VisorVeil

Sunglasses· Persol

Persol PO3019S 1966 Wayfarer Edition

4.6/ 5.0

The Persol 1966 Wayfarer stands as a benchmark in luxury eyewear, blending heritage Italian craftsmanship with genuinely functional optics.

~$227.99$303.99Save 25%

Approximate price — actual price varies by seller and colourway; check the live price on AliExpress.

  • Handcrafted acetate frame in Havana or black finish
  • Signature Persol arrow hinge in metal
  • Polarized crystal lenses with anti-reflective coating
  • Meflecto flexible temple system for adaptive fit
Check price on AliExpress

We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases via affiliate links — at no extra cost to you.

FramePropionate acetate
Lens width52 mm
ProtectionUV400

Our verdict

The verdict
The Persol 1966 Wayfarer stands as a benchmark in luxury eyewear, blending heritage Italian craftsmanship with genuinely functional optics. While the price reflects its premium positioning, the build quality, comfort engineering, and timeless aesthetic make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking sunglasses that outlast passing trends.
Optical clarity4.6
Comfort & fit4.4
Build quality4.8
Value for money4.3

Key features

1Handcrafted acetate frame in Havana or black finish
2Signature Persol arrow hinge in metal
3Polarized crystal lenses with anti-reflective coating
4Meflecto flexible temple system for adaptive fit
5Iconic wayfarer-inspired silhouette from the 1966 archive
6Made in Italy with premium optical-grade materials

Technical specifications

Frame MaterialPropionate acetate
Lens TypePolarized crystal glass
Hinge SystemMeflecto flexible metal arrow hinge
Lens Width52 mm
Country of OriginItaly

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Exceptional build quality and attention to detail
  • Comfortable Meflecto hinges reduce pressure on temples
  • Polarized lenses offer true glare reduction
  • Timeless design that suits most face shapes
  • Signature silver arrow adds recognizable luxury detail

Cons

  • Premium price point compared to mainstream brands
  • Slightly heavier than plastic-only frame alternatives
  • Case is bulky for everyday carry
  • Limited color options for this specific model

Full review

The Persol 1966 Wayfarer pays homage to the brand's archival design language, reviving a silhouette that has anchored Persol's identity since the mid-twentieth century. The frame carries that unmistakable wayfarer profile, but rendered with Persol's signature refinements: the subtly arrowed temple hinge that has become an emblem of the house, and the smooth, rounded edges that soften what could otherwise read as a purely utilitarian shape. Crafted from Persol's proprietary acetate, the material has a depth and warmth to it, whether in classic havana tortoiseshell, solid black, or richer tones that shift subtly depending on the light. This is not a reissue chasing nostalgia for its own sake, but a considered continuation of a design that has always balanced boldness with restraint.

Optically, the 1966 Wayfarer is built around Persol's long-standing commitment to lens quality, typically featuring their Meflecto system in the temples, which allows slight flexibility for a more comfortable, adaptive fit rather than rigid pressure against the head. The lenses themselves are crafted with attention to clarity and color accuracy, often available in solid tints or the brand's polarized options, cutting glare without distorting the true tone of what's being viewed. The nose pads and temple tips are finished with the same care given to the frame front, meaning the glasses sit securely without pinching, an important detail given how often wayfarer-style frames can feel heavy or ill-fitted when poorly executed. Every screw, rivet, and hinge point reflects the kind of old-world manufacturing precision that has kept Persol's reputation intact across decades of changing trends.

Wearing the 1966 Wayfarer feels less like adopting a trend and more like stepping into a design lineage that has quietly outlasted fashion cycles. It suits an oval or heart-shaped face particularly well, though its proportions have been tuned over the years to flatter a broader range of features than the original strict wayfarer shape allowed. The frame reads as equally at home with a tailored blazer as with a plain white t-shirt, which speaks to its versatility as an everyday accessory rather than a seasonal statement piece. For anyone drawn to eyewear with a genuine sense of history behind it, rather than a manufactured retro aesthetic, the Persol 1966 Wayfarer offers a rare combination of authenticity, craftsmanship, and enduring style.

What owners say

Worth every penny★★★★★

I've owned several designer sunglasses and these are on another level. The acetate feels substantial, the hinges move smoothly, and the polarization is excellent on sunny drives.

Marco T. · 2024-03-12
Beautiful but pricey★★★★★

The craftsmanship is obvious the moment you hold them. My only complaint is the cost, but I understand you're paying for genuine Italian manufacturing.

Elena R. · 2024-05-03
Classic never dies★★★★★

Bought these after my old pair from a decade ago finally broke. The design hasn't changed much and that's exactly why I love it. Comfortable all day long.

James K. · 2024-01-19
Elegant and durable★★★★★

These have survived being sat on twice thanks to the flexible hinges. Lenses are crystal clear and glare-free. Just wish there were more frame color choices.

Priya S. · 2024-06-27