Buying Oakley sunglasses online can feel like you’re taking a risk. How can you know if they’re real?
There are plenty of counterfeit Oakleys around, and some fakes can be pretty convincing. But there are a few ways to make sure your Oakleys are authentic.
Here’s how to tell if Oakleys are real.
At a Glance
- To check if Oakleys are authentic, look at the model code on the left temple. Make sure it matches the exact sunglasses you have.
- You can also check things like packaging and the overall quality. But remember that accessories and little details can vary between products, even if they’re the same model and color.
- A discounted price isn’t proof that Oakleys are counterfeit.
- Oakleys sold by EZContacts are authentic and sourced directly from manufacturers or authorized distributors.
- If you’re still unsure, Oakley Customer Care can verify your sunglasses from photos and purchase details.
How To Tell If Oakleys Are Real: Check the Model Code
When authenticating your Oakleys, begin by looking at the model code. Oakley puts the model code on the frame’s left temple. It should start with one of the four following acronyms: OO, OX, OY, or OJ. The code after it contains four or five digits with no spaces.
Usually, the model code is separated from the color code by a dash.
It will look something like this:
OO9417-2259
- OO9417 = model code
- 2259 = color code
Sometimes there are sizing numbers next to the model and color codes too. In the example pictured above, you can see the glasses are XL-sized and measure 59-18-137. But some frames don’t have this.
You can also see the frame was “made in Brazil.” But not every pair of Oakleys has something like this written next to the model code. This can vary between models.
Once you’ve found the code, search for it on Google or on the Oakley site and compare the results with your sunglasses. The result should match the frame you bought.
In this case, the codes are describing a Holbrook XL Polished Black Frame with Prizm Grey lenses.
Keep in mind: A matching model code is a useful authenticity check, but it isn’t proof by itself that a pair of Oakleys is genuine. Counterfeiters can copy authentic model and color codes. It’s best to check several details before deciding whether a pair is real.
Know That There Are Different Logos
If you’ve looked at a few different pairs of Oakleys, you may have noticed that the logo doesn’t always look exactly the same.
Some frames have the familiar rounded Oakley “O.” Others have a squared-off version of the O. Both can appear on genuine Oakley sunglasses.
Even within the round and square versions of the logo, there can be differences based on the model. So the logo on your pair of Oakleys might not look exactly like either of the logos pictured.
The same applies to where the logo appears. Depending on the model, you might find it on the temple, lens, or another part of the frame.
Don’t Immediately Freak Out About Small Details
Oakley has been making glasses for over 45 years and has made hundreds of different models. There are lots of small details that vary from frame to frame.
There can be differences in what accessories come in the box and even small differences between two pairs of glasses of the same model. This can be because one was manufactured in a different country or at a different time.
In fact, one of our customers at EZContacts was worried that a little detail on their glasses meant they had a big problem. They posted about it on Reddit.
WingSlasher3000 made a post titled “Authentic or fake” on r/Sunglasses and wrote:
“I bought some Holbrook XL from Ezcontacts.com. I just want to see if my sunglasses are authentic or fakes. There’s really no imperfection on the sunglasses. Just where the model numbers are located on the left arm there’s square and not the Oakley O which is the only thing that throws me off. If I can get some opinions and advice, that’ll be great. Thank you. P.S the arms colors aren’t chipping, that’s my sweat when I was testing them on.”
If you’re still not sure what they’re talking about, here’s a zoomed-in image of the “suspicious” markings on the temple.
Another user reassured them by saying they made their purchase from a different retailer and their glasses were the same.
Intelligent-Formal-8 said:
“They’re real I bought mines from sunglass Hut and they have the square instead of an o.”
Other Redditors all pretty much said the same thing. One Redditor said:
“The box is the new eco friendly recycle box, the new microfiber are not as silky, the rest is a standard Holbrook. Legit.”
They added:
“I have bought a few pairs now through EZContacts the last few years. All legit.”
These comments aren’t proof of authenticity by themselves, but they show why you shouldn’t treat one unfamiliar marking as a definitive sign of a fake.
Are Oakleys From EZContacts Real?
Yes, the Oakley sunglasses sold at EZContacts are authentic. In fact, every product we sell is 100% authentic. That includes every pair of eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, or eyecare products.
We obtain our products directly from the manufacturer or its authorized distributors. The products we sell to customers include the branded cases, cleaning cloths, warranty cards, and certificates of authenticity if provided by the manufacturer.
Sometimes people are concerned about the legitimacy of our products because we sell them at a discount compared to lots of our competitors. That’s simply because we have tight margins and like to keep prices low for our customers. We back this up with a 105% Price Match Guarantee.
Still Not Sure? Ask Oakley
If you’ve checked the model code and compared your sunglasses but you’re still unsure, you can ask Oakley themselves to solve the mystery.
Oakley recommends contacting Customer Care with clear images of the product and details about where it was purchased. Their team can then tell you whether the sunglasses are genuine. Oakley also recommends visiting one of its stores or an authorized Oakley dealer where you can confirm authenticity.
FAQs About Real Oakley Sunglasses
Do real Oakleys have a model code?
Yes. Oakleys have a model code on the left temple which starts with the acronym OO, OX, OY, or OJ. The model code contains four or five digits with no spaces.
Do real Oakleys have an Oakley logo on the lenses?
Not every Oakley lens has the same marking. Oakley Authentic Prescription lenses have a laser-etched ellipse logo as proof of authenticity. But other Oakley lenses can have different markings or no markings at all.
How can I be sure my Oakleys are real?
Oakley recommends emailing Customer Care with clear images of the product and details about where you bought it. You can visit an Oakley store or authorized Oakley dealer too.
Are Oakleys from EZContacts real?
Yes. EZContacts products are 100% authentic and purchased directly from manufacturers or their authorized distributors.
