Oakley has been on an absolute tear in the last couple of years, reviving its fan-favorite X-Metal lineup from the ’90s and bringing new updates for the 2020s.
However, its latest silhouette, the Neo Jacket, is not simply a reissue but a pastiche of classic metallic Oakleys. Inspired by — but not remaking — retro metal-clad models, the new model shows how the California-based sunglasses brand continues to evolve without forgetting its past.
A Bit Of Backstory
Debuting in 1997, the X-Metal series was born from founder Jim Jannard’s desire to create the world’s first sculpted titanium eyewear. Evident of Oakley’s perennial dedication to pushing design technology and aesthetics to the absolute limit, the X-Metal was very much ahead of its time, predating the titanium gear boom by almost a couple of decades.
Trading Titanium for Aluminum
Where the X-Metal line built its reputation on liquid-titanium construction that required a six-ton generator and 425,000 watts of power, the Neo Jacket takes a different approach entirely. The frame is rendered in full aluminum with an 8-base wrap that keeps the sculptural X-Metal aesthetic while shedding weight. Oakley still delivers that machined, futuristic look without the heavy manufacturing overhead or the four-figure price tag that comes with reviving something like the Juliet or Romeo, as we saw with last year’s MUZM reissue of the former.
The delicate sculpting across the frame of the Neo Jacket is decidedly not as bulky as its progenitors. Sporting a very large keyhole bridge and cutouts in the stems, you’re looking at something that recalls the mad-scientist energy of late-’90s Oakley but feels more wearable for everyday use today. The integrated Unobtainium nosepads and earsocks are here too, Oakley’s proprietary grip material that increases traction with sweat rather than becoming slippery.
Modern Lens Tech in a Throwback Shell
The Neo Jacket ships with Prizm Black Polarized lenses, which offer 11% light transmission for bright conditions. Polarization cuts glare, while Prizm technology fine-tunes color and contrast. This is tech that didn’t exist when the original X-Metal frames were at their peak. Oakley’s impact protection standards remain as extreme as ever, with lenses tested under high-mass, high-velocity scenarios that would destroy most consumer eyewear.
It’s worth noting that while the Neo Jacket nods to Oakley’s metal heritage, it doesn’t attempt to replicate the modular customization that made X-Metals so popular among collectors. There’s no swappable nosebomb system or interchangeable lens setup here. This is a simpler, more streamlined execution.
Spec Sheet
Model: Neo Jacket (OO4065-0558)
Frame: Full aluminum, 8-base high-wrap construction
Frame Color: Matte Gunmetal
Lenses: Prizm Black Polarized (11% light transmission, grey base)
Nosepads & Earsocks: Integrated Unobtainium
Size: L (133mm)
Price: $244–$297
Pricing & Availability
The Oakley Neo Jacket is available now through Oakley’s website and select retailers, priced between $244 and $297 depending on lens options.
Recap
Oakley Neo Jacket Sunglasses
Oakley’s new Neo Jacket brings back that sculptural metal eyewear aesthetic from the X-Metal era but swaps titanium for lightweight aluminum and keeps the price under $300. It’s not a direct reissue — more like a modern interpretation that captures the futuristic vibe without the collector-level complexity or cost.
