Where Are Persol Sunglasses Made

Persol sunglasses are made in Italy. The brand states that all of its plastic frames are produced domestically using cellulose acetate, continuing a manufacturing tradition that dates back to the companys founding.

Persol has been owned by Luxottica, now EssilorLuxottica, since 1995, making it part of the same corporate family as Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Oliver Peoples.

The brand was founded in Turin in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti, originally producing eyewear for pilots and athletes rather than fashion focused sunglasses.

Persol is best known for the Meflecto flexible hinge system, its arrow shaped temple detail, and the double bridge design later popularized by Steve McQueen.

Because Persol has stayed under one corporate parent for decades while other luxury eyewear brands changed hands repeatedly, its manufacturing story is more stable than most.

A common follow up question is whether Italian manufacturing under a large group like Luxottica still means real craftsmanship rather than mass assembly, which is worth addressing directly.

This guide covers who owns Persol, where its sunglasses are actually manufactured, its history, and how to spot an authentic pair before buying.

Who Owns Persol?

Persol was founded by Giuseppe Ratti, who began producing eyewear for aviators and athletes under his own optical company before the Persol name existed.

Luxottica acquired Persol in 1995, bringing it into the same portfolio that would later include Ray-Ban, acquired in 1999, and Oakley, acquired in 2007.

Following the 2018 merger of Essilor and Luxottica, Persol is now owned by EssilorLuxottica, one of the largest eyewear companies in the world.

Where Are Persol Sunglasses Made?

Persol states directly that all of its plastic spectacles are made in Italy using cellulose acetate, a material chosen for its depth of color and durability.

Production takes place within EssilorLuxottica manufacturing facilities in northern Italy, the same region responsible for a large share of the worlds premium eyewear production.

Because Persol is a wholly owned Luxottica brand rather than a licensed name, the company controls its manufacturing directly instead of relying on an outside eyewear producer.

Some metal frame components and hardware may involve suppliers outside Italy, but the core acetate frame production remains centered domestically according to the brands own statements.

When Was Persol Founded?

Giuseppe Ratti founded what would become Persol in Turin in 1917, initially focused on protective eyewear for pilots and race car drivers rather than fashion.

The name Persol comes from the Italian phrase per il sole, meaning for the sun, reflecting the brands original purpose of protecting eyes in demanding outdoor conditions.

Ratti patented the Meflecto system, an early flexible hinge design that let the temples bend slightly for a more comfortable, secure fit, a feature still associated with the brand today.

Persol entered the American market in 1962 and opened a flagship boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills in 1991, cementing its position in the luxury retail world.

Popular Persol Sunglasses Styles

The Persol 649, originally released in 1957 and closely associated with the double bridge look, remains one of the brands most recognizable and consistently produced designs.

The 714 folding version, made famous by Steve McQueen, continues to be sold today and remains one of the few folding sunglasses designs with this level of ongoing demand decades after release.

Persol also offers a broader range of round, rectangular, and aviator shapes for customers who want the brand quality and acetate finish without the specific heritage silhouettes.

Who Made Persol Sunglasses Famous?

Steve McQueen wore Persol 714 folding sunglasses in several films during the 1960s and 1970s, and that association remains one of the brands most referenced pieces of pop culture history.

The double bridge design popularized by McQueen continues to appear across Persol current collections, connecting the modern lineup directly to its most famous historical moment.

Other public figures and filmmakers have continued to wear Persol over the decades, reinforcing its identity as understated Italian luxury rather than logo driven branding.

How To Tell If Persol Sunglasses Are Real Or Fake

Authentic Persol sunglasses include a model number and size printed inside the temple, along with the arrow shaped metal detail on the outer temple that is a signature brand element.

Check the Meflecto hinge mechanism closely, since genuine Persol hinges flex smoothly and precisely, while counterfeit versions often feel stiff or loose.

Genuine pairs come with a branded case and cleaning cloth, and the acetate finish should show a deep, consistent color rather than an uneven or overly glossy surface.

No single detail proves authenticity on its own, so compare the hardware, hinge feel, and packaging together, and buy from Persol boutiques or authorized retailers whenever possible.

Are Persol Sunglasses Good Quality?

Persol has a strong reputation for build quality, largely due to consistent Italian acetate production and the flexible Meflecto hinge system that reduces stress on the frame over time.

Owners frequently report that Persol frames hold their shape and color well over years of regular use compared to lower cost acetate alternatives.

As with most acetate eyewear, extreme heat exposure such as a hot car dashboard can affect the frame over time, so proper storage helps maintain fit and finish.

Why Are Persol Sunglasses So Expensive?

Pricing reflects Italian acetate manufacturing costs, the Meflecto hinge mechanism, and more than a century of brand heritage tied to aviation and motorsport origins.

As part of EssilorLuxottica, Persol also benefits from established retail distribution and marketing support, costs that are reflected in the final retail price alongside material and labor.

A recent creative leadership update covered by WWD highlights how the brand continues investing in its positioning within the broader EssilorLuxottica portfolio.

Persol Versus Other EssilorLuxottica Brands

Persol shares a parent company with several other well known names, including Ray-Ban, which targets a more casual, mass market audience at a lower price point.

Compared to Costa, which focuses on performance fishing and outdoor lenses, Persol leans toward classic Italian style over technical lens features.

Within EssilorLuxottica own portfolio, Persol occupies a heritage luxury position, similar in spirit to Oliver Peoples but with a distinctly Italian rather than American design identity.

Persol Customer Service And Official Website

The official Persol website lists current collections, boutique locations, and customer support contact information.

For repairs, adjustments, or authenticity questions, Persol recommends working through its official boutiques or authorized retail partners rather than independent repair shops.

Always confirm current contact details on the official site, since support hours and phone numbers can vary by country.

Does Persol Make Prescription Glasses Too?

Yes. Persol offers optical frames alongside its sunglasses lines, and many of its most popular sun styles are also available as prescription eyeglasses using the same frame shapes.

This is common practice for EssilorLuxottica brands, since Essilor supplies prescription lens technology across the wider group, making it straightforward for opticians to fit Persol frames with corrective lenses.

Customers who want a consistent look across both their sunglasses and everyday glasses often choose the same Persol silhouette in both a sun and optical version.

Where To Buy Authentic Persol Sunglasses

The safest places to buy Persol are its own boutiques, the official Persol website, and authorized department stores and optical retailers.

Marketplace listings offering steep discounts on current styles deserve extra scrutiny, since unusually low prices remain one of the clearest signs of a counterfeit listing.

Vintage Persol pairs from earlier decades are also popular with collectors, and buying those through reputable vintage eyewear dealers rather than unverified sellers reduces the risk of misrepresented items.

For collectors and everyday wearers alike, Persol continued commitment to Italian acetate production is often cited as one of the clearest examples of a heritage brand keeping its original manufacturing promise even after decades under large scale corporate ownership.

Because Persol has remained a wholly owned Luxottica brand rather than a licensed name for nearly three decades, its manufacturing story is more consistent and easier to verify than brands that have changed licensing partners multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Persol Sunglasses

Where are Persol sunglasses made?

Persol sunglasses are made in Italy, where the brand states all of its plastic frames are produced using cellulose acetate.

Who owns Persol?

Persol has been owned by Luxottica, now part of EssilorLuxottica, since 1995.

When was Persol founded?

Persol was founded in Turin, Italy, in 1917 by Giuseppe Ratti.

Did Steve McQueen really wear Persol?

Yes. Steve McQueen wore Persol 714 folding sunglasses in several films during the 1960s and 1970s, and that association remains closely tied to the brand today.