Fiona McKim
The best men’s cologne can be a contentious conversation. Why? Because the smells we are drawn to, and the fragrances we buy involve many individual choices. A scent can provoke personal memories, and when you want to draw on certain emotions, one specific aroma might be what takes you there.
Just as with the best perfume for women, picking the best men's cologne can be as simple as favoring a certain brand because they’ve never let you down before. Maybe you know that flower fragrances or rose perfume will always hit the spot. Or it might simply be because we like the way a bottle looks, and there’s nothing wrong with that either.
Either way, rounding up the best male fragrances out there is a job worth doing because those boys are notoriously tricky to buy for. Whether you're looking for 50th birthday gift ideas, an anniversary treat, or prefer traditionally 'masculine' notes yourself, you can never go wrong with a bottle of something that smells wonderful. But where to begin?
How we selected the best men's cologne for this guide
A selection of the men's cologne we tried for this guide
Fragrance is famously subjective, and the same scent can smell different depending on who is wearing it, so there really is no foolproof methodology for 'testing' scents. Instead, the w&h beauty team has used our expert knowledge of the fragrance industry to compile this guide.
We have included known crowdpleasers and niche, under-the-radar picks as well as our own personal favorites. Every cologne in this edit has been personally sniffed and hand-picked by us to ensure there is a buy for every budget and a scent to suit every style. To help you navigate, we've divided our guide into four fragrance types:
- Heavy and woody: Powerful and aromatic with notes of sandalwood, resins, and cedarwood. The best oud perfumes fall into this category, as do perfumes with patchouli and classic wood scents Aramis and Dior Homme.
- Sparkling citrus: Zippy and zesty with citrus fruits or botanicals like neroli and bergamot. If he likes Clinique Happy or Acqua di Parma Colonia he'll love these.
- Musky and sexy: Warming, heady, and a little bit comforting musk-based scents will be right for fans of iconic cologne 4711 by Muelhens or Burberry Touch.
- Fresh and aromatic: Clean-smelling, with green botanicals and ocean-inspired notes. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino and Davidoff Cool Water are great examples.
The best men's cologne, as chosen by our experts
Heavy and woody
If you judge a fragrance on how it looks and the advertising imagery surrounding it, then you'd be hard pushed to not fall head over heels with this new scent from Burberry. The face of the fragrance is the inimitable Adam Driver and the advert sees him running on the beach alongside a horse. And all of that is also reflected in the scent. It has an energetic edge to it, probably thanks to the bergamot and black pepper but there is a heavy earthiness in it too. This would suit anyone who wants to smell sophisticated and unique but doesn't necessarily want their scent to be the center of attention, It’s polished but also a bit raw at the same time.
After the overwhelming success of the eau de toilette and eau de parfum, it is probably no surprise Chanel created a parfum version to complete the Bleu set. It has all the familiarity of the other versions but with more cedar notes running through it, which makes it slightly heavier and potent as you would expect of a parfum. However, there is still also some lightness thanks to the lemon zest, which makes this a fragrance that can be worn equally comfortably in the height of summer as the depths of winter.
If there’s any brand that does the high-low mix well, it’s Calvin Klein and this fragrance is typical of that. It is a woody scent, but it has a freshness to it that prevents it from being too heady. It’s low-key enough to be worn with a simple white tee and jeans (as the star of the ad campaign, actor Richard Madden does) making it a great choice for the more casual man in your life, but also works equally well with a tux and a tie and when formality is required.
If you’re looking for the ‘everyman’ of male fragrances, then Boss Bottled may be it. This eau de parfum version is a little punchier and stronger than the original eau de toilette. The bottle follows the classic design, but the juice inside has been slightly refined to have stronger spicy notes of cardamom. This is cut through with a slight sweetness of apple and cinnamon all with dark vetiver providing the long-lasting sexy aroma that lingers. It is strong but not overwhelming and sophisticated without being too OTT. If you're worried about how to buy fragrance online for a gift when you can't actually smell it, this ticks so many boxes it would be a safe choice.
If you, or the person you are buying for, loves having their very own signature scent then D'orsay Dandy or Not could be the one. A modern scent from a heritage French perfumery brand, this was designed to evoke freedom and self-expression, and we can agree it smells beautifully unique.
While the main thrust of the scent comes from sexy, smoky, grown-up notes such as leather, cedarwood, and patchouli, it also contains lighter orange blossom which means it works just as nicely for daytime as it does evening. Good job it does, as we find that one spritz of this lasts all day. While this isn't necessarily a mainstream brand that's recognizable, that's all part of the appeal - it smells intense and luxurious, and you could be almost certain nobody else you know would be wearing it.
Replica is an excellent line of fragrances from uber-cool designer brand Maison Margiela, all designed to evoke an exact place and time. This one, of course, is meant to smell like a Brooklyn Jazz Club in 2013, which means tobacco smoke, sweet rum cocktails, and a racy peppery over-note to balance things out. As well as being a cool concept and appealing scent, we love how well-priced this cologne is compared with many other niche lines that run into the hundreds. Although the rum note is undeniably sweet, which won't suit everyone, the overall impression of the fragrance is grown-up enough to get away with it.
Behind every Diptyque scent is a story that gives even more meaning and understanding to what you smell. Orphéon was a nightclub bar not far from the location of the first Diptyque boutique in Paris. The notes in the fragrance all represent a different element of the club. There is cedar and vetiver to bring to life the old coffee tables and dance floor. Juniper and lemon are in there to conjure up gin fizz cocktails, while mastic and galbanum add a leathery note like tobacco and cigars. Then there’s powdery ylang-ylang, which represents the women that would frequent the club and amber for the men. The effect is heady, intoxicating and a scent like no other, which makes it all the more special.
Landing on our shelves in 2021, Mixed Emotions from Byredo is inspired by the tumultuous times around its launch date. “I hope that people read the label and identify with that sentiment in its simplest form, and then find something deeper to relate to the juxtaposition between the familiar and the unfamiliar,” says Ben Gorham, founder and creative director of Byredo. A comforting scent, sweet blackcurrant hits you first, before it evolves into a warming cup of tea that eventually dries down to a smoky bonfire. It's utterly addictive and will have you coming back for more.
If you’re looking for cool yet understated, turn your nose to Le Labo’s latest launch: Thé Matcha. Described as a ‘skin scent’, this fragrance is designed to mirror the clean, soft scent of your skin that can only be detected by those who are close by. Far from overpowering, this scent is quietly present and ideal for everyday wear. In terms of the fragrance itself, it is inspired by Japanese Matcha tea with, you guessed it, Matcha tea accord laced with creamy fig, soft vetiver, and warming cedar woods. If we had to describe this fragrance in one word, it would be grounding.
Inspired by smooth, flavourful whisky, The Gentleman Réserve Privée Eau de Parfum from Givenchy is a rich and boozy number that’s perfectly suited to a man with mature tastes. Beautifully balanced, the fragrance combines delicate florals with warming woods and fresh bergamot. At first, expect to be struck by a strong, boozy scent that soon makes way for a warm and comforting base where deep woods and chestnut steal the show. And it's this cozy base that lingers on the skin - getting better over time. While it may be too strong for summer, this is a great choice for the cold, winter months.
Sparkling citrus
There are lots of citrus notes in this fragrance making it quite zingy in nature, but they are paired with an equal amount of spice from ingredients like gingerbread and cinnamon, which create quite a warmth. It’s a fragrance that has the sophistication that older men might be after and a vibrancy that will appeal to younger guys too. Oh, and let's not forget that incredible studded bottle, which has visual drama aplenty.
Launched in 1999, this is a fragrance that has stood the test of time and for good reason. It is perfectly balanced; not too heavy, not too light, not too musky but not too sweet either. It’s the perfect amount of a little bit of everything and that makes it ultra-wearable for all ages and types. Of course, if you or whoever you are buying for like to push boundaries with scent and smell like nothing else then this might not suit. But as a nicely composed option many will love we can't fault it.
It would be difficult to catch a whiff of this ultra-juicy and crisp scent without smiling. It is citrus overload with pomelo, grapefruit, fresh grassy notes, and a mossy green vetiver base. It's fresh, aromatic, and would be as popular with women as men. Citrus notes don't tend to last as long on the skin as others do, but including them here at high parfum-level concentrations gives this cologne a fighting chance of getting through the day. Obviously, anyone who isn't a fan of citrus need not apply, but otherwise, this is a modern, delicious scent and a total winner.
This fragrance is one of the first to utilize technology in its creation and delivery like no other. In terms of the juice, it contains a molecule called styrallyl acetate. It has been used in perfume before but normally in small amounts. Here it has been used with ten times the normal amount. The scent was then tested on young men, using A.I. technology, to find out which emotions it aroused in the brain. The creators discovered it made them feel good, more confident, and more energetic. Bringing new meaning to the power of perfume. Then there’s the bottle. By simply holding your smartphone up to the robot’s head you become immediately connected to the Phantom world where you can play games, learn the Phantom robot dance. But perhaps more importantly than all of that, it smells good. It smells really good.
Prada is the brand that excels in understated elegance and this cologne is true to that. It’s citrus by nature but it’s not an overwhelming zesty scent. There’s a subtlety and quietness to it, thanks to the vetiver and lavender, that make it modern and classic. Brooding and mysterious actor, Jake Gyllenhaal is the face of the fragrance and we can’t think of anyone that embodies this scent more than him.
If it’s a fresh, clean scent that you’re after, turn your nose to this citrus number from Escentric Molecules. Combining the original Molecule 01 scent with mandarin, this fragrance has a juicy, fresh opening that gradually mellows to the original warm and woody base. A definite crowd pleaser, this simple scent is easy to wear, lightweight, and ultra-chic. The best part? It melds with your own skin’s chemistry to create something entirely unique – so even if your friends already have this fragrance, it will smell different on you.
Blended with 99% natural origin ingredients, this lively scent combines fresh bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit with spicy pink pepper and aromatic clary sage. Green and clean, this scent starts off with a citrus burst before it becomes more herbal and earthy. It's not at all sweet, in fact, this scent errs on the soapy side. While the herbal dry-down may not be for everyone, this is a good everyday fragrance that smells sophisticated and modern. As for longevity, we would describe it as moderate, lasting on the skin for approximately six hours.
Musky and sexy
Dark and powerful is how this fragrance is described by the brand, and we'd go along with that. As it is a parfum, it is a more potent version of both the EDT and EDP versions so would make one of the best men’s cologne options for those who like intensity and fragrances that last. There are still moments of delicacy, thanks to the lavender and grapefruit. It’s a great buy for the stylish man in your life regardless of age.
If you’re looking for a new scent for your partner to add a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your lives, look no further. This gorgeous scent is masculine but contains ingredients that have always typically been reserved for female perfumes, such as orange blossom, which makes it extra special and stops it from being too intense. It is sugary but not sickly and when it dries down there’s an almost incense-like quality to it. He’ll smell great in it and you’ll love smelling it on him. Win-win.
You can always rely on the best Chanel perfumes to make an impact and this, the latest in the ultra-luxe Les Exclusifs de Chanel line, is just that—impactful. With a name like Le Lion this was never going to be a wallflower perfume, was it? Instead the deep, rich, and warming scent blends an amber cistus labdanum blend with animalistic leather, creamy sandalwood, and a sparkly citrus top. All of this comes at an investment price, of course, but if you can afford to splash out this is a modern icon in the making.
Whilst this is a musky scent, the amber and patchouli are heady base notes in this, there is a lot of zest and citrus which lifts it up and makes it sparkle. It’s the sort of fragrance that everyone will like, which is why the franchise has proved so popular, but with that gold bottle, it perhaps makes the perfect gift for the man in your life that lives with a little bit of extra flair.
Penhaligon’s fragrances always tell a story, and this best-seller is no exception. Inspired by the precious goods traded with Turkey (including spices, soft leather, and exotic flowers), this fragrance takes its name from the small Turkish village of Halfeti, where black roses bloom on the banks of the Euphrates river. To capture their scent, perfumer Christian Provenzano combined Bulgarian rose with citrus fruits alongside spices, woods and musk. It’s bold, mysterious, and packs a spicy punch.
Inspired by a visit to the Majestic Hotel and Spa in Barcelona, this sunny scent is designed to evoke the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and lavish hotel surroundings. Warm, sensual, and seriously addictive – this fragrance features musk accord coupled with lavender, fig, and leather accord. We love how well-rounded this scent is, and how well it strikes the perfect balance between fresh and woody. It'll make a great pick as the warmer days fade into cozier fall vibes, we can imagine the wearer spritzing this onto a cream linen suit.
Fresh and aromatic
If ever there was a scent that encapsulated the 90s, surely this is it. Launched in 1992 L’Eau d’Issey has been selling strongly ever since and for good reason. This is a great fragrance that suits everyone whether you’re buying it for your husband, son, nephew, or boss. It’s not too flashy, too overbearing but it still says something. It’s not boring. It’s a classic scent that mixes a bit of citrus, with the right amount of spice and woodiness. In short, it’s wonderful.
L'Occitane may be better known for skin and bodycare products (deliciously scented ones at that) but this Provence-founded maison should not be overlooked for perfumery. This men's cologne is a great example of what this brand does so well – evocative, fresh and uncomplicated, yet very classy scent.
The notes are breezy and aquatic, with Mediterranean sea-inspired driftwood, sea salt, nutmeg and moss, making this a perfect choice for warmer months and holidays. It also has a sweet and herbal dry down from rosemary and bourbon, giving it a sexy kick that lingers on the skin. The balance is perfect and this cologne wouldn't alienate anyone young or old, so it would be a nice option for gifting too.
This is a brilliantly spicy fragrance that has some serious potency so once it’s sprayed, it lingers on the skin all day. And once the abundance of aromatic notes has dried down you do get a very subtle zesty note come through thanks to the yuzu, which lifts it. There is an older man’s sophistication to this but it would make a great ‘evening only’ option for a younger guy too. Also, much like any of the scents on this list it really needn't conform to gender norms, if you are a fan of spicy scents, it will also make one of the best Dior perfumes for women too.
It’s hard to not judge a book by its cover and that’s true of fragrances and their bottles. There will be some that will adore the funky, lightning bolt-inspired design, but there might be those that would look at it and assume it’s not for them, which is a shame. Because the juice inside truly works for all. The heavier notes of pepper and cedarwood give it a heaviness and sophistication but there is also green bergamot that adds a lightness that makes it smell like sunshine in a lightning bolt.
Created by the legendary Jo Malone during lockdown to celebrate freedom and living life, this is all those wonderful feelings in a bottle. The grapefruit adds some zing to set it apart from the cedarwood and it's the master craftsmanship that you get when you buy a Jo Loves fragrance that sets this apart from anything else. Quite simply because there is nothing else out there that smells anything like this.
Be transported to sunnier climes with this refreshing Tom Ford blend. Cool, salty with a citrus kick to boot, this sunny scent captures sun-drenched skin at the peak of summer. In the words of Tom Ford himself, “Costa Azzurra Parfum is a deeper expression of the original scent, capturing the feel of a hedonistic Mediterranean escape. I think we all need an escape right now.” We couldn't agree more. In terms of notes, bright lemon and mandarin combine with salty seaweed and earthy oak to create this warming concoction.
If it’s a green, aromatic and fresh fragrance that you’re after, turn your nose to this new scent from Acqua di Parma. Light-hearted and uplifting, this eau de cologne opens with a citrus burst of bergamot and lemon laced with punchy black pepper and aromatic rosemary. After three hours or so, the fragrance settles on the skin and transforms into a light and woody scent that’s seriously moreish. A great pick for summer through autumn – this scent is distinctive without being overpowering and has a dewy freshness that lingers all day long.
How to choose the best men's cologne
- Find out what they wear now: “The best piece of advice I could give when buying fragrance for someone else, is to find out what they already like,” advises Niamh Butler, head of training for Space NK. “It’s tempting to buy what you like the smell of, but you run this risk of them never wearing it.” Just make sure the scent you find is one he regularly wears. If you find something gathering dust in a drawer and wonder do perfumes expire the answer is yes, so it wouldn't be wise to base your choice on that.
- Learn fragrance strengths: “The difference between an EDT and EDP is that there is a higher concentration of fragrance oil in an EDP. Therefore it will be more expensive but it will last longer on the skin. The EDT will be less expensive but need topping up,” explains Karen Harris, head of marketing for The Perfume Shop. “Aftershave has around 80-90% alcohol content and a low percentage of oils so it’s soothing to apply directly onto the skin post-shave. Cologne is another low concentration. They are great for every day, but with only 5% aromatic compounds the scent will fade quicker.”
- Think about scent families: Finding out the ‘types’ of scents they like is more valuable than the specific notes contained within them. This is because perfumes are created like individual recipes, so even two bottles with the same notes can smell completely different. “There are some common fragrance families, which are citrus, green and fresh, woody and spicy,” explains Butler. “By staying in the same fragrance family as to something they already wear, you’re more likely to give them something they like.”
