Oakley Safety Glasses That Meet ANSI Z87.1 [Updated for 2023] (2024)

Find the Right Oakley Safety Glasses For You

Whether you’re working on a dirty job site or in the field, having the right safety glasses are crucial to protecting your eyes. And Oakley safety glasses deliver with protection, comfort, and style!

Now let’s walk through the most popular Oakley safety glasses and how you know if they meet ANSI and OSHA standards.

What are ANSI Z87.1 Standards?

Before we jump into the specific frames, let’s talk about what ANSI standards actually are and why they matter.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is an organization dedicated to establishing safety and health standards, but primarily for those used in the workplace.

You’re likely reading this guide because the ANSI standard was adopted and put into law by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and is considered the standard for “Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.” (Don’t worry there’s no quiz after this)

To summarize, ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2015 states that the eyewear you’re buying will protect your eyes in potentially harmful situations, as required by OSHA.

Are All Oakleys ANSI Z87.1 Certified?

No, While Oakley advertises the high impact resistance and quality of its lenses and glasses, not every pair is ANSI-certified as work safety glasses.

Unless the glasses are stamped/engraved with the ANSI Z87.1 marking, they are not certified!

And depending on how strict your workplace is, this could definitely matter.

You may notice on Oakley.com that a number of your favorite frames reference ANSI Z80.3 – Note this is different than the ANSI Z87.1 certification explained above.

What is ANSI Z80.3?

ANSI Z80.3 sets a similar but less stringent standard than ANSIZ87.1. Specifically, Z80.3 is for non-corrective sunglasses and fashion glasses normally used for casual, dress, and recreational purposes.

In the below sections, we’ll review the top Oakley safety glasses that are certified to meet ANSI Z87.1 and OSHA standards!

What are Oakley PPE Glasses?

In reaction to the global pandemic in 2019, Oakley expanded their safety glasses line to include Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) specific models.

While similar to their existing safety glasses, these PPE-specific pairs include dust and chemical-resistant O Matter frames that meet EN166 standards.

Read more about the full Oakley PPE line in our dedicated guide as well!

Are Oakley Prescription Safety Glasses Available?

Yes, all of the glasses outlined in our guide below are also available with prescription lenses. But you can only purchase Oakley prescription safety glasses from aftermarket suppliers or your local eye doctor.

For more information, check out our complete Oakley Prescription Glasses Guide.

Top Oakley Safety Glasses with ANSI Z87.1 Certification

In 2020, Oakley began offering ANSI Z87.1 certified pairs through their website, in addition to new PPE pairs, which are EN166 certified. As a result, we’ve updated our listing below to include these PPE pairs as well.

There are also several Oakley Industrial pairs available through other outlets.

Most are through Oakley’s Standard Issue program – if you aren’t familiar with the government/military exclusive site or how to qualify, be sure to read our complete Oakley SI guide (p.s the discounts aren’t bad either).

Several also appear to be available through other outlets, which can be found with some easy searches.

Keep reading for our top picks of Oakley safety glasses.

Industrial M Frame 3.0 PPE

If you’ve been waiting for Oakley to open the Standard Issue vault and release some of their pairs to the non-SI public, you’re in luck. These M Frame 3.0’s (Linked here) are one of the first pairs to escape the SI lock and key. And with a large shield lens, these industrial-grade safety glasses are great for any work environment.

M Frame 3.0 Highlights:

• Meets EN166 (EU) and ANSI Z87.1 (US) standards
• Chemical-resistant O-Matter frame
• Anti-scratch coating on the outside of lenses
• Anti-fog coating on the inside of lenses to prevent fogging
• Prescription lenses are not currently available

SI M Frame 3.0 with Gasket PPE

Another pair now available through Oakley.com and Standard Issue, the SI M Frame 3.0 with Gasket (Linked here), was introduced as a part of the PPE line. No word on how long this pair will be available through Oakley (non-SI), so get it while it’s hot if you’re interested.

M Frame 3.0 with Gasket Highlights:

• Meets ANSI Z87.1 and EN166 Standards
• Chemical-resistant O-Matter frame
• Gasket for enhanced grip and protection
• Anti-scratch coating on the outside of Unobtainium lenses
• Anti-fog coating on the inside of lenses to prevent fogging
• Prescription lenses are not currently available

Standard Issue M Frame 2.0 Industrial

One of the top sport and military Oakley frames – the M Frame (Linked here) has made a name for itself with its wide lens coverage. This single-visor lens helps to avoid blind spots, while the thin temple arms provide compatibility with over-ear hearing protection.

Learn more in our complete Oakley M Frame guide and M Frame 2.0 review.

M Frame 2.0 Industrial Highlights:

• Lens Mark: Z87+ / Z87+ Molded into the Frame
• Temple Mark: UL AN/NZS 1337
• Meets or exceeds high mass and high-velocity impact requirements per ANSI Z87.1-2003/2010
• Meets or exceeds ballistic fragmentation impact standards per MIL PRF-31013, Clause 3.5.1.1.
• Prescription lenses available

Standard Issue Det Cord Industrial

If you’d prefer a full-frame design that still offers protection, take a look at the Det Cord (Linked here). One of the newest Oakley frames, the Det Cord, features a lifestyle design similar to the Gascan and Fuel Cell sunglasses. This makes the Det Cord a great pair of sunglasses for on or off-duty. Plus, the industrial version of this frame meets all ANSI requirements.

Read more, including how they compare to the Gascan, in our complete Oakley Det Cord Guide.

Det Cord Industrial Highlights:

• Lens Mark: Z87+ / Z87+ Molded into the Frame
• Temple Mark: UL AN/NZS 1337 compliant
• Lightweight O Matter™ frame material
• Thin stem technology for comms compatibility
• 8.75 base lens geometry with High Definition Optics (HDO)
• Meets MIL-SPEC MIL PRF 32432
• Prizm lenses available with UVA, UVB, and UVC protection
• Prescription lenses available

Standard Issue Tombstone Spoil Industrial

If you prefer a rimless frame, look no further than the Tombstone (Linked here). Leveraging the large visor-lens similar to the M-Frame, this frame offers a more modern look while meeting Z87 protection standards. This is also a great frame for at-home use with hobbies or woodworking.

Features

• Lens Mark: Z87+ / Z87+ Molded into the Frame
• Temple Mark: UL AN/NZS 1337
• Thin Stem technology enables compatibility with over-ear hearing protection and comms
• Switchlock Technology for easy lens swaps
• 120-degree view with wrap-around peripheral vision coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Oakleys As Safety Glasses?

Yes, Oakleys can be used as safety glasses. But not all qualify as ANSI or OSHA-approved safety glasses.

While all Oakleys feature impact-resistant Plutonite lenses that exceed ANSI Z87.1 standards, this doesn’t mean every frame meets the standards for safety glasses.

To qualify as safety glasses, both the frame and lenses need to be ANSI Z87.1 stamped. You can find these markings on the temples of Oakleys that qualify. These frames also work well as protective athletic eyewear for basketball, baseball, and other sports.

Are Oakley Holbrooks OSHA Approved?

No, Oakley Holbrooks are not OSHA or ANSI-approved as safety glasses. While Holbrook sunglasses are one of the most popular lifestyle frames from Oakley, they do not meet the standards of safety glasses.

Are Oakley Glasses OSHA Approved?

While Oakley lenses meet or exceed ANSI standards, in order to be OSHA-approved, both the lens and frame must be compliant. Only specific pairs of Oakley’s, like the Det Cord Industrial, Tombstone, and others we highlighted above, are OSHA-compliant for use as safety glasses.

Are Oakley Glasses Bulletproof?

No, Oakley glasses and lenses are not bulletproof. However, they do meet ANSI’s high-velocity impact protection standards for projectiles and debris.

This means Oakley lenses can withstand the impact of a 1/4-inch steel ball at 102mph!

Still have a question?

Have a question about safety glasses or Oakley sunglasses in general? Post in the thread below or in our Sunglasses Discussion forum! And if you’re not already a member, register for free today!