Floral Fragrances: Are They Suitable For Men?

Floral fragrances have long been considered feminine, but this stigma is slowly fading as men become more daring with their fashion choices. In fact, many popular men's fragrances contain floral notes, such as jasmine, rose, and lavender. While some men may be wary of wearing florals due to cultural stigma, there is a growing trend of men embracing these scents and challenging traditional gender norms. Ultimately, fragrance is subjective, and individuals should wear what smells good to them without worrying about the packaging or marketing.

Why men should wear floral fragrances

A Historical Perspective

The association of flowers with men is not a new concept. In fact, it has a rich history. The greatest kings used to stuff their sleeves with blossoms, so they could be greeted by a pleasant aroma. Even Napoleon's fragrance contained orange blossom, which is also at the heart of all eaux de cologne, alongside lavender.

Breaking Stereotypes

The notion that flowers are inherently feminine is a stereotype that has been challenged by many. Flowers are a universal phenomenon, applicable to all aspects of life, and their use and inspiration should not be restricted by gender. Men are becoming more daring with their fashion choices, and the same is happening with colognes. It's time to leave the "Sport" or "Aqua" fragrances behind and embrace the floral trend.

A Subtle and Elegant Option

Floral fragrances are often associated with subtlety and elegance. They can be intimate and light, making them a perfect choice for those who prefer a softer, more delicate scent.

A Wide Range of Options

There is a vast spectrum of floral fragrances available, from fresh and invigorating scents with hints of jasmine and violet to more intense and complex blends with notes of incense, black pepper, coffee, and leather. Whether you prefer something classic or niche, there is a floral fragrance for everyone.

Unisex Appeal

Many floral fragrances are marketed as unisex, blurring the gender boundaries of scent. Notes such as iris, lavender, and neroli are commonly found in both men's and women's fragrances, and some floral scents are even considered more masculine than feminine.

Individuality and Confidence

Ultimately, choosing a fragrance is a personal decision. Wearing a floral scent can be a way to express individuality and confidence, challenging societal norms and embracing a new olfactory experience. As Eric Weiser, co-owner of Twisted Lily, says, "If you want to run through a field of flowers, nobody's going to give a damn."

How floral fragrances are perceived on men

Floral fragrances on men are often perceived as daring, confident, and a sign of masculinity. While some people may associate floral scents with femininity due to cultural stigma, it is becoming more common for men to embrace and rock floral fragrances, moving beyond the fear of being scared away by a flower or two.

In reality, many men's fragrances contain floral notes, even if they are not explicitly advertised as such. For example, orange blossom and lavender are key ingredients in eaux de cologne, and jasmine is a common ingredient in men's colognes, providing a fresh and invigorating scent.

Some men who wear floral fragrances are seen as making a statement of quiet, confident masculinity. They are embracing the power of flowers, which have long been associated with strength and power. For instance, kings of the past would stuff their sleeves with blossoms, and Napoleon's fragrance contained orange blossom.

The perception of floral fragrances on men is also influenced by individual preferences and body chemistry. Some people may find certain floral notes, such as rose and tuberose, too feminine or bouquet-y, while others appreciate their intimate and light character. Ultimately, it is about what smells good to the individual, and many men are finding that floral fragrances are a perfect fit.

In addition, the distinction between feminine and masculine fragrances is often artificial and subjective, as marketers create distinct packaging and advertising to target specific gender groups. However, many fragrances strike a middle ground, attracting both genders, and some companies even repackage a fragrance as "unisex" when it gains popularity with the opposite gender.

Overall, the perception of floral fragrances on men is evolving, and it is becoming more accepted and admired for men to embrace their floral side.

The history of men wearing floral fragrances

The use of perfume dates back to the ancient Ottoman Empire, with the practice then spreading to Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. During its first uses, perfume was not distinguished by gender. However, over time, floral fragrances became associated with femininity, and the use of perfume by men was largely limited to hygiene and shaving products.

During the Middle Ages, men and women both used perfume, without distinction in gestures or compositions. The hygienic and medical functions of perfume were paramount, as strong scents were used to mask body odours and protect against disease. Citrus, floral, and herbal-based scented waters were commonly used by both sexes.

In the 17th century, Eau de Cologne revolutionized perfumery, and it was embraced by men and women alike, including Napoleon. However, by the 20th century, the use of perfume by women had become more aesthetic, while men's perfumery was still largely associated with shaving and hygiene rituals.

The turning point for men's perfumery came at the end of the 19th century with the creation of Jicky by perfumer Aimé Guerlain. This fragrance combined synthetic ingredients such as vanillin with musk, resulting in a powerful and modern scent that was initially too strong for women but quickly adopted by men. This marked the beginning of the emergence of men's perfumery as a distinct category.

In the 1930s, the first men's eaux de toilette appeared, featuring fresh and aromatic scents of vetiver and lavender. These comforting scents maintained a link to the barber ritual, as men's perfumery was still closely associated with shaving.

It wasn't until the 1970s that men's perfumery truly came into its own, freeing itself from the confines of shaving rituals. The cultural shifts brought about by the hippie movement and sexual liberation played a role in this transformation. Men began to embrace a wider range of scents, including patchouli and woody fragrances, moving beyond the traditional "clean" and "fresh" scents.

By the 1980s, men's fragrances became bolder and more full-bodied, reflecting a desire to project virility and dominance. However, with the emergence of the gay community in the 1990s and the rise of the metrosexual trend, men's fragrances also embraced freshness and lightness, leading to the success of unisex fragrances.

Today, the distinction between men's and women's fragrances is becoming increasingly blurred, and men are embracing a wider range of scents, including floral notes.

Examples of floral fragrances for men

Although floral fragrances are typically associated with women's perfumes, they are becoming an increasingly popular choice for men who wish to challenge traditional gender norms.

• Dior Eau de Sauvage Eau de Toilette: This fragrance contains jasmine, but you'll mostly smell citrus and vetiver, making this a classic choice for any man.
• Diptyque L'Ombre dans l'Eau: This eau de toilette has a base of rose and is a favourite among male clients.
• Bvlgari Eau Parfumée au thé Vert Eau de Cologne: Bvlgari's tea-inspired scent contains hints of jasmine and violets, resulting in a fresh and invigorating fragrance.
• Aedes de Venustas Eau de Parfum by L'Artisan Parfumeur: This signature scent includes iris, rose, and strawflower, surrounded by smoky masculine notes of incense, black pepper, coffee, and leather.
• Cartier Déclaration d'Un Soir: A modern reimagining of the original Cartier Déclaration, likely worn by your dad, with a hint of rose.
• HYLNDS Isle Ryder Eau de Parfum: This fragrance has a jasmine heart, laid on a base of poplar buds and northern tree resins like spruce and black pine, resulting in a unique scent.
• Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur: Geranium, a more cleansing and astringent form of rose, is the focus of this scent, which is a favourite of Mr Malle himself.
• Hermes Equipage Geranium: A modern take on the 1970 spicy, woody, and complex scent, this fragrance is a cool, minty, and rose-like geranium with a base of woody sandalwood.
• Zaharoff Signature Bloom: A masterclass in jasmine scents, with a resinous backbone of smoky olibanum and warm myrrh, accented by coconutty sweet jasmine and gardenia.
• Fragonard Cologne Grand Luxe: A zesty neroli with cool, soapy lavender, tangy lemon, and tart bergamot peels, this fragrance has a vintage feel while remaining modern and authentic.
• Parfums MDCI Invasion Barbare: A complex and intriguing barbershop scent, with the clean powderiness of lavender sweetened by rich vanilla and violet, and spiced with cardamom.
• Montale Jasmin Full: A believable, uplifting, and green jasmine scent, with the stems, leaves, and flowers all embodied, freshened by the sunniness of orange blossom.
• Dior Homme Intense: A highly praised, formal, and casual fragrance featuring sweet, powdery lavender mixed with iris and ambrette.
• Nicolai Fig Tea: A fruity scent featuring osmanthus and fig, with a healthy dose of osmanthus and a hint of orange.
• Cartier Declaration d'un Soir: A unique, airy, fresh, and sweet rose scent with black pepper and sandalwood, making it more approachable for men.
• Dior Sauvage Elixir: A unique and potent fragrance featuring an expensive form of lavender with tones of coniferous resin, along with amber, licorice, cinnamon, and a woody sandalwood dry down.
• Etro ManRose: This fragrance updates the traditional rose scent with tough, rounded notes of bergamot.
• Maison Francis Kurkdjian Lumiere Noir Pour Homme: A clever construction that represents the rose's journey from wet bud to blossom, with masculine notes of patchouli, artemisia, and caraway on the dry down.
• Atelier Cologne Café Tuberose: Coffee grounds the rose in this fragrance, resulting in a unique combination.
• Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Or Encens: Rose essence is given a deep and brooding feel with the addition of vetiver and ambery woods.
• Frederic Malle Dominique Ropion Geranium Pour Monsieur: Geranium, with its minty, grassy, and green scent, is the perfect perfume partner, keeping notes super fresh.
• Hugo Boss Bottled: Geranium is used as a base in this fragrance to keep the juice heady.
• Yves Saint Laurent Y: Geranium is used to toughen up fruity notes in this fragrance.
• Ermenegildo Zegna Elements of Man Integrity: African geranium is used as a base in this fragrance.
• Givenchy Gentleman: This fragrance includes lavender, added to darker woody notes, resulting in a lifted and lightened scent.
• Dolce & Gabbana Intenso: Lavender is mixed with woody notes and musk to create a fresh and modern scent.
• Cire Trudon Bruma: Violet is mixed with gourmand notes like cinnamon and vanilla, lifting each ingredient to another level.
• Tom Ford Noir: Violet is mixed with dark leathery notes, resulting in a slightly bitter scent suitable for everyday wear.
• Byredo Rodeo: Violet is mixed with leather, midnight violet, and suede, and grounded with vetiver and black amber.
• Acqua Di Parma Colonia Pura: Aromatic qualities of jasmine are brought out by this fragrance, adding a mysterious quality.
• Roja Dove Elysium Pour Homme: Jasmine adds a punch to this fragrance, bringing out mysterious qualities.
• Tom Daxon Magnolia Heights: A small amount of jasmine adds a punch to the creaminess of magnolia.
• DS & Durga White Peacock Lily: Jasmine is a key player in this fragrance, adding an aromatic quality.

So, there you have it! A selection of floral fragrances for men, challenging traditional gender norms and offering a unique and refreshing take on masculinity.

Unisex fragrances

Some popular unisex fragrances include:

• Shaman by MiN New York, which features notes of violet, rose, incense, patchouli, and absinthe.
• Le Labo's Rose 31, a favourite of both men and women.
• Byredo's Gypsy Water, which contains orris.
• L'Artisan Parfumeur's Rose Privée, with pink-petal detailing.
• Brioni's magnolia-centric eau de toilette.
• Acqua di Parma Colonia, a classic men's fragrance with a hint of floral.
• Dior Eau de Sauvage Eau de Toilette, a modern masculine scent with jasmine, citrus, and vetiver.
• Diptyque L'Ombre dans l'Eau, a rose-based fragrance popular with male clients.

These fragrances showcase the diverse and appealing nature of unisex fragrances, offering something for everyone regardless of gender.

Frequently asked questions