Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Original Penguin The Locke frames prescription-ready?
What is the gradient fade design on The Locke frames?
What face shapes work best with The Locke eyeglasses?
Why are acetate frames better than regular plastic?
What are the frame measurements for The Locke?
Is Original Penguin a good eyewear brand?
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Original Penguin The Locke Eyeglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Square shape for a bolder, more angular look
- Available in 9 color options
- Strong customer reviews praising durability
- Oval shape for a softer, more understated look
- Same 49mm lens width as The Locke
- Excellent customer reviews for comfort and fit
Read the full comparison
How The Locke Compares to Other Original Penguin Frames
If you're considering the Original Penguin The Locke, you're probably weighing a few other frames in the same collection. Here's how The Locke stacks up against its closest competitors.
The Locke vs. The Murphy
Both frames share Original Penguin's retro-inspired aesthetic and premium acetate construction, but The Murphy has a smaller 46mm lens width compared to The Locke's 49mm. If you have a narrower face or prefer more compact frames, The Murphy might be the better fit. However, The Locke's gradient fade design is more distinctive and eye-catching, and the larger lens size provides better coverage for most medium-width faces. The Murphy runs slightly higher in price without offering the unique two-tone acetate that makes The Locke stand out.
The Locke vs. The Clyde
The Clyde is one of Original Penguin's best-sellers, and for good reason—it has excellent customer reviews and comes in 9 color options. The key difference is shape: The Clyde has a square frame that creates a bolder, more angular look, while The Locke's rounded rectangle is softer and more versatile. If you have a round face, The Locke's shape will add more definition, whereas The Clyde's square design works better for oval or heart-shaped faces. The Locke's gradient acetate also gives it a more unique, vintage-inspired character that the solid-color Clyde doesn't match.
The Locke vs. The Stewart
The Stewart and The Locke share the same 49mm lens width and similar price points, but the shape and style differ significantly. The Stewart has a more traditional oval shape that's understated and conservative, while The Locke's rounded rectangle is more structured and modern. The biggest differentiator is The Locke's gradient fade design—if you want frames that generate compliments and stand out in a subtle way, The Locke is the clear winner. The Stewart is a solid choice if you prefer a quieter, more classic look, but it doesn't have the same visual interest.
Our take: The Locke offers the best of both worlds—a versatile rounded rectangle shape that flatters most faces, combined with a distinctive gradient acetate design that sets it apart from more generic frames. At the same price point as The Stewart and slightly less than The Murphy, it delivers more visual interest and compliment-generating style. If you want frames that work across professional and casual settings while still having a unique retro character, The Locke is the standout choice in the Original Penguin collection.
At a Glance
Original Penguin THE MURPHY Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Smaller 46mm lens width for narrower faces
- Similar retro-inspired aesthetic
- Same acetate quality and construction
Cons:
- Smaller lens size may not suit everyone
- Less distinctive than The Locke's gradient design
- Slightly higher price point
Original Penguin THE CLYDE Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Square shape for a bolder, more angular look
- Available in 9 color options
- Strong customer reviews praising durability
Cons:
- Square shape may not suit round faces as well
- Less unique than The Locke's gradient fade
- Similar price point without the gradient design feature
Original Penguin THE STEWART Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Oval shape for a softer, more understated look
- Same 49mm lens width as The Locke
- Excellent customer reviews for comfort and fit
Cons:
- Lacks the distinctive gradient fade design
- More conservative styling
- Oval shape is less structured than The Locke's rectangle







