Collection: Persol Acetate Glasses

Our Persol acetate glasses collection brings together the warm, hand-finished frames that have made this Italian house one of the most recognisable names in eyewear since it was founded in Turin in 1917. Every pair here is cut from rich cellulose acetate rather than moulded plastic, giving the frames a depth of colour, a subtle translucency and a reassuring weight in the hand that cheaper materials simply cannot replicate. As an authorised UK stockist, Ardor Eyewear supplies these Persol acetate glasses as 100% genuine designer frames, ready to wear as they are or to be glazed with your own prescription. Prices in this collection run from around £155 to £195, placing hand-crafted Italian eyewear within comfortable reach.

Why Persol acetate glasses stand apart

Persol built its reputation on engineering that you can feel as well as see. The name itself is a contraction of "per il sole" — "for the sun" — and the brand originally made protective eyewear for pilots and sportsmen. That heritage of comfort and precision carries straight into the optical frames you will find in this Persol acetate glasses range. Two signatures define almost every model: the patented Meflecto system, a series of flexible metal rods set into the temples that let the arms flex and adapt to the shape of your head, and the Supreme Arrow, the sculpted silver hinge motif that runs across the temple of many Persol frames and is instantly recognisable to anyone who knows the brand. Together they mean a frame that holds gently in place through a long working day without pinching.

The acetate itself deserves attention. Persol works predominantly in a deep tortoiseshell — the famous Havana — layering honey, amber and coffee tones through the material so no two frames are quite alike. Alongside the classic Havana you will find solid black, smoky crystal, and warmer transparent tones, all polished to a glassy finish. Models such as the PO3007VM, PO3189V and PO3092V show the house style at its most versatile, while named designs like the PO3329V Greta, PO3371V Lynn and PO3359V Jacques lean into softer, more contemporary silhouettes that suit a wider range of faces.

Choosing the right Persol acetate glasses for your face

Acetate lends itself to bolder, fuller frame fronts than thin metal, so the key to choosing well is balancing the frame shape against your own features. As a general guide:

• Round and oval faces are flattered by rectangular and squared keyhole designs that add a little structure and definition.
• Square and angular faces soften beautifully behind rounded or panto shapes, which take the edge off a strong jaw.
• Heart-shaped faces suit frames that are balanced top to bottom, with a lightly rounded lower edge.
• Larger features carry a bold, wide acetate front confidently, while more delicate faces are better served by a medium frame with a slimmer profile.

If you already own a pair of glasses that fit well, check the three numbers printed inside the temple — lens width, bridge width and temple length — and match them against the measurements listed on each product page. It is the quickest route to a comfortable fit. Because Persol's acetate frames use the Meflecto flex system, they also tend to feel forgiving even if the fit is not absolutely perfect out of the box.

Acetate versus metal — and how Persol blends the two

Acetate is prized for its rich colour, warmth against the skin and hypoallergenic properties, which makes it a sound choice for anyone whose skin reacts to metal. Many Persol designs are combination frames, pairing an acetate front with slim metal temples or a metal core running through the arm, which brings a lighter feel and that unmistakable Supreme Arrow detailing. If you prefer an all-metal aesthetic, browse the wider designer glasses range; if it is the Persol name in sun form you are after, our Persol sunglasses collection carries the same craft in tinted lenses, including several 649 and 714-folding descendants that trace back to the frames Steve McQueen made famous.

Prescription lenses for your Persol frames

Almost every frame in this Persol acetate glasses collection can be fitted with prescription lenses through Ardor Eyewear. We offer single-vision, varifocal and bifocal lenses, along with blue-light filtering for screen work, light-reactive photochromic lenses, and tints. When you order a frame for glazing, allow roughly seven to ten working days for your prescription lenses to be cut and fitted before dispatch. If you need reading correction only, you may also find our prescription eyeglasses frames and varifocal glasses collections a useful starting point for comparing lens options across brands.

Men's, women's and unisex Persol frames

Persol's design language is famously unisex. The classic Havana panto and squared shapes are worn just as happily by men and women, and sizing rather than styling is usually what decides the right pair. That said, the collection spans everything from slim, understated frames to bolder statement fronts, so there is scope to lean masculine or feminine as you prefer. For a broader look across the store you can also explore our full designer eyeglasses selection, which sits Persol alongside other leading Italian and international houses.

Caring for acetate frames

Acetate rewards a little care. Clean the frames with lukewarm water and a soft microfibre cloth rather than hot water, which can dull the polish over time, and avoid leaving them on a warm car dashboard or windowsill where prolonged heat may cause the material to warp. Store them in a hard case when not worn, and have the screws checked periodically. Treated kindly, a Persol acetate frame will keep its lustre for many years.

Why buy Persol acetate glasses from Ardor Eyewear

Ardor Eyewear is an authorised UK stockist of genuine designer eyewear, so every pair of Persol acetate glasses arrives complete and authentic. We offer free UK shipping, a 14-day returns policy (return postage paid by the customer), and a full in-house glazing service so you can order your frame with prescription lenses fitted and ready to wear. Whether you are drawn to a deep Havana panto or a clean black rectangle, this collection is a considered place to find a frame built to last.

Frequently asked questions

Are these Persol acetate glasses genuine?

Yes. Ardor Eyewear is an authorised stockist and every frame is 100% genuine Persol, supplied new and complete. We do not sell replicas or grey-market stock.

Can I have prescription lenses fitted to a Persol acetate frame?

Almost all frames in this collection can take a prescription. We offer single-vision, varifocal, bifocal, blue-light, tinted and photochromic lenses. Simply select your lens options at checkout and allow around seven to ten working days for glazing.

What does the Meflecto system actually do?

Meflecto is Persol's patented flexible-stem technology. Thin metal rods inside the temple arms allow them to flex slightly and adapt to the shape of your head, which spreads the pressure and makes the frames more comfortable over long periods.

How much do Persol acetate glasses cost at Ardor?

Frames in this collection are priced from roughly £155 to £195. Adding prescription lenses will change the final price depending on the lens type you choose.

How do I know which frame size will fit me?

Check the three measurements printed inside the temple of a pair of glasses that already fit you — lens width, bridge and temple length — and compare them with the figures on each product page. The Meflecto flex system also gives a little forgiveness in the fit.

Is acetate a good choice if my skin reacts to metal?

It can be. Acetate is generally hypoallergenic and sits warmly against the skin, which is one reason many people who react to certain metals prefer it. Many Persol frames are acetate-fronted with only minimal metal detailing.

What is your delivery and returns policy?

We offer free UK shipping. Non-prescription frames are dispatched promptly, while prescription orders take around seven to ten working days for glazing. Returns are accepted within 14 days, with return postage paid by the customer.