The Best Kenneth Cole Colognes For Men

The eponymous brand of American fashion designer and entrepreneur Kenneth Cole was established in 1982. The company is well known for its reasonably priced, fashionable clothing, but it has since branched out into other products, such as fragrances. In 1986, Cole debuted his first cologne, 'Kenneth Cole Reaction for Men', which is still a very popular men's fragrance. Since then, the brand has released several other popular colognes, including 'Kenneth Cole Black for Men' and 'Kenneth Cole Mankind for Men'. The brand's colognes are known for their unique fusion of notes, with fruity or citrus-forward top notes, a spiced heart, and a wood-heavy base.

Best Overall: Kenneth Cole Mankind

Why it's great

For a reliable day-to-night scent, this Kenneth Cole cologne hits the sweet spot every time. It's light and bright on the top, with a spiced, wood-filled heart and a deep masculine base to add a hefty dose of balance to a well-structured scent. If you're not completely sold on citrus-heavy, aquatic colognes, Mankind strikes a solid middle ground between electrifying and grounding.

Who is this for?

Are you partial to interesting, long-lasting scents? This is the ultimate Kenneth Cole cologne for you. The blend of juicy fruits with herbs, spices, and woods results in a stunning profile that makes this scent well-suited to the modern gentleman.

Top Notes

• Pineapple
• Pear
• Tarragon
• Ginger

Middle Notes

• Wood
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom

Base Notes

• Sandalwood
• Oak Moss
• Tonka

Type: Eau de Toilette

Flaws but not deal-breakers

This is definitely a lightly scented fragrance, so it might not be the best cologne if you're seeking a deep, dark fragrance.

Best Budget: Kenneth Cole Reaction

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Kenneth Cole Reaction cologne is a great choice. It was the first Kenneth Cole cologne, released in 1986, and has remained a classic and popular fragrance for men. This cologne is perfect for those seeking a signature scent on a budget.

Kenneth Cole Reaction is a fresh and crisp fragrance with bright top notes of lime and green apple, complemented by hints of citrus and melon. It then transforms into a heart of lily of the valley and watermelon, adding a touch of sweetness to the scent. To give it a masculine twist, the cologne is grounded in warm patchouli, musk, and sandalwood, providing depth and longevity to the fragrance.

This cologne is versatile and easygoing, suitable for year-round wear and various occasions. While it is best suited for younger men due to its youthful vibe, it is a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for the office or daily use.

With its blend of fruity and woody notes, Kenneth Cole Reaction offers an affordable and classic scent that is well-loved by many. It is a great option for those who want a long-lasting and easy-wearing fragrance without breaking the bank.

Best Luxury: Kenneth Cole Vintage Black

If you're looking for a slightly different scent, Kenneth Cole Vintage Black is the one to go for. Released in 2009, five years after the original Black by Kenneth Cole, this newer version quickly became a favourite among fragrance enthusiasts thanks to its versatile nature and intriguing profile.

Vintage Black opens with a burst of punchy citrus, tangy white pepper, and herby lavender, followed by dry woods. But what really sets it apart is the tequila accord – an exotic twist that you won't find in other fragrances. This unique combination makes Vintage Black a perfect choice for a wear-everywhere, anytime scent.

Although it might be a bit tricky to find this cologne in stores, it's definitely worth the search. And if you can't find it locally, it's a safe blind buy that's sure to satisfy even if you don't get to test it out beforehand.

With a price point similar to most Kenneth Cole colognes, Vintage Black offers a bit more of a luxurious feel than the brand's scents with less depth. So, if you're looking for a scent that's a little out of the ordinary but still classic Kenneth Cole, Vintage Black is an excellent choice.

Best on Amazon: Kenneth Cole Blue

If you're looking for the best Kenneth Cole cologne on Amazon, Blue is the one for you. It is a refreshing, citrus-based fragrance with a herby, spiced heart and a wood-focused base. This cologne is a huge crowd-pleaser and is perfect for warm weather. It is a modern aquatic scent, filled with subtle, sexy notes that add a provocative spin to an otherwise clean cologne.

The top notes of lemon, pineapple and mandarin, combined with the middle notes of ginger, lavender and marine accord, and the base notes of cedarwood, vetiver and amber, create a light, yet captivating fragrance. This cologne is perfect for most men and is a great choice for those who want a modern aquatic scent with subtle, sexy notes.

Kenneth Cole Blue has excellent lasting power and a captivating dry down, making it a worthwhile pick. With a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 584 customer reviews on Amazon, it is one of the most popular Kenneth Cole colognes for men.

If you're looking for a reliable day-to-night scent, the Kenneth Cole Mankind cologne is also a great option. It is light and bright on the top, with a spiced, wood-filled heart and a deep masculine base. The blend of juicy fruits with herbs, spices and woods results in a stunning profile that makes this scent well-suited to the modern gentleman.

For a classic, budget-friendly option, the Kenneth Cole Reaction cologne is a perfect choice. It is a true crowd-pleaser and a great option for the office. This cologne has bright top notes of lime and green apple, with a lily of the valley and watermelon heart. The base notes of patchouli, musk and sandalwood add depth to the fragrance.

Best Night Time: Kenneth Cole Black

If you're seeking a cologne for evening wear and cold weather, Black is among the best Kenneth Cole colognes for men. It's an unpredictable, alluring, spiced, and bold cologne that will keep people wondering what you're wearing. Black by Kenneth Cole is dripping in seductive luxury with notes of mandarin, watermint, and ginger. It's tempered with lotus for a bit of sweetness and a touch of incense for a dark surprise. This musky cologne is a stellar choice for any man who's not afraid to stand out.

Black by Kenneth Cole is probably the most popular men's fragrance from this line and it's actually one of the best. The opening blast of mandarin orange is wonderful and juicy, and it's paired with notes like mint and basil, which gives it an intoxicating herbal spice that pairs well with the citrus. Black is very fresh and not heavy and dark. It dries down with a lovely lotus flower note, to go along with the aforementioned ingredients. This is a good option for guys who want a daily wear cologne with decent performance that isn't 'too loud'.

The Black fragrance line by Kenneth Cole began with this concoction, and it has since expanded to include other fragrances such as Black Bold, which is more wood-focused and suitable for daytime wear.

Black by Kenneth Cole has received positive reviews from both critics and customers. It is available in a variety of forms, including body spray, eau de toilette spray, and eau de parfum spray.

Frequently asked questions