Lance Carson
While the term perfume is typically associated with fragrances marketed towards women, it is not uncommon for men to use perfumes as well. However, the language surrounding men's fragrances can vary across different cultures and regions. In the United States, for example, the term cologne is often used to refer specifically to men's fragrances, while perfume is generally associated with women's fragrances. This differentiation is largely driven by marketing tactics and cultural perceptions of gender. In other parts of the world, such as Europe, the term cologne refers to a specific type of fragrance, and using it as a blanket term for all men's perfumes would be akin to calling every car a Ford. The terminology surrounding men's fragrances is evolving, and terms like aftershave and fragrance are also used to avoid gender connotations and provide a more inclusive language for scent preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gender association | Perfume is generally assumed to be for women, whereas cologne is for men. |
| Regional variations | In the US, men's perfume is typically called cologne. In the UK, aftershave lotion is a common term. In Canada, aftershave and cologne are used interchangeably. |
| Concentration | Perfume typically has a higher concentration of aromatic compounds than cologne, making it longer-lasting and stronger-smelling. |
| Marketing | The distinction between men's and women's fragrances is largely a marketing tactic. |
| Social perceptions | There is a perceived association between wearing a fragrance and increased attractiveness and confidence. However, there is also a fear of overusing fragrance and being perceived negatively. |
| Cost | Niche fragrances made from higher-quality ingredients tend to be more expensive, typically costing over $50. Designer fragrances are more affordable, ranging from $25 to $150. |
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What You'll Learn
- Men's perfume is referred to as 'cologne' in the US and Canada
- 'Fragrance' is a gender-neutral term used to refer to both men's and women's perfume
- Aftershave is the generic word for men's perfume, just as 'perfume' is for women
- 'Eau de toilette' or 'eau de parfum' are terms used in the UK and France
- 'Parfum' is gender-neutral and refers to highly concentrated scents
Men's perfume is referred to as 'cologne' in the US and Canada
In the United States and Canada, men's perfume is commonly referred to as cologne. This usage of the term "cologne" is believed to have originated from the perfume Eau de Cologne, which was created by Johann Maria Farina (also known as Giovanni Maria Farina) in 1709 in Cologne, Germany. "Eau de Cologne" was used as a perfume and was delivered to several royal houses in Europe. Its widespread fame led to other businessmen selling their fragrances under the name of "Eau de Cologne".
In modern times, "Eau de Cologne" or "cologne" has become a generic term for scented formulations with a typical concentration of 2-5% essential oils or a blend of extracts, alcohol, and water. The term "cologne" is now often used as a gendered term for perfumes marketed towards men, particularly in North America. This gendered usage of the term is believed to be a marketing tactic, allowing men to feel comfortable purchasing perfume without feeling feminine.
However, it is important to note that the categorization of fragrances is based on the concentration of perfume oils rather than gender. The term "cologne" refers to a specific concentration range, typically with a lighter scent and lower alcohol content than perfumes categorized as parfum or eau de parfum.
While "cologne" is commonly used as a gendered term for men's perfume in the US and Canada, some individuals may still use the term perfume or the more gender-neutral term "fragrance" when referring to men's fragrances.
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'Fragrance' is a gender-neutral term used to refer to both men's and women's perfume
The use of the term "perfume" varies across different cultures and languages. In some cultures, such as in America, the term "cologne" is commonly used for men's fragrances, while "perfume" is typically associated with women's fragrances. However, the notion of gendered perfume is becoming obsolete, and the fragrance industry is moving towards gender neutrality.
Fragrance is inherently gender-neutral, and the categorisation of perfumes as masculine or feminine is largely a result of marketing tactics and societal influences. The distinction between men's and women's perfumes is often based on stereotypes and societal constructs that associate specific scents and packaging designs with gender. For example, floral and fruity fragrances are typically marketed as feminine, while "harder" scents with darker colours and names evoking masculinity, like "Sauvage" and "Le Male", are targeted towards men.
However, these gender associations are not inherent to the fragrances themselves. In fact, throughout history, fragrances have been used and enjoyed by people of all genders without strict gender divisions. For instance, in the 17th century, perfumes were widely used across Europe as a luxury item, with individuals choosing fragrances based on their personal scent preferences rather than gender norms. Similarly, in cultures like the French and Arab, perfumes are often used without regard for gender, and men may prefer floral scents.
Today, the fragrance industry is witnessing a shift towards gender neutrality. Niche brands like Byredo, Frédéric Malle, Diptyque, and Escentric Molecules are leading this revolution by challenging stereotypes and offering fragrances that appeal to a diverse range of consumers regardless of gender. This movement aligns with broader societal trends where the boundaries between "masculine" and "feminine" are becoming blurred, and individuals seek to express their individuality free from traditional labels.
The term "fragrance" is often used as a gender-neutral alternative to "perfume" or "cologne". Online communities like r/fragrance on Reddit provide inclusive spaces for discussions about retail perfumes and scented personal care products, regardless of gender. This shift towards gender-neutral terminology and marketing not only challenges outdated gender norms but also promotes sustainability by reducing the need for multiple gender-specific versions of similar products.
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Aftershave is the generic word for men's perfume, just as 'perfume' is for women
The use of the word "aftershave" to refer to men's fragrances likely stems from the historical role of aftershave as the most common grooming product for men. In the mid-20th century, particularly after World War II, men’s grooming routines were typically simple, and aftershave was a key product. Used primarily to soothe and disinfect the skin after shaving, aftershave gained widespread popularity due to its practical purpose. It was also one of the few scented products marketed directly to men at the time.
At the same time, the word "perfume" was culturally associated with women, leading to the perception that men needed a more masculine term for their scents. As a result, the word "aftershave" began to be used colloquially as a catch-all term for any male-oriented fragrance product, even those that weren't technically aftershave. This usage is particularly prevalent in British culture.
However, it is important to note that the terms "cologne" and "fragrance" are also commonly used to refer to men's scents. In the United States, for example, advertisers began referring to all men's perfumes as "cologne" to differentiate them from hygiene products, which had a feminine connotation. By using "cologne," American men could feel more comfortable buying perfume without feeling feminine.
Today, an increasing number of fragrances are marketed as unisex, and brands have moved away from gendered advertising. Fragrances are now more often characterized on a spectrum of more masculine or feminine. While the terminology used to describe men's fragrances may vary, it is important to understand the distinctions between different types of fragrances to ensure you are purchasing the right product for your needs.
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'Eau de toilette' or 'eau de parfum' are terms used in the UK and France
The terms "Eau de toilette" and "Eau de parfum" refer to the concentration and intensity of a fragrance. They are French terms that are used universally to describe different types of perfumes.
"Eau de toilette" is derived from the French term "faire sa toilette", which means "getting ready". It refers to a less concentrated fragrance, with a typical concentration of between 5-15% or 8-12% of fragranced oils. The scent is often light and fresh, making it suitable for everyday use and summer.
"Eau de parfum", on the other hand, contains a higher concentration of fragranced oils, typically ranging from 15-20% or 12-18%richer, more intense, and longer-lasting, making it ideal for special occasions or evening wear.
The distinction between the two types of fragrances is important for consumers, especially when choosing a scent that suits their preferences and the occasion.
Now, onto the question of how boys refer to perfume. It is observed that the term “cologne” is often associated with men's fragrances, particularly in American culture. In the UK, the term “aftershave” is commonly used for men's fragrances. However, some men do refer to their fragrances as “perfume” or “fragrance” to avoid gender associations.
In summary, while "Eau de toilette" and "Eau de parfum" are terms used to describe the concentration and intensity of fragrances, the language surrounding men's fragrances varies, with some men adopting terms like "cologne" or "aftershave" to distinguish their fragrances from those typically associated with women.
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'Parfum' is gender-neutral and refers to highly concentrated scents
The use of the word "perfume" to refer to a feminine fragrance and "cologne" for a masculine fragrance is largely an American cultural phenomenon. In other parts of the world, such as Europe, the term "cologne" refers to a specific type of fragrance, and using it as a blanket term for all men's fragrances would be akin to calling every car "a Ford".
The distinction between perfumes and colognes based on gender is primarily a marketing tactic. Historically, perfume was not gendered, and both men and women used fragrances without any gender distinctions. For instance, Louis XIV, a French monarch, was known to perfume himself with orange blossom. It was only from the 19th century onwards that gender stereotypes emerged in the world of fragrances. With the emergence of a new middle class, perfume was no longer an exclusive luxury product, and companies began to target their products towards women, packaging delicate floral fragrances in elegant, curved bottles.
However, the tide is turning, and the gendering of fragrances is increasingly being challenged. In 1994, Calvin Klein launched CK One, the first "unisex" perfume, which was an instant success. Since then, many brands have followed suit, offering fragrances for men, for women, and unisex fragrances. These unisex fragrances are typically described as fresh, sporty, and neutral, lacking the seductive notes of their gendered counterparts.
At the heart of the matter is the fact that fragrance is inherently gender-neutral. Perfumers do not create perfumes with the intention of making them masculine or feminine. The idea of gendered fragrances was originally a marketing technique, capitalising on the gender stereotypes of the time. Today, some brands are moving away from gender-specific marketing, focusing instead on the quality of their ingredients and the art of composition.
When it comes to the concentration of fragrances, "parfum" or "fragrance" refers to the entire fragrance concentrate, containing 20-40% fragrance oils. It is a highly concentrated form of fragrance, followed by Eau de Parfum (15-20%), Eau de Toilette (5-15%), and Eau de Cologne (2-5%). Parfum, therefore, is a gender-neutral term referring to a highly concentrated scent, which can be used by anyone regardless of gender.
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Frequently asked questions
The male equivalent of perfume is cologne.
In America, advertisers began referring to all men's perfumes as colognes to differentiate because hygiene products had a feminine association.
Yes, "fragrance" is a gender-neutral term that can be used to refer to perfumes and colognes.
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