What year was Oakley founded?

Oakley was founded in 1975. Jim Jannard started the company in his garage in California with an initial investment of $300, long before Oakley became a major sports-eyewear brand.

The business began with motocross equipment rather than sunglasses. Jannard sold a motorcycle grip known as the Oakley Grip from the back of his car at motocross events. Oakley later expanded into number plates, gloves, elbow guards, chin guards, and goggles for BMX and motocross communities.

The company’s first sunglasses were the Factory Pilot Eyeshades, released in 1984. Their sport-oriented, goggle-like appearance established the performance identity that would become central to Oakley’s eyewear. The more casual Frogskin followed in 1985.

Oakley eventually became a public company in 1995. Luxottica announced its purchase in 2007, completing the deal on November 15 of that year. That acquisition placed Oakley and Ray-Ban under the same corporate parent, although they continued to serve distinct style and sporting markets.