Oakley, Inc.
| File:Oakleyheadquarters.jpg Oakley headquarters located in Foothill Ranch | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Founder | Jim Jannard |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Key people | Jim Jannard (chairman) |
| Parent | Luxottica (2007-present) |
| Subsidiaries | ESS (Eye Safety Systems)[1] Oliver Peoples[2] |
| Website | www.oakley.com |
Oakley, Inc. is a U.S.-based enterprise situated in Foothill Ranch, California, functioning as a subsidiary under Luxottica. The company specializes in the design, development, and production of sports performance gear and lifestyle merchandise. Its product range includes sunglasses, protective eyewear, prescription glasses, sports visors, ski and snowboard goggles, watches, apparel, backpacks, footwear, optical frames, and various accessories. The majority of Oakley’s designs are created at its main facility, with select items produced exclusively for specific markets. The firm holds in excess of 600 patents spanning eyewear technology, material innovations, and performance equipment.
History
The inception of Oakley traces back to 1975 when entrepreneur Jim Jannard launched the company with an initial capital of $300. The brand’s name was inspired by Jannard’s English Setter named "Oakley Anne." Oakley began by marketing novel motorcycle grips at motocross competitions before broadening its offerings to include BMX and motocross accessories such as gloves and goggles. The introduction of the O-Frame goggles in 1980 marked Oakley’s entry into the sports equipment sector. By 1983, the company expanded into the ski goggle arena.
Oakley's first sunglasses model—the Factory Pilot Eyeshades—was released in 1984 with a focus on athletic users. This was followed by the casual-oriented Frogskin sunglasses in 1985. The company went public in 1995, successfully raising $230 million.
In 1996, a conflict over pricing with the Italian eyewear leader Luxottica resulted in Luxottica withdrawing Oakley products from its retail chains such as Sunglass Hut, leading to a 33% decline in Oakley's stock price.
Growth through acquisitions played a significant role: in 2001 Oakley acquired Iacon, Inc., which operated mall-based sunglass outlets; in 2006 it purchased Oliver Peoples for $55.7 million along with the luxury Optical Shop of Aspen; later that year it also acquired tactical eyewear manufacturer Eye Safety Systems (ESS) for $110 million.
Between 2004 and 2006, founder Jannard increased his ownership stake to 63%. In June 2007, Luxottica announced a cash acquisition offer for Oakley valued at $2.1 billion with a 16% premium; this transaction was finalized in November 2007. Following this acquisition, Oakley shifted part of its manufacturing operations overseas to China and Italy. Afterward, Jannard went on to establish Red Digital Cinema.
Oakley has sustained its market presence through key partnerships and sponsorships: it began supporting the U.S. Olympic Team in 2012 with agreements extending through 2020; secured multi-year sponsorships with Scuderia Ferrari in 2013 and Aston Martin F1 Team in 2021; and appointed rapper Travis Scott as Chief Visionary Officer in 2025 to enhance creative initiatives.
In August 2013, Oakley divested its REVO brand for $20 million. The company continues to operate ESS and Oliver Peoples as integral components of its diverse portfolio within the global eyewear market.
Design
Oakley’s product development and technological innovations are heavily influenced by extensive feedback from athletes and rigorous testing in demanding environments. The company also serves as the supplier for US Standard Issue, providing protective eyewear to military personnel and law enforcement agencies. Oakley’s M Frame sunglasses are included on the U.S. Army's Authorized Protective Eyewear List (APEL) and carry a National Stock Number, facilitating military procurement. In a unique marketing collaboration, Oakley teamed up with professional golfer Bubba Watson to design a golf hovercraft, offering an off-road alternative to conventional golf carts. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakley introduced the MSK3 mask, engineered with a novel design to minimize fogging on eyewear, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to practical, high-performance solutions.
External links
- Pages with broken file links
- Luxottica
- Sunglasses
- Eyewear brands of the United States
- American companies established in 1975
- Manufacturing companies established in 1975
- Eyewear companies of the United States
- Surfwear brands
- Companies based in Lake Forest, California
- 1975 establishments in California
- 2007 mergers and acquisitions
- American subsidiaries of foreign companies
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment
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- Pages with reference errors