Colognes: Still Stylish Or Stale?

Wearing cologne is an important part of a man's personal style and can make him feel more attractive and confident. However, knowing how to apply cologne is an art form, and if not done properly, it can lead to over-application or a scent that fades quickly. While the rules for wearing cologne have become more flexible, with men now encouraged to wear whatever fragrance they like, there are still some guidelines to follow to avoid making a mistake with this invisible part of your personal style.

How much cologne to wear

The amount of cologne you should wear depends on the strength of the cologne, the occasion, and personal preference. The general consensus is that it is better to apply too little than too much. Cologne should be a subtle enhancement to your image, not an overpowering presence that fills the room.

Most sources recommend between two and four sprays of cologne. However, this depends on the concentration of the cologne. The higher the concentration, the fewer sprays you will need.

• Eau de Cologne: Around 2-4% concentration. Less potent, with the shortest duration.
• Eau de Toilette: Between 5 and 15% concentration. A very popular option.
• Eau de Parfum: A concentration of 15-20%. Considered strong and long-lasting.
• Perfume Spray: Approximately 20-30% concentration. Rare for men’s cologne.

Where to Apply Cologne

Apply cologne to your pulse points or warmest areas of the body. These areas include the neck, chest, shoulders, wrists, and inner elbows. Cologne is designed to interact with the heat of your body to slowly and consistently release the fragrance throughout the day.

How to Apply Cologne

• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away from your skin when spraying.
• Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin after application.
• Reapply to your wrists when the fragrance wears off.
• Do not spray the cologne into the air and walk through it.

When to wear cologne

Cologne is a great way to express your personal style and boost your confidence. It is generally acceptable to wear cologne whenever you are going to be around other people. This could include social events, work, dates, or even just running errands. However, there are a few situations in which it is best to avoid wearing cologne.

Firstly, it is important to consider the setting. If you know you are going to be in an enclosed space for a long period, such as on a commercial flight or a road trip, it is best to avoid wearing cologne. Even a small amount of cologne can build up and become overpowering in these environments. This also applies to small, cramped spaces like elevators, dentist appointments, or offices.

Secondly, there are certain occasions where fragrance is particularly important. If you are attending a wine tasting, a culinary experience, or an event where fragrances are being sold, it is best not to wear cologne. In these situations, you should try to avoid wearing any scent at all. This is because your cologne could clash with the fragrances being showcased or the flavours of the food and drink.

Thirdly, avoid wearing cologne when you plan to engage in activities that will make you sweat, such as going to the gym or playing sports. Cologne does not mix well with body odour and will likely be overpowered by it. Instead, it is recommended to apply cologne after you have finished your activity and have showered.

Lastly, there are times when it is more appropriate to be muted and understated. For example, at a funeral, a job interview, or a first date, it is best to skip the cologne. While you may want to make an impression, you don't want to be remembered as the person who wore too much cologne.

Remember, when it comes to cologne, less is more. It is always better to start with a small amount and add more if needed than to overapply. Ask a trusted friend for their honest opinion if you are unsure about the amount you are applying.

Choosing the right cologne

Cologne is an important part of your personal style and image. It can increase your attractiveness and boost your confidence. However, choosing the right cologne can be challenging, especially with the wide range of options available. Here are some tips to help you select and use the perfect cologne for you:

Understand the Different Types of Fragrances

The first step in choosing the right cologne is understanding the different types of fragrances available. There are five main categories, each with varying strengths:

• Eau Fraiche: The weakest dilution, with 1-3% perfume oil, lasting less than an hour.
• Eau de Cologne: A universal term for masculine fragrances, with 2-4% dilution, lasting up to two hours.
• Eau de Toilette: Comes in spray bottles, with 5-15% dilution, lasting three to six hours.
• Perfume: Historically genderless, with higher potency than Eau de Toilette, lasting five to eight hours.
• Parfum: The strongest category, with 20-30% pure perfume, lasting up to 24 hours.

Finding the Right Scent for You

When choosing a cologne, it's essential to consider your natural body chemistry. Everyone has a unique scent due to different chemical compounds in their skin. The same cologne can smell different on two people. Therefore, it's best to test colognes by applying them to your skin rather than relying solely on scent cards.

Additionally, colognes consist of base, top, and middle notes, which contribute to the overall scent. Top notes are the initial, lighter smells that last 15 minutes to two hours. Middle notes are the main elements that develop after the top notes and can include heavier florals, spices, or fruity scents. Base notes are the boldest scents that develop last and can be detected all day.

When choosing a cologne, opt for one that complements your natural body odour and skin chemistry. You can also consider steering into scents you already use, such as your soap or deodorant. Common scent categories include musk, citrus, wood, and fruit.

Testing and Applying Cologne

To test a cologne, apply it directly to your skin after showering, holding the bottle 3-6 inches away. Start with a light application on heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. You can always add more later if needed. Ask for feedback from trusted friends or family members to ensure the scent is appropriate and not too strong.

Avoid common mistakes such as spraying the cologne on your clothes, which prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can stain fabrics. Also, refrain from rubbing the cologne into your skin, as this weakens the scent. Instead, dab it gently if necessary. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne application.

Where to Purchase Cologne

When purchasing cologne, department stores offer a wide variety but often have marked-up prices. Discounted options can be found at stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Burlington Coat Factory. Online options include Amazon, eBay, and specialised websites like Perfumania.

When to Wear Cologne

Cologne can be worn as part of your daily routine, especially when you'll be around other people. However, there are certain situations where it's best to avoid wearing cologne, such as enclosed spaces (e.g., flights, road trips), culinary experiences (e.g., wine tastings), and activities that typically involve sweating (e.g., gym, hiking).

Applying cologne

• Apply to clean skin: It is best to apply cologne right after showering as this ensures your skin is free of any other scents and opens your pores, helping the scent absorb better.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches away: Holding the bottle too close can lead to over-application, while holding it too far may result in under-application. The ideal distance is about 3-6 inches away from your body.
• Apply to heated areas of the body: The heat from areas like the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to mix with your body chemistry, creating your unique signature scent.
• Start with a light application: It is better to start with a small amount and increase as needed. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and reapply.
• Reapply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne, you may need to reapply, especially if you are going out in the evening. When reapplying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Avoid common mistakes: Do not spray cologne on your clothing as this prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can harm certain fabrics. Instead, always apply cologne directly to your skin, targeting the pulse points. Avoid rubbing the cologne into your skin as this can make the scent fade faster. Remember, less is more when it comes to cologne.

Occasions to avoid wearing cologne

While cologne can be a great addition to your daily routine, there are some occasions where it's best to be avoided. Here are some situations where you should skip wearing cologne:

Enclosed Spaces

Avoid wearing cologne when you know you'll be in an enclosed space for a prolonged period. This includes commercial flights, road trips, dentist appointments, cramped offices, or any similar setting. Even a small amount of cologne can build up and become overpowering in such spaces.

Culinary Experiences

When attending a wine tasting, culinary event, or any situation where fragrance is a crucial factor, it's best to avoid cologne. Try to minimise your scent as much as possible to avoid clashing with the culinary delights you'll be experiencing.

Fragrance Shopping

If you're accompanying a friend or partner to shop for fragrances, it's advisable to avoid wearing cologne. You don't want your scent to interfere with or overpower the fragrances they're trying out.

Activities That Induce Perspiration

If you're engaging in activities that will make you sweat, such as going to the gym, hiking, or playing sports, it's best to skip the cologne. It may not be appropriate for these occasions, and your natural body odour will likely overpower the cologne eventually. Instead, apply cologne after you've finished the activity and had a shower.

Funerals and Similar Events

In certain situations, you may want to avoid being the centre of attention with a strong cologne. Funerals are a prime example of this. Similarly, for job interviews and first dates, you may want to make a good impression without coming across as overpowering with your cologne. In such cases, it's better to err on the side of caution and go without.

Frequently asked questions