Persol 649 review

Persol's 649 is the choice for buyers who like the aviator outline but want a thicker acetate frame instead of thin metal. Persol describes it as a fully constructed acetate aviator frame with a keyhole bridge, the brand's arrow and its Meflecto system, and it is handmade in Italy. Most of its ten color options cost $363, including Havana with Green lenses and Black with Green lenses, while some lens colors cost $427, among them Black with a Light Blue Gradient Dark Blue Polar lens. The frame comes in one size, 54-20, with 140mm temples and a 27mm lens height, which Persol marks as best for most faces. Persol offers free delivery and returns, interest-free installments and a $15 monogram on the temple arrow, though monogrammed frames cannot be returned unless the engraving is defective. The 649 costs more than Randolph and American Optical and does not offer a size range, so it ranks below them on value. We compared documented features and published prices.

Who it is for

buyers who want an acetate aviator instead of metal

Price

$363 for most colors; $427 for some lens colors.

649 - Original $363.00
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• Acetate aviator frame with a keyhole bridge, Persol's arrow and the Meflecto system
• Handmade in Italy
• Ten color options, including Havana with Green lenses and Black with Light Blue Gradient Dark Blue Polar lenses
• Size 54-20 with 140mm temples and a 27mm lens height
• Monogram engraving of up to 3 letters on the temple arrow for $15

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free delivery and returns
• Strength: The only acetate frame on this list
• Strength: Interest-free installments through PayPal, Klarna or Affirm
• Weakness: Some lens colors, including the polarized one, cost $427 instead of $363
• Weakness: One size only, 54-20
• Weakness: Monogrammed frames cannot be returned unless the engraving is defective

Key facts

• Price: $363; $427 for some lenses
• Frame: Acetate, keyhole bridge, Meflecto
• Size: 54-20, 140mm temples
• Made in: Italy, handmade
• Colors: 10

Where it ranks

Persol 649 is No. 6 in our Best Aviator Sunglasses verdict.