Cologne: Still A Staple In Men's Grooming?

While cologne remains popular, the concept of gendered fragrances is becoming less relevant. The fragrance industry is moving towards a more inclusive and individualised approach, with a rise in unisex and gender-neutral options. This shift challenges traditional associations of masculinity and femininity in scent profiles, allowing consumers to explore a wider variety of fragrances based on personal preference rather than gender norms.

Cologne is genderless

In the past, fragrances were marketed to men and women based on arbitrary gender distinctions. However, the fragrance industry is moving towards inclusivity and creating signature scents designed with everyone in mind. While colognes and perfumes are technically available for anyone to wear, they are often grouped into men's and women's fragrances, respectively. Navigating past this binary can feel like crossing a boundary, but it is important to remember that fragrance has no gender.

History of Gendered Fragrances

The fragrance industry started marketing perfumes and colognes with gendered traits around the same time that gender-specific colours like pink and blue were invented. As a result, fragrances were grouped into men's and women's categories based on the notes perceived as masculine or feminine. For example, perfumes for women tend to be more floral or fruity, while colognes feature woody, warm notes. However, this gendered approach to fragrance is actually a relatively modern idea.

Breaking Down Gender Barriers

Brands like Boy Smells, Snif, Byredo, and Malin + Goetz have offered gender-neutral scents from the start, formulating fragrances without gender in mind. These fragrances highlight scents that embody both masculine and feminine elements, blurring the lines between feminine and masculine. This shift towards inclusivity is not just a trend but a recognition that fragrance should be about personal style and preference rather than following gender stereotypes.

Choosing a Gender-Neutral Fragrance

When it comes to choosing a gender-neutral fragrance, the most important thing is to wear what makes you happy. Fragrance is very personal, and you should select a scent that you enjoy, regardless of whether it is marketed as masculine or feminine. There are now a variety of unisex fragrances available, from floral and light to woody and sophisticated, so you can find one that suits your unique taste.

Benefits of Genderless Fragrances

The move towards genderless fragrances offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows individuals to express their individuality and wear scents that reflect their personal style, rather than conforming to gender stereotypes. Secondly, it encourages people to explore a wider variety of fragrances and embrace different notes and combinations. Finally, it contributes to a more inclusive beauty industry that caters to all genders and breaks free from restrictive gender labels.

Occasion-appropriate cologne

While it's now encouraged to wear any fragrance you like, it's still important to be occasion-appropriate. Here are some tips for choosing the right cologne for the right occasion:

At the office

A rich and boozy scent might smell amazing, but it's not the best choice for a corporate job interview. Instead, opt for something light with an aromatic undertone to keep the airspace around you fresh without causing your colleagues headaches. Citrus scents are a good choice, although they do tend to diminish more quickly than others, so keep a travel atomiser in your bag for a midday top-up.

Post-work drinks

When socialising with colleagues, switch up your cologne or perfume to something heady and distinctive, such as amber or ambergris. Or play it safe with a modern classic like Givenchy Gentleman, which is woody and aromatic without being overpowering.

Job interview

Choose a scent that's clean and subtle, such as an eau fraiche, which contains just 1-3% essential oils. This will leave a lasting impression without causing bouts of sneezing.

Date night

Pick out unique notes like pomegranate, bamboo and coconut. Be mindful not to go overboard, as strong fragrances can alter one's sense of taste and ruin dinner. A spritz in each collarbone before getting dressed is enough.

Dinner party

The challenge here is to find a scent with enough power to be noticed over the scent of food, enough staying power to save you from repeat bathroom top-ups, and enough restraint to keep itself to itself. Seek out a heavy base like oud that’s been dialled down by lighter notes such as vanilla and rose.

Weddings

Weddings are so formal that it would be remiss not to smell as smart as you look. Opt for an eau de parfum, which typically holds the highest percentage of essential oils, allowing them to linger until the final slow song. Scents that evoke the odours of more tropical climes, such as neroli, Sicilian lemon and jasmine, are a good choice.

Seasonal cologne

While some people stick to a "`signature fragrance`" all year round, others like to adapt their scent to the seasons. The latter approach is very common in countries with distinct seasons, such as in Europe and Canada.

Seasonal perfumes are blended to flatter the conditions outside as well as the sentiment or personality associated with each time of year.

In spring, floral, fruity notes are popular. Peonies, orchids, cherry blossom, peony, lilac, freesia, and lily-of-the-valley are perfect for turning heads.

In summer, temperatures rise, and so do we, heading off on sunny holidays. It's time to opt for incredibly fresh fragrances. Citrus notes are refreshing, while lavender and green tea are invigorating and thirst-quenching. Marine notes are also popular as they remind us of sea spray.

In autumn, the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, but that doesn't mean you have to give up. This season, focus on warm, enveloping fragrances that are full of character. Strong scents with woody and spicy notes are ideal. Musk, sandalwood, and vanilla are the ultimate notes to warm things up.

In winter, it's time for rich, bold scents to reinvigorate sleepy senses. Perfumes with warm notes of amber, cinnamon, and musk are ideal for their comforting and soothing effect. It's also the season for gourmand fragrances: we can’t resist notes of caramel, vanilla, honey, and even cotton candy.

Of course, you don't have to stick to the rules. As one fragrance expert puts it, "a summer scent is a marketing construct, much like the idea of a gendered scent. One can wear any type of scent in any season and have it 'work', depending on the desired effect. Perfume is about fantasy".

Signature scents

While the concept of a "signature scent" is becoming less popular, with people instead opting to experiment with a variety of fragrances, there are still those who prefer to stick to one distinctive fragrance.

Choosing a Signature Scent

According to fragrance enthusiasts, it is recommended that you go with your gut when choosing a signature scent. Try a variety of fragrances on your skin and opt for niche brands, as they are often genderless and may make you feel more comfortable branching out. It is also important to remember that choosing a cologne is a personal experience, and you should consider factors such as your personal style, the occasion, and the season.

Popular Choices for Men's Colognes

Some popular choices for men's colognes include:

• Dior Sauvage: a fresh and magnetic fragrance combining bergamot, pepper, and woody accords.
• Creed Aventus: a blend of pineapple, birch, and musk, exuding confidence and charisma.
• Acqua di Gio by Giorgio Armani: a timeless classic that captures the essence of the sea with marine notes and citrus undertones.
• 1 Million by Paco Rabanne: a bold and modern fragrance.
• Chrome by Azzaro: a vibrant and captivating scent.
• Tom Ford: a brand known for luxurious and sophisticated scents with unique ingredients.
• Yves Saint Laurent (YSL): a range of classic and modern fragrances, with YSL Y as a popular signature scent.

Unisex Fragrances

In recent years, there has been a rise in unisex or gender-neutral fragrances, with more people embracing a genderless approach to scent. Some popular unisex fragrances include:

• CK One by Calvin Klein: a unisex scent that has been a bestseller since its launch 30 years ago.
• California scents by Louis Vuitton: the brand's first-ever gender-neutral line.

Women's Preferences

When it comes to women's preferences for men's cologne, opinions vary. Some women find cologne attractive and consider it a turn-on, while others are not fans of cologne at all. Some women prefer their partners to have a signature scent, while others appreciate a variety of fragrances. It is generally advised to wear cologne in moderation and to avoid overpowering scents.

Popular cologne brands

While the concept of cologne is evolving, with gendered fragrances becoming a thing of the past, cologne remains popular. Some of the most popular cologne brands include Chanel, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, and Tom Ford.

Chanel's Bleu de Chanel is a popular men's cologne, with fresh, clean, and sensual notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It can easily transition from day to night, making it a versatile option.

Dior's Sauvage is another well-known cologne, with earthy and woody notes inspired by nature. It features warm notes of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood, creating an elegant and refined scent.

Ralph Lauren's Polo Black is a classic and timeless fragrance that combines bold notes of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir. It is a memorable and distinctive scent.

Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Gio is an aquatic-inspired cologne with fresh and clean notes of rosemary, musk, bergamot, neroli, and patchouli. It has endured as a classic scent since its release in 1996.

Tom Ford's Tobacco Vanille is a high-end cologne with a sweet and spicy blend of ginger, tobacco, and cocoa. It is a luxurious and indulgent fragrance that has gained a dedicated following.

Other popular cologne brands include Versace, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Paco Rabanne, and Burberry, offering a range of unique and captivating fragrances that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Frequently asked questions