The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Wearing cologne is a great way to make a good first impression. It can make you appear more successful, polished, and refined. It can also be a mark of good hygiene and health, fostering emotional connections and helping you stand out from the crowd. However, it's important to know how and when to wear cologne to avoid an overpowering scent. The key is to use it sparingly and to apply it to the right areas, such as the neck, wrists, or chest. It's also crucial to avoid wearing cologne in enclosed spaces or during certain activities where it might be inappropriate.

How much cologne should you wear?

The consensus is that, when it comes to cologne, less is more. You want your cologne to be subtle and understated, complementing and enhancing your style, not overpowering it.

When applying cologne, it's best to start with a light application. You can always add more later if needed. A single spritz on one or two warm areas of the body is usually enough. These areas, or 'hot spots', include the chest, forearms, inner elbows, lower jaw, neck, shoulders and wrists. Choosing just one or two of these locations ensures your scent doesn't become overwhelming.

It's important to hold the bottle at least 3 to 6 inches away from your body when spraying. If you spray any farther away, the scent may dissipate too quickly; any closer, and it may be too strong.

You should also avoid spraying cologne directly onto your clothes. Certain sprays can stain and damage materials, and the scent will be muted when applied to fabric. Cologne is designed to be applied to the skin, where it uses your body heat to slowly and consistently release the fragrance throughout the day.

It's also worth noting that our nasal receptors become rapidly desensitized to new odours, meaning we can often overdue it with the amount of cologne we apply. If in doubt, ask a friend or family member if the strength of your fragrance is appropriate.

Finally, there are certain situations where it's best to avoid wearing cologne at all. These include outdoor activities, confined spaces with a lot of people (such as an airplane or elevator), and culinary experiences (such as a wine tasting or restaurant).

When is it appropriate to wear cologne?

Knowing when to wear cologne is an important part of learning about fragrance. While cologne can be worn every day, there are certain times when it is more or less appropriate to wear it.

In general, if you’re going to be around other people, it’s good to wear cologne. You can wear it to work, on a date, to a social event, or even just when running errands. It can be a great way to make a good first impression and boost your confidence. However, it's important to be mindful of the setting and the people around you.

For work, it is best to keep your cologne understated and subtle. Go for something refined, such as citrus or floral scents, which are delicate and sweet without being too feminine. These types of fragrances are also ideal for daytime wear as they tend to smell "clean" and fresh.

For social events, whether after work or over the weekend, you can opt for a more distinctive scent. Woody colognes mixed with spices, for example, are often associated with Italian gentlemen.

For special occasions, like a wedding or a date, you can experiment a bit more with your cologne. Go for a muskier scent with subtle undertones of citrus or tobacco, but be careful not to go too strong, especially if it’s a first date!

However, there are times when it is best to avoid wearing cologne altogether. If you know you’re going to be in an enclosed space for a long period, such as on a commercial flight or road trip, it is best to leave the cologne in the bottle. This is because even a tiny amount of cologne can build up and become overwhelming in such spaces. Similarly, if you're going to be engaging in physical activities like going to the gym, climbing a mountain, fishing, or playing basketball, it is not appropriate to wear cologne as it will eventually lose to your body odour when you start sweating.

Additionally, if you're going to a wine tasting, a culinary experience, or perfume shopping, it is best to avoid wearing any fragrance so that you don't clash with or drown out other scents.

Lastly, there are times when you want to be more muted, such as at a funeral, and cologne can be too attention-grabbing. The same goes for job interviews and first dates—you don't want the impression you make to be that you've used too much cologne.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. It's always better to start with a light application and add more if needed than to apply too much and risk overwhelming those around you.

How do you apply cologne?

How to Apply Cologne

Applying cologne is an art form. Done properly, it can make you feel more attractive and confident. Done incorrectly, and you risk overpowering those around you, or having a scent that fades almost immediately. Here is a guide on how to apply cologne correctly.

Step 1: The Right Time to Apply Cologne

Cologne is not always necessary, but it is generally acceptable. Big events, such as weddings, funerals, parties, or a night out are all good times to wear cologne. It is also important to be mindful of your surroundings. For example, some people may be allergic to cologne, so it is best to be sensitive to this when sharing indoor spaces with others.

Step 2: Choosing Where to Apply It

Apply cologne to your pulse points. These are the areas of your body that produce a lot of body heat, and the heat will help the fragrance to continue to smell good all day long. The insides of your wrists, behind the ears, your neck, and your chest are all good spots. Choose one or two locations to ensure the scent is not overpowering. Keep it clear of areas where you sweat excessively.

Step 3: Preparing to Apply

Take a shower first. The hot water will open your pores, providing a good base for the cologne.

Step 4: Applying Cologne

Hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from your skin and spray. One spray on one or two spots is enough. If your bottle doesn't have a spray nozzle, use the dabbing method. Cover the open bottle with your finger, tip it upside down, then right it and put it down. Dab the liquid on your finger and apply it to the chosen area.

Do not rub the cologne into your skin, as this can change the scent and make it fade faster. Simply spray or dab and let it dry.

Step 5: Reapplication

Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When doing so, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

What are the best cologne scents?

Choosing a cologne can be a daunting task, as there are countless options available, from fruity and sweet to woody and musky. The best colognes feature the right balance of notes, wearability, and shelf appeal. Here are some of the top colognes for men to help you decide:

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

A fresh, clean, and sensual scent from Chanel, this cologne includes notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It can be worn during the day or at night and is perfect for a date. It comes in various sizes, including 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, and 5 oz.

Dior Sauvage

Inspired by nature, this cologne from Dior has earthy and woody notes with hints of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood. It is perfect for those who want to wear a refined, non-overpowering scent during the winter.

Ralph Lauren Polo Black

A bold and aromatic fragrance, Ralph Lauren's Polo Black combines iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir for a bittersweet aroma. It is an excellent choice for those who want to stand out and be noticed.

Creed Aventus

Introduced in 2010, this best-selling cologne from Creed features crisp top notes of apple, blackcurrant, pineapple, and bergamot, with heart and base notes of birch, patchouli, vanilla, and musk. It is inspired by the life of a historic emperor and symbolizes strength, power, and success.

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club

Imagine yourself in a dimly lit jazz club, surrounded by cigar smoke and leather chairs. This cologne captures that atmosphere with warm and spicy notes of pink pepper, rum, and tobacco. It is perfect for the fall and winter months when you want to feel cozy and comfortable.

Tom Ford Oud Wood

Oud wood is a precious and expensive ingredient, and this cologne by Tom Ford nails the woody scent. Combined with cardamom, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, and amber, it creates a signature scent that is like warming up by a cozy fire.

Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense

This cologne combines the earthy scent of Namibian myrrh tree sap with warm almond and vanilla notes of tonka bean, resulting in a rich and full-bodied fragrance. Hints of lavender, honey, hay, and tobacco make it versatile for any occasion or season.

Azzaro The Most Wanted

This captivating cologne from Azzaro captures your attention with its cardamom top notes and then reveals layers of caramel and toffee accord, followed by a base of amber woods. It is a sweet, cozy, and energizing scent perfect for fall and winter.

Versace Eros

Presented in a chic, Art Deco-style bottle, Versace Eros is both fresh and tropical. It features notes of mint, orange, and woody vanilla, creating a refreshing scent perfect for summer or any other season.

Acqua di Parma Colonia

One of Acqua di Parma's most popular colognes, Colonia is a fresh and citrusy scent suitable for any occasion. It includes key notes of lemon, bergamot, lavender, and patchouli, providing a bright and uplifting aroma.

Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio

Released in 1996, this classic scent has stood the test of time. Inspired by the ocean, it combines cypress, musk, bergamot, neroli, rosemary, and patchouli for a fresh and earthy fragrance perfect for everyday wear.

These are just a few examples of the best cologne scents available. When choosing a cologne, it is essential to consider your preferences, the occasion, and the desired impression. Remember to apply sparingly and avoid overdoing it, as too much cologne can be overwhelming and unpleasant.

What are the benefits of wearing cologne?

There are several benefits to wearing cologne, which can be a powerful way to make a great impression on those around you.

Firstly, cologne can make you appear more successful and sophisticated. The sense of smell is the strongest of the five senses and is closely linked to memory and emotion. A high-quality scent can help people take notice of you and feel something about you. It shows that you care about your appearance and can make you seem more polished, refined, and put together.

Secondly, cologne can be a mark of good hygiene and health. It can make you feel more hygienic and help ease feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, while boosting relaxation, confidence, and energy.

Thirdly, cologne can make you stand out from the crowd. Not every man wears cologne, so having a signature scent can help you be unique and leave a lasting impression, especially if it has top, middle, and base notes.

Lastly, cologne can help you focus and foster emotional connections. Citrus scents, in particular, can improve focus, while bergamot can elevate your mood. Smell is the most powerful sense and is linked to memory and emotion, so a unique, high-quality cologne can help you form deep connections with those around you.

It is important to remember that cologne should be used sparingly and applied correctly. It should be applied to the skin, not clothing, and used after showering, with a focus on the warmest areas of the body, such as the chest, neck, and wrists.

Frequently asked questions