The Art Of Wearing Cologne: A Guide For Men

Knowing when to wear cologne can be tricky, especially in the workplace where it's becoming more and more discouraged due to the possibility of co-workers being sensitive to it. However, cologne can make a man feel more confident and attractive, so if you want to wear it, it's best to apply it sparingly and strategically. It's recommended to apply cologne after a shower, directly to the skin, and not the clothes, as this can damage the fabric. Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body and apply to heated areas of the body such as the neck, forearms, and chest. It's also a good idea to ask a friend or family member if the strength of your cologne is appropriate as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

At work

Wearing cologne at work is a tricky topic. While there are no specific prohibitions on wearing cologne at work, it is important to be mindful of your colleagues and the work environment. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you navigate wearing cologne in the workplace:

Industry and Job Type

The appropriateness of wearing cologne at work can vary depending on the industry and job type. If you work in a healthcare setting or the food service industry, it is best to avoid wearing any fragrances to avoid interfering with patients' sensitivities or the smell and taste of food. In office or retail jobs, there is more flexibility, but it is crucial to be mindful of colleagues' allergies or preferences and the nature of the work. If you work in a perfume company, for example, you may have more freedom to express yourself through your choice of fragrance.

Amount and Type of Cologne

When wearing cologne at work, it is essential to use it sparingly and apply it strategically. Opt for a subtle scent that is less likely to cause irritation or offend others. Avoid strong, heavy, sweet, or musky scents. Choose lighter and less concentrated colognes, such as Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne. Apply just enough to be noticed by those in close proximity but not overpowering. Avoid spraying cologne directly onto clothing or hair, as it can be challenging to control the intensity. Instead, apply it to your pulse points, such as wrists, neck, and behind the ears.

Application and Reapplication

It is best to apply cologne at home before heading to work. Applying it in the office can be distracting and may cause discomfort to those around you. Avoid reapplying cologne during the day, even if the scent seems to fade. It could be that you are getting used to the scent, and if others can still smell it, keeping it subtle is essential.

Be Mindful of Others

Be considerate of your colleagues who may have allergies or sensitivities to certain scents. If someone complains about your cologne or expresses discomfort, it is respectful to reduce the amount you wear or refrain from wearing it to work altogether. Remember, the workplace should be a safe and healthy environment for all employees.

In conclusion, while there may be no explicit rules against wearing cologne at work, it is essential to use your best judgment, be mindful of others, and choose subtle scents applied sparingly.

After showering

Applying cologne after showering is one of the best times to do so. The shower washes away any lingering odours on the body and opens up your pores, which then helps your skin absorb the cologne's scent. It is best to completely dry off your skin before applying cologne.

It is recommended to hold the cologne bottle 3-6 inches away from your body when applying. Any closer and you risk applying too much; any further and the scent may dissipate too quickly. Apply the cologne to heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, inner elbows, lower jaw, shoulders and wrists. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent.

It is best to start with a light application of cologne. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If you notice that the scent fades quickly, choose another area and spray there next time. You can always ask a friend or family member for their opinion on whether the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.

If you are going out in the evening, you may want to reapply cologne. To do so, simply dab a little onto your pulse points.

It is important to note that cologne should be applied sparingly and strategically so that it lasts all day without overpowering those around you. A man's cologne should be subtle and understated, complementing and enhancing your style rather than overpowering it.

How much to apply

When it comes to cologne application, the key is to start with a light touch and build up if needed. You don't want to overpower those around you, so it's best to be conservative with your application and add more if necessary. Here are some tips on how much cologne to apply:

• Start with a light application: Begin with a single spray on one area of your body, such as your neck or forearms. If you feel like the scent fades too quickly, choose another area to spray next time. It's easy to become nose-blind to scents you wear often, so consider asking a friend or family member for their opinion on whether your application is appropriate.
• Hold the bottle 3-6 inches from your body: Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-application, while spraying from farther away may result in under-application. A good rule of thumb is to hold the bottle no closer than the width of your palm.
• Focus on heated areas of the body: Apply cologne to areas of your body that generate heat, such as your neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, inner elbows, lower jaw, shoulders, and wrists. These areas will help diffuse the scent throughout the day and allow it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent. Choose one or two locations to ensure the scent doesn't become too strong.
• Reapply if needed: Depending on the type of cologne and the situation, you may need to reapply. When reapplying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points, such as your neck or wrists.
• Avoid common mistakes: Some common mistakes to avoid when applying cologne include rubbing it into your skin (which can make the scent fade faster), splashing it onto your skin (which can lead to over-application), and spraying it onto your clothing (which prevents it from mixing with your natural oils and can damage certain fabrics).

On skin or clothes

It is generally recommended to spray cologne on your skin rather than your clothes. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, fragrances are designed to interact with the oils and pH of your skin, which helps to enhance and prolong the scent. Secondly, applying cologne directly to your skin will help prevent it from staining or damaging your clothing.

When applying cologne, aim to spray it on pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and chest, as these areas generate heat and will help to diffuse the fragrance. It is best to hold the bottle 3 to 6 inches from your body when spraying. Any closer and you risk over-applying, any further and the scent may dissipate too quickly.

If you do wish to apply cologne to your clothing, it is best to spray it on a small area such as the collar or cuff, rather than all over. Keep in mind that some fragrances may interact with certain fabrics and cause stains or discolouration, so it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area first.

It is also important to apply cologne sparingly and strategically so that it lasts all day without being overpowering. Choose one or two areas of your body to spray, such as the neck, forearms, inner elbows, lower jaw, shoulders, or chest. You can always reapply if needed.

Remember that different scents are appropriate for different situations. It is best to keep your nice colognes for evening events, dinner, and special occasions.

Choosing a scent

Firstly, it's important to choose a scent that complements your natural body chemistry. This is where testing comes in. You can research colognes online, narrowing down your preferences and then testing them in person. Testing colognes on your skin is the best way to find out how they react with your body's natural oils and chemistry. You can use scent blotters, which are small cardboard strips, to initially test the fragrances. Spray a few times onto the blotter and then, if you like the scent, test it on your skin.

When testing on the skin, it's best to try one cologne on each wrist, and if testing more than two, spray onto your inner elbows. This is so you don't confuse your sense of smell. Give the scent time to develop—around 30 minutes—and then smell it again. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion.

When applying cologne, it's important to remember that less is more. A subtle scent is preferable, and you can always reapply if needed. The key areas to apply cologne are the heated areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, and inner elbows. These areas help to diffuse the scent throughout the day and create a unique signature scent.

The strength of the cologne you choose will also determine how much you need to apply. For lighter fragrances, such as citrus or floral scents, one or two sprays are usually enough. For stronger scents, such as woody or musky fragrances, you may need two or three sprays.

Lastly, remember that cologne does not last forever. It has a shelf life, and fluctuations in temperature and exposure to light can cause it to deteriorate. Store your cologne in a cool, dark place, and it should last for many years.

Frequently asked questions