You can tell whether a pair of Oakleys is fake by using distinctive markers, including signature branding, accurate SKUs, product data, and flawless lenses. Authentic Oakley frames will have all of these features visible at a glance. Due to their immense popularity, manufacturers the world over try to replicate Oakley's most popular styles, including 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.
Signs of Authentic Oakley Eyewear
The key details to look for when judging if you've bought real Oakleys are fairly straightforward. Look out for these specific aspects to ensure the Oakleys you're buying are real:
- The price is realistic
- The frames are sturdy
- The SKU is accurate
- No logos or stickers on the lenses
- Consistency in the labeling, packaging, and inserts
The Price Is Realistic
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.
The Frames Are Sturdy
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.
The SKU Is Accurate
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.
No Logos or Stickers on the Lenses
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.
Consistency in Packaging, Label, and Inserts
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 Real Oakleys Made?
While Oakley designs and engineers all of their glasses and sunglasses at their legendary Foothills Ranch facility in California, many of their lenses, frames, and component parts come from Luxottica's, their parent company's, facilities. Some of Oakley's frames are still 100% American-made and will bear a "Made in USA" stamp etched onto the inside of the temple. But, since Luxottica bought Oakley in 2007, most of the brand's manufacturing was moved to facilities in China, Italy, and others around the world.
Are Any Oakleys Still Made in the USA?
A handful of Oakley's signature styles are made in the USA, but the majority of their glasses and sunglasses are manufactured at facilities around the world. This is important to discern the authenticity of your Oakleys, as not having a “Made in USA" designation alone does not indicate the glasses are fakes. For example, some special edition offerings and most of the Oakley Standard Issue military editions come directly from the brand's California-based facility, but the majority of their frames are now made overseas.
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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