Oakley

Oakley, Inc. is an American company famous for its eyewear. The company designs, develops and manufactures sports and lifestyle equipment, including sunglasses, visors, ski and snowboard goggles, watches, apparel, backpacks, shoes, optical frames and other accessories. Most of the items are designed in-house at their headquarters, but some countries have unique designs relevant to their market. Oakley currently holds more than 600 patents for high-performance eyewear, materials and sports equipment. Oakley was founded by James Jannard in 1975 in his garage with an initial investment of $ 300. The name "Oakley" comes from Jim's English setter, "Oakley Anne". Jannard began by selling what he called "The Oakley Grip" from the back of his car at motocross events. Its motorcycle grips were different from other grips available at the time. The material is still used to make the Oakley eyewear ear muffs, many of the nose pads and now the straps of their watches. Oakley continued to manufacture plates, gloves, grips, elbow pads, chin guards and goggles for BMX and motocross. In 1980, Jannard released a pair of glasses called the O-Frame. With the "Oakley" logo featured on the strap, the brand has gained increasing recognition and prominence throughout the sports industry. In 1983, Oakley began selling ski goggles. The first Oakley sunglasses; Factory Pilot Eyeshades, were sports glasses, similar to glasses and were launched in 1984. These were followed in 1985 by the Oakley Frogskin, still today one of the best-selling glasses by the well-known American house.