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Oakley Proves Yet Again That These Cult-Classic Frames Are the New MVPs of Reissues

With yet another appearance by way of a collaboration, this vintage design shows why it’s now retro icon to beat.

Black Oakley sunglasses with red-orange mirrored lenses and white flame design on the frame.Oakley
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By Jack Seemer

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It was a big year for fans of Oakley, the juggernaut of optical performance and futuristic design.

In celebration of its 50th birthday, the brand announced its contribution to the space suit returning to the moon; not one but two smart glasses with Meta; and bold collaborations with everyone from Satisfy to Swarovski.

Artemis III spacesuit
Announced as part of its 50th anniversary celebration in 2025, the suits worn by astronauts heading back to the moon will feature Oakley technology.
Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Given the significance of the anniversary, there was some hope among collectors that the brand might also revisit iconic designs found within the discontinued X-Metal series. However, that dream will have to wait.

Looking at the brand’s latest alliance with Brain Dead, it’s clear that another pair from the late ’90s has established itself as the year’s MVP of retro reissues.

Black wraparound sunglasses with orange mirrored lenses and white camo pattern on the temples.
The Straight Jacket 99 returns for yet the third time this year, thanks to a new collaboration with Brain Dead.
Oakley

Fan the flames

As with Oakley’s previous partnerships with Brain Dead — the Los Angeles creative studio that prides itself on what it calls a “unique, disruptive approach” to streetwear and design — footwear makes up the bulk of the new collection.

The collection is comprised of two silhouettes, the Ibex and Flesh Warp, both reimagined in new colorways and material finishes, including hairy suede.

Six athletic shoes in various colors and two pairs of sports sunglasses with orange reflective lenses floating against a dark background.
The FW25 Oakley Factory Team Collection also includes shoes and an exclusive take on the Plantaris.
Oakley

But it wouldn’t be Oakley without a focus on eyewear, and that means the Straight Jacket 99 returns yet again for another victory lap around memory lane.

First released over a quarter of a century ago, the Straight Jacket 99 sunglasses have already popped up twice in 2025, first in April and again as part of a collaboration with Undefeated.

Black wraparound sunglasses with red-orange mirrored lenses and white flame design on the temples.
The Oakley x Brain Dead Straight Jacket 99 features retro styling and modern lens technology, outfitted with cobranded details.
Oakley

Brain Dead’s take on the design starts with an exclusive X-Silver base color, contrasted with a nostalgic flame graphic around the temples. The design also features modern Prizm technology with cobranding on the lenses themselves.

Close-up of black and silver sunglasses with flame design and red mirrored lenses on a dark background.
The X-Silver base and high-contrast flames stay true to the original design from over a quarter of a century ago.
Oakley

Joining the shoes and Straight Jacket 99 reissue is a fresh take on the Plantaris. It comes with a limited-edition sepia frame and Prizm Tungsten lenses.

Two pairs of Oakley sunglasses with orange-tinted lenses, one with a flame design on black frames and the other with a translucent brown frame and nose guard.
Joining the Straight Jacket 99 sunglasses is a new take on the Plantaris.
Oakley
Close-up of a glossy black eyeglass frame hinge with "PLANTARIS" engraved on the arm and gold text on the lens.
Brain Dead’s interpretation of the Plantaris features a limited-edition sepia frame.
Oakley

The FW25 Oakley Factory Team Collection will be available for purchase from November 14 via Oakley, Brain Dead and select retailers.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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