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The Persol 3171S sunglasses bring 1940s-inspired elegance into a modern pantos shape that works across face types. The rounded silhouette softens angular features while the flat keyhole bridge adds vintage character without feeling dated.
Flexible Temples That Adapt to Your Head
These frames feature Persol's patented Meflecto flexible temple system. Tiny cylinders of nylon or metal are inserted into the acetate temples and intersected with a flexible steel core. The result is temples that adapt to your head shape and eliminate pressure points, making the 3171S comfortable for all-day wear.
The signature Supreme Arrow adorns each temple, a detail that's identified Persol eyewear since founder Giuseppe Ratti established the brand in Turin in 1917. The full-rim acetate construction is available in classic Havana tortoise, warm Terra di Siena, and gradient lens options ranging from green crystal to azure blue.
Prescription-Ready Versatility
The 3171S is fully compatible with prescription lenses, including bifocals and progressives. Available in 49mm and 52mm eye sizes with a 20mm bridge and 145mm temples, the frame accommodates a range of fits. UV protection is standard across all lens variants, with polarized options available in select colors.
The pantos shape is less bulky than the iconic 649 or folding 714 models, but with enough presence to make a statement. It works in casual and formal settings.
Product Details
Product DetailsModel
0PO3171SShape
Gender
Material
Bridge Type
Rim Type
Age Group
Color Details
Color DetailsFrame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/31Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
96/Q8Color Description
Terra Di SienaLens Color
Azure Gradient Blue
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
96/Q8Color Description
Terra Di SienaLens Color
Azure Gradient Blue
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/31Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
108/51Color Description
CaffeLens Color
Gradient Brown
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
1102Q8Color Description
Tortoise HoneyLens Color
Azure Gradient
Color Code
1135B1Color Description
Black/grey StripedLens Color
Dark Grey
Color Code
1103B1Color Description
Taupe Grey TransparentLens Color
Dark Grey
Color Code
204/S3Color Description
MieleLens Color
Blue Gradient Dark Blue PolarLens Features
polarized
Size Details
Size DetailsLens Width
52mmBridge Width
20mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5220-145
Lens Width
49mmBridge Width
20mmTemple Length
145mmSize
4920-145
Lens Width
52mmBridge Width
20mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5220-145
Lens Width
49mmBridge Width
20mmTemple Length
145mmSize
4920-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5220-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5220-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5220-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5220-145
Bridge Width
20.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5220-145
The shipping was so quick and glasses are so nice! I even chatted into customer service and they were so helpful and easy to work with.
Persol 3171S Sunglasses
Beautiful, stylish, looking glasses
Well made, amazing lenses and classic style at a great price. 10/10 would purchase again.
Beautiful glasses. No question about it. But wrong color. Was out of country for most of 14 day return window. Email I received suggests you will not accept the return. Disappointed and hope you wii reconsider return decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Persol 3171S sunglasses prescription-ready?
Yes, the Persol 3171S is fully compatible with prescription lenses, including single-vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses. The full-rim acetate construction provides a secure lens mounting, making it an excellent choice for those who need corrective eyewear with sun protection.
What is the Meflecto system on Persol 3171S sunglasses?
The Meflecto system is Persol's patented flexible temple technology from the 1930s. It uses nylon or metal cylinders inserted into the acetate temples, intersected with a flexible steel core. This allows the temples to adapt to your unique head shape and eliminates pressure, providing superior comfort for extended wear.
What size should I choose for the Persol 3171S?
The Persol 3171S is available in 49mm and 52mm eye sizes, both with a 20mm bridge and 145mm temples. The 49mm works well for smaller to medium faces, while the 52mm suits medium to larger faces. The Meflecto flexible temples help the frame adapt to different head widths for a customized fit.
What face shapes work best with the Persol 3171S?
The 3171S features a pantos (rounded) shape that complements most face types. The soft, rounded lines work particularly well on square and angular faces by adding softness, while the keyhole bridge and defined structure prevent the frame from looking too round on rounder face shapes.
Do Persol 3171S sunglasses come with UV protection?
Yes, all Persol 3171S lenses provide 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Select colorways are also available with polarized lenses for enhanced glare reduction and visual clarity in bright conditions.
How does the Persol 3171S compare to the iconic 649 model?
The 3171S offers a more contemporary, streamlined pantos shape compared to the 649's heftier vintage silhouette. Both feature the Meflecto temple system and keyhole bridge, but the 3171S has a lighter profile and more modern proportions, making it ideal for those who want Persol's Italian craftsmanship in a less bold frame.
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Persol 3171S Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Iconic heritage design worn by celebrities like Steve McQueen and Marcello Mastroianni
- Larger, bolder presence with vintage appeal
- Available in more size options (52-58mm)
- Unique folding mechanism for compact storage and travel
- Iconic Steve McQueen association
- Meflecto flexible temples for comfort
- Similar pantos/round shape and contemporary styling
- Comparable price range ($220-$397)
- Prescription-ready with full-rim construction
Read the full comparison
Persol 3171S vs. Iconic Persol Alternatives
Choosing between Persol models often comes down to how much vintage presence you want. The 3171S occupies a sweet spot: it draws on 1940s design cues like the flat keyhole bridge and rounded pantos shape, but with slimmer, more contemporary proportions than Persol's heritage icons.
3171S vs. Persol 0649: Classic vs. Contemporary
The Persol 0649 is the brand's most famous model—launched in 1957 for Turin streetcar drivers and later worn by Marcello Mastroianni and Steve McQueen. It's bolder and heftier, with a more pronounced vintage silhouette. If you want maximum presence and don't mind a larger frame, the 0649 delivers iconic status. But if you prefer a lighter, more versatile frame that still captures Italian elegance, the 3171S is the modern choice. Both feature Meflecto temples and keyhole bridges, but the 3171S won't dominate your face the way the 0649 can.
3171S vs. Persol Folding 0714: Portability Premium
The Persol Folding 0714 takes the 649 design and adds a folding mechanism—the world's first when introduced in the 1960s. It's a brilliant travel companion and a conversation piece, but you'll pay a premium ($335-$516 vs. $173-$427 for the 3171S). The folding feature requires 10 extra manufacturing steps and adds mechanical complexity. Unless portability is a priority, the 3171S offers similar Italian craftsmanship and Meflecto comfort in a simpler, more affordable package.
3171S vs. Persol 2803S: Pantos Siblings
The Persol 2803S is another contemporary round/pantos frame in a similar price range. Both are prescription-ready, both feature full-rim acetate construction, and both deliver Persol's signature comfort. The 3171S distinguishes itself with more pronounced vintage detailing—particularly the flat keyhole bridge inspired by 1940s design. If you want a cleaner, more minimal round frame, explore the 2803S. If you want vintage character in a modern silhouette, the 3171S is the better pick.
Bottom line: The Persol 3171S is ideal for buyers who want Italian craftsmanship, all-day Meflecto comfort, and 1940s-inspired style without the bulk of Persol's heritage icons. It's versatile enough for daily wear, refined enough for formal occasions, and priced competitively within the Persol lineup.
At a Glance
Persol 0649 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Iconic heritage design worn by celebrities like Steve McQueen and Marcello Mastroianni
- Larger, bolder presence with vintage appeal
- Available in more size options (52-58mm)
- Classic keyhole bridge and Meflecto temples
Cons:
- Heftier, more substantial frame may feel bulky for some wearers
- More expensive starting price point
- Vintage styling may not suit modern minimalist wardrobes
Persol Folding 0714 Sunglasses
Pros:
- Unique folding mechanism for compact storage and travel
- Iconic Steve McQueen association
- Meflecto flexible temples for comfort
- Premium craftsmanship with 10 additional manufacturing steps
Cons:
- Higher price point ($335-$516)
- Folding mechanism adds complexity and potential maintenance
- Larger 52-54mm sizes may be too bold for some
Persol 2803S Sunglasses
Pros:
- Similar pantos/round shape and contemporary styling
- Comparable price range ($220-$397)
- Prescription-ready with full-rim construction
- Persol quality and Meflecto comfort
Cons:
- Less vintage-inspired detailing than the 3171S
- May not have the same keyhole bridge character
- Fewer colorway options depending on availability