Persol is the oldest sunglasses company out there with a range of timeless styles that are perfect for any adventure. Here are seven cool Persol sunglasses for men.
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There are many sunglasses that roll off the tongue easier than Persol, a company that, to the uninitiated at least, might sound like a detergent brand. But Persol – from the Italian per il sole, or “for the sun” – is one of the oldest sunglasses companies in the world and doesn’t have anything to prove. Born in 1917 in Turin, Italy, Persol has gone on to appeal to both A-list celebs and fashionistas who appreciate the confident blend of character and style, without being too showy. Even Steve McQueen was a fan, wearing a personal pair onto the set of The Thomas Crown Affair, which were instantly promoted into a leading role in virtually every scene by the producers. Every pair of Persol sunglasses has its own solid selling point but we’ve rounded up seven of the coolest on sale right now:
Persol 714SM
Kicking off with the most iconic Persol sunglasses out there, the 714SM model is named after its most famous fan Steve McQueen and is based on the 714, the world’s first folding sunglasses. The SM, or Steve McQueen, model does have subtle differences in construction and performance, as well as bespoke packaging that name checks the actor, which equates to a higher price than the standard 714. Is it worth it? We would argue, if you are referencing McQueen in your eyewear anyway, then why not go full McQueen. Handmade in Italy from acetate from cotton and powdery pigments that are unique for each frame, these glasses are a work of art in themselves. The style is understated yet bold, and the foldability makes them the perfect travelling companion. In case anyone is in any doubt, the Arrow symbol down the side, inspired, as you do, by the sword is the in-the-know nod to the Persol brand. From $507.00.
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Persol PO1013SZ Square Polarized Sunglasses
If your look is more ‘fresh off the Matterhorn’, you can’t go wrong with these specs. The killer feature is the extra protection around the bridge and the temples that are great for a polar expedition or just going skiing in Chamonix with your mates. Paired with brown lenses and gold frames, these glasses are unashamedly seventies in aesthetic, with a macho edge to match. Unlike the more classic models in Persol’s range, these are daring, but perfect if you want to make a statement. From $514.00.
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Persol PO3332S Francis
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Enzo Ferrari was said to be a fan of Persol and these Francis glasses ooze the supercar boss’s style of brooding omnipresence. Not for the faint of heart, these specs, in black at least, create a rectangle across your face like they’re protecting your identity. This is rock star level confidence, with the arrow running down the side, but at the same time the Francis are supremely comfortable shades with an evenly balanced weight throughout. For anyone looking for the impact of Versace without the bling, these are the sunglassess for you. From $426.
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Persol PO0649
Want to have the style of a Turin tram driver? Of course you do. The 649 was a predecessor to the 714, and since originally being made for the Italian city’s tram operators it quickly became a cult classic and has been continually handmade in Italy since 1957. The acetate aviator frame is both everyday wearable and packed full of luxury features – only Italy could put such a slug of class into something designed to be utilitarian. Of course there is Persol’s iconic arrow and the patented Meflecto system, another of the company’s world firsts in the form of a flexible stem system. They’re also half price right now. From $159.99.
Buy at Solsticesunglasses.com
Persol PO3261S
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From being designed and handcrafted in Italy, to featuring high end materials and construction, Persol naturally doesn’t do bargain sunglasses. However this model is about as close as you’re going to get – and they look as good as any of the classics in the range. For less than $140 (they’re half price right now), these shades are part afternoon in Capri, part Goodfellas, with an unusual blocked out bridge area creating a hefty appearance, mixed with daintier stems. They look like nothing else out there – if you are the shy, retiring type, forget about it. From $139.50.
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Persol PO3327S 96/S3 Clubmaster
These Persol frames are best suited to a relaxed holiday with a classic look that will go with anything, whether it’s t-shirt and shorts by the pool or cocktails in the marina. The key to the all-day wearability is the matching of a brown acetate for tops of the frames, combined with gold metal around the bottoms and bridge area. These are a regular fit so won’t cover too much of your face, making them less of a statement and more about style and performance. From $458.00.
Buy at Solsticesunglasses.com
Persol PO3333S Elio
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The Elio is a relatively new design but has all the right ingredients from Persol’s past design favourites. This new signature Havana has strong profiles and the trademark keyhole bridge for an effortless style wherever you are travelling. There is a timelessness to the shape but it is enhanced by a weighty look, filling the face more than you would expect from a Havana. Another wearable Persol classic. From $430.
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