Strapping on a scent is nothing new, folks. Perfume’s been around since the late 1300s, and though you might not find mediaeval colognes on today’s shelves, you can still snag some iconic whiffs from the early 20th century. Let’s take a whiff-tastic journey from the 1950s to now and see how men’s colognes have evolved.
1950’s: CHANEL POUR MONSIEUR
Kicking off with a classic
Chanel’s first men’s fragrance, Pour Monsieur, hit the scene in 1955. Dubbed the “reference chypre,” it’s a blend of citrus and wood notes that’s subtle, confident, and oozes 50s suave. It’s like James Dean in a bottle — understated but undeniably cool.
1960’s: DIOR EAU SAUVAGE
Swinging into the 60s with Dior’s Eau Sauvage, this 1966 gem is as fresh as its cheeky original ad featuring a man in a towel. With lemon, rosemary, and vetiver, it’s the scent of free spirits and changing times, effortlessly sliding into various settings like a true chameleon.
1970’s: POLO RALPH LAURENN GREEN
The 70s brought us Polo Ralph Lauren Green, a game-changer in the cologne world. Steering clear of the usual citrus and herbs, this bad boy blends leather, tobacco, and patchouli. It’s rich, bold, and oozes masculinity — think of it as the cologne equivalent of a Mustang roaring down an open highway.
1980’s: ARMANI EAU POUR HOMME
The 80s were all about power and style, and Armani Eau Pour Homme was no exception. Launched in 1984, it’s a mix of citrus, spice, and patchouli, embodying the era’s success and sophistication. This scent was as much a part of the power suit uniform as shoulder pads and slicked-back hair.
1990’s: DOLCE & GABBANA POUR HOMME
Fast forward to the 90s, and Dolce & Gabbana Pour Homme made its mark. Released in 1995, it was all about minimalism on the outside and sexy confidence on the inside with its blend of neroli, bergamot, lavender, tobacco, and cedar. This cologne was like a sleek Italian sports car — stylish and undeniably sexy.
2000’s: HERME’S TERRE’D HERME’S
The new millennium saw Hermès Terre d’Hermès burst onto the scene in 2006. This earthy blend of orange, pepper, and cedar, with a hint of minerality, captured the decade’s desire to reconnect with nature. It’s rugged yet refined, like a luxury SUV conquering both city streets and country trails.
2010: CREED AVENTUS
Inspired by Napoleon’s epic life, Creed Aventus has been a sensation since 2010. This powerhouse blend of pineapple, jasmine, patchouli, and vanilla became the brand’s best-seller, dominating the fragrance world. It’s bold, unexpected, and incredibly masculine, a true modern classic.
2020’s: THE NEW CONTENDERS
Now, as we navigate the 2020s, the cologne scene is more crowded than ever. But a few contenders stand out, each vying to become the signature scent of the decade.
- BURBERRY HERO
Launched in 2022, this mix of pine, cedar, and smoke is a legacy of Riccardo Tisci’s creative vision for the brand.
- BYREDO MISTER MARVELOUS
Re-issued in 2022 with Odell Beckham Jr. as the face, this crisp and clean scent is all about modern masculinity.
- LE LABO SANTAL 33
Though it hails from the 2010s, Santal 33 has firmly planted its roots in the 2020s. It’s a cultural touchstone, recognized for its distinctive and overwhelming aroma.
So there you have it — a scent journey through the decades. Whether you’re looking to channel the understated cool of the 50s or the bold confidence of today, there’s a fragrance out there for every era’s man.