When it comes to encapsulating the essence of summer, it’s not just about creating a scent. It’s about bottling a feeling, a fleeting moment. Picture the quintessence of summer days: idyllic afternoons lounging in sun-dappled parks, the exhilarating freedom of beach adventures, and the cool, refreshing taste of a well-mixed mojito. The ideal men’s fragrances capture this spirit, infused with the invigorating zest of citrus, the serene freshness of aquatic notes, the exotic allure of tropical fruits, and the revitalizing essence of greenery.
See also: 10 best smelling body washes for men #GentsApproved
These scents are more than fragrances; they’re a celebration of summer’s optimistic glow. They reflect the tranquil beauty of late sunsets and the longing for sun-soaked days amid winter’s chill. But what sets these summer fragrances apart? They’ve passed our rigorous sniff test with flying colors! Each scent in our handpicked selection not only evokes the lush landscapes, the breezy coastal vibes, and the energetic pulse of summer locales but also stands as a testament to quality and allure.
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Editors’ picks: We picked out 16 men’s fragrances so you don’t have to…
Choosing from this array of men’s fragrances means not just finding a new signature summer scent. It’s about capturing the very soul of summer, one exhilarating note at a time. Below are 15 of the best men’s fragrances for spring/summer that you should be spraying.
1. Snif Honorable Mention
Honorable Mention captures the very essence of late spring with its blend of floral and spicy aromas. It’s reminiscent of a meadow in full bloom—fortunately, without triggering your allergies. The fragrance has a subtly sweet undertone, which, when used sparingly, unveils a delicate and nostalgic bouquet that gracefully persists well beyond the first spritz. And thanks to Snif’s innovative approach, you can order and return their fragrances free of charge should it not be the whiff you’re looking for.
2. Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
There’s truly nothing that captures the essence of summer quite like Neroli Portofino. On those sweltering days, this is exactly how I dream of smelling: vibrant, fresh, and delightfully fruity. The rich citrus notes are what initially draw you in, making the scent irresistibly juicy. But it’s the addition of neroli and jasmine that really brings a whole new level of brightness to the table. Though it’s labeled an eau de parfum, fragrance knows no gender – including this one.
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3. Ralph Lauren Polo Black
Ralph Lauren’s Polo Black has earned its spot in my collection as an enduring classic. The unique mix of iced mango, lemon, and tangerine gives it a refreshing kick, while the deeper notes of sandalwood, sage, and patchouli noir add a sophisticated edge. It’s my go-to scent for making a bold statement and leaving a lasting impression.
4. Frédéric Malle Geranium Pour Monsieur
If you’re on the hunt for a fragrance that breaks the mold of typical floral and woody aromas, let me introduce you to a breath of minty fresh air. Dreamed up by the renowned French perfumer Dominique Ropion, this scent paints the picture of an offbeat Englishman in a blue velvet jacket. It’s as vibrant and unique as it sounds. With a blend of mint, aniseed, and geranium at the forefront, and a warm, inviting base of sandalwood and frankincense. It’s the perfect pick for those wanting to leave a memorable, olfactory mark wherever they go.
See also: The Sniff Test: 5 Fragrances for your fall roster #GentsApproved
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5. Aesop Tacit
Aesop’s Tacit stands out as a unisex fragrance that’s sure to leave an impression, perfect for the summer. Striking a fine balance, it’s neither too light nor too overpowering. Its distinct blend is immediately captivating, with a crisp yet fresh mix that stands out. The combination of Yuzu lemon, basil, and vetiver dominates the initial scent profile, with the Yuzu lemon and other citruses shining through as the top notes. This creates a fragrance that’s just light enough for both summer workdays and relaxed weekends at home, making it a versatile choice for any summer occasion.
6. Comme Des Garcon Rouge
To put it simply, Comme des Garçons’ Rouge is an audacious departure from the everyday. It offers a bold and seductive journey. This fragrance crafts an alluring narrative, intertwining smoky incense with the grounded essence of vegetal roots for a deeply engaging scent. The warmth of intense, fiery woods kindles a spirited interplay of notes, as the rich, resinous base is illuminated by the surprising zing of beetroot. A little spray goes a long way with this one!
7. Eauso Vert Sintra
Sintra by Eauso has quickly climbed to the top of my fragrance list, and here’s why: it’s like the scent of your own skin, but elevated, with a whisper of seductive charm. The ensemble of bergamot, French mimosa, and sandalwood intermingles to forge a spicy aroma. The kind that makes a striking entrance, then gently fades to a soft, enduring warmth that wraps around you all day.
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8. Chanel Bleu de Chanel
Chanel’s iconic cologne has likely made an appearance in everyone’s fragrance collection at some point. So its mention in yet another grooming column might not come as a surprise. There’s a compelling aromatic reason behind its frequent accolades. With its fresh, clean, and sensually appealing profile, this men’s scent skillfully combines notes of citrus with the warmth of labdanum, the richness of sandalwood, and the earthy undertone of cedar. Its versatility shines as it transitions seamlessly from daywear to evening allure. Its subtle musky base setting the perfect tone for a romantic evening.
9. Calvin Klein Eternity for Men
Eternity, with its romantic floral essence, has a way of capturing hearts, and mine is no exception. Despite not yet being born when it first debuted in 1988 — yes, I’m a Gen Z — I find myself utterly hooked by its timeless charm. It’s a fragrance that beautifully blurs the lines between masculine and feminine, making it a staple for anyone. The enchanting blend of freesia, mandarin, sage, white lily, patchouli, and sandalwood draws me in every time, striking the perfect balance between freshness and depth.
10. Hugo Boss Boss
Hugo Boss’ ‘Boss’ cologne, a hit since its 1998 debut, feels like a classic film that never gets old. Its initial notes of apple, lemon, and plum are like the opening scenes that grab you, bright and engaging. But the story deepens with the heart of geranium, sandalwood, and vetiver, much like a plot that draws you in and holds you close. This intricate mix is why ‘Boss’ remains a recurring character in my scent story, always ready to add depth to my day. A legend in the men’s fragrances space.
11. Manscaped Persevere Cologne
There’s a new man in town. Manscaped, famous for their superior, nick-free razors suitable for every area, including your balls, has recently unveiled an impressive new fragrance. This new scent offers a light, woodsy aroma that hearkens to the great outdoors. It makes you smell as if you’ve been sculpted from the very essence of nature. It artfully mixes notes of bergamot, lavender, cumin, cedarwood, and moss to create a fresh, sharp scent perfect for daily use.
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12. Dior Sauvage Elixir
Let’s tip our hats to Dior for this masterpiece. It carries the hallmark DNA of the classic Sauvage, yet this latest iteration turns up the heat with a potent blend of spices—think nutmeg, cardamom, and cinnamon, all kicked up a notch with a surprising twist of licorice. But it’s the foundation of this fragrance that truly cements its staying power. A rich concoction of sandalwood, amber, patchouli, and Haitian vetiver lays down a bold, unmistakably masculine trail that lingers on the skin, holding its ground for hours on end.
13. Vacation After Sun Eau de Toilette
Vacation’s knack for blending nostalgia with modern flair shines bright in this fragrance. Picture this: inspired by the electric green post-sunburn “aloe vera” gel of yesteryears, it’s a trip down memory lane with a twist. Think actual aloe vera, gin, green tea, and even hints of “resort towel plush.” It’s both hilarious and irresistible, making it the ultimate sundown scent for your next getaway. They don’t call it Vacation for nothing!
14. Loewe Solo Vulcan Eau de Parfum
Loewe has done it again with their latest fragrance, offering a sensory experience that defies expectations. Imagine a blend of thyme, lavender, orange flower absolute, and vetiver – a concoction that dances between green and herbal, yet embraces warmth like a familiar embrace. While you might anticipate a crisp, clean aroma, this scent surprises with its earthy depth and almost syrupy woody sweetness.
15. Creed Original Santal Eau De Parfum
As a dedicated Le Labo Santal enthusiast, I thought I had found my signature scent… until I encountered Creed’s Original Santal. Known for their sophistication and intricacy, the House of Creed has once again outdone themselves with this sandalwood masterpiece. Imagine a burst of warmth greeting you with every spritz, thanks to ginger, coriander, and a zesty citrus kick. But the real magic happens as the scent settles, unveiling a velvety blend of sandalwood and lavender at its heart.
16. Parfums de Marly Haltane
There are scents, and then there are true, Parfums. And Parfums de Marly is just that, a true authentic and high quality Parisian parfum. Our editor is always raving about them (in particularly the Greenley) but the Haltane by Parfums de Marly is an amazing Woody Aromatic fragrance. Launched back in 2021, exclusively for Harrods originally. With top notes that are Clary Sage, Lavender and Bergamot, middle notes of Saffron and Praline and base notes of Agarwood (Oud) and Cedar. Haltane comes to life on your skin with layers of traditional aromatic woods and fresh herbal top notes, while the soft and rich accords of saffron and praline represent an ultra-modern spin on the theme of oud wood. You can’t go wrong.
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Whether your a seasoned veteran with a nose for the scent or just looking to get started in the men’s fragrances space, these are the 15 that you need to have on your list.
