Oakley is a sports eyewear brand which began in 1975, founded by James “Jim” Jannard, initially developing motorcycle grips and later expanding into protective and performance eyewear. Oakley’s heritage narrative emphasizes a DIY innovation ethos and identifies the first invention as the “Oakley Grip,” using a proprietary rubber compound named “Unobtainium.”

In cycling specifically, Oakley is widely associated with large-format performance sunglasses and sport-specific lens technology. Oakley markets its PRIZM™ lens technology as contrast and color enhancing, developed through decades of research.

Oakley’s Jim Jannard started building the brand in 1975, naming it after his English Setter “Oakley Anne,” and that the first product was the Oakley Grip.

Oakley remains highly visible in cycling via sport eyewear and lens technology, and more recently via helmet product lines.

• Founded: 1975
• Founder: James “Jim” Jannard
• Acquisition: Luxottica announced acquisition for ~$2.1B

• Origins/heritage: Oakley Heritage
• PRIZM lens technology: Oakley PRIZM