Innovation in sports is the foundation of Oakley. And because of this commitment to performance, some of today’s most well-liked sunglasses were made. But there is a cost involved.
Due to their reputation as a high-end product, Oakley sunglasses are expensive. They currently have more than 600 patents for the products and innovations they’ve created over the years.
Today, we’ll look at how Oakley has remained one of the most prestigious eyewear brands in existence and why the brand’s sunglasses are so expensive. Let’s get started.
Oakley Prices over Time
Looking at the history of Oakley prices, we can see a steady increase in the cost of their sunglasses over the last 4 decades. It becomes more intriguing, though, when we contrast this with inflation.
As shown in the graph below, Oakley prices have increased from $60 at first to $300+ for some of the most well-liked pairs.
However, when we account for inflation, you can see that the cost of Oakley has remained relatively constant over time, even going down a little recently.
Why Are Oakleys Expensive?
1. Impact Resistance and Protection
Any sunglasses you wear should first and foremost protect your eyes. Some just do this better than others, and Oakley is no exception.
The impact resistance standards set forth by ANSI Z87.1 are exceeded by Oakley lenses. This indicates that an Oakley lens can withstand a 102 mph steel ball bearing fired at point-blank range! (View this test in action in the video below!)
Oakley Plutonite Lens material is a component of the secret. High Definition Optics (HDO) technology is used in the design of this polycarbonate material to make it not only strong but also incredibly clear.
Additionally, Plutonite lenses are not only strong and light, but they also completely block UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. additionally, blue light that is harmful extends to 400 nm!
Nevertheless, Oakley goes further. They also provide unmatched protection in their frames.
Modern Oakley frames are primarily made of the lightweight O-Matter material. O-Matter is a resilient, sweat, dust, and moisture-resistant flexible nylon composite.
Related: Oakley Low Bridge Fit (Asian Fit) vs. Standard – Differences Explained
It costs money to design and produce these premium frames and lenses, as you might imagine. And this contributes in part to the high price of Oakley sunglasses in the present.
2. Innovation
Oakley has prioritized innovation over all else since its inception. For their materials, components, and technology, they currently hold more than 600 patents. Their sunglasses’ leadership in the eyewear industry has been maintained by these patents.
From the earliest versions of the Eyeshade and Blade sunglasses to the car-weight-resistant Oakley X-Metal sunglasses. Eyewear as we know it today was invented by Oakley founder James Jannard.
And the development is still ongoing today.
One of Oakley’s most recent innovations, Oakley Prizm Lens Technology, makes color- and contrast-enhancing lenses accessible to everyone. Additionally, this innovation did not appear overnight. It took more than 15 years to develop Prizm lenses, which revolutionized how we view lenses today.
Additionally, Oakley was able to create Prizm Polarized lenses using Prizm technology, which offer the highest level of protection by combining glare-reducing Polarized lenses.
And, in the end, 15 years of R&D, and over 600 patents not only separate Oakleys from cheap sunglasses, but it also costs dollars. And at the register, this cash is ultimately given to you.
4. Prescription Options
Basic eyeglasses to high-performance Prizm and Polarized lenses are all available with prescription lenses from Oakley. Compared to standard eyeglasses or sunglasses, each of these offers greater clarity.
And thanks to Oakley’s wide range of frame styles, you can find the perfect fit for you. All you need is a current prescription to purchase prescription Oakleys.
You can purchase Oakley prescription glasses directly from Oakley’s website or through your neighborhood eye doctor.
Similar Article: When Were Sunglasses Created? The History of Shades
But price comes along with quality and choice.
Sunglasses and glasses with prescription Oakley lenses frequently cost $500 or more. Check out our comprehensive guide to ordering Oakley prescription sunglasses and eyeglasses for more information.
5. Branding & Marketing
Simple yet revolutionary, Oakley’s initial marketing effort was a success. On their first pair of motocross goggles, Jannard positioned the company logo prominently in 1980.
Then, in 1986, Greg LeMond won the Tour de France while sporting a set of Oakleys—specifically, Eyeshades—and the company went on to become a global powerhouse.
Through endorsements with well-known athletes, Oakley has since emerged as the market leader in marketing and branding.
All NFL players, including Patrick Mahomes, and the US Olympic Team are sponsored by Oakley. And at the end of the day, those celebrity endorsements mean high brand awareness and high costs for Oakley.
And while Oakley is an American company, they’re actually owned by Italian company Luxottica, who in 2019 reported spending $655 million on advertising just in the U.S!
And as you probably guessed, those advertising fees only increase the cost of Oakley shades!
5. Competition
Today, you can find rows upon rows of various eyewear brands if you enter a Sunglass Hut or Lenscrafters store. You might also wonder why Oakleys’ price does not decrease as a result of increased market competition.
The truth is that one and the same company, Luxottica, owns all of those brands.
As we mentioned above Oakley is owned by Italian eyewear maker Luxottica. However, did you know they also own SunglassHut and the Lenscrafters retail establishment? They also work with lesser-known brands like Oliver Peoples as well as household names like Ray-Ban, Costa, and Tom Ford.
Because of all of this, there isn’t much real competition to drive prices down. Since Luxottica controls the majority of the market, right down to the retailers, they have control over the prices that are charged.
Related: How to Clean Your Sunglasses (5 Easy Steps)
Are Oakleys Worth the Money?
So, now that you know why Oakleys are so pricey, you might be wondering if they’re worth the money. Simple response: Yes.
In the eyewear sector, quality is always more expensive. Even when comparing some of the newest disrupting brands, they are still priced similarly for frames and lenses to well-known brands like Oakley.
And they frequently lack the same creativity and 600+ patents that Oakley introduces to the market!
Overall, Oakley sunglasses are pricey, but they are worth it because they provide excellent protection and style in a sturdy frame that will last for years!
How to Save on Oakley Sunglasses?
There are a few options available if you want to purchase Oakleys but want to pay less.
First, you can watch for a seasonal sale or promotion for Oakley. These occur all year long and typically offer discounts of 30% or more on Oakley sunglasses. Our complete schedule of when Oakley holds sales is available here.
However, if you don’t want to wait, shopping online at sites like eBay or aftermarket forums like our Oakley Forum Exchange is your best bet.
Conclusion
Oakley is one of the biggest and most trusted brands in the sunglasses space. Oakleys are made with great sophistication and precision. No other brand can compare in terms of comfort, style, robustness, or vision clarity.
At Outdoor Equipped, we only stock top-tier brands that excel in their respective fields. We offer a sizable selection of adventure-ready Oakley glasses at prices you can afford, and Oakley most certainly falls into that category. Don’t hesitate to purchase items from the Oakley collection; they are definitely worth the money.
FAQs
What is Special About Oakley?
Because Oakleys filter harmful ultraviolet rays through the lens rather than a coating on the surface, you can never lose your protection even if your scratch-resistant lenses get scraped or scratched.
Are Ray Bans Or Oakleys More Expensive?
High-quality sunglasses are made by both Oakley and Ray-Ban, and the base models cost about $150 for each brand. The look and price of your final choice are influenced by newer models, more features, and personalization.
Are Oakley Sunglasses High Quality?
Yes, Oakley sunglasses are a good brand. They are known for their high quality and durability. You can pick the ideal pair to meet your needs from a wide range of styles that they offer. They are also reasonably priced, so you can get a great pair of sunglasses without breaking the bank.
