As summer approaches, the fashion scene in Australia is abuzz with athleisure, a trend that captures a seamless blend of sportswear and everyday fashion. But between Lululemon’s yoga pants and Nike merchandise, one accessory has emerged as a pinnacle of this trend: sporty sunglasses.
Oakley, a brand renowned for its sports eyewear, is at the forefront of this resurgence, offering a range of sunglasses that perfectly combine form and function. Below, we take a closer look at how Oakley has capitalised on the athleisure resurgence.
The resurgence of sporty sunglasses
Summer in Australia is synonymous with sunshine, outdoor activities, and the need for effective eye protection. Our post on ‘Top Tips for Keeping Cool in a Heatwave’ recommended ways to beat the heat during hot weather, including seeking shade, staying hydrated, and wearing sun-smart accessories like sunglasses.
While sunglasses are a summer staple, sporty sunglasses, in particular, have experienced a remarkable resurgence in the fashion scene. These sunnies provide much-needed protection from the harsh Australian sun and reflect wider cultural trends like athleisure and Y2K. As we mentioned earlier, athleisure blends athletic wear with casual fashion, allowing individuals to look stylish while leading an active lifestyle. The appeal of sporty sunglasses lies in their ability to complement this trend, offering both functionality and fashion.
Oakley leading the trend
Oakley has been a pioneer in sports eyewear since its inception in 1975. Its reputation for quality and innovation in eyewear has made it a go-to choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, and now, it’s capturing the hearts of fashion-conscious individuals, bringing the brand to a wider audience. The latest big-name ambassador is French soccer sensation Kylian Mbappe, who is now closely associated with the brand. His signature series with Oakley is an exclusive collection, including the designs HSTN and Frogskins, that has captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts and regular fashionistas alike.
Beyond exclusive collections, Oakley’s range of sunglasses includes several classic designs that fans of sunnies keep coming back to. The Holbrook series is a nod to the classic Wayfarer style with a sporty twist. It offers a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality, making it suitable for various occasions. Meanwhile, the Sutro range is characterised by a shield-style lens that offers extended coverage and a bold, fashionable statement — serving as a prime example of how Oakley fuses sporty elements with contemporary design. The Latch series includes sunglasses designed to clip onto your shirt or collar, ensuring you never misplace them. This innovation has been particularly popular among the athleisure crowd.
Fashion-conscious individuals looking to emulate the style of iconic figures like Bella Hadid can draw inspiration from her choice of sunglass design. Vogue’s March 2022 feature described sporty sunglasses as the “love child of the cat-eye and a pair of Oakleys” and explained how Hadid opts for slimmer spectacles. Emulating her style is made easier with Oakley’s Whisker and Half-Jacket, which allow you to add an edgy, stylish element to any look.
With a range of stylish options, Oakley sunglasses offer Australian fashionistas the perfect blend of sporty and chic, ensuring they’re ready to conquer the summer in style. Whether you’re on the beach, at a sporting event, or simply strolling through the city, Oakley sunglasses prove that sporty is indeed stylish again.
