Ralph Lauren's Polo cologne is a legendary scent that has been passed down through generations of men's cologne connoisseurs. It was first introduced in 1978 by perfumer Carlos Benaïm, who is now regarded as America's greatest living perfumer. The cologne is a chypre, a family of fragrances that is widely acknowledged as the most sophisticated and beautiful, with warm, dry, mossy scents with notes of citrus, labdanum, and bergamot. Polo's top notes include basil, artemisia, vetiver, and thyme, while its base notes are leather, tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss, making it unapologetically masculine. It evokes a sense of brawn and confidence, perfect for the mature, rugged, and elegant man.
Over the years, Polo has undergone several reformulations, with changes in ownership and the elimination of oakmoss from the fragrance industry due to allergic reactions. However, it remains a beloved and iconic fragrance, with a rich history and a unique, enduring aroma.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
First released | 1978 |
Created by | Carlos Benaïm |
Fragrance family | Chypre |
Key notes | Juniper Berries, Basil, Artemisia, Caraway, Coriander, Bergamot, Pine Tree Needles, Leather, Chamomile, Pepper, Carnation, Geranium, Jasmine, Rose, Tobacco, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Cedar, Vetiver, Musk, Amber |
Fragrance rating | 3.85 out of 5 |
Perfume longevity | 3.82 out of 5 |
Perfume sillage | 2.80 out of 4 |
Bottle colour | Green |
What You'll Learn
- Polo Green Eau de Toilette: A classic, woodsy, aromatic fragrance for the gentleman who is bold and likes to stand out
- Polo Blue Eau de Parfum: A fresh, aquatic scent with notes of bergamot, basil, cardamom, and suede
- Polo Black Eau de Toilette: A woody, fruity, and dark fragrance with notes of mango, lemon, and citrus
- Polo Red Parfum: A unique, spicy, and floral fragrance with notes of blood orange, pink pepper, and lavender
- Ralph's Club: A strong and enduring fragrance with top notes of mandarin, grapefruit, and cardamom, and base notes of balsam, leather, and patchouli
Polo Green Eau de Toilette: A classic, woodsy, aromatic fragrance for the gentleman who is bold and likes to stand out
The first, and still quintessential, fragrance from Ralph Lauren, Polo Green Eau de Toilette was launched in 1978. The inspiration comes from qualities in the polo players themselves — masculine, rugged, and confident. It was the (literal) essence of what Polo as a brand was starting to stand for.
Top notes for this now-classic fragrance are pine, thyme and basil. The mid notes are subtle leather and tobacco, with some tarragon. Moss and incense round out the base notes.
Ralph Lauren — then Ralph Lifshitz — cut his teeth selling ties to some of New York’s most powerful figures. Something about this fragrance attracts executives — attorneys, business magnates, or seasoned Wall Street types with greying temples.
It’s easy to see that’s not a bad thing, even for the younger guy. If you can’t quite dress for the job you want just yet, you can certainly smell like it.
It’s an absolute monster in terms of sillage and performance. There’s a reason it has been so loved for over 40 years.
It such a great blend and starts to check off boxes throughout. Herbal. Woodsy. Spicy. A very thorough scent and one which completely goes against the grain of most of the most popular colognes of today’s era.
Again, not for everyone, but Polo is an absolute signature scent for the right man.
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Polo Blue Eau de Parfum: A fresh, aquatic scent with notes of bergamot, basil, cardamom, and suede
Polo Blue Eau de Parfum is a fresh and aquatic scent, perfect for those who want to evoke the feeling of being by the sea or enjoying the open air. This cologne is part of Ralph Lauren's World of Polo fragrance portfolio, which captures the essence of the brand's classic, Americana style.
The top notes of Polo Blue Eau de Parfum are a fusion of cantaloupe, cucumber, watermelon, and a hint of bergamot, creating a bright and refreshing opening. As the fragrance develops, you'll notice middle notes of sage, geranium, and basil, adding a touch of herbal spiciness. The base notes of washed suede, patchouli, and musk provide a lighter touch, ensuring the scent isn't too overpowering.
This cologne is an excellent choice for those who work or vacation by the sea, as its bright and aquatic character will complement rather than overpower your surroundings. It's a versatile fragrance that can be worn during the day or at night and is sure to become a signature scent for many.
If you're looking for something a little more intense, the Eau de Parfum version offers a deeper marine, aquatic top note and subtle spice instead of the melon found in the Eau de Toilette. The middle notes remain the same, while the base notes are a touch deeper, making it a great option for those who want a longer-lasting and more intense fragrance.
Whether you choose the Eau de Toilette or Eau de Parfum, Polo Blue is a fresh and captivating scent that embodies the laid-back, seaside lifestyle. It's perfect for those who want to feel like they're on a permanent beachside holiday, exuding confidence and elegance.
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Polo Black Eau de Toilette: A woody, fruity, and dark fragrance with notes of mango, lemon, and citrus
Polo Black Eau de Toilette is a sophisticated fragrance from Ralph Lauren's Polo line that combines woody, fruity, and dark notes to create an intriguing and versatile scent. This cologne is an excellent choice for men who want to embrace all aspects of American life, from the open road to the urbane and mysterious.
The fragrance opens with a burst of brightness and juiciness, featuring notes of mango, lemon, and other citrus fruits. This initial impression is followed by mid notes of ozone accord and floral oils, which add a touch of freshness and elegance. The woody base notes, reminiscent of the dignified Polo Green, provide a subtle twist to the composition.
Polo Black is an exercise in restraint, with moderate intensity that prevents it from becoming overpowering. Just two spritzes are enough for an all-day performance. This fragrance is perfect for those who want to smell like the job they want, exuding confidence and sophistication.
With its woody, fruity, and dark notes, Polo Black Eau de Toilette is a unique and modern take on the classic Polo fragrances. It showcases the brand's ability to embrace different aspects of American life while maintaining continuity across its scent offerings.
A Versatile and Well-Loved Fragrance
Polo Black has gained popularity among cologne enthusiasts, with its moderate and masculine scent working well for both daytime and nighttime wear. The fragrance's top notes of mango, lemon, and citrus create a bright and juicy opening, while the mid notes of ozone accord and floral oils add a touch of freshness. The woody base notes provide a subtle twist, rounding out the composition with sophistication.
The intensity of Polo Black is carefully calibrated, ensuring that it doesn't become overpowering. With just two spritzes, you can enjoy an all-day performance that is pleasing yet subtle. This fragrance is an excellent choice for those who want to make a statement without being too overwhelming.
A Signature Scent for the Modern Gentleman
Polo Black Eau de Toilette has become a signature scent for many modern gentlemen. Its versatility makes it adaptable to different lifestyles and occasions. Whether you're a student, an executive, or a movie star, Polo Black can be a part of your wardrobe and personal brand.
The fragrance's woody and fruity notes create a masculine and sophisticated aroma that exudes confidence and elegance. It is perfect for those who want to stand out and make a lasting impression. With its moderate intensity and well-balanced composition, Polo Black is a safe choice for those who want to smell great without being too overpowering.
So, if you're looking for a versatile and well-loved fragrance that combines woody, fruity, and dark notes, Polo Black Eau de Toilette is an excellent choice. It captures the essence of the Polo brand while offering a unique and modern twist.
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Polo Red Parfum: A unique, spicy, and floral fragrance with notes of blood orange, pink pepper, and lavender
The Polo Red Parfum is a unique and modern take on the classic Polo cologne. This fragrance is part of the Ralph Lauren Polo line, which was first introduced in 1978 by Ralph Lauren and has since become a staple in the fragrance industry. The Polo Red Parfum is a newer addition to the line, offering a fresh and intriguing scent profile that sets it apart from the other Polo colognes.
The top notes of this cologne include blood orange and pink pepper, creating a vibrant and spicy opening. As the fragrance dries down, it reveals a surprising floral heart of lavender, which adds a soft and slightly bitter twist to the composition. The base notes provide a warm and sensual finish, rounding out the scent with a touch of musk and natural woods.
The Polo Red Parfum is an excellent choice for those who are looking for something unique and modern yet still want to embrace the classic appeal of the Polo brand. It is a versatile fragrance that can be worn during the day or at night and is perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd. The scent is long-lasting and has a good projection, ensuring that you leave a lasting impression wherever you go.
The bottle design of the Polo Red Parfum is also worth noting. It features a luxe matte-red bottle with a chrome cap, reflecting the seductive and sophisticated fragrance within. This cologne is perfect for those who want to feel confident, sensual, and sophisticated, making it an excellent addition to any fragrance collection.
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Ralph's Club: A strong and enduring fragrance with top notes of mandarin, grapefruit, and cardamom, and base notes of balsam, leather, and patchouli
Ralph's Club is a strong and enduring fragrance with top notes of mandarin, grapefruit, and cardamom, and base notes of balsam, leather, and patchouli. It is a notably strong and enduring fragrance with excellent longevity. It is characterised by its fresh and clean profile, with a distinct clary sage note at the top. It has a soapy clean quality with an underlying woodiness from the cedar note.
Ralph's Club is an exceptionally intense, long-lasting fragrance with mandarin, grapefruit, and cardamom at the top, sage, lavender, and geranium in the middle, and balsam, leather, and patchouli at the base. Sweet amber and rich wood invoke the after-hours experience.
Ralph's Club is an exceptionally intense, long-lasting fragrance. It comes in Eau de Parfum, Parfum, and what Ralph calls the "Elixir." The Elixir is an exceptionally intense, long-lasting fragrance with mandarin, grapefruit, and cardamom at the top, sage, lavender, and geranium in the middle, and balsam, leather, and patchouli at the base.
Ralph's Club is a very safe pick. It has a level of sweetness to the aroma, and the dry down is mostly a clean lavender smell. It has good longevity, too.
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Frequently asked questions
The first cologne released by Polo was the Polo Eau de Toilette, often called Polo Green, in 1978.
The first Polo cologne was created by Carlos Benaïm, regarded by many as America's greatest living perfumer.
The Polo cologne is a chypre, a family of fragrances that is widely acknowledged as the most sophisticated and beautiful of fragrance families.
The best Polo colognes for men include Polo Blue, Polo Black, Ralph's Club, Polo Deep Blue, Polo Sport, and Polo Red.