Vintage Panto and P3 Eyewear

Why vintage Panto frames? It’s all in the tilt.

Have you ever wondered why this classic vintage style is known as the panto? Well, we have the answer for you, and no it’s not got anything to do with pantomimes! The panto stands for pantoscopic – which is Greek for a broad field of vision and refers to the slight tilt in the frame that allows for a close fit to the face that makes our vintage panto eyewear both flattering and comfortable.

Vintage panto eyewear with perfect dimensions

The panto design is often mistaken for a round frame but in fact, it is actually just off circular. The original panto designs would have a difference between the lens width and the lens height of 3mm this creates the iconic droopy lens shape that suits almost all face shapes!

P3 it’s the magic number

Whilst a pair of P3 glasses might sound futuristic this design is actually one of the oldest in the optician’s arsenal. The American’s gave them the name P3 in which P (pantoscopic) and 3 (mm difference between lens width and height). Whether you choose to call you your frames vintage panto or vintage P3 is up to you, however, one is thing is guaranteed you are going to look seriously stylish.

Are a pair of vintage panto glasses or sunglasses right for you?

If you are a lover of classic and understated style then the panto shape is perfect for you. With their perfect proportions, a pair of vintage panto frames will suit all face shapes from square to round with aplomb.

How to style vintage P3 frames

Beloved by artists, actors, politicians and intelligentsia vintage panto glasses are best teamed up with smart casual tailoring and formal outfits for the best results. A pair of vintage panto sunglasses are more versatile and they look equally good teamed with just your swimwear as they will with your Sunday best!

As our vintage panto eyewear is smart, sophisticated and comfortable to wear all day long a pair of vintage panto frames are a great choice as your go-to office frames – So don’t forget to check out our blue-screen lenses to keep those overworked eyes from getting sore.