A gentleman must have a great pair of sunglasses for all seasons especially in the hot summers. The type of sun glasses tells a lot about the person’s sense of style.

First, it is important to know the shape of your face. For example if it is square or if it is round shaped then your frames should be a similar shape. Second, try to find a pair of classic sunglasses that has survived the test of time and not some-thing that is the latest trend. The reason I suggest this is, when you look back at old photos you’ll understand fashion can identify a period in your life. I’ve made that mistake in the past.

A challenge most men have is what to do with their sunglasses when the sun goes down. They can be bulky with or without a case and difficult to fit into your suit or jacket pocket and it’s a disaster bound to happen. The frames can get bent or you might accidently leave them on a table. 

To eliminate this problem, I found the perfect pair of stylish sunglasses that is an icon. They’re called the Persol 714 model, aviator shaped frames that are ‘foldable’. They are perfect and a great accessory to match any wardrobe and the best part is they fold up and fits into a small leather case that can fit into your pocket as shown here.

Photo courtesy DJ Scammell

History

Persol is an Italian luxury eyewear brand specializing in manufacturing optical frames and sunglasses. The company was founded in 1917 in Turin, Italy by Giuseppe Ratti who originally made sunglasses for pilots and sports car drivers. The name of Persol in Italian language ‘per il sole’ meaning—for the sun. The trademark a silver arrow, is seen on the frame.

The company Persol, first developed patented meflecto flexible stems on the temples (side arms) that allows the temples to adjust to the persons face allowing for a comfortable fit.

By the 1950’s Persol introduced an iconic model that is still popular to this day—Persol 649 aviator sunglasses, which led to its sister model Persol 714 in early 1960’s. The difference is the 714 folds into a convenient pocket size with the temples bending an extra step and the centre bridge folds inwards where the 649 model folds like any normal pair of sunglasses.

When the 714 model was first introduced in the early 1960’s legendary actor Steve McQueen liked them so much that he wore them all the time driving his collection of cars and motorcycles and photographed everywhere he went. In 1968 when he showed up on the movie set of The Thomas Crown Affair wearing the 714 sunglasses he Looked so cool the filmmakers had his character wear them in the movie.

Steve McQueen wore the 714 sunglasses until his death in 1980. It is important to note he was not involved with the brand. In 1995, Luxottica acquired Persol dropping Ratti from the name and add Persol to their large list of iconic eyeglasses.

The good news is Persol Is still handmade in the original factory in Turin, Italy offering the same quality product. 

Resurgence

When actor Steve McQueen passed away in 1980 the Persol brand continued to make the 714 model. In 2006, an original pair of Persol 714 that McQueen owned and wore was auctioned off for more than $70,000.00 US. Around this time, Persol approached Steve’s son Chad McQueen and made a deal (1960 to 2024) to use Steve McQueen’s name. Persol then produced the limited edition, The 714SM (Steve McQueen Limited Edition). It was a special model that looked and folded like the models McQueen wore with his name engraved on the inner temple. They fetch a price any where from $350 to $750 each.

They are very popular with many of today’s celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Pierce Brosnan, Joaquin Phoenix, Bradley Cooper, Chris Pine, Ryan Gosling, Glen Powell, Daniel Craig to mention a few. The 714 and other Persol models were a very big hit with the late Anthony Bourdain (1956-2018) who use to wear them all the time on his travel show Parts Unknown (2013 to 2018). Just this Spring, 2025 Persol released a new 714SM model in their latest catalogue and also showcased these new models at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France. It is important to note that you can purchase a regular non Steve McQueen Persol 714 for about $100 less and is part of the current Persol catalogue.

I personally own both models the 714 and the 714SM and the question I get asked is what is the difference.

The only difference is, the price is a bit less and the temples are a bit more modern on the basic 714 and does not have the Steve McQueen name on the inner temple and the case does not have the Steve McQueen name on it and is a little less premium fabric.

The last question I always get asked is which one do I like better. I can honestly say I like both models equally. The basic 714 and 714SM Limited Edition are both Incredible quality. They look exactly the same on your face and both are available in polarized and non-polarized and are made with real glass lenses.

Today, Persol makes many other great models of sunglasses that are really worth checking out if the 714 model is not for you. I continue to see all the time model 714 and lots of other Persol models pop up in current movies and television  shows.They are an absolute iconic brand and have become a symbol of luxury and style.