Colognes That Drive Gay Men Wild

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as gay men's preferences for cologne vary widely. Some gay men dislike fragrances altogether, while others have a penchant for them. When it comes to specific scents, some popular choices among gay men include oriental and floral fragrances, as well as perfumes by designers such as Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, and Jean Paul Gaultier. Ultimately, the choice of cologne depends on individual taste, and there is no single fragrance that defines the gay community.

Popular gay colognes

While cologne preferences are highly individual and vary across the LGBTQ+ community, some fragrances are more popular among gay men. Here are some notable examples:

Designer Brands

Gay men, like anyone else, have diverse tastes that are not defined by their sexual orientation. However, when it comes to designer brands, some gay men may gravitate towards certain designers, such as Dolce & Gabbana or Tom Ford. These brands offer a range of fragrances that cater to different preferences.

Specific Colognes

• Noir Extreme by Tom Ford: This is a popular choice mentioned by several sources.
• Armani Code Profumo by Giorgio Armani: This is another suggestion that appears more than once.
• Dior Homme Intense by Christian Dior: This cologne is mentioned alongside the previous two as one of the "top ... designer 'sweet' scents."
• The One for Men by Dolce&Gabbana, Silver Mountain Water by Creed, Noir de Noir and Ombré Leather by Tom Ford, and L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme by Issey Miyake are all recommendations from one source.
• Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier is suggested as a fragrance that fits the generalization of "something a super-flaming, club-going man would wear."
• Fleur du Mâle by Jean Paul Gaultier, Ferre for Men by Gianfranco Ferre, and Armani Code Ultimate by Giorgio Armani are three suggestions from one source.
• Emporio Armani Stronger With You by Giorgio Armani is recommended as a "beautiful scent" with "glazed chestnut, vanilla, and cardamom."
• AMen Pure Havane by Mugler is described as a "loud cherry/honeyed tobacco scent that women love to use as well."
• Black Orchid, Velvet Orchid, and Velvet Orchid Lumière by Tom Ford are recommended by multiple sources.
• Narciso Rodriguez For Her L'Absolu by Narciso Rodriguez is described as a "loud & mean Jasmine and Musk that has 'Queen Bitch' stamped all over it."
• Gardenia Passion by Annick Goutal is said to be Madonna's favourite perfume, according to her brother.
• Songes by Annick Goutal is described as "very puffy and satin pink with ribbons and Joan Crawford as a sales lady. If that ain't gay enough for your friend, I don't know what is."
• Blue Mark Eau de Parfum by Jack Black is described as an "everyday luxury men's scent that's terrific for daytime or the office."
• Beyond futuristically fluid, Tom Ford's Metallique is described as a "luxurious, undeniably sexy" fragrance with notes of "ambrette seed and wooded Peru balsam that tone vanilla and buttery sandalwood, heliotrope, and white muguet blossom."

General Preferences

Some gay men express a preference for oriental and floral scents over citrus or aquatic fragrances. However, it is important to note that fragrance preferences vary greatly among individuals, and some gay men may not like fragrances at all.

Colognes by gay designers

While there is no definitive answer to what colognes gay guys like, there are several gay fashion designers who have made significant contributions to the fashion industry. Here is a list of gay designers and their iconic brands that may offer colognes to suit your preferences:

• Yves Saint Laurent: Founded by the eponymous French designer, this label is known for its trailblazing moments in fashion, including being one of the first to feature a multicultural cast of models. The brand has a wide range of offerings, including ready-to-wear collections and trend-setting looks from the 60s and 70s.
• Armani: Headed by Giorgio Armani, this fashion house has a vast empire that includes hotels, restaurants, and home furnishings. Armani is known for reinventing men's suiting by introducing unstructured suits that drape softly along the body.
• Halston: Led by the American designer Roy Halston Frowick, this brand became synonymous with minimalism, modernity, and elegance. Halston's designs were often zipper-less and slinky, emphasizing ease and sexiness.
• Calvin Klein: Calvin Klein cultivated a brand known for its stark minimalism and clean, modern lines. The brand gained mainstream success through its jeans, fragrance, and underwear divisions, with the underwear campaign featuring Olympian Tom Hintnaus proving particularly influential for men's underwear.
• Jean Paul Gaultier: This French designer is renowned for playing with androgyny in his work, putting men in skirts and consistently breaking down gender stereotypes. Gaultier also launched a men's makeup line, challenging traditional gender norms in cosmetics.
• Alexander McQueen: The late Alexander McQueen left an indelible mark on the fashion industry with his fearless and provocative designs. His clothing showcased exquisite tailoring, and his runway shows were theatrical and thought-provoking.

These designers have not only made significant contributions to the fashion industry but have also helped challenge societal norms and spark revolutionary changes in the way we dress and express ourselves. Their brands may offer colognes that align with your interests and support LGBTQ+ representation in the fashion industry.

Unisex colognes

While preferences vary, some gay men have expressed their liking for oriental and floral fragrances over citrus or aquatic scents. Some popular colognes among gay men include Fierce, Millesime Imperial, and Kenneth Cole Reaction.

One notable unisex fragrance is Night Lights by Lamar Jackson, a Baltimore Ravens star. Jackson, known for his dominance on the football field, created Night Lights out of his love for women's perfume and his desire to have a scent that was "in between." Night Lights is described as having a warm woody smell with notes of neroli, mandarin, pepper, cinnamon bark, narcissus, incense, papyrus, amber, and sand. It retails for $90 and is part of Jackson's growing merchandise imprint.

Another popular unisex fragrance is Gucci's The Alchemist's Garden Collection, which combines old-world therapies with modern sensuality. The collection includes scents like Hortus Sanitatis, featuring papyrus with hints of ginger and cedarwood, and A Midnight Stroll, a Spanish-inspired fragrance with cypress, incense, and smoky cade wood. These colognes are priced at $330 each.

The Nue Co. also offers a unique unisex "fragrance supplement," Mind Energy, which uses neuroscience to create a shift in the wearer's mood with extracts from Madagascar and Morocco, including clove leaf, cedarwood, and Egyptian geranium oils. This scent is available for $30-95.

Masculine colognes

While fragrance preferences are highly individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all option, there are some colognes that are widely considered to be masculine.

One of the most popular masculine fragrances is Chanel's Platinum Égoïste. Described as a fresh, aromatic, and distinctly modern scent, it combines aromatic freshness with a robust base of exotic wood. Another popular option is Bleu de Chanel Parfum, which is known for its aromatic freshness and warm, addictive fullness of cedar and sandalwood.

For those who prefer something a little more intense, Versace's Eros Pour Homme Eau de Parfum might be a good choice. With notes of mint leaves, orange blossom, and vanilla, it exudes a sweet and comfortable masculinity. Similarly, Chanel's Allure Homme blends mandarin and coriander with cedar and tonka for a warm and sexy scent.

Some other masculine colognes include Gucci Guilty Absolute, which combines leather and gasoline notes, Dior Sauvage Elixir, which captures the scent of a man in a suit, and Creed Aventus, which mixes woody birch, smokiness, and pineapple for an addictive, masculine fragrance.

Ultimately, the definition of a "masculine" cologne can vary depending on individual preferences, but these options provide a range of scents that are generally perceived as masculine.

Sweet-scented colognes

Best Sweet-Scented Colognes

• Jimmy Choo Man: This cologne is a blend of musk, lavender, pineapple leaf, and green melon. It is distinctive yet not overpowering, making it suitable for the office.
• Ralph Lauren Polo Black: This cologne combines bright tropical notes of mango and tangerine with earthy patchouli, sandalwood, and tonka bean. It is a versatile and mass-appealing fragrance.
• Montale Café Intense: This is a rich, gourmand fragrance with notes of coffee, rose, vanilla, white musk, and amber. It has excellent longevity and leaves a strong scent trail.
• Kenneth Cole Reaction: This cologne is perfect for the workplace, with a subtle yet distinctive scent. It features notes of melon, green apple, lemon, watermelon, lime, patchouli, lily of the valley, musk, and sandalwood.
• Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey: This cologne features succulent stone fruit notes such as blackcurrant, nectarine, peach, and plum, along with fresh green notes and vetiver. It is part of Jo Malone's unisex line.
• Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla: This budget-friendly option has notes of cardamom, cashmere wood, bourbon vanilla, and vetiver. It is ideal for those who enjoy tobacco-based scents.
• Kilian Black Phantom: This luxurious cologne has notes of chocolate, rum, coffee, cyanide, heliotrope, caramel, sugar cane, and sandalwood. It is a bold and distinctive fragrance.
• Snif Ex on the Beach: This niche, genderless fragrance blends warm wood, earthy fig, and yellow florals. It is versatile and can be worn throughout the year.
• Tom Ford Lost Cherry: This popular fragrance features cherry, bitter almond, creamy vanilla, and spices. It is perfect for nights out and flirty dates.
• Diptyque Eau Duelle: This subtle and elegant cologne has a soft, sophisticated vanilla note blended with aromatics and delicate spices. It is ideal for intimate encounters and mellow days.

Tips for Choosing and Wearing Colognes

When choosing a cologne, consider the richness of the scent, its staying power, and how well it transitions from day to night wear. It is also important to step out of your comfort zone and choose fragrances that appeal to your personal taste rather than adhering to gender stereotypes.

To make your cologne last longer, apply it to moisturized skin after showering, and avoid rubbing it in. Store your fragrances in a dry environment, and for better longevity, opt for an eau de parfum (EdP) instead of an eau de toilette (EdT).

Frequently asked questions