Sunglasses season is upon us, bringing different looks and novel colors with the potential of complimenting wardrobes and freshening up our individual style.
For men, this selection includes a variety of sun-ready reading glasses designed to combine UV protection, slick contemporary design, and color with high-tech lenses with meeting everyday needs.
The reading sunglass lens category is broad with trendy gradient lenses to solid tint and polarized options in chic natural tones of brown, gray, and green,
Classic + Nostalgic
Generally, in sun wear, men’s collections can be relied upon to reignite vintage-inspired favorites and timeless acetate shapes like those wonderfully evocative designs worn by Hollywood stars in the 40s, 50s, and now - with the same uncompromising support.
Persol: A True Icon
Italian brand Persol was one of the most famous sunglasses labels of those earlier decades. Founded in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti, Persol is one of the oldest and most prestigious eyewear brands.
In the early years, the technical performance of the lenses was the key focus. Still, by the 1940s and 1950s, the frames’ smart, easy-to-wear styling became more and more desirable. As the customer began to see celebrities – Hollywood stars, politicians, even royalty - in this type of glossy acetate frame, they would copy their choices in terms of shape, color, and material.
Celebrities in Persol Sunglasses: Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, and More
For Persol, male influencers of the past included Steve McQueen, Marcello Mastroianni, and, in the 60s, Paul Newman.
Featuring two Persol styles, the legacy has continued with Daniel Craig as James Bond in Casino Royale.
Even Hollywood’s latest generation of male stars has been sporting Persol eyewear. Male celebrities like Zac Efron, Leonardo di Caprio, and Ryan Gosling have at one time or another put their trust in the brand and its extraordinary style and comfort - a standout feature achieved through the flexible Meflecto system.
Celebrity Style Persol Reading Glasses
‘Steve Mcqueen’ Folding Style (714)
The Persol 714 worn by Steve McQueen is a classic sunglass design in this famous Series. Introduced in the 1960s as a folding version of the 649, the 714 were the first-ever folding glasses. Today, the design is an exciting “modern” replica of the past featuring extraordinary practicality. It has become an icon of the Persol brand as a compact folding design and continues to be a bestseller in classic colors - typically black or havana.
Timeless Classics: Progressive No Line Reading Sunglasses
Persol 3202V Progressive No Line Reading Sunglasses
An absolute winner in the style stakes for SS19, this modified aviator shape with a slightly slimmed-down profile and an eye-catching double bridge is another Dolce-Vita-era classic (great on those with a triangular face shape) with the vintage-inspired color choice of Black or Havana and the distinctive metal Supreme Arrow metal detail.
For reading, the style is fitted with the “No Line” progressives, which are clear at the top and adapted for reading in the lower portion, an easy-to-wear innovation in lens tech.
Persol 3185V – Progressive No Line Reading Sunglasses
Round shapes continue to express a timeless elegance for men, and in the 3185V the design is subtle and wearable, combining an acetate frame with a lightweight metal bridge detail. This design comes in Brown/Beige Tortoise or Black and is fitted with “No Line” lenses as above. The soft curves of a round frame are most often recommended for a square face.
All featured Persol models offer UV protection and the functionality of reading glasses
