Persol sunglasses are some of the most sophisticated and suave sunglasses around!
Are you thinking of getting a pair? I’m here to help. Let’s go through what sets Persol apart, the history of the brand, and my top picks!
At a Glance
- Persol is an Italian eyewear brand founded in 1917, known for refined design, craftsmanship, and long-lasting quality.
- The brand stands out for its patented Meflecto system for comfort and the instantly recognizable Silver Arrow hinge.
- Persol gained global popularity after Steve McQueen wore the 714 Folding model in the film The Thomas Crown Affair.
- Persol sunglasses are an investment, but they offer good value due to their durability, comfort, and timeless design.
| Key Fact | Details |
| Products reviewed | 9 men’s sunglass models (PO0714, PO0649, PO2803S, PO3048S, PO3272S, PO3199S, PO3092SM, PO0009, PO2484S) |
| Brand featured | Persol |
| Styles covered | Pilot/Aviator, rectangular, squarish browline, round, bold geometric |
| Best for | Everyday wear, driving, outdoor activity, and travel |
| Frame materials | Handcrafted Italian cellulose acetate, crystal glass lenses, metal wire combinations |
| Standout features | Meflecto flex stems, Victor Flex keyhole bridge, Silver Arrow hinges, folding mechanism |
| Price range | $224.78–$305.09 on EZContacts depending on model |
| Who this guide is for | Men looking for long-lasting, low-key luxury eyewear with heritage Italian craftsmanship |
What Makes Persol Special?
Photographer and inventor Giuseppe Ratti founded the brand in Turin, Italy, way back in 1917. The company initially went by the name “Ratti,” and it gained recognition when the Italian military adopted its aviator-style frames.
The brand eventually changed its name to Persol, which comes from the Italian phrase per il sole, meaning “for the sun.”
One of the unique features of Persol sunglasses is the patented Meflecto system. This system allows the temple arms to flex, which helps them adapt to different face shapes. It also reduces pressure on the head and ensures a more comfortable fit.
Each of Persol’s products also features a Silver Arrow hinge, an iconic design that also doubles as a brand marker. When you see this hinge, you immediately know it’s Persol!
The brand eventually found its way into the mainstream when Steve McQueen wore custom Persols with blue lenses in The Thomas Crown Affair. And Persol only continued to grow from there!
Top Picks for Men’s Persol Sunglasses
Now that you know a bit more about Persol, let’s take a look at the Persol sunglasses that I genuinely think are worth your money.
Best Timeless Styles
These are Persol’s oldest and most iconic designs.
Persol PO0714 Folding
Of course, first on the stack: THE Steve McQueen model. This is the kind of frame you’ll still be wearing five to 10 years from now. Maybe longer, even.
Yep, these are the 714 Persols worn by the “King of Cool” on and off the set of The Thomas Crown Affair. The design was released back in 1960 as a folding version of the already popular Persol 649. According to Persol, they are the world’s first-ever folding sunglasses.
Just look at how small they become once you’ve folded them. And don’t worry, along with the frames and cleaning cloth, you also get a specially sized case that fits the frame when it’s collapsed.
To design the 714s, Persol took the 649’s wide lens shape and added a mechanism to the nose bridge and arms that lets the sunglasses fold down for smaller storage. Persol says this design has an extra 10 steps in the manufacturing process compared to their non-folding glasses.
That extra craftsmanship likely helps explain why the 714s are a bit pricier than the 649s they’re based on. But you can often save on these shades by buying on EZContacts!
Persol PO0649
This frame has been in constant production since 1957! Screen star Marcello Mastroianni turned them into a fashion statement when he wore them in the 1961 film Divorce Italian Style.
Originally, Persol created these glasses for tram drivers in the city of Turin, Italy. They needed wide sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun and wind as they drove their trams. It’s now more than 65 years later, and this frame is still one of the brand’s most iconic designs.
This is the frame Persol would later evolve into the “Steve McQueen folding sunglasses.” So, along with being a bit more affordable than their folding counterpart, the 649 design has even more history to back it up.
The PO0649 has the recognizable keyhole Victor Flex 3-notch bridge, Silver Arrow hinges, and a classic pilot shape that works on just about everyone. Their Havana frames with brown lenses are particularly popular, though there’s a range of color options available, including black.
On EZContacts, many customers raved about their PO0649s. Verified customer Alan J. says:
“I’m a really big fan of Persol. The Persol brand is probably the most well built eyewear frames made. My first pair was the Steve McQueen model. I now own about 4 pairs. My most recent pair are absolutely stunning and unique. The contrasting arms makes them pop in the most luxurious way. I Love them.”
Best Rectangular Styles
Rectangular glasses have the benefit of giving you a wide field of vision and extra protection from the elements. This makes them perfect for driving a sports car with the top down.
Persol PO2803S
While Persol’s mid-century icons like the 649 were made for ’50s tram drivers, the PO2803S is a recent design for modern sports car drivers and men who like to spend time outdoors. Calling all hikers, runners, and anglers!
The design makes heavy use of angular lines, but combines this with minimalist hardware so it doesn’t look too over the top.
Persol PO3048S
If you like a rectangular frame but prefer a classic keyhole bridge, the PO3048S gives you both. Because a keyhole bridge rests on the sides of your nose and doesn’t touch the top, it gives you a roomy fit and keeps air circulating over the bridge of your nose.
It’s also a little less angular than the PO2803S, with more rounded corners and a deeper lens. The arms are skinnier too. Overall, it makes less of a “statement.”
These sunglasses would appeal to men who value quality over conspicuous branding (basically anyone who likes low-key things).
Best Everyday Wear Frames
The glasses you reach for every day should be versatile enough that they can be worn with both a T-shirt and a suit. You also don’t want them to be too heavy on your face.
Persol PO3272S
If you want a frame that works for literally any occasion, the PO3272S is your man. It’s a classic rectangular shape with rounded-off edges, so it has an approachable profile that doesn’t feel overly aggressive or sporty.
The thick saddle bridge distributes weight evenly so it can be worn all day without leaving pressure marks. It also uses the famous Meflecto system on the arms to stop the temples from squeezing on your head.
While classic black and Havana are easy defaults, I like this translucent honey frame with green crystal lenses that give the frame a sun-faded retro feel. It’s perfect for anyone looking to achieve that ’70s vibe. Plus, it’s so cool to get to see the inner mechanism of the hinge.
Persol PO3199S
If you have a rounder face shape, a square frame helps you add definition. The PO3199S combines a squarish shape with classic 1950s browline style.
The thin temples and metal wire lower rim mean you ditch a lot of weight on the frame. They also feature adjustable nose pads, which an optician can fine-tune for a more comfortable fit. The Meflecto flex stems on the inner side of the arms stop any pinching against your temples, too.
Overall, they offer great all-day comfort while still looking clean and professional.
Best Round Frame
Persol PO3092SM
If you like round or oval frames, the PO3092SM is one handsome option. The tobacco Virginia frame with brown gradient lenses creates a warm yet kind of intellectual look. Preppy!
Men with small to medium-sized faces may find this model suitable. I like how the gradient lenses offer darker coverage at the top for sun protection while staying lighter at the bottom as well!
If you’re a fan of round frames, these sunglasses are definitely worth trying on. The tortoiseshell pattern is subtle enough to work with almost anything in your wardrobe. Wear them to a gallery opening or a farmers market; they work for both!
Best Bold Statement Style
Persol PO0009
The PO0009 is for the guy who wants something a little different. This frame has a distinctive angular shape that’s more fashion-forward than the traditional Persol classics, as you can see with how it’s built. Even though these sunglasses are on the bigger side, they don’t feel heavy or awkward.
Fair warning: just be prepared for compliments, because these are conversation starters. They’re not for everyone, and well… that’s exactly the point.
Best Aviator Style
Persol PO2484S
The PO2484S is Persol’s take on the aviator, and it’s more refined than your typical military-inspired aviators. The black frame with striped brown acetate temples gives these a unique character. You get the classic aviator silhouette with Persol’s signature attention to detail and craftsmanship. They feel more European vacation than tactical pilot, in the best way.
This style is on the smaller side for aviators, which makes them more versatile for everyday wear. They don’t have that “I’m about to fly a fighter jet” look that some aviators can have. Instead, they feel more urban and accessible while still maintaining that cool factor.
If you have a round or oval face and want to try the aviator look without going full Top Gun, this is your frame!
Final Thoughts on Persol Sunglasses
We know, we know. Persol glasses aren’t really the cheapest option on the market. But they’re also not priced at the stratospheric levels of some fashion-forward luxury brands, either. You’re paying for Italian craftsmanship, patented technology, and designs that have remained consistent for decades.
And honestly, that’s a pretty good deal when you think about it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Persol Sunglasses
Which glasses did Steve McQueen wear?
Steve McQueen famously wore the Persol PO0714 in the 1968 classic The Thomas Crown Affair. The “King of Cool” didn’t just wear them to look cool on-screen. He personally owned several pairs of Persol glasses and wore them extensively in his life off-screen too. Along with the iconic 714s, it’s also known that he owned the non-folding Persol 649s that the 714 design is based on.
What is the Persol Meflecto system?
Patented in the late 1930s by Persol founder Giuseppe Ratti, Meflecto was the world’s first flexible stem system for glasses. Since acetate doesn’t have much give, the temples can often pinch the sides of your head and even create pressure points behind the ears.
The system works by embedding two or three flexible nylon or metal cylinders into the acetate of each arm. On a lot of Persol frames, you can spot the Meflecto system straight away. Look at the arms of the frame, just behind the silver arrow hinge. You should see two or three vertical metal strips (if that pair has the Meflecto feature).
The job of the Meflecto system is to allow the arms to slightly flex around your face so the pressure is evenly distributed.
Where are Persol sunglasses made?
Every authentic pair of Persol sunglasses is handcrafted in Lauriano, Italy, a small municipality just outside Turin where the company was founded.
While a lot of legacy eyewear brands have outsourced production after major corporate acquisitions, this isn’t the case for Persol. Its parent company, EssilorLuxottica, has maintained all of Persol’s manufacturing at the historic Lauriano facility.
If you’re ready to try this iconic brand, check out the complete collection of Persol sunglasses sold on EZContacts.
