Cologne And Suits: Mastering The Art Of Scent And Style

Wearing cologne with a suit can be a tricky affair. The key is to be strategic so that the scent lasts all day without being overpowering. It is recommended to apply cologne to the neck, wrists, and chest, as these areas generate heat and help diffuse the fragrance. One should also consider the strength of the cologne and whether it will stain the suit. It is generally advised to avoid spraying cologne directly onto the suit, as this can prevent the scent from developing fully and may damage the fabric. Instead, one should focus on applying cologne to the skin, preferably after a shower, and allowing it to dry before putting on the suit. This way, the cologne will complement the suit without being overwhelming.

Spray cologne on your neck

Spraying cologne on your neck is a great way to apply fragrance. The neck is a pulse point, and the heat from this area will help diffuse the scent throughout the day. It is also a strategic point of application, as the scent will be noticeable when you move your head, but not so strong that it becomes overpowering.

When applying cologne to your neck, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away to avoid over-application. You can spray the front and sides of the neck, but avoid the back of the neck, as this area tends to produce oil that can degrade the fragrance. The neck is a sensitive area, so be careful not to spray too much, as this can cause skin irritation.

If you are concerned about the scent being too strong, you can also spray the back of your neck, just above the hairline, or the front of your neck, below the jawline. This will ensure that the fragrance is more subtle, and you will still get whiffs of it as you move.

Some people prefer to avoid spraying the neck altogether, as they feel it is too close to the nose and can cause olfactory fatigue. Instead, they opt for spraying the chest, wrists, or inner elbows. However, many people find that spraying the neck is a great way to apply cologne, especially when paired with another application point, like the wrists or chest.

Apply cologne to wrists

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. You want your cologne to be discovered, not announced.

One of the best spots to apply cologne is the wrist, as it is a pulse point. Pulse points are areas on your body where your heart pulse can be felt. These are the best spots to apply scent due to the warmth of your blood.

When applying cologne to your wrists, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away and spray once on the back of each wrist. Avoid the common mistake of rubbing your wrists together, as this disrupts the molecules of the fragrance. Instead, press your wrists into your skin so that the cologne sits below the skin in the pulse point.

If you want to make your cologne last longer, moisturise the application area before spraying. The moisture will make the cologne last all day long. You can also apply cologne to your inner elbows, as they have a similar effect to the wrists due to body heat.

If you're wearing a suit, you might want to avoid applying cologne to your wrists if you wear a watch, or if your wrists will be in frequent contact with other surfaces.

Spray cologne on your armpits

When wearing cologne with a suit, it's important to remember that less is more. Cologne should be discovered, not announced. It should enhance your overall impression of being a sharp, put-together man.

One way to achieve this is to spray cologne on your armpits. While this may seem unconventional, the skin in your underarms absorbs fragrances quickly and holds the scent for a long time. This technique can be especially effective if you want to avoid getting any cologne on your suit. By spraying your armpits, you ensure that the scent stays close to your body and is only noticeable through subtle whiffs when you move.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when spraying cologne on your armpits. Firstly, make sure to apply fragrance-free deodorant before spraying cologne to avoid potential irritation and health risks associated with the pores and glands in that area. Additionally, be cautious of the amount of cologne you spray, as too much can cause burning or discomfort. It's also important to note that some people find spraying cologne on their armpits strange, so if you're concerned about social norms, you may want to stick to more traditional application areas like the neck and wrists.

If you decide to spray cologne on your armpits, hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin and start with a light application. You can always add more sprays if needed, but it's better to start conservatively to avoid over-application. Remember to let the cologne dry completely before putting on your suit to avoid any potential stains.

Put a handkerchief in your breast pocket

Pocket squares, also known as pocket handkerchiefs, are a great way to add a stylish accent to your suit. They come in a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, and linen, and can be found in a range of colours and patterns.

• Choose the right size: Pocket squares typically range from 10 inches to 17x17 inches.
• Select an appropriate colour and design: For business and professional events, opt for a pocket square that is a shade lighter than your jacket or a plain white pocket square. For weddings and more formal events, you can add a pop of colour or a subtle pattern.
• Fold your pocket square: There are several ways to fold a pocket square, including the Square Fold (or Presidential Fold), the Puff Fold, the Winged Fold (or Pointed Fold), and the Four-Point Crown Fold. The Square Fold is simple and classic, while the Puff Fold is versatile and suits all occasions. The Winged Fold is elegant and sophisticated, and the Four-Point Crown Fold adds a bit of flair to your look.
• Place the pocket square in your breast pocket: Ensure that the pocket square is folded neatly and placed flat in your breast pocket. Adjust it so that it fits snugly and all corners are well-matched and tidy.
• Experiment and have fun: Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours, patterns, and folding styles to find what suits your personal style and the occasion.

By following these steps, you can elevate your suit and tie your look together with a stylish pocket square.

Spray cologne on your forearms

When wearing cologne with a suit, it's important to consider the fact that the collarbones and neck are mostly covered by the jacket. Therefore, spraying your cologne on your forearms is a great way to ensure that your fragrance is noticeable when someone walks by. Here are some tips to help you make the most of spraying cologne on your forearms:

• Focus on the forearms as a strategic spot: The forearm is a heated area of your body, and applying cologne here will allow your natural body heat to diffuse the scent throughout the day. This creates a pleasant scent trail.
• Hold the bottle at the right distance: Hold the cologne bottle 3 to 6 inches away from your skin when spraying. Spraying too close may result in an overly strong application, while spraying farther away may cause the scent to dissipate too quickly.
• Start with a light application: Begin with a single spray on each forearm. You can always add more if needed, but it's better to start conservatively and increase the intensity gradually.
• Reapply if necessary: Depending on the strength of your cologne and the duration of your day, you may need to reapply. When doing so, simply dab a small amount onto your pulse points, such as your wrists or neck.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin: Rubbing the cologne can cause the scent to fade faster and alter how it blends with your natural aroma. Instead, let it dry on its own.
• Combine with other application areas: You don't have to spray cologne only on your forearms. Common areas to apply cologne include the neck, chest, inner elbows, and wrists. However, it's recommended to choose just one or two locations to avoid an overpowering scent.

Frequently asked questions