Oakley Expands Notch Technology Into Fashion
Finding a baseball cap that looks great with your sunglasses isn't always easy. The right combination should be comfortable, functional, and reflect your personal style- whether you're at the gym, on the golf course, at the range, or just out for the day.
Several years ago, our patented Notch technology began making its way into everything from high fashion in Paris to streetwear brands in Tokyo. Since the fall of 2024, Notch has partnered with sports performance brand Oakley, renowned for its premium eyewear used everywhere from fashion to tactical applications.
In September 2024, Oakley introduced its first Standard Issue (SI) hats featuring our patented Notch technology, combining Oakley's iconic eyewear with the comfort and functionality of Notch. Now Oakley is taking the next step.
As Oakley expands further into fashion, it's also expanding its use of Notch technology. During Milan Men's Fashion Week, Oakley showcased its Spring/Summer 2027 collection featuring new hats with our patented notch design.
Seeing our patented technology continue to evolve into new collections with one of the world's leading eyewear brands is something we're incredibly proud of. It's exciting to watch an invention that started with a simple idea continue reaching new audiences while staying true to its original purpose—making hats more comfortable to wear with sunglasses.
Same Notch. Two Placements.
Before choosing a Notch hat, it is helpful to understand our two notch placements.
Every Notch hat uses the exact same patented notch design. The only difference is where the notch is positioned on the brim to better accommodate different styles of eyewear.
Whether you're wearing Oakley sunglasses for work, sports, everyday wear, or fashion, choosing the correct notch placement helps your sunglasses sit comfortably in the notch the way they were designed.
Standard Notch
The Standard Notch places the notch toward the rear of the brim (closer to the head) and is ideal for many wraparound, sport, safety, and shooting glasses.
Some popular Oakley sunglasses that pair well with the Standard Notch include:
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Fuel Cell
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Drop Point
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Batwolf
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Flak 2.0
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Latch Panel
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Gascan
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Ballistic M Frame
Terra Notch
The Terra Notch places the notch farther out on the brim (further away from the head), making it an excellent choice for many fashion-forward frames, aviators, lifestyle sunglasses, and some prescription eyewear.
Popular Oakley sunglasses that pair well with the Terra Notch include:
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Holbrook
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Frogskins
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Reedmace
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Leffingwell
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Ojector
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Feedback
In the rare event that neither the Standard nor Terra Notch is the perfect fit, we also offer custom notch placements when inventory allows. If you have questions about compatibility, we're always happy to help.
Oakley Sunglasses & Notch Pairings
One of the best parts of Notch technology is that you don't have to choose between wearing your favorite sunglasses and wearing a comfortable hat. Here are a few examples of Oakley sunglasses paired with different Notch hats.
Fuel Cell + Standard Notch
Fuel Cell sunglasses were one of the frame styles Paul, Notch's founder, used when designing the original Standard Notch placement. Their wraparound design makes them a natural fit with the Standard Notch.
Athlete Operator OD/Black with Standard Notch & Oakley Fuel Cell Sunglasses
Latch Panel + Standard Notch
The Athlete Collection pairs perfectly with Oakley's performance eyewear. Whether you're training, golfing, running, or spending the day outdoors, the Standard Notch comfortably accommodates many sport-style frames like the Radar EV.
Athlete White Runner with Standard Notch & Oakley Latch Panel Sunglasses
Holbrook + Terra Notch
Oakley's Holbrook is one of their most iconic lifestyle sunglasses. The Terra Notch placement works perfectly with many larger lifestyle frames, making it a great everyday combination.
Desert Tiger Stripe Operator with Terra Notch & Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses
Reedmace + Terra Notch
The Reedmace offers a more fashion-forward look, making it a natural pairing with Oakley's new Spring/Summer 2027 direction. Combined with the Terra Notch, it delivers both comfort and style.
Black Camo Ponytail Operator with Terra Notch & Oakley Reedmace Sunglasses
Why Notch?
Whether you're wearing sunglasses for sports, work, outdoor adventures, or everyday life, the goal has always been the same—to make wearing a hat and sunglasses together more comfortable.
From our own Notch collection to licensed products by Oakley, we're proud to see the patented Notch design continue helping more people enjoy all-day comfort without the interference traditional hats can create.
Shop the Collection
Ready to find your perfect fit?
Browse our selection of:
Need help choosing between the Standard and Terra Notch?
Visit our Perfect Fit Guide or contact our team at contactus@notchgear.com—we're happy to help you find the best fit for your favorite sunglasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Standard and Terra Notch?
Both use the exact same patented notch design. The only difference is the location of the notch on the brim, allowing different sunglass styles to fit comfortably.
Which Oakley sunglasses work best with the Standard Notch?
Many wraparound and performance styles, including Fuel Cell, Drop Point, Batwolf, Flak 2.0, Radar EV, Gascan, and Ballistic M Frame.
Which Oakley sunglasses work best with the Terra Notch?
Many lifestyle, fashion, aviator, and some prescription styles, including Holbrook, Frogskins, Reedmace, Leffingwell, Ojector, and Feedback.
Can I get a custom notch placement?
In some cases, yes. If neither notch placement is ideal for your eyewear, contact us and we'll be happy to discuss custom options.