The Appeal Of Unisex Cologne: Fragrance For All

Unisex cologne, also known as gender-neutral cologne, is a fragrance designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. These colognes are created without adhering to traditional gender stereotypes, such as floral scents for women and musky or spicy scents for men. Instead, they embrace a spectrum of aromas, from woody and spicy to citrusy and herbaceous. Unisex colognes are part of a broader movement in the fashion and beauty industries towards more inclusive and non-binary offerings. They challenge societal norms and allow individuals to express themselves freely, unconstrained by gender expectations.

Unisex fragrances and their growing popularity

The fragrance industry has traditionally marketed perfume and cologne as gendered products, with spicy, smoky colognes aimed at men and softer, floral perfumes aimed at women. However, in recent years, the lines between masculine and feminine fragrances have begun to blur, with more and more brands embracing gender-neutral or genderless stances when formulating their scents.

A Brief History

In 1994, Calvin Klein released CK One, the first mainstream unisex fragrance. With its clean, citrus scent, it reflected and pre-empted a new mood in society – a blurring of gender boundaries, a fluid sexuality, and a freedom from convention. Since then, other fragrance brands have followed suit, quietly defying gender norms without stirring up the controversy that, for example, a unisex skirt might.

The shift towards gender-neutral fragrances is part of a wider movement towards inclusivity and away from restrictive gender stereotypes. As perfumer and founder of Vilhelm Parfumerie, Jan Vilhelm, says:

> 'We’re living in a world today that is increasingly non-binary and gender-fluid. We are going beyond gender and instead we are discussing the scents that fit each individual. We're going back to the origins of the perfume – initially perfume was gender-free. I never create a perfume for a man or a woman, instead I think of the moment, memory, place and what it represents in terms of smell.'

Popular Unisex Fragrances

• CK One by Calvin Klein: a cult classic, this fragrance combines fresh, citrus notes with just enough jasmine and musk to keep things interesting.
• Dark Rum by Malin+Goetz: a unique take on a liquor-inspired fragrance, with notes of sweet rum, bergamot, plum, leather, and amber.
• By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela Replica: a cosy, atmospheric scent that marries comforting cashmere with burning chestnut and guaiac wood.
• Santal 33 by Le Labo: a cult favourite, this fragrance combines spicy cardamom and earthy leather with unexpected lighter notes of iris, violet, and sandalwood.
• Lime, Basil, and Mandarin by Jo Malone London: a fresh and zesty aroma that is universally popular.
• Rose 31 by Le Labo: a subtle yet powerful unisex scent that has attracted both men and women.

The Future of Fragrance

As society continues to move towards a more inclusive and non-binary understanding of gender, it is likely that the fragrance industry will follow suit, with more and more brands offering gender-neutral scents that appeal to a wide range of consumers.

How to choose a unisex fragrance

When it comes to choosing a unisex fragrance, the possibilities are endless. Unisex perfumes, also known as gender-neutral or genderless fragrances, are designed to be worn by anyone, regardless of their gender identity. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect unisex scent:

Explore Different Notes and Accords

Unisex fragrances are created by combining various notes to achieve a balanced and appealing scent for all. When choosing a unisex fragrance, consider exploring different notes and accords to find what resonates with you. Some popular options include:

• Aquatic notes: Look for fragrances with lotus flower, blue cypress, or samphire to create a fresh and aquatic impression.
• Woody notes: Cedar and sandalwood are commonly used in unisex perfumes to add warmth and smoothness to the scent.
• Spicy notes: Cinnamon, juniper, and pepper add a touch of intrigue and sensuality to the fragrance.
• Hesperide notes: Citrus fruits like grapefruit and lemon provide a bright and fresh touch to unisex perfumes.
• Floral notes: Lavender, orange blossom, and violet are often used in unique floral accords for a subtle floral hint.
• Aromatic notes: Fragrances with rosemary and basil can offer a refreshing and invigorating experience.

Consider Your Preferences and Personality

When selecting a unisex fragrance, it's important to trust your senses and choose a scent that you genuinely enjoy. Fragrances are deeply personal, and the same perfume can evoke different emotions and memories for each individual. Explore different options and select a scent that matches your personality and unique preferences, regardless of traditional gender associations.

Sample and Experiment

Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and experiment with different fragrances. Sample a variety of unisex perfumes to discover new scents that surprise and delight you. You might be drawn to fragrances that blend traditionally masculine and feminine notes, creating a unique and captivating aroma.

Think About the Occasion

Consider the occasion or season when choosing your unisex fragrance. For example, you might prefer lighter and fresher scents for the summer months, while opting for warmer and spicier notes for the winter. If you're looking for a signature scent, select a fragrance that makes you feel confident and embodies your personality.

Read Reviews and Recommendations

Take advantage of customer reviews and recommendations when choosing a unisex fragrance. Reading about others' experiences with a particular scent can provide valuable insights into how the perfume wears on different people. Reviews can also help you understand the longevity and projection of the fragrance, ensuring that it aligns with your expectations.

Layer and Combine Scents

Don't be afraid to layer and combine different fragrances to create a unique scent that truly represents you. Fragrances from the same family often blend well together, allowing you to experiment with different combinations to find your signature mix.

Remember, the beauty of unisex fragrances lies in their inclusivity and the freedom they offer to express your individuality. Choose a scent that speaks to you and makes you feel confident, regardless of any gender stereotypes associated with specific notes or fragrance families.

Unisex fragrances and their notes

Unisex fragrances are designed to appeal to all genders, and their development is more focused on intent and inspiration than traditional gendered tropes. They are often characterised by woody and amber notes, which have historically been defined as more masculine, with fruity, floral, and musk notes adding a genderless approachability.

Woody fragrances are a robust and warm base for a long-lasting impression, with unique characteristics ranging from resin-like, warm, and creamy to the drier notes of cedar and vetiver. Woody notes are a key component in popular unisex fragrances such as Phlur's Somebody Wood and Byredo's Super Cedar, which also features vetiver and musk for longevity, rounded out by rose and cedar.

The universal appeal of gourmand fragrances, which blend fruit, floral, or musk notes, also contributes to their genderless appeal. Examples include Malin+Goetz's Dark Rum, which combines fruity and earthy notes like plum, patchouli, and amber with leather, rum, and vanilla, and Parfums de Marly's Althair, a rich, luxurious blend of vanilla, woods, and musk.

Unisex fragrances also often feature fresh and citrusy notes, as in the case of Chanel's Paris-Deauville, which combines basil and Sicilian orange, and CK One, a combination of rose, musk, amber, and lavender. Citrus notes can also be found in fragrances such as Dior's Eden Roc, which features bergamot, and DedCool's Aura, which opens with a burst of citrus.

Spicy notes are also common in unisex fragrances, such as in Van Cleef & Arpels' Moonlight Rose, which combines pink peppercorn, raspberry, patchouli, and oakmoss with rose, and Gucci's Oud, a warm and spicy cologne with notes of Bulgarian rose, patchouli, and raspberry.

Ultimately, the definition of a "unisex fragrance" is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, the trend towards gender-neutral fragrances reflects a shift in societal views and a desire to express individual personalities through scent choices.

Unisex fragrances and their history

The concept of genderless perfumes is fascinating, and their history is too. The gender of perfumes was established mainly by marketing rather than an inherent taste for men or women. Perfumes were originally gender-free, and it is only recently that marketing has begun to differentiate perfumes by gender, based on which olfactory notes seem more "masculine" or "feminine".

The Early Days

In the 18th and 19th centuries, perfumery in the Western world was primarily handled by pharmacists, who mixed potions using botanicals like rose, violet, cloves, and lavender, as well as man-made ingredients. Perfume was an aspirational luxury—a chance to experience the scents of faraway lands and their tropical plants, exotic spices, and flowers. Early perfumery was about creating scents that smelled good on everyone, regardless of gender. However, as advertising began to take shape in the 1800s and perfume ads started appearing in magazines, fragrance marketing began to shift its target towards women, as they generally devoted more time to personal grooming.

The Gender Divide

From the end of the 19th century until the 1980s, fragrances were heavily gendered, with most women's fragrances being floral and men's fragrances having aromatic notes evoking cleanliness. However, this began to change in the 1990s with the launch of Calvin Klein's CK One in 1994, which turned perfumery on its head. This fragrance, with its clean scent of green tea, became iconic for a generation with an androgynous aesthetic, fascinating both women and men. During this decade, ""niche" perfume brands also emerged, offering fragrances built around a single ingredient rather than a marketing concept, and these were usually unisex. Brands like L'Artisan Parfumeur, Diptyque, and Serge Lutens were pioneers in this movement.

A New Age of Perfumery

Today, we are seeing a shift towards gender-fluid fragrances, driven by Gen Z and millennials actively battling against gender stereotypes and the dominance of queer perfumers in modern perfumery. More and more brands are realizing that customers are willing to invest in fragrances that reaffirm their self-identity and make them feel a certain way. The idea that one's choice of perfume should not be a measure of masculinity or femininity is gaining traction. Perfumery, after all, is an art form, and enforcing stereotypes stifles creativity. The number of gender-neutral perfumes is increasing, with market research finding that 51% of new fragrances launched in 2018 were marketed as "unisex," compared to just 17% in 2010. This new age of perfumery is about finding a fragrance that makes you feel good, embracing experimentation, and capturing experiences in a bottle.

Unisex fragrances and their packaging

Unisex fragrances are those that are not marketed towards a specific gender. Instead, they are designed to be worn by anyone and everyone. This shift towards gender-neutrality in the fragrance industry is a response to changing social norms and a desire for more inclusive beauty standards.

Traditionally, perfumes and colognes have been separated and marketed to consumers based on gendered stereotypes: spicy, smoky colognes for men and softer, floral perfumes for women. However, many brands are now moving away from this binary approach and embracing a gender-neutral stance when formulating their fragrances. This means that instead of focusing on gendered tropes, perfumers are now emphasizing exploration and personal connection in their creations.

The packaging of unisex fragrances also reflects this shift towards gender neutrality. Unisex fragrances often feature minimalist and androgynous designs, steering clear of the soft pastel boxes typically associated with women's perfumes and the dark, masculine hues of men's colognes. Instead, they opt for simple and sleek designs that appeal to a wider range of consumers.

Some popular unisex fragrances on the market include:

• Calvin Klein CK One: A timeless, gender-neutral scent with fresh, citrus notes.
• Byredo Super Cedar: A unique yet wearable fragrance with notes of vetiver, musk, rose, and cedar.
• Malin+Goetz Dark Rum: A bright and fruity scent with hints of spice, leather, and amber.
• Le Labo Santal 33: A diffuse, woodsy fragrance with notes of cardamom, sandalwood, and iris.
• Maison Margiela Replica: At The Barber's: A modern classic with a fresh, woody, and earthy aroma reminiscent of a haircut.

These fragrances, and many others like them, are challenging traditional gender norms and creating a more inclusive landscape in the fragrance industry.

Frequently asked questions