Chaps by Ralph Lauren is a men's cologne that was first launched in 1979. It is described as a woody Chypre fragrance with notes of lavender, lime, bergamot, lemon, clary sage, and anise, alongside heart notes of sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli, and vetiver, and base notes of moss, amber, vanilla, and musk.
Chaps was produced by L'Oreal USA, who discontinued the line several years ago. However, it is still possible to find vintage bottles of the original fragrance for sale online, as well as newer versions of the scent that have been released by Ralph Lauren.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Year of Launch | 1979 |
Brand | Ralph Lauren |
Perfumer | Josephine Catapano |
Top Notes | Lavender, Lime, Bergamot, Lemon, Clary Sage, Anise |
Middle Notes | Sandalwood, Jasmine, Patchouli, Vetiver, Orris Root, Carnation, Cedar, Geranium |
Base Notes | Moss, Amber, Vanilla, Musk, Benzoin, Honey, Tonka Bean, Leather |
Fragrance Type | Woody Chypre |
Fragrance Longevity | 12+ hours |
Scent Sillage | Heavy |
Target Audience | Ages 26-55 |
Best Season to Wear | Autumn/Fall |
Best Occasion to Wear | Daytime |
Current Price Range | $60.44 to $62.86 |
What You'll Learn
Chaps' scent notes and ingredients
Chaps by Ralph Lauren is a woody chypre fragrance for men, first launched in 1979. The top notes of the fragrance include lavender, lime, bergamot, lemon, clary sage, and anise. The middle notes consist of sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, orris root, carnation, cedar, and geranium. The base notes are made up of moss, amber, vanilla, musk, benzoin, honey, and tonka bean.
The cologne opens with fresh notes of bergamot, lemon, lime, and sage. The heart notes of spices are completed with jasmine and lavender, and the base notes of patchouli, oak moss, sandalwood, vetiver, leather, amber, and vanilla.
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Chaps' popularity and awards
Chaps by Ralph Lauren was a popular men's cologne launched in 1979. It was a woody Chypre fragrance with top notes of lavender, lime, bergamot, lemon, clary sage, and anise; middle notes of sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, orris root, carnation, cedar, and geranium; and base notes of moss, amber, vanilla, musk, honey, benzoin, and tonka bean.
The cologne was known for its strong and long-lasting scent with excellent sillage, and it was marketed with Western imagery, including a spokesman who evoked the spirit of the rugged cowboy: Tom Selleck.
Chaps won a FIFI award in 1980, and it remains popular even after its discontinuation, with people seeking out vintage bottles online and through other means. It has received numerous positive reviews, with some calling it a "masterpiece" and a "classic," and many expressing nostalgia for the scent and wishing for its return. However, there are also some negative reviews, with some finding the scent too strong, crude, or dated.
Overall, Chaps by Ralph Lauren appears to have been a well-loved and popular fragrance during its time, with a dedicated following that continues to this day.
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Chaps' availability to buy online
Chaps by Ralph Lauren is available to buy online from several retailers, including Macy's, eBay, and FragranceNet.com.
On eBay, Chaps is available in various sizes, including 1 oz, 1.7 oz, 1.8 oz, 2.5 oz, 3.4 oz, and 6 oz. The listings include both new and vintage bottles, with some described as "rare" or "discontinued". Prices range from $315.20 for a 3.4 oz spray to $124.99 for a 1 oz aftershave.
Macy's offers gift sets for Chaps cologne, including a 2-piece set for $91.70 and a 3-piece set for $94.50.
FragranceNet.com offers a 7-piece gift set for Chaps by Ralph Lauren, which includes a 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray, a 2.6 oz Deodorant Stick, a 2.5 oz After Shave Balm, a 2.5 oz Body Wash, a 2.6 oz Soap, and a .25 oz Mini EDT Spray. The set is priced at $49.19.
In addition to these retailers, Chaps by Ralph Lauren can also be found on other online marketplaces and fragrance websites.
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Chaps' discontinuation
Chaps by Ralph Lauren was a cologne for men with top notes of lavender, lime, bergamot, lemon, clary sage, and anise; middle notes of sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, orris root, carnation, cedar, and geranium; and base notes of moss, amber, vanilla, musk, benzoin, honey, and tonka bean. It was first launched in 1979 and was a FIFI award winner in 1980.
The cologne was discontinued by L'Oreal USA, the producer of Chaps, several years ago. The Chaps clothing line has since adopted a preppy image, which no longer fits with the rugged, cowboy-esque image of the cologne.
Chaps by Ralph Lauren is still available for purchase on some websites, but these are likely old bottles.
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Reviews of Chaps
Chaps by Ralph Lauren is a woody chypre fragrance for men, first launched in 1979. It has top notes of lavender, lime, bergamot, lemon, clary sage and anise; heart notes of sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, orris root, carnation, cedar and geranium; and base notes of moss, amber, vanilla, musk, benzoin, honey and tonka bean.
However, other reviewers are less positive. One describes it as "quite possibly the worst-smelling cologne I ever had the unfortunate displeasure of putting my nose on". Another says that it is "too strong, crude and rough".
> "Chaps is quite possibly the worst-smelling cologne I ever had the unfortunate displeasure of putting my nose on. It's Kerosene rubbed on a leather saddle just taken off a sweaty horse after a long run."
> "I just bought this for cheap off a flea market app, two bottles almost full (with box and faux leather bottle case). The box says copyright 1979. It smells just like everyone is saying below: leather and spice. The dry down isn't terrible, it does soften up a bit. But these days, no man should go out in public smelling like this."
> "Chaps by Ralph Lauren was, by far, my favourite cologne. Without fail, I would get a compliment every time I wore it – and I honestly mean 'without fail'!"
> "I associate this scent with barf. I've done that for over 30 years. To this day I can't smell this stuff without wanting to gag."
> "Chaps does not fit my personality at all. The smell reminds me of a cowboy who just wrestled a sweaty bull. That is fine if you want to smell like you just got off the range, but for an urban IT professional it just doesn't work."
> "I LOVE Chaps. It's my favourite cologne for men. It screams masculinity and strength, with no apologies."
> "I still remember the scent and that I didn't like it. I was probably 18 at the time (1982) and a friend of mine had it in his backpack at the beach. All I know is that to my untrained nose (at that time) that it was waaaaay too heavy for the summer."
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Frequently asked questions
Chaps by Ralph Lauren was discontinued several years ago, but you can still find it on some online stores and auction sites.
Chaps is a woody chypre fragrance with top notes of lavender, lime, bergamot, lemon, clary sage, and anise; middle notes of sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, orris root, carnation, cedar, and geranium; and base notes of moss, amber, vanilla, musk, benzoin, honey, and tonka bean.
Chaps by Ralph Lauren was launched in 1979.
The nose behind Chaps by Ralph Lauren is Josephine Catapano.
Similar fragrances to Chaps by Ralph Lauren include Stetson by Coty, Sandalwood by Elizabeth Arden, and Gucci Pour Homme by Gucci.