Colognes: Why Women Should Embrace Them, Too

In a world where scent is often used to express identity, it is not uncommon to wonder if it is unusual for a woman to wear cologne. Traditionally, cologne has been associated with men, while perfume is typically marketed towards women. However, these are simply conventions, and there are no rules prohibiting a woman from wearing cologne. In fact, many women find that they prefer the scent of cologne and enjoy experimenting with masculine or unisex fragrances. Ultimately, the most important thing is to wear what makes you happy and feel confident, regardless of whether it is labelled as a men's or women's fragrance.

Why do some women prefer men's cologne?

While some women may find it unusual for another woman to wear men's cologne, it is not uncommon for women to enjoy and use fragrances typically marketed towards men. Ultimately, a person's fragrance preference is subjective, and wearing cologne is a matter of personal choice.

• Attractiveness and Perceived Masculinity: Some women may find that certain men's colognes enhance their perception of masculinity or attractiveness. Scents like Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, for instance, are described as "alpha male fragrances" that exude confidence and a mature vibe. Similarly, Gucci Guilty Eau Pour Homme is said to convey the message, "I'm a man, not a boy." These colognes can be appealing to women who want to embrace or be associated with these qualities.
• Familiarity and Comfort: Women may develop a preference for men's cologne due to positive associations with particular scents. For example, a woman might find comfort and familiarity in a cologne that reminds her of a partner, family member, or close friend. The scent could evoke feelings of warmth, security, or happiness, making it appealing to wear.
• Uniqueness and Individuality: Some women might view wearing men's cologne as a way to stand out and express their unique personality. They may want to avoid the typical floral or fruity fragrances marketed towards women and instead opt for something less conventional. By wearing a men's cologne, they can express their individuality and make a statement about their style.
• Clean and Fresh Scents: Many women appreciate men's colognes for their clean and fresh scents. Fragrances like Calvin Klein CK One and Bleu de Chanel are known for their citrusy, aquatic, or musky notes, creating a crisp and invigorating aroma. These types of scents can be appealing to women who want to feel refreshed and confident throughout the day.
• Sentimental Value: In some cases, a woman may develop a preference for a men's cologne due to its sentimental value. For example, she might have worn her father's or grandfather's cologne as a child and now associates it with fond memories. Wearing that particular cologne could bring back feelings of nostalgia and comfort.
• Intense and Long-lasting Fragrances: Men's colognes are often designed to be more intense and long-lasting than women's perfumes. Fragrances like Dior Sauvage and Amouage Reflection Man are known for their strong projection and longevity. Women who want their fragrance to be noticeable and enduring might prefer these types of colognes.

Is it acceptable to call men's cologne 'perfume'?

While the use of the terms "cologne" and "perfume" to refer to gendered fragrances is common, it is not technically correct. The terms actually refer to the concentration of oils in the fragrance, with perfume containing a higher concentration of oils than cologne. This means that perfume has a stronger scent and lasts longer than cologne.

The gendered use of these terms appears to be mostly an American phenomenon, with people from other parts of the world finding it strange. In British English, for example, all men's fragrances tend to be called "aftershave", while in Canada, "aftershave" refers to a specific type of product designed to be used after shaving, which has a fragrance but is different from what Americans call cologne. In other parts of the world, such as Europe, "Eau de Cologne" refers to one very specific type of fragrance.

Some people find the gendering of fragrances to be unnecessary and choose to wear fragrances designed for the opposite sex or fragrances that are marketed as unisex.

Given that the terms "cologne" and "perfume" have different technical meanings from their common usage, it is not inherently wrong to refer to men's fragrances as "perfume". However, doing so may cause confusion or be seen as strange by some people, especially those who are not familiar with the technical definitions of these terms.

Are perfumes and colognes technically unisex?

While many people associate perfume with women and cologne with men, the two terms technically refer to the concentration of oils in a fragrance. Typically, "perfume" is used to refer to fragrances with a higher concentration of oils, while "cologne" refers to those with a lower concentration. However, due to marketing and societal norms, the terms have become gendered, with "perfume" typically being used for women's fragrances and "cologne" for men's.

The gendering of fragrances is a relatively modern concept, with fragrances being used interchangeably by men and women until the end of the 19th century. The first unisex perfume launched on the market is considered to be Calvin Klein's CK One in 1994, which celebrated gender neutrality and became a symbol for a generation seeking to break free from social norms. Since then, an increasing number of brands have launched gender-free fragrances, with major brands such as Chanel, Hermès, and Giorgio Armani offering exclusive collections with a unisex focus.

Some people argue that fragrances are inherently unisex, and that the gendering of scents is purely a marketing strategy. Others acknowledge the gendering of fragrances but choose to wear scents typically associated with the opposite gender, whether that's a woman wearing a "masculine" cologne or a man wearing a "feminine" perfume. Ultimately, the choice of fragrance is a personal one, and individuals should feel free to wear whatever scent they enjoy, regardless of the gender it is marketed towards.

Why do some women like to wear men's cologne?

There are several reasons why some women like to wear men's cologne. One of the main reasons is that they simply prefer the scent of men's cologne over women's perfume. Some women find men's fragrances to be cleaner, fresher, and less overwhelming than typical women's perfumes, which can be too flowery or sweet. Men's cologne is also often associated with a sense of cleanliness, evoking the scent of someone who has "just jumped out of the shower".

Another reason is that wearing men's cologne can be seen as a form of rebellion or a way to express a more masculine or androgynous side. Some women enjoy the unexpectedness of wearing a scent typically associated with men, finding it mysterious and sexy. It can also be a way to feel more connected to a male partner, friend, or family member, by sharing and associating with their scent.

Additionally, some women find that men's cologne lasts longer and lingers more effectively than women's perfume. The stronger scent of men's cologne can also be more memorable and make a bigger impact on those around them.

Furthermore, some women may prefer the simplicity of men's fragrances, which are often less complex and heady than women's perfumes. This can be especially appealing to those who are sensitive to strong scents or prone to headaches from overpowering fragrances.

Lastly, wearing men's cologne can be a way for women to experiment with their sense of smell and create their own unique, signature scent by layering fragrances.

What are some popular men's colognes that women like to wear?

It's not weird for a woman to wear cologne, and there are many popular men's colognes that women like to wear. Here are some examples:

Dior Sauvage Elixir

This cologne has a fresh, classic fragrance with addictive notes of lavender, grapefruit, and sandalwood, along with Haitian vetiver. It has a strong base that fills the room for hours.

Nishane Hundred Silent Ways

This cologne offers a beautiful array of white florals, including tuberose and gardenia, masterfully blended with a solid base of sandalwood and vetiver. It creates a soapy, addictive scent trail that is hard to resist.

Bleu de Chanel EDP

A timeless classic that falls into the blue fragrances category. It has a sharp, citrusy aroma with a sweet woodsy vibe that is inviting and enchanting.

Acqua di Parma, Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi

This cologne blends the tanginess of bergamot with sweet, delectable figs, leaving creamy woody fig vibes that are pleasant for men and women alike.

Ramz Lattafa Silver

A clone of JPG's Ultra Male, this cologne has strong mint vibes with sweet citruses and soft woods. It is befitting all year round and leaves a strong scent trail.

Scandal Pour Homme

This cologne exudes seductive and sensual vibes with dominant notes of gooey, sweet, and caramel, braced by the clean, airy vibe of vetiver. It is extremely attractive and is sure to turn heads.

Paco Rabanne One Million Parfum

An interesting blend with an eccentric cola scent, bright citrus, soft white florals, and distant salty vibes. It has a neat, office-friendly trail with creamy leather and cashmeran.

Hermès Terre d’Hermes Parfum

A wonderful flanker of Terre d’Hermes, this cologne opens with invigorating incense and earthy, green nuances from oakmoss and benzoin. The dry-down is bright with citruses and faded spicy ginger nuances with woody vibes.

Lattafa Bade’e Al Oud Oud for Glory

This cologne introduces a fresh territory of oud, with masculine vibes that are not too harsh or rugged. It maintains a sophisticated composition, leaving a strong, head-turning scent trail.

Kilian Angels’ Share

A borderline genderless fragrance, Angels’ Share is a boozy, gourmand scent with notes of cognac, cinnamon, tonka bean, vanilla, praline, and sandalwood. It is steeply priced but will bring waves of compliments.

These are just a few examples of popular men's colognes that women enjoy wearing. Ultimately, there is no problem with a woman wearing a cologne that is typically marketed towards men if she likes the scent.

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