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The Persol 3166S sunglasses blend Italian heritage with modern versatility in a refined panthos shape that works for square and oval faces. Part of the Calligrapher Edition, these frames pair premium acetate rims with ultra-light metal temples featuring distinctive engraved stripes—a detail that sets them apart from standard round frames.
Meflecto Technology: Comfort That Adapts to You
What makes the 3166S genuinely different is the patented Meflecto flexible temple system. Introduced in the 1930s and still unmatched today, Meflecto uses metal cylinders and a harmonic steel core embedded in the temples to let the frame flex and adapt to your head shape. The result? No pressure points behind the ears, no headaches during all-day wear, and a secure fit that doesn't squeeze. The system requires over 10 additional manufacturing steps compared to standard frames—you can feel the difference the first time you put them on.
Italian Craftsmanship, Built to Last
Handmade in Italy from hypoallergenic acetate, the 3166S features the iconic Persol Silver Arrow at the hinges—inspired by ancient warrior swords and a mark of authenticity since 1917. The 22mm bridge and choice of 49mm or 51mm lens widths offer options for different face sizes. These frames are prescription-ready and compatible with single-vision, progressive, and polarized lenses, making them as functional as they are stylish. Available in multiple colorways including classic Havana tortoise with green lenses, striped brown with light blue, and polarized options for serious glare reduction.
The 3166S balances vintage charm with everyday wearability—lighter and more streamlined than the chunky 649 or 714 models, but with the same attention to detail Persol is known for. Whether you need UV protection for daily driving or want prescription sun lenses for the beach, these frames deliver.
Product Details
Product DetailsModel
0PO3166SShape
Gender
Material
Bridge Type
Rim Type
Age Group
Color Details
Color DetailsFrame Color
TortoiseColor Code
960/56Color Description
Striped BrownLens Color
Light Blue
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/31Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
960/56Color Description
Striped BrownLens Color
Light Blue
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/31Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/57Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Polar Brown
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/57Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Polar Brown
Color Code
984/4EColor Description
GreenLens Color
Green
Color Code
1144B1Color Description
BlueLens Color
Dark Grey
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
108/56Color Description
CaffeLens Color
Light Blue
Color Code
111156Color Description
Horn BluLens Color
Blu Vintge
Color Code
123932Color Description
Transparent OceanLens Color
Clear Gradient Grey
Color Code
124051Color Description
Transparent Brown GreyLens Color
Clear Gradient Brown
Size Details
Size DetailsLens Width
51mmBridge Width
22mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5122-145
Lens Width
49mmBridge Width
22mmTemple Length
145mmSize
4922-145
Lens Width
49mmBridge Width
22mmTemple Length
145mmSize
4922-145
Lens Width
51mmBridge Width
22mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5122-145
Lens Width
51mmBridge Width
22mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5122-145
Lens Width
49mmBridge Width
22mmTemple Length
145mmSize
4922-145
Size
4922-145
Bridge Width
22.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5122-145
Bridge Width
22.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5122-145
Bridge Width
22.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5122-145
Bridge Width
22.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5122-145
Bridge Width
22.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5122-145
Returned some frames and they never followed through or refunded my order
Great selection of the styles I like at a good value. Prompt mailing and sturdy packaging to ensure my order arrived quickly and in perfect condition. Thank you!
I still haven’t received the sunglasses because the shipping method used required a signature and now they’re lost by the postal service because I wasn’t home when they tried only one time to deliver them.
Persol 3166S Sunglasses
Fast shipping and all original packaging, got exactly what I ordered. Great price on authentic luxury sunglasses!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Persol 3166S sunglasses prescription-ready?
Yes, the Persol 3166S frames are fully prescription-ready and compatible with single-vision, progressive, and bifocal lenses. The 22mm bridge and full-rim construction provide excellent lens stability for prescription work. You can add prescription lenses in clear, polarized sunglass tint, or photochromic Transitions options.
What is the Meflecto system in Persol 3166S sunglasses?
The Meflecto system is Persol's patented flexible temple technology from the 1930s. It uses metal cylinders and a harmonic steel core embedded in the temples, allowing them to flex and adapt to your head shape. This eliminates pressure on the sides of your head and provides a more comfortable, personalized fit compared to rigid frames.
What face shapes work best with the Persol 3166S?
The Persol 3166S has a panthos (rounded) shape that works best for square and oval face shapes. The round lenses help soften angular features on square faces, while the defined metal bridge adds structure for oval faces. If you have a very round face, you may want to consider more angular frames for better balance.
What size options are available for the Persol 3166S?
The Persol 3166S is available in two lens widths: 49mm and 51mm. Both sizes feature a 22mm bridge width and 145mm temple length. The 49mm is better for smaller to medium faces, while the 51mm works for medium to larger faces. The Meflecto temples help both sizes adapt comfortably to different head shapes.
Do Persol 3166S sunglasses provide UV protection?
Yes, all Persol 3166S sunglasses provide 100% UV protection, blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. Many variants also offer polarized lenses for additional glare reduction. The lenses are available in multiple tints including green, light blue, brown, and gradient options depending on the frame color you choose.
How does the Persol 3166S compare to the classic 649 model?
The 3166S is lighter and more streamlined than the iconic 649, featuring metal temples instead of full acetate construction. Both share the panthos shape and Meflecto technology, but the 3166S has a more contemporary look with engraved metal temples and a slimmer profile. The 649 is chunkier and more vintage-inspired, while the 3166S offers a refined, everyday aesthetic.
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Persol 3166S Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Iconic design worn by Steve McQueen and other style legends
- Full acetate construction for a chunkier, vintage aesthetic
- Larger lens sizes available (52mm and 54mm options)
- Square lens shape better for round faces
- Similar acetate/metal construction to the 3166S
- Slightly larger 53mm lens width for bigger faces
- Folds into a compact case for travel and portability
- Iconic design with celebrity heritage (Daniel Craig, etc.)
- Same Meflecto comfort as the 3166S
Read the full comparison
Persol 3166S vs. Other Persol Classics
Choosing between Persol's panthos models comes down to your priorities: vintage authenticity, modern versatility, or portability. Here's how the 3166S stacks up against its closest relatives.
3166S vs. 0649: Classic Icon or Contemporary Refinement?
The Persol 0649 is the brand's most famous model—the chunky, full-acetate frame worn by Steve McQueen and countless style icons since 1957. It's heavier, bolder, and unmistakably vintage with its keyhole bridge and thick temples. The 3166S takes the same panthos shape but modernizes it with ultra-light metal temples and engraved details. If you want maximum vintage credibility and don't mind the weight, go 0649. If you prefer a lighter, more versatile frame that works in both casual and professional settings, the 3166S is the smarter choice. Both have Meflecto comfort, but the 3166S wins for all-day wearability.
3166S vs. 3186S: Round or Square?
The Persol 3186S shares the same acetate-rim-plus-metal-temple construction as the 3166S, but swaps the round panthos shape for angular square lenses. This is purely a face-shape decision: the 3166S flatters square and oval faces by softening angles, while the 3186S works better for round faces that need more structure. Both are part of the Combo Evolution series and offer the same build quality and prescription compatibility. The 3166S is more versatile and less aggressive in styling.
3166S vs. Folding 0714: Everyday Frame or Travel Essential?
The Persol 0714 is legendary for its folding mechanism—it collapses into a compact case, making it the ultimate travel companion. It shares the panthos shape and Meflecto temples with the 3166S, but costs significantly more and weighs more due to the folding hinges. If you travel frequently or want the cachet of owning one of eyewear's most iconic designs, the 0714 is worth the investment. But if you need a reliable, comfortable daily driver that's lighter and more affordable, the 3166S delivers the same Italian craftsmanship without the folding complexity.
Our take: The 3166S is the best all-around choice for most buyers—it balances Persol's heritage with modern comfort, costs less than the 0649 or 0714, and works in more situations than the angular 3186S. You get the Meflecto fit, the Silver Arrow details, and Italian quality without paying for features you may not need.
At a Glance
Persol 0649 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Iconic design worn by Steve McQueen and other style legends
- Full acetate construction for a chunkier, vintage aesthetic
- Larger lens sizes available (52mm and 54mm options)
- Keyhole bridge for a distinctive retro look
Cons:
- Heavier than the 3166S due to full acetate temples
- More expensive in many configurations
- Bulkier profile may not suit smaller faces
- Less contemporary styling compared to metal temple designs
Persol 3186S Sunglasses
Pros:
- Square lens shape better for round faces
- Similar acetate/metal construction to the 3166S
- Slightly larger 53mm lens width for bigger faces
- Modern, angular aesthetic
Cons:
- Square shape less versatile than the panthos 3166S
- May look too bold for conservative settings
- Higher starting price point
- Less vintage character than round Persol models
Persol Folding 0714 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Folds into a compact case for travel and portability
- Iconic design with celebrity heritage (Daniel Craig, etc.)
- Same Meflecto comfort as the 3166S
- Available in 52mm and 54mm for larger faces
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive due to folding mechanism
- Heavier and bulkier than the 3166S
- Folding hinges add complexity and potential maintenance
- Full acetate construction less breathable than metal temples