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The Original Penguin THE PRINCETON Eyeglasses bring 1950s-inspired style into your everyday rotation. This browline frame pairs a bold plastic upper rim with sleek metal lower rims and temples—a classic combination that's been turning heads since the mid-century and shows no signs of slowing down.
The PRINCETON features a full-rim oval shape that works across face types, from round to heart-shaped to oval. The metal lower rims are held together by a single bridge with adjustable nose pads, so you can dial in the fit to match your nose shape and prevent slippage during the day. Spring hinges at the temples add flexibility and help the frames hold their shape even after repeated wear.
Available in five colors—Biking Red, Black, Cargo, Dark Denim, and Tortoise—and two sizes (48mm and 50mm eye width, with 19mm bridge and 135mm or 140mm temples), the PRINCETON gives you options whether you prefer understated or bold. The textured temple details add a refined touch without going overboard.
These frames are fully prescription-ready. Bring them to your optician or order lenses directly—the full-rim construction provides stability for most prescription types, including single-vision, progressive, and high-index lenses. The 48mm size suits smaller to medium faces, while the 50mm works for medium to larger builds.
Original Penguin has built its reputation on blending retro design with modern wearability, and the PRINCETON delivers on both. The brand's roots trace back to the 1950s, and the eyewear collection mirrors that heritage with vintage silhouettes, quality materials, and accessible pricing. You're getting a frame that looks like it stepped out of a time machine but wears like it was made for today.
The browline style itself has serious staying power. First popularized in 1947 and revived in the 1980s, it's now a go-to for anyone who wants an intellectual, put-together look without trying too hard. The PRINCETON's oval lenses and balanced proportions make it versatile enough for the office, casual enough for weekends, and distinctive enough to get compliments.
Product Details
Product DetailsModel
PEO THE PRINCETONShape
Gender
Material
Bridge Type
Rim Type
Age Group
Color Details
Color DetailsColor Code
RDColor Description
Biking RedFrame Color
Red
Color Code
TOColor Description
TortoiseFrame Color
Tortoise
Color Code
DNColor Description
Dark DenimFrame Color
Blue
Color Code
TOColor Description
TortoiseFrame Color
Tortoise
Color Code
DNColor Description
Dark DenimFrame Color
Blue
Color Code
BKColor Description
BlackFrame Color
Black
Color Code
CGColor Description
Cargo
Color Code
CGColor Description
Cargo
Color Code
BKColor Description
BlackFrame Color
Black
Color Code
CRColor Description
Crystal
Color Code
CRColor Description
Crystal
Size Details
Size DetailsSize
4819-135
Size
4819.00-135
Size
4819.00-135
Size
5019.00-140
Size
5019.00-140
Size
4819.00-135
Size
4819.00-135
Size
5019.00-140
Size
5019.00-140
Bridge Width
19.00Temple Length
140.00Size
5019-140
Bridge Width
19.00Temple Length
135.00Size
4819-135
I ordered and paid for next day delivery.
Over a week later, my order had not shipped but I was charged for my order AND for next-day shipping.
Glasses are cute. Arrived a little warped. Be aware that some places will refuse to make lenses for this frame because of its style. I was turned away by Costco. Also, I paid $40 for next day shipping. The item literally arrived 2 entire weeks later.
Original Penguin THE PRINCETON Eyeglasses
Original Penguin THE PRINCETON Eyeglasses
I really enjoy my new frames they are lightweight and the color goes well with my brown hair.I will reorder again to have a backup and you can't beat the price!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Original Penguin THE PRINCETON eyeglasses prescription-ready?
Yes, the PRINCETON frames are fully prescription-ready. The full-rim construction provides excellent stability for most prescription types, including single-vision, progressive, bifocal, and high-index lenses. You can take these frames to any optical lab or order prescription lenses directly from Designer Optics.
What face shapes work best with the PRINCETON browline frames?
Browline frames like the PRINCETON are exceptionally versatile and suit most face shapes, but they're particularly flattering on oval, round, heart-shaped, and diamond faces. The bold upper rim draws attention to your natural browline and adds balance to softer facial features, while the thinner lower rim keeps the look from overwhelming your face.
Do these frames have adjustable nose pads?
Yes, the PRINCETON features adjustable nose pads, which allow you to customize the fit to your nose shape and size. This helps prevent the frames from sliding down and ensures all-day comfort, especially important for metal-rimmed browline styles.
What size should I choose—48mm or 50mm?
The 48mm lens width (with 135mm temples) is best for small to medium faces, while the 50mm lens width (with 140mm temples) suits medium to larger faces. Both sizes have a 19mm bridge. If you have your current glasses handy, check the measurements printed on the inside of the temple arms to compare.
Do the PRINCETON frames have spring hinges?
Yes, the PRINCETON eyeglasses are equipped with spring hinges at the temples. Spring hinges provide added flexibility, prevent the frames from stretching out of shape over time, and ensure a secure, comfortable fit even with repeated daily wear.
What is the difference between browline and clubmaster frames?
Browline is the official name for this frame style, which features a bold upper rim and thinner lower rim. "Clubmaster" is Ray-Ban's trademarked name for their version, popularized in the 1980s. The PRINCETON is a browline frame in the same vintage tradition—both terms describe the same iconic 1950s-inspired design.
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Original Penguin THE PRINCETON Eyeglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Square shape for a more modern, angular look
- Full acetate construction in trendy colors
- Highly rated by customers for quality and fit
- Similar oval shape and sizing
- Same price point and quality construction
- Alternative color options
Read the full comparison
Original Penguin THE PRINCETON vs. THE MURPHY vs. THE CLYDE
Choosing between Original Penguin frames often comes down to style preference and fit. The PRINCETON stands out with its browline design—a mixed-material frame that pairs a bold plastic upper rim with sleek metal lower rims. This gives you the vintage 1950s aesthetic with adjustable nose pads and a lighter overall feel.
The MURPHY, by contrast, is a full acetate frame with a chunkier, more substantial look. If you prefer bold, statement eyewear and don't mind a bit more weight, the MURPHY delivers. However, it lacks the adjustable nose pads that make the PRINCETON so customizable, and the all-plastic construction can feel bulkier on smaller faces.
The CLYDE takes a different direction entirely with a square shape and full acetate construction. It's one of Original Penguin's best-sellers and earns consistent praise for quality and fit. The square shape works beautifully for oval and round faces, but if you're after that classic browline intellectual look, the PRINCETON is the better choice.
Choose the PRINCETON if: You want the vintage browline aesthetic, prefer adjustable nose pads for a custom fit, and like the lighter feel of mixed materials. It's the most versatile across face shapes and offers the most retro character.
Choose the MURPHY if: You prefer a bolder, chunkier all-acetate frame and want more color variety. Best for medium to larger faces that can carry the extra visual weight.
Choose the CLYDE if: You want a modern square shape with a clean, contemporary look. Great for customers who like Original Penguin's quality but prefer angular frames over vintage browline styles.
At a Glance
Original Penguin THE MURPHY Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Full acetate construction for a bolder, chunkier look
- More color and pattern options
- Same quality and spring hinge features
Cons:
- Heavier than the PRINCETON's mixed-material design
- Less adjustable fit without metal nose pads
- May feel bulkier for smaller faces
Original Penguin THE CLYDE Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Square shape for a more modern, angular look
- Full acetate construction in trendy colors
- Highly rated by customers for quality and fit
Cons:
- No adjustable nose pads
- Square shape may not suit round faces as well
- Lacks the vintage browline aesthetic
Original Penguin THE STEWART Eyeglasses
Pros:
- Similar oval shape and sizing
- Same price point and quality construction
- Alternative color options
Cons:
- May lack the distinctive browline upper rim detail
- Less vintage character than the PRINCETON
- Similar overall aesthetic may not offer enough differentiation