We review everything to know about the Oakley Style Switch Sunglasses including how to change lenses and where you can still buy them!
Table of Contents
History and Background
Released in 2013, the Oakley Style Switch sunglasses are the first lifestyle Oakleys to feature Switchlock Technology. This allows for some of the easiest lens changes in any pair of sunglasses. First introduced in 2009, Switchlock technology makes it and quick and easy to switch lenses by simply releasing a mechanism (more on that later). The technology was a hit with Olympic athletes and cyclists at the 2010 games and soon enough made its way into the lifestyle line.
Keep reading for our complete Oakley Style Switch review plus answers to your top questions including how to change your Switchlock lenses and where you can find them!
Oakley Style Switch Sunglasses Review
Frame and Design
To start, the Oakley Style Switch sunglasses feature a full O Matter frame making them lightweight and comfortable. This is the same material used on other lifestyle frames like the Gascan or Holbrook.
The Style Switch overall is a substantial, square lifestyle frame with a moderate wrap. The earstems are quite wide at the front, tapering back just in front of the ears. As we mentioned before, this full-rimmed design features Oakley’s Switchlock technology allowing for lens changing on the fly.
The Switchlock mechanism on the Style Switch is an ingenious system in which the nose pad acts as a lever. Lifting the nose pad releases the bottom of the frame, which swings down and out, allowing the lens to be gently removed and replaced. Check out out the section and video below to see changing out the Style Switch lenses in action.
Size and Dimensions
The Style Switch is a medium to large-sized frame, with a width of 138mm. Check out our complete guide to Oakley Sunglasses for big heads for other large frames!
Dimensions
- Frame Width: 128mm
- Temple Length: 129mm
- Lens Width: 128mm
- Lens Height: 36mm
Lenses
Style Switch lenses are made of Oakley’s Plutonite material offering high impact resistance and UV protection. Since switching lenses doesn’t require pushing or squeezing frame components you’re less likely to damage your lenses long term.
When purchased new, the frames came with two pairs of lenses to promote the lens changing feature. Unfortunately, the Style Switch never released with Oakley’s contrast-enhancing Prizm lenses. However, there are still plenty of Style Switch colorways with Polarized and Iridium lenses. Keep reading for more information on Style Switch replacement lenses.
Original Colorways
While the Style Switch is now discontinued, Oakley produced the frame in a variety of colorways including Crystal Black and Matte Black among others. We’ve included a complete listing of the colorways below for reference:
| Colorway (Frame / Color) | Original Price |
|---|---|
| Crystal Black / Chrome Iridium / Black Iridium Polarized | $220 |
| Ferrari Matte Black / Ruby Iridium | $210 |
| Matte Black / Dark Grey | $200 |
| Matte Black / Persimmon / Grey Polarized | $230 |
| Matte Black / Persimmon / Warm Grey | $180 |
| Matte Black / VR28 / Black Iridium | $200 |
| Matte Black / Warm Grey / Dark Bronze | $160 |
| Matte Dark Green / VR50 / Dark Grey | $180 |
| Matte Dark Grey / Fire Iridium / Grey Polarized | $210 |
| Polished Black Gold Ghost Text / Black Iridium / Tungsten Iridium | $180 |
| Polished Black / Grey / Jade Iridium | $170 |
| Polished Black / VR28 Black Iridium / Black Iridium | $180 |
| Polished Clear / Black Iridium / Violet Iridium | $180 |
| Polished White / Dark Grey | $180 |
| Polished White / Grey | $120 |
| Polished White / 24K Gold Iridium / Grey Polarized | $230 |
| Polished White / Black Iridium / Positive Red Iridium | $220 |
Are replacement Style Switch lenses available?
Yes, while Oakley doesn’t sell Style Switch replacement lenses anymore, you can still find them. Replacement Style Switch lenses are available from a variety of aftermarket sellers including Forum Sponsor Fuse Lenses. Check out our complete guide to replacement Oakley lenses where we compare your best options.
How to change Style Switch Lenses using Switchlock Technology?
If you’re trying to change your Style Switch lenses you may be confused at first. Especially if you’ve never used Switchlock technology. But luckily it’s very easy. Simply find the Switchlock mechanism on the nosepads. Then just open the mechanism allowing you to pop out the lenses. Then just reverse once your new lenses are in. Check out the brief video below demonstrating how to replace Style Switch lenses:
Where to Buy Oakley Style Switch Sunglasses?
Unfortunately since the Style Switch is now discontinued, your options are limited. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find them. You can still find Style Switch sunglasses in a variety of conditions on aftermarket exchange sites such as the Oakley Forum Exchange areas or eBay.
The Oakley Forum Exchange areas allow members to buy, sell and trade everything Oakley. And with over 30,000 listings you can find just about anything your looking for!
Final Thoughts
The Oakley Style Switch is a fun frame that brings sports innovation to the lifestyle line. If you’re the type who loves swapping lenses in your lifestyle pairs for different conditions or looks, this is the pair for you. Plus the frames square design is classic and won’t be going out of style any time soon.
Are you a fan of the Style Switch? Or have a question? Join the largest online Oakley community and let us know in the thread below!
