Persol Sunglasses

From LoveToKnow Sunglasses

Persol sunglasses are now part of the well-known Luxottica Group. Find out how they came to be and what they have to offer.

About Persol Sunglasses

Persol sunglasses started out in 1917 as eyewear for pilots and sports drivers. They were designed in Turin by a man named Giuseppe Ratti. What he had in mind was comfort, eye protection, and the best vision possible.

His first design was a combination of dark lenses and rubber edges that stayed on the wearer via elastic band. They, like other sunglass brands, were adopted by the Armed Forces (Italian, in this case), and that's where they got their start. From there, they branched out to other countries' Armed Forces. Then they made it to the big screen, and from there, the general public.

Persol sunglasses finally got their name in the 1930s. It means, "per il sole," or, "for the sun."

What Makes Them Hot?

There are a few distinctive features when it comes to Persol sunglasses:

  • Crystal lenses, a point of pride for Persol
  • The Meflecto system, a flexible stem made of "nylon or metal cylinders intersected by a stainless steel core providing absolute comfort and adaptability to any face," according to the Persol website.
  • A flexible bridge, or "three notch bridge" (not used in all models, but still used in the 649).
  • Their arrow trademark that came about in the 1950s after much tweaking.
  • Greta Garbo and Steve McQueen were Persol fans. They wore them on and off-screen in the early 1960s.
  • They successfully combine technology with fashion and design and they're frequently tested under incredible conditions (like 65 degrees below zero temperatures and heights of 23,251 feet, for instance).
  • They're sold in 40 countries.
  • Having been acquired by Luxottica, Persol eyewear is still enjoying immense success. Luxottica has left history alone and still manufactures the sunglasses in the factory where they all began.
  • They're handcrafted.
  • They are put through a series of tests to make sure the quality is top-notch. A few tests include the Drop Ball Test, the Sides Stress Test, and the Abrasion and Scratch Test.
  • Flexible arms and lightweight materials, plus the occasional offering of different sizes are all there for the wearer's comfort. They also have an edge-free bridge for additional comfort.

The Model 649

The Model 649, mentioned earlier, is a sunglasses legend. It was worn by Marcello Mastroianni in Divorce Italian Style in 1961, four years after it first appeared on the market for tram drivers in Turin. It is still present in collections today.

The Sunglasses

Many of the collections still have a retro feel to them. There are 53 pairs of sunglasses on the Persol homepage. Here are a few favorites:

2283S: This is a small aviator style with photocromatic or polarized lenses available. There are four lens types/colors available. This style will look good on most face shapes.

2850S: If you're looking for sun protection from all angles, this is your style. It's got four lenses—two in the front and one on each side—to make sure as few UV rays as possible make it through. These are available in three colors, enough to make sure any skin tone can look great in them.

2838S: Looking to glam it up a little? You can choose this one in any of four frame/lens combinations. Some are polarized; some are not.

2276S: These are a larger aviator style. You can choose from four lens/frames combinations. Some frame colors have polarized lenses are available.

Polarized Lenses

47 pairs of the sunglasses on the Persol website have polarized lenses. That's phenomenal. Why? Polarized lenses do an incredible job of blocking the glare from water, the road, or even sand.

Photocromatic Lenses

25 pairs of Persol sunglasses are listed as having photocromatic lenses (24 have polarized or photocromatic lenses available).

Buy Some

Now that you've decided you want to be a part of a sunglasses legend, you need to know where to shop. You can go to the Persol website to find a store locator so that you can shop on foot if you'd like. Here are some online stores that sell Persol sunglasses:

  • Sunglass Sales has a selection of sunglasses from Persol. Bonus: Free shipping. Even better bonus: DHL next business day free shipping.
  • The Sunglass House is another great spot to check out loads of Persol sunglasses online. You'll find them at great prices, too!
  • Frames Direct has a collection from Persol as well, and they also offer free US shipping..
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Comments

Hi, The Glasses Center may have what you're looking for. They have replacement lenses for some models of Persol sunglasses. If all else fails and you have your old lenses, you may be able to take it to an optical shop with a lab and have lenses made. It will depend on the type of sunglasses you have, though. This won't necessarily work for all types.

-- Contributed by: CrystalSchwanke

I have been looking for replacement lens for my Persol sunglasses. The pair I have are about seven years old and I dont want to part with them. I've purchased replacement lens in the past but can remember where I purchased them. I would purchase a new pair if I could find the same style. Long shot I know.....if you have any ideas please let me know. Thank you.

-- Contributed by: Where can I find replacement lens for my Person Sunglasses

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