Do Men Still Wear Cologne Every Day?

The percentage of men who wear cologne on a daily basis varies across different countries. While a man from Puerto Rico estimates that 15% of men in the country wear cologne daily, a man from Germany suspects that the figure is less than 5%. In Denmark, it is estimated that less than 20% of men use cologne on a daily basis. In the US, estimates vary widely, with some guessing that 10% or less of men wear cologne regularly or frequently, while others estimate the figure to be around 32% or even higher. Interestingly, a report from market researcher Mintel suggests that 55% of men wear cologne, while another source estimates that 63% of men wear cologne occasionally and 23% wear it all the time. These varying estimates highlight the difficulty in accurately determining the percentage of men who wear cologne daily, as it can depend on a range of factors such as demographics, cultural background, and individual preferences.

Cologne application methods

While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to applying cologne, there are some general guidelines that can help you get the most out of your fragrance. Here are some tips on how to apply cologne like a pro:

Shower First

The heat from a shower opens up your pores, providing an excellent base for the cologne. Cleansing your skin also ensures that your cologne doesn't mix with other scents, allowing it to develop into your unique signature scent.

Hold the Bottle 3-6 Inches Away

When spraying cologne, hold the bottle about 3 to 6 inches away from your body. Holding the bottle any closer may result in over-application, while spraying from further away may lead to under-application.

Apply to Heated Areas of the Body

Apply cologne to areas of your body that generate heat, such as your neck, wrists, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to blend with your body chemistry.

Start with a Light Application

It's better to start with a light application and gradually increase if needed. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and begin with one spray. If you feel that the scent fades too quickly, choose another area and apply an additional spray the next time.

Reapply if Necessary

Depending on the type of cologne and the occasion, you may need to reapply. When reapplying, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Spraying on Clothing: Applying cologne directly to your clothes prevents it from mixing with your natural oils, resulting in a flat and monochrome scent. It can also stain or damage certain fabrics.
• Splashing on Skin: If your cologne doesn't have a spray nozzle, avoid splashing it onto your skin. This can lead to over-application. Instead, place your finger over the opening and gently tip the bottle before dabbing the scent onto your body.
• Spraying and Walking Through: This method renders the cologne almost useless, as most of it ends up on the floor instead of your body.
• Rubbing into Skin: Rubbing cologne into your skin breaks the molecular bond, causing the scent to fade faster. It's best to simply dab or spray and let it dry.
• Over-application: A subtle enhancement is best. Start light and ask for feedback from others if needed.

Choose the Right Cologne

Selecting a cologne that complements your natural body chemistry and fits your lifestyle is crucial. Consider the concentration and longevity of the fragrance, and choose a scent that appeals to you. Test different colognes on your skin to see how they react with your body chemistry before making a purchase.

How often men wear cologne

The frequency with which men wear cologne varies across different countries and cultures. While some men wear cologne daily, others reserve it for special occasions or nights out.

Occasional vs Regular Use

According to a Basenotes forum, 63% of men wear cologne occasionally, and 23% wear it all the time. However, this statistic does not include aftershave or body sprays. Excluding these products, the percentage of men who wear cologne daily is likely to be lower.

Another source estimates that 33% of people regularly wear cologne or perfume, while a different estimate puts this figure at 20%. However, these estimates are not specific to men.

Regional Differences

The percentage of men who wear cologne also varies by region. For example, in the USA, some estimates place the regular or frequent wearing of cologne at about 10% or less, while others estimate it to be higher, at around 20%.

In Denmark, the daily use of cologne among men is estimated to be below 20%. In Puerto Rico, it is estimated to be around 15% for the overall population and 35% for businessmen.

Cologne Application

The way cologne is applied can also influence its longevity and perceived frequency of use. It is recommended to apply cologne directly to the skin, especially the heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. Spraying cologne on the clothes is not advisable as it can prevent the scent from developing and may harm certain fabrics.

While the exact percentage of men who wear cologne daily is challenging to determine, it is clear that a significant number of men incorporate cologne into their daily or occasional routines, with regional variations influencing the frequency of use.

Cologne concentration levels

The percentage of men who wear cologne varies depending on the source and the location. A thread on the discussion board Basenotes, for example, includes estimates from men in various locations. A man from Germany suspects that fewer than 5% of men use cologne daily, while another from Spain claims that 80% of men do, but that this number decreases to 10% if you exclude those who have fewer than two bottles. A man from Abu Dhabi estimates that 110% of men wear cologne, accounting for expatriates who have adopted the practice. In the USA, estimates range from 10% or less to 32%.

While the percentage of men who wear cologne is unclear, the concentration levels of cologne are more straightforward. The concentration of a fragrance refers to the strength of the fragrance and is identified by descriptions like Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum. The higher the concentration, the more pure the fragrance, as there is a greater amount of perfume oils and less alcohol. The higher the concentration, the longer the fragrance will last, and the higher the price.

• Parfum: 20-40% concentration of perfume oils
• Eau de Parfum: 15-20% concentration of perfume oils
• Eau de Toilette: 5-15% concentration of perfume oils
• Eau de Cologne: 2-5% concentration of perfume oils
• Eau Fraîche: 1-3% concentration of perfume oils

It's worth noting that these concentrations can vary from fragrance to fragrance, depending on how a particular brand blends their scents. Additionally, different concentrations may have different notes, so it's worth exploring a fragrance in all its different concentrations before deciding on your favourite.

The evolution of a scent

Ancient Times

Perfumes and fragrances have been used by humans for thousands of years, with some sources claiming their use dates back to ancient Egypt. Back then, there was no gender distinction when it came to fragrances, and they were used during religious ceremonies and to mask unpleasant odours from things like smoke, rotting food, and open sewers. The term "perfume" is derived from the Latin "per fumus", meaning "through smoke", reflecting the Egyptians' practice of burning wood and resins to create scented smoke to communicate with the gods.

The Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the use of perfume continued, and it began to be associated with hygiene and shaving rituals. Scented waters based on citrus fruits, flowers, or herbs were commonly used by both men and women. Eau de Cologne, created in the 17th century, revolutionized the industry with its fresh, citrusy, and herbal notes, becoming a favourite of Napoleon.

The Birth of Male Fragrance

The first male fragrance was created in 1709 by Jean-Marie Farina, who crafted a special scent called Eau de Cologne to honour his new hometown in Germany. This fragrance stood out from the heavy scents that dominated the market at the time, and its popularity quickly spread throughout Europe. However, it was not until the end of the 19th century that male fragrances began to evolve further. In 1889, Aimé Guerlain created Jicky, a powerful fragrance that combined synthetic ingredients like vanillin with musk. While it was initially too strong for women, it was quickly adopted by men and became an explicitly masculine fragrance in 1904, known as Mouchoir de Monsieur.

The 20th Century

The 20th century saw a revolution in men's fragrances, with the first men's eaux de toilette appearing in the 1930s. These fresh and aromatic scents, often made with vetiver and lavender, marked a shift towards fragrances being used for pleasure and self-expression rather than just hygiene. The hippie movement and sexual liberation of the 1970s further blurred the gender boundaries in perfumery, with both men and women embracing woody and patchouli scents.

The 21st Century

Today, the distinction between men's and women's fragrances is becoming increasingly blurred, with men embracing a wider range of scents, including floral and powdery notes. The market for men's fragrances is constantly evolving, with new fragrances being introduced and a growing interest in unisex options.

The best spots to apply cologne

While there are varying estimates of the percentage of men who wear cologne, it is clear that a significant proportion of men do use fragrances. Now, for the best spots to apply cologne:

Firstly, it is important to apply cologne to clean skin, preferably immediately after showering, as this ensures that your skin is free of other scents and allows your pores to be open, helping the scent absorb better. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your body to avoid over-application.

It is recommended to start with a light application and choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, for the initial spray. If you find that the scent fades quickly, choose another area to spray the next time. You can also re-apply by dabbing a small amount onto your pulse points if needed.

Additionally, it is generally advised to spray cologne directly onto your skin rather than your clothes. Fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, enhancing and prolonging the scent. Applying cologne to your skin also helps prevent staining or damaging your clothing.

However, some people prefer to spray their cologne on their clothes, especially if they want the fragrance to last longer. If you choose to do this, spray it on a small area, such as the collar or cuff, rather than all over your clothes. Keep in mind that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and cause stains or discolouration, so always test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Frequently asked questions