With all the hundreds of cologne brands out there, how do you choose one that’s going to provide the best scents made from the highest quality ingredients? Well, for starters, you can take a look at the list we’ve put together of the best men’s cologne brands to learn which fragrance lines to trust. Check it out!
The brand is known for making more than just excellent men’s cologne–they also have a top-quality line of natural men’s skincare products that are a necessary addition to any man’s grooming routine.
The secret to their success lies in their dedication to using 100% natural ingredients to create top-of-the-line products that are vegan and free from sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances.
Their cologne smells like an outdoor adventure or a wander through the woods, with expertly blended notes of oakmoss, fir, vetiver, patchouli, and fresh pops of bergamot. The overwhelming consensus among men who use Blu Atlas products is that they’ll never buy from another brand ever again!
- Chanel
Chanel is one of the most recognized fragrance brands in the world—and for good reason. When Chanel No. 5 launched in 1921, it changed the landscape of the perfume industry for good. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s legacy can still be felt—or smelled—in the company. Chanel, to this day, still produces iconic perfumes and colognes. The first men’s fragrance the company debuted was Chanel Pour Monsieur in 1955. The fresh, woody, and citrusy scent burst onto the fragrance scene with notes of lavender, lemon, and nutmeg.
Since 1955, Chanel has crafted dozens more standout fragrances for men such as Bleu de Chanel, Antaeus Pour Homme, Égoïste, Allure Homme, and Boy Chanel. Bleu de Chanel is, arguably, one of Chanel’s best men’s fragrances. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Bleu de Chanel won the 2019 Fragrance of the Year award from the Fragrance Foundation! Even if they’re not all award-winning, any fragrance from Chanel is high-quality, intense, and memorable. Chanel crafts fragrances with refined, elegant, and sophisticated men in mind. When shopping around for a new cologne, you can’t go wrong with anything from world-famous Chanel.
- Givenchy
This luxury clothing brand and perfume house was founded in 1952 by Hubert de Givenchy. Over the years, the company has been a favorite for celebrities and ordinary people alike. While you may be more familiar with Givenchy’s clothing line than their fragrances, their colognes have impressed perfume aficionados since 1957 when the company’s first scent debuted.
It wasn’t until 1959, however, that Hubert de Givenchy launched the brand’s first ever men’s scents. His goal was to create fragrances for true gentlemen, and these colognes proved to be instant hits. Their most famous fragrance is Gentleman, which appeared on the scene in 1975.
The highly coveted fragrance now exists in many forms outside of the original rich, spicy, and woody scent. Other popular Givenchy men’s fragrances include Pi, Sans Merci, and Gentleman Only. Givenchy fragrances are sincere, strong, and long-lasting. Their reputation for class and sophistication makes Givenchy one of the best men’s cologne brands!
- Tom Ford
Tom Ford, the genius behind this high-end brand, left Gucci in 2004 to found his own fashion and fragrance company. In 2006 Black Orchid came out, one of the best-selling fragrances the brand has ever produced. Most scents by Tom Ford are unisex, so they’re go-tos for both men and women! Tom Ford’s colognes are often inspired by his personal life and travels, making for an exciting collection of scent memories.
This brand’s fragrances are split into two different collections: Private Blend and Signature. The Private Brand Collection features scents that are edgy, bold, and fiercely unique. These fragrances are of the highest quality, making them slightly more expensive than the signature collection, which features some of the brand’s more straightforward (and best-selling) fragrances. One highlight of Tom Ford’s fragrance line is definitely Noir Extreme, a masculine blend of amber, cardamom, and sandalwood. You can’t go wrong with a Tom Ford cologne!
- Ralph Lauren
After building its reputation over the last few decades, the American fashion and fragrance company Ralph Lauren is now considered one of the top luxury brands. Ralph Lauren first created fragrances for the company in 1978, debuting the beloved and iconic Polo for men and Lauren for women. These two fragrances were instant hits, thanks to their simple yet bold blends.
Ralph Lauren’s Polo line was such a hit that it has grown to include fragrances such as the spicy Polo Red, the aquatic Polo Blue, and the sultry Polo Black. All of this brand’s colognes are posh and proud, worn by men who wish to make their classic style seem absolutely effortless.
- Versace
Versace is an Italian luxury brand that has dominated the fashion and fragrance industries since 1978. Men agree that Versace’s best cologne for men is Dylan Blue. This iconic, Mediterranean-inspired cologne debuted in 2016 and has been one of the best-selling men’s fragrances ever since. Its aquatic notes of bergamot and patchouli smell like the essence of the Italian coastline.
Other notable fragrances from Versace include Versace Eros, Versace Eros Flame, Versace Pour Homme, and Versace Man. Versace fragrances are bold and their scents convey great passion and mystery. Any scent you choose from this brand is sure to be memorable.
- Burberry
Nothing quite screams British posh like Burberry does. After all, the high-end English brand has had over 160 years to perfect their fragrances. While Burberry may be best known for its iconic check pattern and highly coveted trench coast, their fragrances are not to be missed. Try the famous Mr. Burberry that oozes notes of zesty grapefruit, earthy vetiver, and smoky guaiac wood. It’s a warm, amber-infused scent that perfectly encapsulates the enduring class of the Burberry brand.
- Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana was founded in 1985 by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
The brand’s pieces became a staple of high-end fashion, thanks to their innovative underwear-as-outerwear looks or the female power suit. Their first fragrances, Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme and Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme, debuted in 1992 and won best fragrance awards from the Perfume Academy.
Since then, Dolce & Gabbana has released a series of popular fragrances, such as The One For Men which features a warm and spicy blend of cedarwood, cardamom, ginger, and tobacco. Other fan-favorite fragrances include Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme, Light Blue Eau Intense Pour Homme, and K by Dolce & Gabbana. The brand’s fragrances vary from intense, woody scents for special occasions to subtle, airy colognes for everyday use.
- Gucci
This opulent brand was founded in 1921 in Italy by Guccio Gucci, and has since exploded in popularity to the point where its name has become a slang term for anything classy or luxurious! In 1974, the company debuted its first fragrance, Gucci No. 1 for Women. Its most popular men’s cologne is surely Gucci by Gucci, which is a raw and spicy scent mix of bergamot, cypress, violet incense, jasmine, and tobacco leaves.
Gucci’s award-winning fragrances are a real treat, which is why this company has made the list of best men’s cologne brands. If you’re craving a boost of confidence or a scent that brings out the very best in you, think Gucci.
- Yves Saint Laurent
This French fashion and fragrance brand was founded in 1961 by Yves Saint Laurent himself. YSL’s claim to fame is their Le Smoking suit, a tuxedo for women that turned the fashion scene on its head. In 1964 the company began to release fragrances, and since then have created a highly sought after line of colognes that are the epitome of class and style.
Y Eau de Parfum is perhaps the most notable men’s cologne from YSL. Its woody blend of sage and geranium proves irresistible. Then there’s L’Homme Eau de Toilette which offers a spicy blend of cardamom, cedarwood and coumarin. Y Le Parfum is another favorite among men; a sensual mix of geranium, cedarwood, and lavender.
If you need any proof of YSL’s fragrance chops, you should know that they took home the Fragrance of the Year Award in the Men’s Luxury category from the Fragrance Foundation, among other awards. Yves Saint Laurent’s fragrances are made for men who are bold, unique, and confident. They range from moody, deep scents to lighter, softer fragrances that fit any occasion.
- Armani Beauty
Add this to your list of top luxury Italian brands to check out. Giorgio Armani was founded in 1975 and has focused on dominating the fashion and beauty industries. It wasn’t until more recently that Armani began its foray into the fragrance world with the scent Giorgio Beverly Hills. In 1984 they solidified their status as top dog with the cologne Armani Eau Pour Homme, a sultry blend of bergamot, coriander, and vetiver.
Armani’s Acqua di Giò line of fragrances are some of the most popular colognes on the market. The classic Acqua di Giò Pour Homme features marine notes of bergamot, cedarwood, and neroli. Acqua di Giò Profondo Lights is a fresh, soft blend of cardamom and green mandarin, cedarwood, and patchouli. You also may have heard of scents such as Armani Code and Emporio Armani Stronger With You. Any of these could be a contender for your signature fragrance.
- Dior
Dior was founded in 1946 by French fashion designer Christian Dior. This upscale fashion house is best known for its dresses, suits, and skirts that are catered toward the modern woman. The brand boasts several celebrity partnerships, making its products highly coveted.
Miss Dior was the brand’s first fragrance, which appeared in 1946. The fruity and feminine scent was a massive success, and has inspired new generations of the fragrance in the years since. Eau Sauvage was the first men’s cologne the company launched, a classy blend of rosemary, lemon, basil, and vetiver that helped establish Dior as a go-to men’s fragrance brand.
Popular colognes from Dior today include the delightfully refreshing Dior Homme Cologne, or the woody blend with a hint of mandarin that is Dior Sauvage Parfum, or the mysterious Dior Sauvage Elixir. Dior’s fragrances for men are usually heavy, raw, and powerful. They are the kind of colognes that only need one single spritz for the maximum effect.
- Viktor & Rolf
Viktor & Rolf was founded in 1993 by Dutch designers Viktor Horsting & Rolf Snoeren. This brand is best known for their avante-garde style and unique designs. Well, at least they used to be! Now Viktor & Rolf are famous for their fragrances, like Flowerbomb and its masculine counterpart Spicebomb. These scents are Viktor & Rolf masterpieces. Spicebomb is one of the top men’s colognes of all time thanks to its intriguing blend of cinnamon, pink pepper, saffron, and pimento berries.
Thanks to Spicebomb’s success, there are now various renditions of the fragrance, such as fiery Spicebomb Infrared or woodsy Night Vision. Spicebomb Extreme is a more intense, longer lasting version of the original. One whiff and you’ll understand why Spicebomb is such a cult favorite!
- Prada
Guess what? Another Italian luxury fashion company makes the list of best men’s cologne brands! Founded in 1913 by Mario Prada, the brand has since become an authority in the world of fashion and fragrance. They specialize in boutique shoes and handbags, along with fragrances of course. Although Prada has been around for over a century, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they began launching fragrance lines. In 2006, the brand’s first men’s cologne, Prada Amber Pour Homme, debuted to critical acclaim. The sexy blend of amber, patchouli, and vanilla is still a favorite.
You may be familiar with Pradas Luna Rossa line which includes spicy Luna Rossa Black, refreshing Luna Rossa, and aquatic Luna Rossa Ocean. You definitely don’t want to miss out on one of the most iconic men’s cologne brands of all time!
- Montblanc
Montblanc is a German luxury goods company founded in 1906. The items they are best known for? Pens! It wasn’t until 2001 that Montblanc released their first fragrance, and 2005 when their first men’s cologne came out. They’re best-selling cologne to date is Montblanc Legend Eau de Toilette, which is a captivating masculine blend of Italian bergamot, French lavandin, pineapple leaves, floral notes, sandalwood, and tonka beans. Other Montblanc scents to try are earthy Explorer or elegant Legend Spirit.
