Looking for a perfect pair of round glasses? Check out the P3
A LITTLE HISTORY
The P3: a wonderfully round design for eyeglasses, which originated in wire for military use and released in the early 1930s. After WWII, the shape was reimagined in acetate. Why the military background? The design is quite practical, in that the round shape fits many different lens prescriptions and–bonus!–they were designed to fit well under gas masks.
Images of soldiers wearing the P3 shape are frequent from that time. As with many things which began in the armed theatre, the public soon adopted the look, with soldiers returning home to their hero’s welcome. The P3 was also seen on President Truman, and actor Gregory Peck (pictured above).
THE SHAPE
The P3 shape is not perfectly round. In fact, the name references the difference in millimeters between the horizontal and vertical lens measurements. It is slightly wider at the top, giving it a more flattering angle than a perfectly round pair. You’ll find them with or without the keyhole bridge. For the classic look, always go with the keyhole. It’s more forgiving with different nose shapes: particularly those with more prominent noses.
COLOR CHOICES
If you are wearing round frames for the first time, a classic havana color or our Citrine Quartz (above left) will ease you into the change. For wearers that aren’t afraid of a statement, try a dark grey or a spotted Tokyo Tortoise (above right). Most colors look great in this shape, so experiment until you to find the right pair for your look.
HOW TO SPOT QUALITY
Because the P3 is a time-tested shape, you’ll find hundreds of options on the market at every price. So what separates the finest quality from the rest? Look for finish details like genuine rivet hinges, titanium nose pads, custom filigree core wires, or anti-slip grooves on the temple tips.
As with many things in life, it’s the attention to detail that matters.
SHOP P3 SHAPES
