Sunglasses are more than just a functional accessory to block the sun’s rays. For many, they are a fashion statement and symbol of personal style. Two of the top luxury sunglasses brands on the market are Persol and Tom Ford.
But which one is right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine Persol and Tom Ford sunglasses side-by-side, looking at their key features, styles, prices, and overall brand reputations.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a quality pair of sunglasses for everyday wear or want a statement piece for your wardrobe, read on to discover the pros and cons of Persol and Tom Ford.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Persol | Tom Ford |
| Origin | Founded in Italy in 1917 | Founded by American designer Tom Ford in 2005 |
| Frame Materials | Premium Italian acetate | Italian acetate, metals, buffalo horn |
| Lenses | Crystal lenses with Persol polarization and Meflecto coating | High-index plastic or glass lenses with 100% UV protection, some polarized |
| Craftsmanship | Handmade in Italy with specialized techniques like arrow hinges | Handcrafted in Italy |
| Styles | Vintage-inspired icons like PO0714 aviators | Modern and elegant aesthetics |
| Price Range | $200 – $400 | $400 – $600+ |
| Brand Image | Heritage, durable quality | Designer prestige and exclusivity |
| Celebrities | Steve McQueen, Robert De Niro | George Clooney, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z |
| Best For | Durable sunglasses with vintage styling | Fashion-forward, minimalist luxury sunglasses |
Overview of Persol Sunglasses
Founded in 1917 in Turin, Italy, Persol is one of the oldest and most iconic eyewear brands.
The name “Persol” is derived from the Italian phrase “per il sole,” meaning “for the sun.”
Persol rose to fame in the 1960s thanks to Hollywood star Steve McQueen sporting a pair of Persol sunglasses in the 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair.
Since then, Persol has been the choice of countless celebrities and featured in movies like The Sopranos, Mission Impossible, and James Bond films.
Here are some key facts about Persol sunglasses:
- Handmade in Italy – Each pair of Persol sunglasses is meticulously crafted by artisans in Italy.
- Known for high quality – Persol is renowned for using premium quality materials like crystal lenses and acetate frames. Their sunglasses are built to last.
- Iconic styles – Persol’s most famous styles include the foldable PO0714 sunglasses and the aviator-inspired PO9649S model. Their distinctive arrow hinges and flexible arms are signatures of the brand.
- Polarized lens technology – Persol lenses are polarized to reduce glare and feature a special blue light filtering lens treatment called Meflecto to enhance clarity.
- Premium pricing – Given their handmade Italian craftsmanship and use of high-end materials, Persol sunglasses are priced in the luxury range. Expect to pay $200 – $400 for a pair.
Overview of Tom Ford Sunglasses
Founded in 2005 by fashion designer Tom Ford, Tom Ford eyewear captures his aesthetic of effortless luxury. Ford partnered with the Marcolin Group, a leading Italian eyewear company, to produce sunglasses and optical frames under the Tom Ford label.
Some key details about Tom Ford sunglasses include:
- Luxury designer appeal – With Tom Ford’s background as a high-end fashion designer, the sunglasses have an air of exclusivity and prestige.
- Quality craftsmanship – Made in Italy with fine materials like acetate, stainless steel and high-index lenses. Known for detailed accents like intricate engravings and signature T logo hardware.
- Contemporary styling – Tom Ford frames have a modern and sleek look with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Popular styles include aviators, wayfarers and oversized cat-eye.
- Higher pricing – As a luxury designer brand, expect to invest $400-$600+ for a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses.
- Celebrity following – Spotted on celebrities like George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Jay-Z.
Now that we’ve covered the basics about each brand, let’s do a detailed comparison of their most important features.
Detailed Comparison of Persol And Tom Ford Sunglasses
- Quality and Craftsmanship
When it comes to material quality and construction, Persol and Tom Ford are closely matched. Both brands manufacture their frames in Italy using premium acetates and metals.
Persol has the edge when it comes to longevity. Their flexible arrow hinges allow the arms to contour nicely around the head for a secure fit. And Persol lenses feature scratch-resistant crystal and polarized lenses made to last.
That said, Tom Ford sunglasses have excellent quality. The attention to detail with refined accents gives them a sophisticated finish. While not quite as flexible as Persol, Tom Ford frames have sturdy stainless steel core wire within the acetate that ensures durability.
- Style and Design
Both brands offer stylish looks but Persol has a wider range of frame shapes and styles. Their large archive of vintage designs gives Persol fans many classics to choose from, like the famous aviator shape Model 714.
Tom Ford eyewear has a very consistent aesthetic across all frames. Tom Ford style is best described as simple elegance – think clean lines, minimal embellishments and neutral tones. This makes them versatile to match with various outfits and occasions. But the style selection is not as broad as Persol.
- Lens Technology
When comparing lens quality, Persol lenses take the lead. Persol uses crystal lenses made from pure silica sand to enhance clarity. The lenses feature a special Persol chemical tempering process to increase impact resistance.
Another advantage of Persol is the Meflecto lens system. It provides a blue light filtering coating on the back of the lens to protect eyes from harmful light. Most Persol lenses are also polarized.
Tom Ford lenses are also very good quality, made from high-index plastic or glass. They offer 100% UV protection. Some styles have polarized lenses. But overall, Persol edges out Tom Ford on lens technology.
- Price and Value
In terms of price, both Persol and Tom Ford are luxury brands so expect to pay roughly $300 – $400 and up.
Tom Ford pricing is positioned more in the high-end luxury range.
When it comes to value, Persol offers better value for money overall.
Given the handmade Italian craftsmanship and advanced lens technology, you get excellent quality and durability at Persol’s price point.
Persol gives you more features for the price.
With Tom Ford, you are paying more for the prestige of owning a designer brand name. But the hardware quality may not be markedly better than less expensive Persol frames.
- Celebrity Endorsements and Brand Image
If you’re swayed by star power and branding, Tom Ford certainly has an advantage. As a renowned designer brand, the Tom Ford name carries a very upscale, fashion-forward image. You’ll see Tom Ford eyewear on Hollywood celebrities and in high-end fashion magazines.
That said, Persol also has plenty of celebrity fans from Steve McQueen to Robert DeNiro. And after 100+ years in the eyewear business producing handmade frames in Italy, the Persol brand has a strong heritage appeal. But Tom Ford wins on pure prestige factor.
Key Takeaways: How to Choose Between Persol and Tom Ford
To recap the main differences:
- Persol is known for better quality and craftsmanship, especially with their flexible arms and advanced lens technology.
- Tom Ford has more prestige as a luxury designer label though Persol also has a longstanding reputation.
- Persol wins on style variety and vintage inspiration whereas Tom Ford has a consistent modern aesthetic.
- Tom Ford frames cost more on average, but Persol offers better overall value.
Determining which brand is better for you depends on your eyewear priorities:
- If you want an iconic, durable pair of sunglasses with vintage styling, go with Persol.
- If you prefer modern and minimalist designer frames with prestige branding, choose Tom Ford.
- For the best value, Persol gives you more quality and features for the money.
- If budget is no concern and you want a luxury fashion statement, splurge on Tom Ford.
Also Read: Costa Del Mar Equivalents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Persol is considered a luxury eyewear brand. It meets the criteria of luxury brands due to its premium materials, quality construction, Italian craftsmanship, durability, iconic styling and premium pricing. Persol has a long heritage of over 100 years in the optical business.
Persol is regarded as one of the top eyewear brands, well-known for making high quality glasses and sunglasses. Key reasons why Persol is considered an excellent brand:
1. Handmade in Italy with meticulous craftsmanship
2. Durable frames made of premium acetate and crystal lenses
3. Patented Meflecto lens system for visual clarity
4. Polarized lens options ideal for sunglasses
5. Iconic, timeless frame designs like the PO0714 model
6. Worn by celebrities over the decades
So yes, overall Persol is regarded as an outstanding, luxury brand of eyewear. The attention to detail and quality materials make Persol glasses and sunglasses a worthwhile investment.
There are several reasons why Persol frames are more expensive than standard sunglasses:
Made in Italy – As a brand manufactured in Italy, production costs are higher than outsourcing to other countries. Italian craftsmanship commands a premium.
Premium materials – The acetate used for Persol frames and crystal lenses are of superior quality, which adds to material expenses.
Patented technology – Unique features like the Meflecto lens system and arrow hinges require investment in patents and specialized manufacturing.
Brand reputation – As a heritage luxury brand, Persol can demand higher prices based on reputation. The Persol name carries prestige.
Hand assembly – Each Persol frame is hand-assembled by skilled artisans, a time and labor-intensive process. This adds to the cost.
Durability – Persols are made to last 5-10 years or longer with proper care, justifying a higher price.
Overall the price reflects the high production standards, expensive materials, brand prestige and durability of Persol sunglasses. You get what you pay for in terms of quality.
Yes, Tom Ford is classified as a luxury eyewear brand. Reasons why Tom Ford is considered a high-end luxury label:
1. Associated with prestigious fashion designer Tom Ford
2. Made in Italy with premium components
3. High price points from $400 – $600+
4. Brand is exclusive and not mass-marketed
5. Sophisticated styles designed for high fashion market
6. Popular among celebrities and fashion influencers
7. Used premium materials like acetates, stainless steel and rare buffalo horn
8. Exquisite detailing and quality craftsmanship
9. Sold at upscale retailers and boutiques
The combination of desirable designer name, Italian craftsmanship, and exclusivity make Tom Ford a top luxury choice for eyewear. Owning Tom Ford sunglasses or eyeglasses is a status symbol.
Final Thoughts
Both are excellent sunglasses brands that offer stylish Italian craftsmanship. Assess your personal preferences to decide if Persol or Tom Ford is a better match. And try both brands on in person to see which flatters your face shape best.
With proper care, you can enjoy your Persol or Tom Ford shades for many seasons of style.
