Latest Purchase Review: Persol 3024 (24/31 55) Tortoise Sunglasses

I have been meaning to do this purchase review for my new pair of Persol 3024 sunglasses for a while now. I bought them back in May as a birthday gift to myself. 🙂

Unfortunately, opportunities to wear them have been rather few and far between, as the British summer failed to make an appearance until last week. This has meant the glasses have stayed at home largely forgotten.

For those who don’t know, Persol are Italian handmade sunglasses that translate literately as “For sun”.

Rather than rehash it, here is the history of the brand taken from the Persol website:

Turin 1917, Giuseppe Ratti, photographer and owner of Berry Opticians, began an adventure destined to lead to international success. Indeed, it was in a small courtyard in Via Caboto that he began to make technically advanced glasses, designed to satisfy the demands of pilots and sports drivers who required comfort, protection and optimum vision

My last two pairs were Rayban’s – both takes on the classic Aviators. However, I have become a little tired of them and they are now too common, so I wanted something completely different.

When looking for a new pair, Persol were my number one choice for this year’s shades.

I only ever buy shades from dedicated manufacturers of sunglasses, like Rayban, Oakley and Bollé. I love companies to make one thing, and make it well. I am never drawn to brands that give their name to any product, but in essence make nothing.

This is why Persol were such an easy decision. They look great and the build quality is top notch. Their style is classic and timeless and will add nicely to my existing collection.

One of the iconic wearers of Persol was Steve McQueen and last year they bought out a tribute pair carrying his name – a foldable pair of 714s.

Check them out here (Amazon affiliate) Persol PO714 sunglasses.

These are just a standard issue 714’s without the SM branded box, but who cares? They were £279 but you can now get them sub £150 on Amazon, which is a great deal.

I opted for a different pair – the Persol 3024 (aff) in classic tortoise. These are a beautifully made, simple design with amazingly subtle detailing around the sides. The 3 silver bands are not just for show. They allow flex in the arms and for the sunglasses to adjust to the size of you head and allow a snug fit.

Here they are with their case and cleaner. You can see the simple design around the bridge. Some Persol’s have a more stylized version but I prefer the clean lines of the 3024’s. The lens are a dark green and calm the bright sun effectively without making things too dark when in the shade. They are perfect for driving also.

Overall, their design is so clean they can be worn as either a part of a smart or casual look. I love these sunglasses and I am even happier that the sun is out so I can get to wear them!

I bought them on the high street for around £200 but a quick look online shows I could have saved myself £50. I needed that instant birthday fix so it was worth it!

You can them for sale here at Amazon Persol 3024 (affiliate) for £150 plus delivery depending where you live.

Have you bought a new pair of shades this summer? Let me know, leave a comment below.