Woody fragrances are a popular choice for men, offering a warm, earthy, and natural scent that's not too strong or subtle. These colognes derive their unique aromas from woods, leaves, roots, and other natural ingredients like spices, minerals, and resins. While there are countless options available, this introduction will explore some of the most popular and notable woody colognes for men, highlighting their key features and helping you navigate this scent family confidently.
What You'll Learn
Woody colognes with notes of cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood
Woody fragrances are a great option for men who want something warm and earthy without being too strong or subtle. These colognes typically derive their notes from woods, leaves, roots, and other natural aromas, creating a balanced and sexy scent. Here are some excellent woody colognes with notes of cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood:
Terre d’Hermes Parfum by Hermes
This cologne is a great choice for men who want something earthy and spicy. It has strong initial projection, so a little goes a long way. The fragrance features notes of grapefruit, flint, oak moss, and benzoin, with firm notes of vetiver and a woody, spicy accord. It has good longevity, lasting around 4-6 hours on the skin.
Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
This cologne combines fresh and woody notes, a challenging feat achieved by the renowned fragrance house. It has soft projection but impressive longevity, lasting up to 6 hours on the skin. Masculin Pluriel features notes of lavender, patchouli, vetiver, cedar, and leather, creating a perfectly balanced and aromatic scent.
Gentleman Society by Givenchy
Gentleman Society is a creamy and vanilla-scented cologne with a touch of mint and sage. It has good longevity, and the vanilla essence lasts throughout the wearing experience. This cologne features cardamom, sage, French narcissus, Haitian and Madagascar vetiver, vanilla, palo santo, and cedar notes, resulting in a unique and mature fragrance.
Endymion by Penhaligon’s
Endymion is a woody fragrance with a fresh take, thanks to the interplay of coffee and lavender notes. It has impressive projection and silage, but the initial projection fades after a few hours. This cologne includes lavender, bergamot, sage, mandarin orange, coffee, geranium, sandalwood, leather, nutmeg, and musk notes, creating a sophisticated and alluring scent.
Philosykos by Diptyque
This cologne is a luxurious recreation of a ripe fig, with notes of fig leaf, green accords, coconut, woody cedar, and fig tree. Philosykos has good projection and longevity, lasting around 4 hours on the skin. It's an affordable option that stands out for its unique combination of notes.
Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons
Wonderwood is an extremely woody fragrance with notes of patchouli, vetiver, incense, nutmeg, bergamot, cedar, sandalwood, and cypress. It has good performance and scent on the skin but lacks longevity, turning into a skin scent after 2 hours. This cologne is great value for money and perfect for everyday wear.
Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez
This cologne is described as "sexy" due to its sensual musk notes. It has impressive longevity, lasting more than 8 hours on the skin. Bleu Noir for Him features ambery and ebony top notes, musk middle notes, and cedar and vetiver base notes, creating a subtle yet versatile fragrance.
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Best overall woody colognes
Woody fragrances are a broad category, similar to florals, as woody notes like cedar, vetiver, and sandalwood are used in the formulas of many scents. These notes give perfumes a terrific fullness and longevity, making them classic base notes that are prominent in many men's and unisex scents.
Tom Ford Oud Wood
This cologne is a classic, with earthy notes of rare oud wood, sandalwood, and Chinese pepper. It is a versatile but distinctive fragrance that makes a great signature scent. While on the expensive side, it is a good starter for those new to woody fragrances and a beloved staple for seasoned enthusiasts.
Terre d'Hermes Parfum by Hermes
Terre d'Hermes has a cult-like following among fragrance collectors due to its addictive woody, spicy, and earthy accord. The parfum option offers greater longevity than the EDT, with a strong initial projection, and notes of vetiver, flint, oak moss, and benzoin. It is a more affordable option that can often be found at a discount and is considered "signature scent worthy" by many reviewers.
Bleu de Chanel
Bleu de Chanel is a masterpiece in a bottle and a crowd favourite. It is a fresh and masculine scent with aromatic cedar and New Caledonian sandalwood. It is an excellent choice for those wanting something refined and elegant.
Green Irish Tweed
Although a divisive scent, Green Irish Tweed has been described as the "king" of woody fragrances. It is a timeless, woody, and masculine aroma with fragrance notes of citrus and tonka bean.
Givenchy Gentleman Boisée
Givenchy Gentleman Boisée is a woody fragrance with notes of sage, French narcissus, Haitian vetiver, Madagascar vetiver, vanilla, palo santo, and cedar. It is a unique yet familiar scent, perfect for those wanting something that stands out while remaining classic.
BVLGARI Man Wood Essence
As the name suggests, this cologne has an excellent cypress-cedar-vetiver aura. It is a lighter expression of woody notes, making it perfect for year-round wear, unlike most wood-forward scents.
Honorable Mentions:
- Le Labo Santal 33: A trendy, unisex fragrance with notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, leather, papyrus, violet, cardamom, iris, and amber.
- Encre Noire a L'Extreme: A woody fragrance with vetiver and earth notes.
- Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons: A distinctive, everyday woody scent with notes of vetiver, incense, nutmeg, bergamot, cedar, sandalwood, and cypress.
- Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire: A sophisticated vetiver scent with notes of cedar, sandalwood, myrrh, moss, musk, and pink pepper.
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Woody colognes for men with spicy and earthy accords
Woody colognes are a great option for men, offering a natural, warm, and earthy scent that strikes the perfect balance. These fragrances are derived from woods, leaves, roots, and often include other natural aromas like spices or minerals.
If you're looking for a woody cologne with spicy and earthy accords, here are some excellent options to consider:
Terre d'Hermes Parfum by Hermes
Terre d'Hermes Parfum is a popular choice among fragrance collectors due to its addictive woody, earthy, and spicy accords. It features notes of grapefruit, vetiver, flint, and oak moss. While the initial projection is strong, the fragrance settles on the skin with a balanced blend of sweetness and dryness. It is a great value option that can often be found at a discount.
Gentleman Society by Givenchy
Gentleman Society by Givenchy is a versatile fragrance that can be worn every day. It has a creamy and vanilla-scented profile with a touch of mint and sage. The vanilla essence lasts throughout the wearing experience, creating a mature bubblegum-like scent. It offers a unique blend of cardamom, French narcissus, Haitian and Madagascar vetiver, vanilla, palo santo, and cedar.
Endymion by Penhaligon's
Endymion by Penhaligon's is an excellent choice for older gentlemen who prefer a 'clean' scent without the typical citrus notes. It has a unique blend of lavender, coffee, and woody base notes, creating a high-end department store-like fragrance. The performance is commendable, with a longevity of around 4-6 hours on the skin.
Les Roches Noires by Moncler
Les Roches Noires by Moncler is a unique fragrance with a leathery, woody base and rum-like top notes. The Indonesian patchouli adds a strong masculine touch, making it perfect for special occasions like indoor dinner parties. While the longevity is as expected for its price point, the projection is well-balanced.
Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez
Bleu Noir for Him is a sexy and versatile fragrance with musk notes that linger on the skin. It has a simple and uncomplicated profile, drawing comparisons to Dior Homme Intense and Valentino Uomo. The performance is outstanding, with a longevity of more than 8 hours and excellent projection.
Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf
Spicebomb by Viktor & Rolf is a bold and festive fragrance, perfect for the holidays. It delivers an explosion of warm spices, including cinnamon and vetiver, wrapped in a woody embrace. Hints of tobacco and leather add an edgy, masculine vibe. It's an excellent choice for chilly winter nights and special occasions.
Encre Noire by Lalique
Encre Noire by Lalique is an affordable and masculine woody fragrance with spicy top notes of cypress. It takes a while to develop, but the base notes of cashmere wood and musk create rich and earthy accords. It's an excellent option for those seeking a great-value woody cologne.
Royal Oud by Creed
Royal Oud by Creed is a luxurious and rare fragrance featuring Regal Indian oud. It sits on a woody foundation with generous amounts of grass, smoke, citrus, and spice. Inspired by luxurious elements of a Persian palace, it is an earthy and versatile fragrance suitable for all occasions. However, it comes with a high-end price tag.
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Woody colognes with aquatic undertones
40 Knots by Xerjoff
This cologne is ideal for a man of extreme class, capturing the essence of yacht clubs and Mediterranean beaches. It has aquatic undertones with a salty breeze and amber sweetness. The exact ingredients are kept secret, but it's known for its warmth and coziness, making it a unique choice for those who want to stand out.
Voyage Eau De Toilette for Men
This cologne offers a fresh, romantic, and fruity scent with woody, aquatic notes of apple, water lotus, cedarwood, and musk. It's ideal for daytime wear and versatile enough for special occasions. The scent is long-lasting and has excellent projection, making it a great choice for men who want to leave a lasting impression.
BVLGARI MAN Rain Essence Cologne
This cologne is inspired by rain and has a base note of smooth guaiac wood, making it more wearable than a typical aquatic scent. It's fresh and masculine, offering a unique interpretation of wood notes. While it doesn't last very long, it's a great choice for men who want something different.
Arquiste A Grove By The Sea
This cologne is a unique take on a woody aquatic, inspired by islands in the Adriatic Sea. It combines Mediterranean pine tree and cypress with fig, wild herbs, olive oil, and pine needles. It's subtle yet deeply layered, like walking through an island forest. It's also light enough to be worn during the summer.
Barrel and Oak - Natural Fragrance Cologne
This cologne features a cedarwood and bourbon aroma, offering a subtle earthy fragrance. It's an essential oil-based scent that's paraben and SLS-free, making it a natural choice for men who want to embrace the outdoors.
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Woody colognes with oud, amber, and pepper notes
Woody fragrances are a staple in men's grooming. They strike a perfect balance, offering a scent that is warm and earthy without being overpowering. The following colognes feature woody notes of oud, amber, and pepper, and are versatile for both day and night.
Tom Ford Oud Wood
A classic fragrance with earthy notes of rare oud wood, sandalwood, and Chinese pepper. This cologne is a versatile yet distinctive signature scent, perfect for those new to woody fragrances or for those who are already aficionados.
Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense
A "beginner oud" with a bright, spicy, and incredibly wearable scent. The citrus element is green and sparkling, bringing a fresh twist to the smooth cedar and resinous oud. This cologne is ideal for those looking for an oud fragrance to carry them through the year, as its lighter formulation makes it suitable for spring and summer as well as fall and winter.
Versace Pour Homme Oud Noir
A premier choice for enthusiasts seeking an oud tobacco cologne. This fragrance opens with a burst of bitter orange and spices, seamlessly transitioning into sweet floral notes, and culminating in a base of warm, earthy oud and tobacco. By blending the typically intense Middle Eastern oud with fresher notes, this cologne offers a modern and accessible take on oud.
Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Eau de Toilette
A delicate and sophisticated scent that opens with a punch of black pepper and purple florals, then fades into a well-balanced blend of citrus and leather. This cologne is inviting and energizing, offering a unique take on masculinity that doesn't rely on strong marine notes or sandalwood.
Chanel Bleu de Chanel
A fresh and masculine scent with notes of aromatic cedar and New Caledonian sandalwood. This cologne is a bestseller, offering a sweet edge to its musk-forward designer scent that is especially loved by women.
Michael Malul American Novelist Esquire Fragrance Eau de Parfum
A versatile cologne that is ideal for daytime wear. While it has a strong woody base, its top notes of bergamot, juniper, and wild mint give it a crisp, fresh quality. The leather in the base lends a subtle quality to the woody notes of cedarwood, moss, and pine.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular options include Bleu de Chanel, Green Irish Tweed, Cool Water, and Tom Ford Tuscan Leather.
Some affordable colognes in this category include Guess Marciano for Men Eau de Toilette Cologne Spray, Lucky You Cologne Spray for Men, and Voyage Eau De Toilette for Men.
Woody fragrances are classic and tend to be well-loved by both the wearer and those who encounter them. They are also versatile and can be worn year-round, making them a great choice for a signature scent.