Stetson Cologne: Cowboy Culture Or Just A Scent?

Stetson cologne is a range of fragrances for men, manufactured by the brand famous for its cowboy hats. The cologne was first released in 1981, and its marketing has often centred around the idea of the 'cowboy'. However, the scent of the cologne has been described as old-fashioned feminine and not very butch, with some people expressing confusion over the cowboy association. Nevertheless, Stetson cologne has been well-received, with its original fragrance winning Men's Fragrance of the Year in 1982. The brand has since released several other fragrances, including Stetson Black, Stetson Country, and Stetson Caliber, each with their own unique scent and personality.

What does Stetson cologne smell like?

Stetson cologne is described as a cultured mixture of woody masculinity with spicy arrogance, but just enough to make [you] want more before the subtle sweetness ripped through [your] senses."

The original scent, released in 1981, is a woody chypre fragrance with top notes of bergamot, lime, clary sage, lavender, and lemon. The middle notes are carnation, vetiver, geranium, orris root, patchouli, jasmine, and cedar, and the base notes are musk, honey, amber, Tonka bean, and vanilla.

The scent is said to have a strong initial aromatic burst that dries down quickly, with subtle honey undertones that bring it back to a contemporary plain. It is considered more traditional and is best suited to mature men.

Other variations of the cologne include Stetson Black, Stetson Country, Stetson Caliber, Stetson All American, and Stetson Rich Suede, each with its unique blend of accords and notes, catering to different preferences and personalities.

Overall, the Stetson cologne range offers a blend of woody, spicy, aromatic, and powdery scents, capturing the spirit of the Wild West and the modern-day cowboy.

Who is it marketed towards?

Stetson cologne is marketed towards men, with some sources specifically stating that it is aimed at modern men. The brand Stetson is globally famous for manufacturing quality products, including its colognes, and has been described as all-American. Stetson's colognes are said to capture the spirit of the Wild West and the American frontier, with scents reminiscent of the landscapes of the West and the smell of sage after rainfall.

The colognes are also described as rugged and masculine, with spicy, woody, and sweet notes. Stetson's range of colognes includes fragrances with names like "Stetson Original", "Stetson Country", and "Stetson All American", which evoke a sense of heritage and tradition. The brand has partnered with Coty, another large American fragrance manufacturer, to produce its colognes, further emphasising its American identity.

Stetson colognes have been endorsed by celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey and NFL quarterback Tom Brady, and have won multiple awards, including Men's Fragrance of the Year. The brand has a rich history, dating back to 1865 when John Stetson invented the cowboy hat. The Stetson name has become synonymous with the Wild West, and this association is reflected in the marketing of its colognes.

While Stetson colognes may be particularly appealing to those who embrace the "cowboy aesthetic", they are not exclusively marketed towards cowboys. Instead, they seem to be targeted towards men who appreciate rugged, masculine scents and the nostalgia of the Wild West. The brand's celebrity endorsements and awards also suggest that the colognes are aimed at a wider audience beyond just cowboys.

What are some similar colognes?

Stetson cologne is a popular fragrance for those wanting to embrace the cowboy aesthetic. However, it is not exclusively for cowboys, and there are several alternative colognes that can evoke a similar vibe.

Some similar colognes to Stetson include:

• Avon Wild Country: This fragrance has a strong powder element and is described as smelling like a "very old barbershop done right". It comes in a tequila-like bottle with a bull logo, adding to its cowboy appeal.
• Gucci Guilty Absolute: With its leather and spartan scent, presented in a whiskey flask-like bottle, this cologne certainly fits the cowboy style.
• Avon Leather: This cologne has some sweetness in the drydown and is packaged in a boot-shaped bottle, making it a perfect fit for the cowboy image.
• Tauer Lonestar Memories: A niche fragrance that is often mentioned in the same breath as Stetson when it comes to cowboy-esque colognes.
• Tom Ford Tuscan Leather: A rugged leather scent that is pricier but exudes quality.
• Memoirs of a Trespasser by Imaginary Authors: This cologne is said to remind people of cowboys sitting around a campfire drinking hot chocolate.
• Yellowstone Ride by Tru Fragrance: Another option that is well-suited to those embracing the cowboy aesthetic.
• DS & Durga Cowboy Grass: A favourite of some that evokes a grassy, woodsy, slightly smoky, and citrus scent.
• Terre d'Hermes: While not specific to cowboys, this fragrance could be something a cowboy might wear.
• Fahrenheit by Dior: This fragrance has been compared to Stetson Black, with some noting that Stetson Black is a cheaper alternative to Fahrenheit.
• British Sterling Cologne HIM (His Imperial Majesty) Private Stock: This cologne is said to be reminiscent of Stetson.

These colognes offer a range of options for those seeking a fragrance that aligns with the cowboy aesthetic, whether it be through their scent, packaging, or overall image.

Is it a quality brand?

Stetson cologne is a quality brand, manufactured by Coty, a large American fragrance company. Stetson's colognes have been endorsed by celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey and NFL quarterback Tom Brady. Stetson's colognes have also won fragrance awards: Stetson Original won Men's Fragrance of the Year in 1982, and Stetson Country tied for Men’s Fragrance of the Year in 1999. Stetson Black also tied for Men’s Fragrance of the Year, in 2006.

Stetson colognes are described as having a rugged, masculine scent, with notes of cedar, pine, and fir, as well as the smell of sage after a downpour. The brand has been described as "all-American", embodying the culture, heritage, and attitude of the nation. Stetson's colognes are also said to be reminiscent of the Wild West, with a contemporary twist.

The brand has a long history, dating back to 1865 when John Stetson invented the cowboy hat. Stetson released its first cologne in 1981, and the brand has since expanded its Western empire worldwide. Stetson's colognes are said to have desirable qualities, with complex notes and evolutions that make them unique and memorable.

While some people may associate Stetson cologne with cowboys, others have expressed that the scent does not match this image. Some have described the fragrance as more feminine or not rugged enough for a cowboy. However, the brand has a positive reputation for its quality and longevity, with some reviewers noting that the cologne has a pleasant dry-down and good longevity.

Overall, Stetson cologne is a well-known and respected brand with a rich history and unique fragrances that have garnered celebrity endorsements and awards. The colognes offer a contemporary take on the Wild West and are known for their masculine scent, making them a popular choice for those who want to evoke the spirit of the American West.

What are some reviews of the product?

Reviews of Stetson cologne are mixed, with some calling it a classic and distinctive, and others finding it cheap and synthetic. Here is a selection of reviews from across the internet:

Positive Reviews

One reviewer on Basenotes describes Stetson as a great oriental chypre with notes of vanilla and patchouli, and compares it favourably to other fragrances in the same genre, such as Clubman, Canoe, and Wild Country. They also appreciate the kitsch value of the flask-shaped bottle.

Another reviewer on Basenotes provides an in-depth analysis of the fragrance, noting its place in the history of the Coty brand and its significance within the genre of "cowboy colognes". They describe the scent as a repackaging of older concepts, with a composition more similar to early 20th-century women's drugstore chypres than a typically masculine fragrance. Despite this, they argue that Stetson is a distinctive and important scent and recommend it for those who enjoy classic oriental/chypre fragrances.

A reviewer on Fragrantica calls Stetson a "very sophisticated, complex fragrance for a very low price". They note its powdery, floral, and very feminine character, and express surprise at its marketing as a men's fragrance. However, they conclude that it is a "wonderful scent" and recommend it for those who enjoy old-school, complex fragrances.

Another reviewer on Fragrantica describes Stetson as a "beautiful, classic chypre" and expresses surprise at its low price. They note the fragrance's longevity and consider it suitable for both men and women.

A reviewer on Reddit recommends Stetson as a "cowboy-type cologne/fragrance", stating that their father wears it and he is a cowboy.

Negative Reviews

One reviewer on Basenotes expresses disappointment with Stetson, calling it "not the most exceptional of '80s men's fragrances". They find the scent too feminine, comparing it to their mother's home cooking, which they took for granted until they moved out.

A reviewer on Fragrantica describes Stetson as a "very feminine scent" and expresses confusion as to why it is marketed as a men's fragrance. They note the strong jasmine note and the sickly sweet amber dry-down, concluding that it is "too bad" that the rest of the character is not as tenacious.

Another reviewer on Fragrantica expresses a similar sentiment, calling Stetson a "very feminine fragrance" that is "disguised as a man's cologne". They find the scent too floral and powdery, and while they acknowledge that it is long-lasting, they ultimately consider it a "desperation in a bottle".

A reviewer on Basenotes describes Stetson as a "cheap and basic" fragrance, comparable to Old Spice and Aqua Velva. They find the scent too synthetic and consider it cynically marketed as "rugged and manly".

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