Time to get your spray on! Whether you’re looking to switch up a signature scent, update for the season, or are gifting a new favorite fragrance, we’ve hand picked some favorites – with notes across the board.
It might be time to retire the Drakkar and Old Spice and up your smelling game (not that there’s anything wrong with that). It’s a complicated scent-field out there so we’ve basically done all the dirty work for you. We’ve seen so many other sites out there listing up to 30 colognes to choose from. Really?! How are you ever supposed to decide then?!
So, we’ve kept our editorially chosen list short, pulled out the important things you need to know (like, what does it actually smell like) and gave you some pros and cons for each fragrance. Oh, and we’ve broken down our list into digestible sections like:
In our opinion, you can’t really go wrong with any of the below. Almost all of them will work for any time of year, but we’ve certainly chosen a variety that are geared towards cooler temps and others that are basically perfect for vacation or when you want to pretend you’re on vacation.
Shop our picks for the best men’s cologne for 2021.
Chanel “Bleu De Chanel” Cologne Spray
$80 – $135
We’re totally loving this cologne, and not just because it’s one of the best-sellers of the year – again – but we love its woodsy notes that blend citrus to make it smell crisp, clean, and is sure to turn heads.
It’s a Match For You If: You’ll love this one if you enjoy the outdoors and total woodsy scents that are still fresh, clean, and light.
Take a Pass If: You may want to skip this one if you want something that’s super strong and lasts all day.
Dior ‘Sauvage’ Eau de Toilette
$56 – $199
With top notes of Reggio di Calabria bergamot, middle notes of sichuan pepper and a base of ambroxan – Sauvage is perfect for any time of year, really and the perfect gift idea for any of the men in your life! One of the best sellers so far this year and winner of many magazine awards for men’s cologne.
It’s a Match For You If: If you love light and fresh fragrances that give you total vacation vibes, you’ll love this.
Take a Pass If: You may want to skip this one if you need something much stronger and less mainstream. Everyone seems to have this one, but it’s still one of our favorites.
Tom Ford Private Blend ‘Oud Wood’
$163 – $360
Sure it’s on the more expensive, but totally worth it. A great mix of oud wood, rosewood, sandalwood, tonka bean, and amber.
It’s a Match For You If: You’ll want to pick this one up if you like totally masculine scents without being too powerful. A little bit goes a long way, so don’t overdo it – stud.
Take a Pass If: You’ll probably want to take a pass if you don’t want to spend an insane amount on your fragrance. Yeah, this one is kind of that expensive – but totally worth it in our book.
Maison Martin Margiela “Replica – Jazz Club” For Men
$72 – $135
Your new “go-to” for cologne this season. Experience the base notes of vanilla and tobacco leaf mixed with top notes of pink pepper, lemon and neroli oil. This scent is super distinct, yet not overpowering, but will always catch the attention of those around you.
It’s a Match For You If: If you want something that’s pretty strong (in a good way) and manly (in a whatever way) you’re going to totally dig Jazz Club. This one is a true head-turner and you’ll likely get a free compliment or two.
Take a Pass If: This one really isn’t for those who want something light and subtle. If you don’t like something that’s a bit strong, you’ll probably want to skip it.
Creed ‘Aventus’ Fragrance
$325 – $1,055
One of the most popular cologne lines from Creed, experience base notes of Spanish oak moss, ambergris, and French vanilla. It’s strong, but in a way that’s manageable – meaning, don’t put a ton of it on. A little will go a long way. We’ll be shocked if people around you don’t ask you what you’re wearing.
It’s a Match For You If: If you’re looking for something that’s timeless and seasonless where you can wear it all year round, go with Creed Aventus. If you’re ready to really treat yourself or looking for a generous gift for that special guy in your life, you won’t be disappointed.
Take a Pass If: Yeah, so, there really aren’t any cons with it comes to this one except the price. It’s pretty steep, even for the smallest bottle. We still think it’s worth it, but if you’re on a budget (we hear you!), you may want to pass.
A New Cologne Every Month: Scentbird Monthly Cologne Subscription Box
$15
Who wouldn’t dig a new cologne to try every month!? Choose from over 150 cologne brands and test-drive it for the entire month based on 4 sprays per day. #Math
It’s a Match For You If: Snag this innovative subscription if you either (1) want to test-drive a new major fragrance every month or (2) you’re looking for a totally unique gift for any of the men on your list.
Take a Pass If: If you’re over “of the month” subscriptions and don’t want new scents dropped off on your door each month, you’ll most likely not be into this.
Dolce & Gabbana “The One For Men”
$120
It’s really tough to choose a fragrance (especially online and especially when it’s newer) – but we’re highly recommending The One this season. It’s a bit spicy, perfect for the cooler times of year, and has pretty amazing notes of cedarwood, ginger, and tobacco. It’s a total guys-guy type of scent that is pretty modern, but timeless all at the same time.
It’s a Match For You If: This one is right up your alley if you want something distinct and masculine that will last you for a while throughout the day or night. If you like fragrances with a little spice and a little kick to them, give this a go.
Take a Pass If: If you’re more of a light-and-airy type of guy, this one may be a little much for you.
Valentino “Uomo Yellow Dream”
$97
We’re loving this warm and sweet scented fragrance that truly brilliantly mixes warm and spicy along with refreshing mandarin. It’s pretty fresh and totally balanced and one that you can wear just about any time of year.
It’s a Match For You If: Go with this one if you just want something you can wear all year round, don’t really enjoy switching up your signature scent, and want something that isn’t priced over the top.
Take a Pass If: Probably skip this one if you don’t like your fragrance to be long lasting.
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Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris
$165
If we only had two words to describe this one it would be: fresh and bright. It definitely has floral notes and additional notes of grapefruit, sage oil, and citrus. But don’t worry, it’s still for guys and – hey – maybe even the lady in your life wouldn’t mind rocking it once in a while too.
It’s a Match For You If: Into light, fresh, airy, and a little flowery? Give this one a whirl. You’ll want to use it any time you want to feel fresh and clean all day long. Still shower though.
Take a Pass If: If you’re turned off by scents that could be considered unisex – take a pass. And, it’s a bit pricey for just 1 ounce. Your call.
Viktor&Rolf “Spicebomb”
$92 – $150
Very masculine scent and comforting for cooler nights, Spicebomb has been become one of the top selling colognes for men this year (and it was on the top seller lists for the past 4 years too!). Plus the bottle is basically art. This one has it all, like notes of leather, tobacco, vetiver, cinnamon, pink pepper, bergamot, and more. A little goes a long way!
It’s a Match For You If: If you’re looking for a classic signature scent you can’t go wrong with Spicebomb. It’s the type of fragrance you can pick out in a crowd and one that’ll get a compliment sent your way on the regular.
Take a Pass If: If you feel like this one has gone too mainstream and are looking for something a bit lighter, you’ll most likely want to pass.
Versace Man ‘Eau Fraiche’
$70 – $120
Top notes of white lemon, and rose wood blend with tarragon, cedar leaves, and clary sage – finishing off with vegetal amber, acajou, and musk. Yes, this one is basically an entire vacation in a bottle. It almost instantly relaxes you and brings back memories of happier (and more simple) times.
It’s a Match For You If: You’ll love this one if you want something light, fun, airy, tried-and-true. While many will wear this one in the warmer months, we think it’ll help you feel like your on an island even in the dead of the winter.
Take a Pass If: If you need something strong and woodsier you may not love this one.
Issey Miyake
$55.00
$35.49 (35% Off!)
This cologne has a fresh yet warm, woody scent accented with spicy notes like yuza, cinnamon, nutmeg, and evened out with sandalwood.
It’s a Match For You If: You want to add something totally unique into your life, especially when so many other colognes smell the same. This is truly a one-of-a-kind and you really can’t beat the price either.
Take a Pass If: Perhaps skip this one if you need it to last all day and night. It’s really one of those that you spray when you first start your day and then give yourself a little spritz later in the day (or night) when you want to freshen it up.
Acqua di Gio
$35 – $134
The good old classic standby; transparent, aromatic, and woody in nature combined with marine notes, fruits, herbs, and woods. It’s also a great gift idea for your dad this season. Either way you can’t go wrong!
It’s a Match For You If: If you’re looking to go back to simpler times (re: your youth) you’re going to want to pick this one up again. And the pricing can’t be beat, especially if you want to go with the smaller option or if you’re looking for an affordable gift.
Take a Pass If: You’ll most likely want to skip this one if it reminds you of every high-school dance you’ve ever been too and you’ve moved on. We get it. We still love it though.
Before You Go:
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