Men's Fragrance Guide: Choosing a Scent by Season, Occasion and Signature
By Oswin Hyde · Last updated 28 September 2026
The short answer: choose fresh, citrus and aquatic scents for daytime, the office and warm weather, and warmer amber, woody, spicy and oud scents for evenings, special occasions and cold weather. A signature scent is one you wear often enough that people associate it with you: choose it by testing on skin over a full day. Extrait de parfum is the most concentrated form and lasts the longest, so a few sprays are enough.
Fragrance families
| Family | Typical notes | Best for |
| Fresh / citrus | Bergamot, lemon, grapefruit | Daytime, office, summer |
| Aquatic | Marine, mineral, watery notes | Summer, casual |
| Aromatic | Lavender, herbs | Everyday, office |
| Woody | Cedar, sandalwood, vetiver | Year-round, evening |
| Amber (oriental) | Amber, vanilla, resins, spices | Evening, autumn and winter |
| Oud | Agarwood; rich and smoky | Special occasions, cold weather |
Choosing a fragrance by season
- Spring and summer: fresh, citrus, aquatic and light aromatic scents. They feel clean in the heat and don't overwhelm.
- Autumn and winter: woody, amber, spicy and oud scents. Heavier notes last longer and feel warm.
Choosing a fragrance by occasion
| Occasion | Choose |
| Office | Fresh or aromatic, applied lightly |
| Date or evening | Amber, woody or spicy |
| Wedding or formal event | A refined woody or amber scent |
| Weekend | Whatever you enjoy; fresh scents are easy |
How to choose a signature scent
- Test no more than three scents at a time.
- Spray on skin, not just paper; fragrance changes with your skin.
- Wait: the top notes fade in minutes, the heart in an hour, the base lasts for hours.
- Wear it for a full day before deciding.
- Pick one fresh scent for day and one warmer scent for evening.
Our fragrances
| Fragrance | Character | Best for |
| No. 1 | Fresh, clear and uplifting, inspired by high-mountain streams; unisex | Daytime, office, spring and summer |
| No. 2 | Amber woody with oud wood | Evenings, autumn and winter |
| No. 3 | Ambery woody, opening with spicy elemi | Evenings and special occasions |
Each is an extrait de parfum in 50 ml, and in 5 ml to try first. See the full fragrance collection.
How to apply fragrance
- Spray on pulse points: the neck, behind the ears and the inside of the wrists.
- Don't rub your wrists together; it breaks down the top notes.
- Apply to moisturised skin; it lasts longer.
- One to three sprays of an extrait is plenty.
- Store bottles away from heat and light.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a men's fragrance for different seasons?
Fresh, citrus and aquatic scents for spring and summer; woody, amber, spicy and oud scents for autumn and winter.
What is a signature scent?
A fragrance you wear often enough that people associate it with you.
What is the difference between extrait de parfum and eau de parfum?
Extrait de parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, so it is richer and lasts longer than eau de parfum or eau de toilette.
Which fragrance is best for special occasions?
A warm woody, amber or oud fragrance, applied lightly.
Where should you apply perfume?
On pulse points: the neck, behind the ears and the inside of the wrists.
Shop the pieces in this guide: fragrances · gifts for him
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