Best Classic Summer Fragrances For Men
All-Time Classic Summer Fragrances For Men
Summer the time we all shop for shades, shorts, and sunscreen, and also the perfect time to grab a new scent. Not just saying that to make you buy another bottle of the smelly stuff. There are some very good reasons for switching to a different, lighter fragrance as the mercury rises. The notes that make up a bottle of pulling sauce react differently in heat, intensifying and dispersing faster, which means that heavier scents loaded with oud can become overpowering. Grooming science aside, when it’s hot out we also want to smell (and feel) clean and fresh; a task quite hard to do when reeking of musk, vanilla, or amber, but much easier with the help of Sicilian lemon grove. Here are 14 all-time classic summer fragrances that will always be worthy of a sniff, and the others they smell like to help you pick the right one.
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All-Time Classic Men’s Summer Fragrances
Terre d’Hermès
Few truly stand-out fragrances have emerged in the last decade or so, with most brands choosing to update old wins (which become known as ‘flankers’) rather than create something unique.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. “In my opinion, Terre d’Hermes is one of, if not the best men’s fragrances to come out in recent years,” says Grant Osborne, founder of online perfume resource Basenotes.
Earthy, woody, and spicy, with notes of grapefruit, pink pepper, geranium, cedar, and vetiver; it’s deliciously fresh yet warm and sensual. This is a true grooming hall-of-Famer.
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- Dunhill London Icon Eau De Perfume
- Dior Fahrenheit Eau De Toilette Spray
- Davidoff Horizon Eau De Toilette Spray
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Classic Summer Fragrance
People salivate over Tom Ford fragrances almost as much as they do over the designer’s impeccably cut suits.
Proving that you don’t need to be decades old to be considered a classic; 2011’s Neroli Portofino is an expertly balanced (and bottled) blend of lemon, mandarin, myrtle, and Egyptian jasmine.
Imitated, but never bettered, the scent perfectly captures the essence of summer and the swagger of the designer himself.
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- Calvin Klein Ck One Eau De Toilette Spray
- Hermes Eau De Citron Noir Eau De Cologne Spray
- Lacoste Eau De Lacoste L.12.12 Vert Edt Spray
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Classic Summer Fragrance
Still going strong 13 years after its release, Chanel’s Allure Homme Sport is one of the best-selling (and just one of the best) sport fragrances on the market.
“Like Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino, Allure Homme Sport takes a lot of classic materials and combines them with interesting modern ones to create something new,” says British perfumer Roja Dove.
A fresher, sharper take on the original Allure with blood mandarin, aldehydes, and sea notes; stick this one in your gym bag and leave it to do the heavy lifting in your post-workout grooming routine.
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- Boss Bottled Eau De Toilette Spray
- Burberry Mr. Burberry Eau De Toilette
- Jo Malone London English Oak And Hazelnut Cologne
Creed Virgin Island Water Classic Summer Fragrance
Despite being best known for its Green Irish Tweed fragrance; Creed’s Virgin Island Water is still an olfactory journey worth embarking on.
A unisex perfume launched in 2007; it’s inspired by a sailing trip near Ginger Island in the Caribbean.
The resulting scent goes big on mouth-watering lime and creamy coconut notes; capable of transporting anyone within nose-shot to the Amalfi Coast, even if it’s not much cheaper than a plane ticket.
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- Versace Pour Homme Eau De Toilette Spray
- Byredo Sundazed Eau De Parfum
- John Varvatos Artisan Pure Eau De Toilette
Comme des Garçons 2 Classic Summer Fragrance
It’s the aim of each ‘nose’ (the men and women responsible for producing scents); to create a scent that has its own unique handwriting.
Comme des Garçons 2 takes this idea to a whole new level by basing itself on the Japanese art of calligraphy.
Created by the same expert behind launches from Burberry, Givenchy, and Paco Rabanne, this 1999 concoction leaves behind the smell of fountain pen ink (in a good way); once the top notes of mandarin orange, tea, and angelica dissipate. Write it down as the next one to add to your collection.
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- Gucci By Gucci Pour Homme Eau De Toilette
- Tom Ford Grey Vetiver Eau De Parfum
- Le Labo Rose 31 Eau De Parfum
Acqua di Parma Colonia Classic Summer Fragrance
There’s no getting away from the fact that Acqua di Parma’s Colonia is the fragrance every man wants to be seen on his shelf. But what’s housed inside the Instagram-baiting bottle is no less impressive.
A blend of zingy citrus fruits coupled with lavender, rosemary, sandalwood, and patchouli; it remains the century-old brand’s best and most versatile fragrance.
Granted, it’s not the cheapest, but given that it’s just as appropriate for a warm night in New York as it is for a daytime trek around a Greek island, it’s the only one you’ll need.
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- Dior Eau Sauvage Eau De Toilette Spray
- Salvatore Ferragamo Acqua Essenziale Pour Homme Edts
- Ermenegildo Zegna Acqua Di Bergamotto Eau De Toilette Spray
Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio Classic Summer Fragrance
There aren’t many fragrances that could be given to almost any man as a well-loved gift, but Armani’s Aqua di Gio is undoubtedly one of them.
Made distinct by its bitter-sweet aquatic notes, which gives it a marine freshness; di Gio’s glory days in the ’90s may be behind it, but it sells consistently well to this day.
The addition of patchouli, rockrose, and cedarwood means this is a scent that works for both day and night; ensuring it’ll still be around in another 20 years, too.
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- Davidoff Cool Water Eau De Toilette Spray
- Issey Miyake Leau Dissey Pour Homme
- Aqva Pour Homme Eau De Toilette Spray
Eau Sauvage By Christian Dior Classic Summer Fragrance
In 1966, while England was celebrating its (one and only) World Cup win; Paris-based fashion house Christian Dior was brewing its own success story in the form of Eau Sauvage.
Wonderfully fresh, bursting with zingy citrus notes and rounded out with warm woody ones; it’s a great fragrance whatever the time of year, but it’s especially good in summer. “It’s refreshing, chic, and always impresses without even having to try,” says Dove.
Reach for this one on date night, as Sauvage was the first men’s fragrance to contain a chemical compound called hedione; known to stimulate an area of the brain responsible for the release of sex hormones.
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- Prada Luna Rossa Eau De Toilette
- Armani Eau Pour Homme Eau De Toilette Spray
- Clinique Happy Perfume Spray
Versace Pour Homme Classic Summer Fragrance
It’s fair to say we’d wear almost anything created by legendary nose Alberto Morillas (CK One, Acqua di Gio, 212 For Men, the list goes on). But that doesn’t take away from the charm of Versace Pour Homme.
An aromatic fougère fragrance created in 2008; Versace’s signature medusa’s head on the bottle guards; an intense blend of Mediterranean ingredients like neroli, hyacinth, and clary sage.
If you’re looking for a classic fragrance that’s fresh, clean, and oozes confidence, this is the one for you.
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- Calvin Klein Eternity Men Eau De Toilette
- Chanel Allure Homme Sport Edt
- Ralph Lauren Polo Blue For Men Edt Spray
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme
While we can’t all look like David Gandy (especially when clad in the same white budgie smugglers); we can at least smell like him by wearing Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue.
One of the Milanese fashion house’s most successful fragrances of all time; it has spawned countless updates over the years; all inspired by sparkling summer days that turn into warm nights.
Unsurprisingly, this award-winning juice is swimming in Mediterranean sensuality thanks to notes of Sicilian mandarin, frozen grapefruit peel, bergamot, and juniper.
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- Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Homme Men’s Eau De Toilette
- Floris Bergamotto Di Positano Eau De Parfum
- Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Eau De Toilette
Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Male Classic Summer Fragrance
When looking to create a classic fragrance; the bottle design is almost as important as what is stored inside, and few are as instantly recognizable as Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Le Male.
Housed within the Breton top-wearing male torso; the fragrance that has received countless limited-edition updates since 1995 is built on contrasts. Masculine yet gentle; Traditional yet bold; Strong, yet sensual, but one undisputed icon.
For that, we can thank mint, lavender, and vanilla; which combined add up to something that’s intense, modern, and warm.
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- Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De Lhomme Eau De Toilette
- Joop! Homme Eau De Toilette For Him
- Carolina Herrera 212 Sexy Men Eau De Toilette For Him
Davidoff Cool Water Classic Summer Fragrance
Not all guys are into citrusy scents, which make adding to your olfactory arsenal during the warmer months can seem difficult. But there are alternatives.
For something a step away from the ordinary; try the barely-there Davidoff Cool Water, which has been a go-to summer scent for more than 30 years.
By swapping limes and lemons for mint, seawater, and lavender; the Swiss luxury brand created something that’s fresh, sharp, and equally as masculine as the founder’s range of cigars.
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- Creed Green Irish Tweed Eau De Toilette
- Hugo Boss Hugo Iced Eau De Toilette
- Burberry Brit Splash Men Eau De Toilette
Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme
Perfumers never planned to have separate scents for men and women; that didn’t properly come in until marketers decided so in the 1920s. Therefore, there’s no shame in wearing a fragrance targeted at women.
If, however, breaking the gender divide is a spritz too far; try something like Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme.
While it’s labeled for fellas, this 1994 creation features prominent citrus and floral notes; including blue lotus and saffron for something that’s light on its feet.
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- Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Male Eau De Toilette Spray
- Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau De Toilette
- 89 Eau De Toilette
4711 Cologne
It may not have the greatest staying power in the world. But 4711 Cologne beats almost every other scent on the market; in terms of longevity as an actual fragrance (not to mention price).
Created in 1792, its full name 4711 Eau de Cologne (‘water from Cologne’); leaves no doubt as to where this German-produced perfume originated and continues to be produced.
It’s a superbly fresh blend of citrus fruits and aromatic herbs like rosemary and lavender. Buy the dinky 25ml bottle if you can find it, keep it with you at all times, and reapply often.
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Buy This Classic Summer Fragrances If You like
- Tom ford private blend Neroli Portofino Eau de parfum
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How To Pick The Perfect Summer Fragrance
The complete guide to the perfect summer fragrances
Alongside autumn, summer is conceivably the best time for a man to rethink his fragrance wardrobe. That bottle of Le Male or Oud Wood may have served you well during the colder months; however with temperatures rising, presently the ideal opportunity for something lighter, fresher, and inside and out increasingly summery.
Yet, what would it be advisable for you to go for? “As a rule, fragrances including citrus notes or ones with ‘marine’ accords work especially well in summer as we will in general partner them with freshness and coolness,” says perfume designer Azzi Glasser.
Watch out, as well, for traditional colognes, which are both new and herbaceous; as well as special summer versions of your favorite scents. Here’s a closer look at what’s on offer…
How To Pick The Perfect Summer Fragrance
Super-Fresh Citrus Scents
Nothing says summer quite like the uplifting freshness of citrus fruits. We naturally associate them not only with the warmer months but with cleanliness too (hence the inclusion of so many citrus notes in cleaning products). Not only that, the smell of citrus keeps us alert – handy when it’s hot and muggy outside.
One of the most popular fragrance categories, the appeal of citrus scents is their initial zingy freshness. It might not last long (citrus notes are famously volatile and short-lived on the skin), but it’s ideal for summer.
Not a fan of sharp citrus notes? Then keep your eye out for fragrances like Ermenegildo Zegna Italian Bergamot and Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Universalis, which are big on bergamot. “It’s still a citrus fruit and usually burns off pretty quickly, but it imparts a palpable sense of cleanliness and freshness without appearing too blatant and chilly like some other citrus notes,” says James Craven, Fragrance Archivist at independent perfumery Les Senteurs.
Perfect For:
Sweltering city breaks, Mediterranean destinations, balmy evenings, work.
What To Buy:
- Geo F Trumper West Indian Limes,
- Clinique Happy For Men,
- Molton Brown Cool Buchu,
- Ferrari Bright Neroli,
Sparkling Marine Fragrances
The other type of fragrances that works particularly well in summer are those classed as ‘aquatic’ or ‘marine’; in other words, scents that have a distinctly watery vibe or an echo of the sea.
Sometimes fresh, sometimes slightly bitter and salty; they became popular with the launches of Issey Miyake’s L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme and Acqua Di Gio, two of the most famous fragrances in the genre.
“Aquatic notes in perfumes are an abstract concept,” admits Will Andrews of the P&G Fragrance Design Team. “People often ask how a fragrance could smell of water, when water doesn’t actually smell of anything but, of course, watery environments like lakes and oceans do have distinctive aromas and we are able to recreate those smells with modern perfumery materials.”
One of the most common ingredients is called Calone; which, depending on your point of view, smells just like the ocean, oysters, or watermelon. “This molecule was solely responsible for the watery fresh smell in nearly all the aquatic fragrances of the early 1990s,” he says.
Perfect For:
Action-adventure holidays, outdoorsy types, vacations by the sea (obviously).
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What To Buy:
As well as Acqua Di Gio and L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme, try Davidoff Cool Water, Bvlgari Aqva. Z by Zegna, Creed Erolfa, Kenzo Pour Homme, James Bond 007 Ocean Royale.
Paco Rabanne’s Invictus has a bracing marine accord, too; as does Burberry’s latest fragrance for men, Burberry Brit Splash.
Special Summer Variants
Proof that people generally want lighter; more seasonally-appropriate fragrances once temperatures begin to soar can be seen in the proliferation of ‘summer versions’ of classic scents like Terre d’Hermès and CK One Summer.
Reformulated, remixed, and repackaged; they’re designed to be lighter and fresher while retaining the essence of the original fragrance. To achieve this they often trade off heavier, punchier notes for zingier or juicier ones such as mandarin, grapefruit, and melon; or invigorating ones like mint and ginger. They’re easily identified by the words Eau Fraîche, été Or, of course, plain old ‘summer’ in the title.
Perfect For:
Guys who don’t want to abandon their signature fragrance but want something more in tune with the season.
What To Buy:
Jean-Paul Gaultier Le Male Cologne Tonique Stimulating Summer Fragrance, Versace Man Eau Fraîche; Issey Miyake L’eau d’Issey Pour Homme or Eau de Toilette Pour L’été; Davidoff Cool Water Summer Seas, Thierry Mugler A*Men Ultra Zest, and Victor & Rolf Spicebomb Eau Fraîche.
Terre d’Hermès Eau Très Fraîche, meanwhile, is that rarest of things: a summer variant that’s almost as good as the original it’s based on.
Crisp Perfect Summer Colognes
In many ways colognes are the ultimate summertime scent: crisp, fresh, and light as a feather; they’re perfect for when you want to smell good but not overpoweringly so. The original eau de cologne was created way back in 1709 in the German city of the same name.
Characterized by their combination of citrus and herbaceous notes; Eau de colognes are ideal for summer but their modest 2-5 percent pure fragrance concentration makes them fleeting on the skin; so it’s advisable to keep a bottle with you (or decant some into an atomizer); so you can reapply throughout the day.
Confusingly, ‘cologne’ has come to mean any men’s fragrance in some quarters, and a lot of fragrance houses use the word to signify a lighter version of a punchier fragrance (Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million Cologne, for example). But you can still find plenty of colognes that stay faithful to the spirit of the original concept.
Perfect For:
Work, gym bags, holidays.
What To Buy:
4711 Original Eau de Cologne is a must and exemplifies what colognes are all about. Also worth trying, though, is Cologne du Maghreb, Comme des Garçons Series 4 Citrico Cologne; DKNY Men Energizing Eau De Cologne. Frederic Malle Cologne Indelebile, Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte Eau De Cologne, Cologne Bigarde by Jean-Claude Ellena for Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, and Alvarez Gomez’s delightfully fresh Agua de Colonia Cologne.
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How To Wear Perfect Summer Fragrance
According to Glasser, warmer temperatures affect the diffusion of fragrance notes, meaning they don’t stick around as long on the skin as they tend to in winter. With this in mind, you might need to be a little more generous with the application of your fragrance than you would normally be.
Fragrance layering (applying the EDT, shower gel, and deodorant from the same fragrance range to create a longer-lasting, all-over scent impression) is also a good idea in hot weather. “This allows the fragrance to last on the skin as a base layer for most of the day, plus the deodorizing benefits work well in the heat,” says Glasser.
A word of caution though: don’t be tempted to wear your signature scent to the beach or when sunbathing. Certain ingredients in fragrances can react with intense sunlight and cause skin sensitivity and hyper-pigmentation. Besides, when people hit the beach they generally want to smell the sea (or the occasional summer cocktail), not you!
