About Us
PantoGlasses brings back one of the most recognizable eyewear shapes in history — the Panto frame. Known for its rounded-but-not-circular lens shape, balanced proportions, and timeless character, Panto eyewear has been worn for generations by people who value design, function, and individuality.
Classic Eyewear with a Modern Identity.
Optician Geir Sivertzen, the man behind Panto Glasses, earned his craft certificate in 1987, as his father did before him in 1956, by creating the Panto model Oxford from scratch. This included technical drawings, soldering and manufacturing of the Panto model, starting with rolls of wire, and finally grinding the optical glasses by hand.
Panto glasses were the quintessential masculine eyewear of the 1930s and 1960s and they gained enormous popularity in the 1980s when everybody owned a pair. Since then the Panto model Oxford disappeared from the market, until recently. The Panto is now considered an established modern classic.
Today, PantoGlasses continues this optical tradition with frames made for prescription lenses, sunglasses, and everyday use. The result is eyewear that feels classic, but never outdated.
Timeless design. Modern attitude.
See how Panto frames look on real people, in real life — as prescription glasses, sunglasses, and everyday eyewear.
What Makes Panto Different?
The Panto frame is not simply a round frame. Its shape is carefully balanced — rounded, but not circular — with a soft upper line, high bridge, and proportions designed to sit naturally on the face.
The original Panto expression is usually best when the frame is slightly smaller rather than too large. This gives the glasses their distinctive intellectual, artistic, and classic look.
Our Oxford model is the clearest expression of the original Panto shape. Size 47 is our most popular size and fits most faces, while size 49 gives a slightly wider fit. Smaller sizes are available for narrower faces and children.
The number in the size refers to the lens width in millimeters. A correct fit depends not only on lens width, but also on bridge width, temple length, face shape, and how the frame sits on the nose.
Panto frames can be used as prescription glasses, sunglasses, or frames only. This makes them a versatile choice for people who want one frame shape with different lens options.
From Optical Craft to Modern Classic
From technical drawings and handmade optical work to today’s modern eyewear production, the Panto shape remains one of the most distinctive styles in eyewear.
1939
Original Panto Design
The Panto shape became known as a classic eyewear style with balanced proportions, a rounded lens form, and a distinctive bridge. It became one of the most recognizable frame shapes of the 20th century.
1956
Optical Tradition
The Sivertzen family’s optical craft continued through generations. In 1956, Geir Sivertzen’s father earned his craft certificate, continuing the family connection to precision eyewear work.
1987
The Oxford Panto
Geir Sivertzen earned his craft certificate by creating the Oxford Panto model from scratch — from technical drawings and soldering to frame construction and hand-ground optical lenses.
Today
A Modern Classic
Today, PantoGlasses brings the original Panto expression back for modern customers. Our frames are made for prescription lenses, sunglasses, and everyday use — with timeless style and proper optical function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Panto glasses?
Panto glasses are a classic eyewear shape known for their rounded-but-not-circular lenses, high bridge, and balanced proportions. The style became popular during the 20th century and is now considered a modern classic.
Are PantoGlasses suitable for prescription lenses?
Yes. PantoGlasses frames can be ordered with prescription lenses, including single vision and progressive lenses. They can also be ordered as frames only.
Can I use Panto frames as sunglasses?
Yes. Many PantoGlasses frames can be customized as sunglasses with tinted, polarized, gradient, photochromic, or mirror lenses.
Which PantoGlasses size should I choose?
Size 47 is our most popular size and fits most faces. Size 49 gives a slightly wider fit, while smaller sizes are better for narrower faces or children.
Can I try PantoGlasses before ordering?
Yes. PantoGlasses offers Virtual Try-On, so you can see how selected frames look before placing your order.
Can I order frames only?
Yes. You can order frames only and have lenses fitted later by your local optician. You can also order complete glasses directly from PantoGlasses with your selected lens options.
Find Your Original Panto Glasses
Explore classic Panto glasses made for prescription lenses, sunglasses, and everyday style.
