Persol Sunglasses: the 649, Steve McQueen's 714, the Meflecto and How to Choose

Updated: 16 September 2026 · From the occhialidasole team · Authorized Persol dealer.

Few names capture Italian craftsmanship like Persol: a brand that has been making frames by hand in Turin since 1917 and has sat on the faces of screen icons. Here is our complete guide.

Who Persol is (and why "for the sun")

Persol was founded in Turin in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti, who made protective eyewear for pilots and sportsmen. The name is short for "per il sole" — for the sun. For over a century the frames have been handmade in Italy, a craft that has stayed at the heart of the brand even now that it belongs to EssilorLuxottica.

The three Persol signatures

Signature	What it is	Why it matters
Meflecto	Flexible temples with steel cylinders	They adapt to your head: comfort and grip
Supreme Arrow	The arrow-shaped hinge on the temple	The historic signature and first authenticity check
Crystal lenses	Hand-ground optical glass lenses	Superior clarity, scratch-resistant, natural colours

Many models also come with polarized lenses, and all Persol sunglasses are UV400.

The iconic models

Model	Why it's legendary	Who it suits
649	From 1957, made for Turin's tram drivers, worn by Marcello Mastroianni	Medium and wider faces; a classic, masculine look
714 (Steve McQueen)	The folding version of the 649, made famous by Steve McQueen	Anyone who wants the icon in a pocketable format
3092SM & 714SM	Contemporary reinterpretations, often polarized	Those after the Persol DNA in a modern key
PO3152S / round	The rounder, keyhole-bridge fashion shapes	Vintage looks and square faces

To work out which shape flatters your features, read our guide to sunglasses for your face shape.

Sunglasses or optical?

Persol sunglasses: the brand's classic ground — 649, 714, Crystal and polarized lenses, all UV400.

Persol optical frames: the same craft and the same signatures (Meflecto, the arrow) for everyday wear — ideal if you want prescription glasses with character.

Persol vs Ray-Ban?

They are two different worlds: Ray-Ban is pop and globally recognisable, Persol is quieter, more grown-up Italian craft. We compared the two in our guide Persol vs Ray-Ban: which to choose.

Authenticity and warranty

You recognise a genuine Persol by the arrow on the temple, the Meflecto system and the "Made in Italy" marking. Eye-Shop is an authorized dealer: every pair is 100% authentic, with the official case, cloth and documentation. To learn more, read how to spot authentic sunglasses.

How to choose in 30 seconds

Want the classic icon → the 649 in black or havana with Crystal lenses.

Want the icon in a pocketable format → the folding 714 (Steve McQueen).

Want the best results driving / on the water → a model with polarized lenses.

Need prescription lenses → start from the Persol optical frames.