Men's Fragrance Trends: What's Hot In Colognes And Aftershaves

Men's colognes and aftershaves are a booming market, with a wide range of options available to suit different tastes and preferences. While the choice of a fragrance is subjective, there are some popular trends in men's colognes and aftershaves that are worth noting.

In terms of fragrance families, woody, aromatic, and citrus colognes are often favoured as daily signature scents. These scents are described as bright, refreshing, and energizing, making them suitable for year-round wear. On the other hand, spicier and leather options may be more suitable for specific occasions or seasons.

When it comes to specific fragrances, there are several popular options that are widely recognised and loved. Chanel Bleu de Chanel, for example, is a fresh and woody scent that is often described as a classic. Other popular options include Dior Sauvage, a spicy and woody fragrance, and Acqua di Parma Colonia, a fresh and sophisticated scent with excellent staying power.

For those looking for something a little different, unique and niche colognes can make great gifts. Options like Arquiste Misfit and Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 offer sophisticated and sensual scents that are sure to make an impression.

When choosing a men's cologne or aftershave, it's important to consider factors such as concentration, which affects the intensity and longevity of the fragrance. Eau de parfum, for instance, typically contains a higher concentration of fragrance oils and will last longer than an eau de toilette or cologne. It's also worth testing fragrances on the skin rather than on cardboard, as the chemistry of the wearer can significantly impact the scent.

Woody fragrances: Think tobacco, whiskey, woodsmoke, and leather

Woody fragrances are earthy, warm, and masculine, and they're a popular choice for men's colognes and aftershaves. These scents are derived from woods, leaves, roots, and other natural aromas like spices or minerals. They're often described as sexy, balanced, and natural without being too subtle or overpowering.

• Terre d'Hermes Parfum by Hermes is a cult favourite among fragrance collectors. It has addictive woody and spicy accords with notes of grapefruit, vetiver, flint, and oak moss.
• Masculin Pluriel by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a fresh and woody fragrance that is both long-lasting and potent. It has notes of lavender, patchouli, vetiver, cedar, and leather.
• Gentleman Society by Givenchy is a creamy and vanilla-scented cologne with a hint of mint and sage. It has notes of cardamom, French narcissus, Haitian vetiver, Madagascar vetiver, vanilla, palo santo, and cedar.
• Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez is a sexy and subtle fragrance with notes of musk, vetiver, amber, cedar, and cardamom.
• Endymion by Penhaligon's is a fresh and woody scent with notes of lavender, coffee, and wood. It's perfect for older gentlemen who want something other than a citrusy fragrance.
• Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons is an extremely woody scent that's great for everyday wear. It has notes of patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, cedar, and cypress.
• Les Roches Noires by Moncler is a boozy and leathery fragrance with notes of patchouli, labdanum, and pink pepper. It's perfect for special occasions and cold months.
• Bleu de Chanel by Chanel is a fresh and masculine scent with notes of grapefruit, lemon, mint, pink pepper, ginger, nutmeg, jasmine, vetiver, cedar, sandalwood, patchouli, labdanum, and white musk.
• Oud Wood by Tom Ford is a sophisticated and complex woody fragrance with notes of sandalwood, patchouli, oud, and vanilla.
• Paco Rabanne 1 Million Intense is a cult favourite with complex and classic compositions. It has spicy and oriental notes, including blood mandarin, cardamom, black pepper, saffron, rose, neroli, cinnamon, white leather, orris root, patchouli, and sandalwood.
• Ralph Lauren Polo Black is a classic, bold, and aromatic fragrance with notes of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, sage, patchouli noir, and tonka bean.
• Dior Sauvage is a nature-inspired, earthy, and woody scent with notes of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood.
• Byredo Mojave Ghost is a unique woody cologne with notes of amberette, nesberry, magnolia, sandalwood, violet, cedarwood, musk, vetiver, and powdery violet.

Citrus scents: These are ideal for everyday wear and are often described as bright, refreshing, and energizing

Citrus scents are ideal for everyday wear and are often described as bright, refreshing, and energizing. They are a great way to add a touch of freshness and energy to your fragrance collection. Citrus colognes are perfect for the warmer months, providing a clean and fresh vibe. Whether you're going to the office, out on a date, or hitting the gym, a citrus cologne will leave you feeling confident and energized.

• Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani is a fresh and energetic fragrance that blends crisp citrus notes with deep floral elements and masculine scents like musk or cedar. It's bold, refreshing, and exotic without being overwhelming.
• Luna Rossa Ocean by Prada is a stylish fragrance with fresh and fruity top notes. As the day progresses, herbal and bold notes of sage and suede emerge, followed by traditional masculine base notes. It's a bold and crisp fragrance that's perfect for young men looking to elevate their style.
• The One for Men by Dolce & Gabbana is a warm and spicy cologne with woody notes, while the grapefruit top note adds elegance and sophistication. With its oriental feel and lasting sillage, it's an excellent pick for special occasions.
• Classic Eau de Toilette for Men by Nautica is a pleasant mix of citrus and earthy notes, with a fresh, tangy, and masculine feel. It's ideal for daily wear, especially for men new to wearing fragrance.
• Chrome Extreme by Azzaro combines sandalwood with a fresh citrus scent, resulting in a crisp and energizing fragrance while retaining its masculine qualities. It's an ideal lightweight summertime fragrance.
• Dylan Blue Pour Homme by Versace is a seductive musk cologne that contrasts a deep musk scent with crisp citrus. It's perfect for the sophisticated man looking to make a statement, especially in the colder months.
• Drakkar Noir by Guy Laroche is a long-lasting citrus cologne with delicate herbal and citrus notes. It's an iconic fragrance that's been around since the 1980s, known for turning heads and attracting attention.
• CK One by Calvin Klein is a unique gender-neutral scent with bold citrusy accents and crisp wood notes. It's been a favorite since its release in the 1990s and is perfect for everyday wear.

Aromatic colognes: These tend to be year-round scents and are great for a signature scent

Aromatic colognes are fresh and rustic, with key notes of herbs and spices. They are versatile and can fall into other categories, such as spicy, woody, oriental, and floral. They are very grounded and down-to-earth, perfect for those who don't want an overpowering scent.

• Comme Des Garcons 2: a unique mix of woody, oriental, floral, and aromatic scents with notes of aldehydes, ink, magnolia, nutmeg, angelica, tea, incense, bay, coriander, cedar, patchouli, vetiver, mandarin, caraway, cinnamon, mate, amber, and labdanum.
• Yves Saint Laurent's La Nuit de l'Homme: bright, masculine, and fresh with subtle intense and sensual scents. It has contrasting notes of cardamom, cedar, and coumarin, giving it a complex and aromatic smell.
• Eight & Bob's The Original: an aromatic and classic scent with a dash of French glamour. It has top notes of cardamom, lemon, and pink pepper, mid notes of dried wood, labdanum, and violet leaves, and a base of sandalwood and vetiver. It was JFK's cologne of choice.
• Givenchy's Gentleman: a charming and charismatic scent with a wonderfully contrasting smell of powerful woods and delicate florals. It has key notes of iris, patchouli essence, and black vanilla.
• Byredo's Sunday Cologne: a classic, crisp, and aromatic fragrance with top notes of bergamot, cardamom, and star anise, mid notes of geranium, incense, and lavender, and a base of moss, patchouli, and vetiver. It is casual enough for lazy Sundays while still being aromatic.

Spicy fragrances: These are sultrier and are better suited for evenings and special occasions

Spicy fragrances are sultrier and are better suited for evenings and special occasions. They are characterised by notes of pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Here are some of the best spicy fragrances for men:

Dior Sauvage Elixir Parfum

This fragrance is perfect for cold months and date nights. It has a nice bite to it, with a signature licorice-tinged zing that makes it memorable.

Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb

A classic spicy men's cologne, Viktor&Rolf's Spicebomb has been described as "fiery," "addictive," and "sensual." It blends warm spices like cinnamon, saffron, and paprika with pink peppercorn and grapefruit, balanced by notes of leather and tobacco.

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club

Imagine yourself in a dimly lit jazz club with a cocktail in hand, surrounded by cigar smoke and leather chairs. This fragrance has notes of pink pepper, rum, and tobacco, perfect for fall and winter when you want to hibernate in full cozy mode.

Kilian Smoking Hot Eau de Parfum

This fragrance is both smoky and a little sweet, with notes of Kentucky tobacco absolute, apple hookah, bourbon vanilla, and pure jungle essence vanilla. But it's the cinnamon bark that sets this sexy scent apart, giving it a strong yet familiar and mysterious scent.

Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L'Homme

An elegant, spicy cologne that has quickly become a favourite among men since its debut in 2009. It's the ultimate masculine nighttime scent, loaded with cardamom, lavender, Virginia cedar, and bergamot, finished with a base of herbal vetiver and spicy coriander.

Bleu Noir Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez

Although this is the least spicy cologne on the list, it had to be included as it is a perennial favourite. It has subtle warm spice notes that come through as the scent dries down, balanced by bergamot and cypress. It's a happy blind buy and suits men of all ages.

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Lucky

This woody, sensual fragrance has a touch of citrus with a unique combination of hazelnut, green plum, grapefruit, and cedar. It's perfect for those who want something woody and spicy with a modern twist.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel

A fresh, clean, and sensual scent from Chanel, with notes of citrus, labdanum, sandalwood, and cedar. It can easily transition from day to night, with a musky undertone that makes it perfect for a date.

Ralph Lauren Polo Black

A bold and aromatic classic that stands the test of time. It's a fusion of iced mango, lemon, tangerine, sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir, resulting in a bittersweet and attention-grabbing scent.

Acqua di Parma Signatures Of The Sun Zafferano Eau de Parfum

When you think of spicy fragrances, florals and amber might not come to mind, but this scent delivers just that. It's heavy on the flowers (jasmine, geranium, rose, orange blossom) but warmed and smoothed by vanilla, tonka bean, and patchouli. Coriander, a sultry spice, adds warmth and depth.

Burberry Hero Eau de Parfum

Although there aren't any specific spices listed in the notes, the sharp pine needles and smoky incense give this fragrance its bite. It has a crisp, woody presence with a trio of woods (atlas cedar, Himalayan cedar, and Virginia cedar) that is unabashedly masculine.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau de Parfum

One of Tom Ford's most popular colognes, this scent oozes sex appeal. The smooth, warm vanilla mixed with smoky tobacco is a powerful pairing, but it's the spicy notes at the top that announce each spray with a bang. Ginger amps up the volume, taking what could be an overly sweet note into strong, masculine territory.

Dior Sauvage

One of the most popular and iconic men's fragrances, Dior's Sauvage is a great choice for everyday wear, especially if you're heading to a rock concert after work. Top notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cardamom blend with lavender, sandalwood, amber, and patchouli for an arresting yet wearable vibe.

Free d’Homme by CoSTUME NATIONAL

A blend of citrus and amber at an affordable price point, this fragrance is both long-lasting and unique. With lime, lemon, saffron, incense, and labdanum, it's a set of notes that can only be pulled off by a master perfumer. It's best reserved for cold winter days when you're layering up.

Althaïr by Parfums de Marly

A unique, niche, and luxurious fragrance, Althaïr is a masterful blend of booze, vanilla, and musky wood. It's suitable for morning to night and will transition beautifully from the boardroom to the whisky bar and nightclub.

Dior Bois D'Argent

A hidden gem from Dior's luxury fragrance collection, La Collection Privée. Soft, sweet, and fresh, with notes of jasmine, wood accord, iris, and frankincense, this eau de parfum has genderless appeal.

Parfums De Marly Layton

Through its pairing of fresh spices and tangy florals, Layton evokes the essence of a sophisticated man. Geranium, jasmine, and violet are enhanced by notes of vanilla, guaiac wood, apple, pink pepper, and patchouli, resulting in an addictive cologne perfect for an evening out.

Musk colognes: These are intense and masculine

Musk colognes are intense and masculine. They are strong, warm, and sweet, making them ideal for people who want to be noticed.

• Chanel's Bleu de Chanel is a go-to for everyday wear. It has the right amount of woody notes and a delicate musk.
• Ralph Lauren's Polo Blue is a great option if you're looking for a fresh/clean scent that's not too harsh.
• Prada's Luna Rossa Ocean is a unique, fresh, and musky scent with some floral notes.
• Maison Louis Marie's No.04 Bois de Balincourt has an earthy/woody musk scent.
• Tru Western's Musk Classic Cologne is a timeless, powdery, and understated scent. It combines invigorating citrus and smooth woody notes with traditional musky accords.

Musk is a popular fragrance for both men and women. It is a versatile scent that can be worn during the day or at night and is perfect for those who want to make a statement.

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