Whether you’re looking for Holbrooks, Frogskins, Fuel Cells, or Gascans, knowing how to spot fake Oakleys before you purchase them can keep you from being fooled by a pair of inferior quality knockoffs. (Rest assured, FramesDirect.com is an authorized dealer of Oakley eyewear products, so if you order from us you're 100% guaranteed to receive genuine Oakley glasses.) Read on to learn how to distinguish authentic Oakley glasses from fakes.
If the price seems too good to be true, well, you know how the saying goes. Genuine Oakley glasses are sturdy, durable, high-quality eyewear—and they're priced to reflect that quality—so be wary of any “deals" you find. Incredibly cheap or heavily discounted Oakley glasses are likely fake. Other ways to determine whether your Oakley glasses are the real deal include examining the frames, lenses, and packaging for signs of authenticity.
Oakley glasses should feel sturdy, with no loose parts or flimsy pieces. Genuine Oakley frames are quality-made with sturdy, pre-dyed plastic. In most cases, if the color is painted on the frames, they’re fake. Look carefully at the shape of the letter "O" logo on the temples to make sure it matches the official Oakley branding. There should be no glue visible or flaking on the surface. The emblem should be fastened to the glasses frame—not painted on.
Your glasses should also include an item number, or SKU, printed on the inside of the temple. Check the SKU format to ensure it’s authentic: Oakley’s format is usually XX-XXX or OOXXXX-XX—with a double O, and not zeros. If the SKU looks correct but you’re still unsure, you can search the ID online. Counterfeit Oakleys may display a correctly formatted SKU, but the product and number may not match. For example, you may spot fakes if you find a SKU for Oakley Gascans printed onto a pair of Frogskins.
The Oakley “O" logo should not exist on the lenses of non-prescription glasses. Oakley occasionally releases special edition frames with words or emblems etched—not painted—on the lenses, but the O symbol has never made an appearance on the lenses.
Oakley lenses may include a static cling “P" to indicate polarization, but this label would not contain any adhesive that may damage the lenses.
Make sure the fonts and logos on the packaging and leaflet insert match the sunglasses. The label on the box should include a barcode, style name, and description. Your Oakley glasses should also come with a certificate of authenticity and warranty card.
Oakley glasses are packaged with a microfiber dust bag, called an 'Oakley Micro Bag,' or case to protect them. The logo stitching on the pouch should be neat and uniform, and the material should have a smooth finish. Your glasses may be counterfeit if the Oakley Micro Bag is missing or poor quality.
If you purchase glasses you believe are fake, contact Oakley to report the counterfeit. You may also report the fraudulent purchase to your bank, as you may be entitled to a refund.
“Where are Oakley glasses made?" is a frequently asked question—most likely because customers want authentic Oakley products.
Oakley is an American brand that's been designed and engineered in California since the company's inception in 1975. For a long time, Oakley manufactured all its products in the USA, many at the company’s headquarters in Foothill Ranch, California, which is famous for its architecture.
Originally, an identifying mark of genuine Oakleys was a "Made in USA" stamp etched onto the inside of the temple. But Luxottica bought Oakley in 2007, and the manufacturing of some eyewear components and finished products moved to other facilities in China and around the world.
Some Oakley glasses are still made in the USA—for example, some special editions and most of the Oakley Standard Issue military editions—but the place of origin depends on which style you purchase. Sometimes the components are made overseas and assembled in the USA. Oakleys are no longer exclusively made in the USA, so not having a “Made in USA" designation alone does not indicate the glasses are fakes.
Though many Oakley products are no longer made in the USA, Oakley asserts that its products continue to meet the same rigorous and uncompromising standards for performance. Oakley continually monitors production and regularly tests components from all its factories to ensure the highest possible quality.
So while real Oakleys MAY be made in America, it's more likely these days that they will be made in China.
If you have questions about ordering Oakley sunglasses online, contact one of our experienced opticians.
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