley performance eyewear meets all impact resistance standards of the American National Standards Institute.
- Hydrophobic - Oakley Hydrophobic technology helps keep vision clear and sharp by preventing water buildup and repelling oils and contaminants.
Prescription Eyewear
Oakley offers a comprehensive line of ophthalmic-specific frames and corrective sun lenses that are recognized as some of the best prescription optics available. Full service labs in the U.S., Europe and Asia bring the world's best optics technologies to local markets. The company's prescription lenses are offered in a full spectrum of colors, polarization options and performance coatings. Technologies include metal frames with shape memory; Color Inherence for lenses that never fade; OAKLEY ACTIVATED BY TRANSITIONS lenses that darken and lighten automatically; the world's first true interchangeable prescription lens; and the Oakley Rx system that maps light rays in a 3D grid to achieve precise coordination between the eye and the entire lens surface.
Goggles
Sports categories that rely on Oakley goggle technology include motocross, snowboarding, skiing, BMX and mountain biking. Launched in 2006, OAKLEY STOCKHOLM was created specifically to offer women the ultimate in goggle performance technology. The company's 3D cranial geometry ensures a precise fit, and innovations such as ram-air surge ports provide fog-cutting airflow that is augmented with F3 anti-fog coating. Optically correct Oakley goggle lenses are engineered to maximize peripheral and downward vision while optimizing impact protection. In addition, a legacy of decades in motocross has resulted in the most optically advanced tear-off system in the industry.
Electronics
Oakley recognized that the future of fashion includes technology. The revelation that an audio system should be close to the ears, not tethered from the hip, led to the invention of Oakley THUMP - the world's first digital music eyewear. The design eliminated wires by seamlessly integrating a music player and earphones with a performance sunglass frame. Two more eyewear inventions, RAZRWIRE and O ROKR let users enjoy stereo music and wireless cell phone connectivity via next-generation Bluetooth technology. Featuring the unsurpassed clarity of HIGH DEFINITION OPTICS, these products let the wearer stay connected to calls and music while hiking, biking and doing virtually any activity where cords and wires would get in the way.
Apparel
Engineered to optimize performance and comfort for professional athletes, Oakley apparel designs are coveted also by the lifestyle market. The company utilizes membrane technologies that maintain waterproof yet breathable barriers. Temperature is controlled with reversible heat storage, a science developed for astronauts. Rejecting the flat cutouts of conventional garment design, Oakley uses CAD/CAM digital sculpturing to achieve the comfort and fit of contours that accent the female form. Additional technologies range from the temperature control of inflatable insulation systems to the impact protection of Bio Foam panels.
Footwear
In addition to a full line of sandals and premium golf shoes, Oakley offers footwear for snow, hiking, motor sport racing and military applications. The company's NET SHAPE TECHNOLOGY utilizes CAD/CAM engineering to integrate all shoe components for superior durability, fit and comfort throughout the full range of motion. Additionally, Oakley invented RED CODE, a mid-sole system that calibrates performance for each sport by absorbing ground forces at progressive rates to optimize stability, dynamic shock attenuation and energy return.
Accessories
Oakley offers a full line of accessories designed for efficiency, comfort, convenience and style. The company's backpacks and bags are engineered with ergonomics, reinforced against punishing abuse and enhanced with premium utility features. Products are optimized for specific uses, such as the company's surf pack that features a removable wet/dry compartment and changing mat. Oakley's unique sculptural design produces never-before-seen aesthetics in accessories that range from wallets and belts to surfboard bags, purses and eyewear cases.
Watches
Oakley entered the wristwatch market years ago with an invention called the O ENGINE, an innovation that allows an INERTIAL GENERATOR to convert motion into electricity. Today, the company produces a full array of timekeeping instruments including OAKLEY MINUTE MACHINE, a Swiss-made chronograph with 13-jewel movement and the ability to measure cumulative time, intermediate time and split time. Known for exquisite dimensional sculptures of lightweight titanium and surgical grade stainless steel, Oakley's quartz/analog line blends definitive styling with the precision of Swiss movement. Innovations like the company's GMT wristwatch offer premium features such as the ability to set local time anywhere on earth by adjusting a World City hand.
