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Vintage 1980s Oakley Sunglasses: A Trip Back in Time

For many people who came of age during that decade, the thought of vintage 1980s Oakley sunglasses brings a feeling of nostalgia. Like any other era, the 1980s had its own share of new fads and trends in fields like music and fashion. It was during this decade that a company called Oakley started getting attention for their innovative and unique sports sunglasses. These sporty accessories got the attention of athletes – and their fans – and a new success was born. Since that time, Oakley has continued to grow and is now one of the most popular brands in the sunglasses arena, known for the quality and designs of their offerings.

Today, vintage 1980s Oakley sunglasses are viewed as retro sunglasses, even though the ‘80s seem to be too near in the past to be classified as such. But Oakley has come a long way since those heady days, when they were just starting, and now they have a whole universe of new styles and designs. Nevertheless, many people have felt a hankering for something that was a significant part of that era, and for sports enthusiasts, Oakley sunglasses are as good an item as any.

Oakley became famous in the 1980s with the help of a particular type of sunglasses which they called Eyeshades. It was a simple product – consisting of the frame and one-piece lens encompassing both eyes of the user. But it was a resounding success. Various other styles and designs were launched after Eyeshades, when the company had taken the sporting accessories world by storm. Even famous Tour de France champion Greg Lamond called up company founder Jim Jannard to inquire about the availability of various lens colors for biking sunglasses. It was another validation of the company’s growing success.

Fashion tends to be cyclical, and some of what was fashionable 30 years ago are coming into vogue again. There are models of sunglasses now that take the form, style, and colors that were all the rage during the 1980s. But those who want to own a genuine pair of Oakley Eyeshades or other vintage 1980s Oakley sunglasses may have their work cut out for them. They may be purchased through Internet auction sites or in memorabilia stores. Stores that offer collectors’ items may have a pair or two in stock also. Many people agree that these sunglasses from the 1980s look very cool – just don’t pair them with the big-hair fashion of the era.