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The Persol 3186S sunglasses bring Italian craftsmanship and contemporary design together in a frame that stands out without trying too hard. Part of the Calligrapher Edition collection, these sunglasses feature a refined oval shape built entirely from acetate—a material Persol has been perfecting for over a century. The spotted and striped acetate patterns visible across the different color options give each pair a unique, artistic character that's hard to replicate.
Italian Heritage Meets Modern Comfort
Since 1917, Persol (from the Italian "per il sole," meaning "for the sun") has been synonymous with quality eyewear. The 3186S carries forward that legacy with hand-finished details and construction methods rooted in Italian tradition. The acetate used in these frames is made from cotton and powdery pigments, creating color variations that make each frame slightly different—a natural byproduct of artisanal manufacturing.
Comfort is where the 3186S really delivers. The temples incorporate Persol's patented Meflecto system, a flexible stem technology first introduced in the 1930s. Small cylinders inserted into the acetate temples allow them to bend and conform to your head shape, eliminating pressure points during extended wear. The system adds over 10 extra production steps compared to standard frames, but the payoff is a fit that adapts to you rather than the other way around.
Design Details That Matter
The signature Supreme Arrow hinges—inspired by ancient warriors' swords—sit prominently on the temples, serving as both a functional component and Persol's unmistakable brand signature. The single bridge design and full-rim construction provide durability and lens security, while the 145mm temples and choice of 51mm or 53mm lens widths accommodate different face sizes. These sunglasses are prescription-ready, so you can add your Rx lenses without compromising the frame's integrity or style.
Available in multiple colorways including classic Havana tortoiseshell, solid black, and more adventurous spotted patterns with gradient or polarized lenses, the 3186S offers versatility. Polarized variants (like the 24/57 and 95/58 options) cut glare and enhance visual clarity—particularly useful for driving or water activities. All lenses provide 100% UV protection.
The oval shape works well on medium to wider faces, offering balanced proportions without the bulk of oversized frames. It's a shape that reads as refined rather than trendy, which is exactly the point. If you're looking for sunglasses that deliver on both function and understated style, the Persol 3186S is a solid choice.
Product Details
Product DetailsModel
0PO3186SShape
Gender
Material
Bridge Type
Rim Type
Age Group
Color Details
Color DetailsFrame Color
BrownColor Code
1081R5Color Description
BrownLens Color
Blue
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/31Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Green
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/57Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Brown Polarized
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
95/58Color Description
BlackLens Color
Green Polarized
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/31Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Green
Frame Color
BlackColor Code
95/58Color Description
BlackLens Color
Green Polarized
Frame Color
TortoiseColor Code
24/57Color Description
HavanaLens Color
Brown Polarized
Color Code
111271Color Description
RedLens Color
Grey Gradient Grey
Color Code
110371Color Description
Grey Taupe TrasparentLens Color
Grey Gradient
Color Code
1144B1Color Description
BlueLens Color
Dark Grey
Size Details
Size DetailsSize
5321-145
Lens Width
51mmBridge Width
21mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5121-145
Lens Width
53mmBridge Width
21mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5321-145
Lens Width
51mmBridge Width
21mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5121-145
Lens Width
53mmBridge Width
21mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5321-145
Lens Width
53mmBridge Width
21mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5321-145
Lens Width
51mmBridge Width
21mmTemple Length
145mmSize
5121-145
Size
5321-145
Bridge Width
21.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5121-145
Bridge Width
21.00Temple Length
145.00Size
5121-145
Got beautiful sunglasses at a great price. Shipping was a bit delayed but worth the wait.
Solid frames wish they had another size only came in the 53 size only other thing is my Face ID works sometimes when my frames are on
Persol 3186S Sunglasses
Great service with on time and immediate delivery. Authentic product at half the price.
Such a great look and price. Always stoked to use this site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Persol 3186S sunglasses prescription-ready?
Yes, the Persol 3186S sunglasses are fully prescription-ready. The full-rim acetate frame construction accommodates single-vision, bifocal, and progressive prescription lenses. Designer Optics' in-house lab can fit your exact prescription into these frames while maintaining the original design integrity and optical quality.
What is the Meflecto system in Persol 3186S sunglasses?
The Meflecto system is Persol's patented flexible temple technology, first introduced in the 1930s. Small cylinders are inserted into the acetate temples with a flexible metal core, allowing the temples to bend and adapt to your unique head shape. This eliminates pressure on the sides of your head and behind your ears, providing all-day comfort even during extended wear.
What size options are available for the Persol 3186S?
The Persol 3186S is available in two lens widths: 51mm and 53mm. Both sizes feature a 145mm temple length and are designed with an oval/panthos shape. The 51mm works well for small to medium faces, while the 53mm suits medium to larger face widths. The flexible Meflecto temples help both sizes adapt comfortably to different head shapes.
Do Persol 3186S sunglasses come with polarized lenses?
Polarized lens options are available on select color variants of the Persol 3186S, including the 24/57 (Havana with brown polarized) and 95/58 (black with green polarized). Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, roads, and snow, improving visual clarity and reducing eye strain during outdoor activities and driving.
What makes the Persol 3186S part of the Calligrapher Edition?
The Calligrapher Edition features distinctive acetate patterns with spotted, striped, and artistic color combinations that give each frame a unique character. The 3186S showcases this design philosophy with creative rim and temple patterns that blend traditional Persol craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Each acetate frame is made from cotton-based materials with powdery pigments, creating natural variations.
Do Persol 3186S sunglasses provide UV protection?
Yes, all Persol 3186S sunglasses provide 100% UV protection, blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. The lenses are designed to protect your eyes while maintaining exceptional optical clarity. Whether you choose standard or polarized lenses, full UV protection is included across all color variants.
Compare With Similar Frames
How the Persol 3186S Sunglasses stacks up against the closest alternatives we carry.
- Features a combination of acetate front with ultra-light metal bridge and temples for a lighter overall weight
- Panthos/round shape offers a slightly more vintage-inspired look
- Available in 49mm and 51mm sizes for smaller to medium faces
- Lower starting price point ($174.68) makes it more accessible
- Classic, versatile design works across more style contexts
- Proven popular model with wide availability of replacement parts
Read the full comparison
Persol 3186S vs 3166S vs 3048S: Which Persol Sunglasses Are Right for You?
All three models showcase Persol's Italian craftsmanship and signature comfort features, but they each take a different approach to style and construction. Here's how to choose.
Persol 3186S: Full Acetate with Artistic Flair
The 3186S is the choice if you want a frame that makes a statement without being loud. Its full acetate construction—from front to temples—creates a cohesive, substantial feel, and the Calligrapher Edition's spotted and striped patterns give it a distinctive artistic character. Available in 51mm and 53mm, it accommodates a wider range of face sizes than the 3166S. The all-acetate build also means consistent warmth and feel across the entire frame, which some wearers prefer over mixed materials. If you want contemporary Persol style with unique colorways, this is your frame.
Persol 3166S: Mixed Materials, Refined Details
The 3166S combines an acetate front with ultra-light metal bridge and temples, creating a lighter overall weight and a more refined, dressy aesthetic. The engraved metal temples add subtle detailing that appeals to those who appreciate fine finishing touches. However, it's available only in smaller sizes (49mm and 51mm), making it better suited for small to medium faces. The mixed-material construction also means you'll feel the difference between the acetate front and metal temples—some love the contrast, others prefer the uniformity of the 3186S. Choose the 3166S if you prioritize lightweight comfort and a slightly more formal look.
Persol 3048S: Classic Versatility at a Lower Price
The 3048S offers Persol quality and comfort in a more traditional package. Its rectangular shape and classic acetate patterns (mostly solid colors and traditional tortoiseshell) make it the most versatile option for everyday wear. At a lower starting price, it's also the most accessible entry point into the Persol collection. However, it lacks the artistic edge of the Calligrapher Edition models. If you want reliable, timeless Persol style without the premium colorways or contemporary shapes, the 3048S delivers excellent value.
Our Recommendation
For most buyers, the Persol 3186S hits the sweet spot. It offers the full Persol experience—Meflecto comfort, Supreme Arrow detailing, Italian craftsmanship—with a contemporary oval shape and unique acetate patterns that set it apart from more common styles. The size range accommodates more face shapes than the 3166S, and the full acetate construction feels more cohesive. If you want something a bit more refined and lightweight, go with the 3166S. If budget is the priority and you prefer classic styling, the 3048S is a proven performer.
At a Glance
Persol 3166S Sunglasses
Pros:
- Features a combination of acetate front with ultra-light metal bridge and temples for a lighter overall weight
- Panthos/round shape offers a slightly more vintage-inspired look
- Available in 49mm and 51mm sizes for smaller to medium faces
- Metal temple construction with engraved stripes adds refined detailing
Cons:
- Metal components may feel cooler in cold weather compared to full acetate
- Slightly higher starting price ($230.36 vs $252.30)
- The mixed-material construction is less cohesive than the 3186S's full acetate design
- Smaller size range may not suit larger faces as well as the 3186S's 53mm option
Persol 3048S Sunglasses
Pros:
- Lower starting price point ($174.68) makes it more accessible
- Classic, versatile design works across more style contexts
- Proven popular model with wide availability of replacement parts
- Features the same Meflecto comfort system and Supreme Arrow hinges
Cons:
- Lacks the distinctive artistic acetate patterns of the Calligrapher Edition
- More conservative styling may not stand out as much
- Rectangular shape is less contemporary than the 3186S's oval profile
- Fewer unique colorway options compared to the 3186S