The 10 Greatest Classic Men’s Fragrances
Its business model based on built-in obsolescence — today’s must-have morphing into tomorrow’s passé faux-pas — fashion moves pretty fast. Meanwhile, though they’re very often created in conjunction with a fashion designer, fragrances generally prove much more enduring than stylistic trends. The width of our sportscoat lapel, shirt collar or trouser leg might shrink or balloon to suit the times; we’re pretty flexible on that front. But when we find a cologne we like, we’ll doggedly stick with it — it becomes a signature. (A signature of olfactory misguidedness, if the scent in question should happen to be Joop!, A*Men, or the retch-inducing reek of Abercrombie & Fitch.)
Still available in their original formulations (or darn close to it), these 10 classic men’s fragrances have stood the test of time — some, more than a century — and continue to deliver the aromatic goods. One of them’s even a scientifically-proven aphrodisiac… Read on to find out which.
10. Armani Eau Pour Homme
Since: 1984
Scent: Mandarin, sandalwood, cinnamon, patchouli, clove
Sense: Rich, handsome Italian charmer
9. Guerlain Vetiver
Since: 1959
Scent: Bergamot, pepper, vetiver, neroli, nutmeg, cedar
Sense: Spicy splendour in the grass
8. Polo Ralph Lauren for Men (a.k.a. Polo Green)
Since: 1978
Scent: Basil, thyme, coriander, tobacco, leather, vetiver
Sense: Intensely masculine, serious business
7. Penhaligons Blenheim Bouquet
Since: 1902
Scent: Citrus, lavender, pine, musk, pepper
Sense: Refined, old-school British style
6. DR Harris Classic Cologne
Since: late 1800s
Scent: Lime, lemongrass, rosemary, rose water
Sense: Refreshingly zesty English springtime
5. Givenchy Gentleman
Since: 1974
Scent: Sandalwood, civet, bergamot, honey, cinnamon
Sense: Warm, woody, musky and manly
4. Chanel Pour Monsieur
Since: 1955
Scent: Neroli, vetiver, lemon, cardamom, cedar
Sense: Beautifully balanced Parisian sophistication
3. Trumpers Extract of West Indian Limes
Since: 1880
Scent: Lime, lemon, rose
Sense: A fresh, crisp, purist pick-me-up
“You smell marvellous, darling!” Devotees of unisex scent Acqua di Parma Colonia, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.
2. Acqua di Parma Colonia
Since: 1916
Scent: Citrus, rosemary, lavender, verbena, sandalwood, rose
Sense: Sunkissed Mediterranean summer
1. Dior Eau Sauvage
Since: 1966
Scent: Lemon, rosemary, vetiver, basil, oakmoss, musk
Sense: Crisp, elegant, sexily* French
*Eau Sauvage contains the ingredient hedione, the scent of which is not only pleasantly floral, but was recently scientifically proven to stimulate the brain’s hypothalmus, triggering the release of sex hormones in women — meaning that this fragrance is very literally a turn-on. Try it out. In our own experience, 60 percent of the time, it works every time.
