The first men’s perfume began in 1934 before there were unisex fragrances. Every year there is a constant flow of new colognes release but there are still much classic cologne for men.
As we all know that fragrance creates an impression, emotion, and memory. You are not just using the perfume but you are using a piece of history that perfume has.
If you are not satisfied with the instant perfumes, you can choose the old school perfume because choosing a classic cologne is more exciting and different than a new release.
Still, there are many designer brands that maintain their original brands as heritage.
These are the best old school cologne that maintains its aroma decade after decade. These classic cologne are time-tested and reliable. They are good today as good as they first hit the scene.
I recommend you to use Dior Eau Sauvage or Guerlain Vétiver’s. It is one of the classic men’s cologne with a great smell.
Table of Contents
List of Best Classic Men’s Cologne
Product Name Image Rating Price Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior Guerlain Vetiver Eau De Toilette L'eau De Issey By Issey Miyake Habit Rouge By Guerlain For Men Acqua Di Parma Cologne Spray Agua Brava By Antonio Puig For Men Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier for Men Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio Eau De Toilette Hermes Terre D'Hermes Eau de Toilette 1 Million FOR MEN by Paco Rabanne Kouros by Yves Saint Laurent for Men Egoiste Platinum by Chanel for Men Kenzo Pour Homme by Kenzo for Men Grey Flannel by Geoffrey Beene for Men Hugo Boss HUGO MAN Eau de Toilette Acqua Di Selva By Visconti Di Modrone Geo F. Trumper Spanish Leather Cologne Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette Annick Goutal Monsieur Eau De Toilette
Dior Eau Sauvage (1966) – Men’s Colognes 1960s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.6/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
4.0/5
Eau Sauvage defined the passage from the sixties to the seventies through an image, that of a gentleman in a towel, unprecedented in a time when being elegant was synonymous with wearing a tuxedo.
If you had to choose the five most important men’s fragrances in history, Eau Sauvage would be among them. It is a kind of light perfume that do a good impact on women.
What does it smell like? Edmond Roudnitska was the best perfumer of the 20th century for solving challenges like this: inserting floral notes (Dior’s hallmark) into a men’s fragrance.
He did it thanks to hedione, a molecule reminiscent of jasmine. And suddenly, smelling like flowers stopped being something effeminate. Who signs it? Edmond Roudnitska for Christian Dior.
It has a light, classy scent which is best for the office. Many CEO, Company managers use this cologne. The beauty of classic men’s cologne is that it makes you a gentleman even in jeans.
Guerlain Vétiver (1959) – Men’s Colognes 1960s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.2/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
4.2/5
Vetiver was first launched in 1961 and relaunch again in 200. It is the quintessential masculine olfactory note, and Guerlain’s is the best vetiver in history. The purest and the one that best reveals the magic of this type of wood. What does it smell like? To green. The color of the label is not accidental. To wet earth, spices, and nature.
Jean-Paul Guerlain’s masterpiece is a warm and astringent fragrance, sober and bright at the same time. Mostly daytime, almost morning, you have to smell it and dress it to check it. There are hundreds of ‘vetiver’ fragrances out there, but none like this, and very few that can be used for years without fatigue.
We attest to who signs it. Jean-Paul Guerlain for Guerlain. The vetiver perfume creates a feeling of cleanliness and freshness once you apply perfume. It is one of the unique, citrus, crisp fragrances in the market. Some people call it to work scent because you can use it in your workplace.
L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme (1994) – Men’s Cologne 1990s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.2/5
• Scent
4.4/5
• Longevity
4.4/5
• Value for Money
4.4/5
Why you have to know it. Because, together with Acqua di Gio, it represents the culmination of the aquatic male colonies of the nineties. Concept designer Issey Miyake and his perfumer Jacques Cavallier hit the spot with an ‘eau de toilette’ that is pure lightness, pure watery lightness, and pure minimalism.
There is no more Zen fragrance than this. What does it smell like? A yuzu (Asian citrus fruit) and woods. Herbs and citrus, ozone, and transparency. In short: a spa caro. Who signs it? Jacques Cavallier for Issey Miyake.
The scent is perfect for those people who don’t like overpowering cologne. Its fragrance is soft and lasts for the whole day. You will get more compliments in public.
Guerlain Habit Rouge (1965) – Men’s Cologne 1960s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.0/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
4.1/5
Habit Rouge paved the way for oriental men’s fragrances in 1965 with a very elegant and narcotic combination of orange blossom and opopanax (a kind of exotic resin). It was a genius idea that gave rise to Guerlain’s most legendary and popular men’s fragrance, which resumed its love affair with men’s perfume after years of dedicating itself exclusively to women’s fragrance.
Saying “oriental” does not mean “suffocating” or “extravagant”, but earth, wood, spices, and leather. Paris, and all that it implies. Today, when spicy fragrances are the norm, it is almost minimalist. How to read Flaubert in the days of ‘Big Brother’. Who signs it? Jean-Paul Guerlain for Guerlain.
It is a more classic and mature perfume. It is a great fragrance that lasts all day. The cent is like citrusy, woody, and spice that is perfect for the alpha male.
Acqua di Parma Colonia (1916) – Old School Cologne
Why you have to know it. Because this year celebrates its first century of life. And because it is the perfect classic cologne. What does it smell like? Acqua di Parma stands out from other more orthodox colonies (4711, Álvarez Gómez) by incorporating a certain sumptuousness in the form of more complex materials and notes than usual.
There are floral, bergamot, sweet orange, rosemary, cedarwood, and citrus notes, yes, but balanced in a very elegant way, without surprises. It is one of the best men’s classic cologne. Who signs it. Carlo Magnani’s personal perfumer, a Parmesan aristocrat. The perfume scent is clean, smooth, and fresh. It can change your mood. Best to use when after a shower.
I love scents that smell clean and fresh. Classic cologne has a powerful way of influencing the mood of the wearer. When you spray after taking a good, cool shower, you feel fresh, revitalized, even just born into this amazing world.
Your feeling good raises your frequency, you are in a good mood. People catch that and your scent and mood extend these gifts to them. People won’t get headaches and uncomfortable with this fragrance.
Agua Brava By Antonio (1968) – Old Cologne Brands
Why you have to know it. Because it is the most important contribution of Spain to the history of men’s perfumery. It became a global landmark thanks to European tourists who bought it during their Levantine holidays and who took it as a ‘souvenir’ back to Germany, France, or Switzerland. Ask anyone and you will have a nostalgic sigh.
Extra point for its bottle, the work of André Ricard, also the author of the Barcelona ’92 Olympic torch. What does it smell like? A Mediterranean forest. Lavender, sage, citrus, pine, thyme, and woods. To what several generations of well-perfumed Spaniards have smelled.
This perfume can be gifted to your father or brother because it is suited for all ages. Even many people are using this fragrance for office. You can use it in your daily routine.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Mâle (1995) - Men’s Cologne 1990s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.3/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
4.0/5
Why you have to know it. Because, until the arrival of One Million, it led the sales charts. And because, in addition to being a commercial bombshell, it is creatively perfect. What does it smell like? Perfumer Francis Kurkdjian was 25 years old when he created this fragrance with the intention of evoking the morning grooming routine of every man.
He combined barber scents (mugwort, lavender, mint) with citrus, spices, and woods. The effect is interesting on paper, but dazzling on the skin, where it evolves smoothly and generates something that seems easy but is very difficult to smell good continuously. Who signs it? Francis Kurkdjian for Jean Paul Gaultier.
The smell of classic men’s cologne is clean and sweet. It is very refreshing and can last all day. The fragrance lasts long. It is one of the best-selling men’s cologne. It is not too cheap but you get what you pay for.
Acqua di Giò (1996) – Men’s Cologne 1990s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.0/5
• Scent
4.3/5
• Longevity
4.4/5
• Value for Money
4.2/5
Why you have to know it. Because, even if he had not signed any more masterpieces (and he has a few), Alberto Morillas alone would be guaranteed a place in the history of perfumery. Acqua di Gio is a perfect example of what is called an aquatic fragrance, a paradox (water does not smell like anything) that, nevertheless, generates an immediate sensation of freshness and cleanliness.
Get out of the shower, spray some of classic cologne and feel like the king of in the land of fragrance. What does it smell like? To clean, to soap, to the barbershop, to woods, and citrus fruits. Who signs it. Alberto Morillas for Giorgio Armani Beauty. You will get plenty of compliments from the strange women because of its great smell.
Terre d’Hermes (2006) – Best Men’s Cologne 2006
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.2/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
4.0/5
Terre d Hermes belongs to one of the most decisive episodes in recent perfumery. The years during which the guru Jean-Claude Ellena has been Hermes perfumer. Ellena has signed unisex prodigies like the Jardins, but also a great masculine fragrance, this one. What does it smell like? Ellena is famous for very vividly evoking specific and recognizable scents.
His creations seem simple at first but then evolve brilliantly. In this case, it is a tribute to the earth, with all its elements: vegetation, mineral notes, and wood. Who signs it? Jean-Claude Ellena for Hermes. Best for those who want to feel like a man. Many women like this perfume on men. Its scent lasts for 8-10 hours.
Paco Rabanne One Million (2008) – Best Men’s Cologne 2008
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.5/5
• Longevity
4.2/5
• Value for Money
4.0/5
It is the most influential (and imitated) men’s fragrance of the last decade. The bestseller that has overtaken the rest, and the formula that has shown that ‘millennials’ also buy perfume. When in the future we wonder what this era smelled like, we will have to go to One Million to find out. What does it smell like?
Thirty years ago, One Million would have been listed as a feminine fragrance, but new times dictate that woody and spicy notes can also be the quintessence of masculinity. One Million has rose, leather, patchouli, and cinnamon.
It is noted, like the bottle in the shape of a gold ingot, a symbol (premonitory) of success. Who signs it? Christophe Raynaud, Olivier Pescheux, and Michel Girard for Paco Rabanne (Puig). The old cologne brands is made of high quality and just one spay is enough from morning to evening. It can be used in the daily work routine.
Yves Saint Laurent’s Kouros (1981) – Men’s Colognes from the 80s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.2/5
• Longevity
4.1/5
• Value for Money
4.1/5
The eighties were hard years for men’s perfumery. In the midst of large campaigns, the industry abused fruity and synthetic notes that have not aged quite well. Kouros is one of the few that has survived with dignity. Today it is still interesting and, above all, easy to wear.
In addition, along with Opium Pour Homme, it is the only historical men’s fragrance launched by Yves himself that remains on sale with hardly any modifications. What does it smell like?
Triumphant masculinity, which here means freshness (bergamot, coriander, and mugwort), sensuality (clove and jasmine), and sexy spirit (ambergris and moss). Who signs it. Pierre Bourdon for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté. Just spray one or two and last for the whole day. The smell is amazing and attractive.
Egoiste de Chanel (1990) – Popular Men’s Cologne in the 90s
Why you have to know it. Because the best advertising campaign in the history of perfumery (the work of Jean-Paul Goude) deserves that we remember the fragrance that was associated with it. A jewel by Jacques Polge that, used judiciously, continues to be fascinating.
What does it smell like? The women in the ad were possibly so upset with the male lead for enjoying the usually feminine scent notes on his own: rose, coriander, vanilla, and sandalwood. On paper, Egoïste is androgynous, but on the skin, it sums up the best of men’s perfumery from the eighties.
Who signs it. Jacques Polge (respect) for Chanel. Platinum Egoiste is the finest men’s perfume. Its scent is spicy and delicate. When you use it, you will get compliments from different women.
This is one of Chanel’s Finest for men. Platinum Egoiste has a very delicate and spicy scent that smells very good. Every time I use it I get compliments for its fragrance, I highly recommend i
Kenzo pour Homme (1991) – Top Men’s Fragrances of the 90s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
3.7/5
• Scent
4.1/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
3.9/5
There are fragrances that you give away, and fragrances that you buy for yourself, like this one. Kenzo’s first men’s fragrance has been a regular purchase for millions of men around the world since its launch in 1991. It epitomizes the essence of men’s fragrances from the 1990s, lightness, sportiness, woody sensuality, and comfort.
As practical and versatile as jeans, and just as imitated. What does it smell like? Kenzo is famous for his predilection for flowers, and here are some (jasmine, lily, rose), but they are hardly noticeable among the marine and woody notes that make up the formula. Christian Mathieu for Kenzo. It has a clean scent that can attract both men and women. The scent can last for 8 hours.
Gray Flannel (1975) – Men’s Cologne from the 70s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.0/5
• Longevity
4.1/5
• Value for Money
4.1/5
Why you have to know it. Because if no one remembers the designer Geoffrey Beene today, but his masculine fragrance does, it will be for a reason. What does it smell like? At the time, Gray Flannel broke schemes by basing a men’s fragrance on a note as unexpected as violet. However, it does not smell like caramel, but rather green, herbal, and woody notes.
And, very rare in a perfume from the seventies. It doesn’t have a trace of musk. Put it on and conjure up the image of a well-groomed and shaven gentleman of yesteryear, dressed in a cloth suit. Nostalgia viejuna, or a history lesson. Who signs it. André Fromentin for Geoffrey Beene. The scent of cologne is masculine and can last for a long time. It can be gifted if you want.
An awesome little gift, love that it comes in the Grey flannel bag, the scent is so masculine and amazing and lasts for a long time.
Hugo from Hugo Boss (1995) –Popular Men’s Cologne in the 90s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.4/5
• Scent
4.5/5
• Longevity
4.2/5
• Value for Money
4.2/5
Why you have to know it. Because we keep remembering that “don’t imitate, innovate” with which he conquered generation X. Hugo Boss fragrances are usually best-sellers, and this first Hugo was the favorite gift of kings of millions of kids who lived their late teens of the nineties. Although today it has less prominence than Boss Bottled.
It still smells incredibly good and incredibly young, just like teenage jewels like Ck One (the first unisex) or Tommy Girl, that massive treat that critic Luca Turin considered “the masterpiece of perfumery of the nineties “. What does it smell like? Citrus, fruity notes, and wood, suitably seasoned with a dose of adolescent energy. Who signs it? Bob Aliano for Hugo Boss.
This perfume is genuine with a great smell. It can last for a long time. You can gift it to your husband, boyfriend.
Acqua di Selva (1949) –
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.3/5
• Scent
4.4/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
4.5/5
It is a classic of European drugstores, much more affordable than many of its competitors, and because the fact that it is still on the market deserves a test. What does it smell like? Forest, Fougere, and green notes. Best for casual use and ‘aftershave’.
A calm balsamic. Who signs it? The Italian perfume company Visconti di Modrone. Now it is produced by the Spanish firm Victor. Its scent is not overpowering and can last for 8 hours.
Diptyque Philosykos (1996) – Men’s Cologne in the 90s
Perfume Features
• Giftable
3.9/5
• Scent
4.0/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
4.0/5
For the satisfaction that comes from recognizing it instantly in any situation. It is unmistakable, and a true ‘hit’ of niche perfumery, which in the mid-nineties revolutionized the market with fragrances based on unidirectional and very literal, almost minimalist scent notes. What does it smell like? To a fig tree, with its figs, its wood, and its green leaves.
Specifically, a fig tree located by the side of the road on a Greek island. In summer. Its creators say it, and it is true. And, for some strange reason, it’s the most ‘Proustian’ smell in the world. To try it is to travel to the summer without a solution of continuity. Who signs it. Olivia Giacobetti for Diptyque.
It is a genuine perfume with the best scent. The smell is like a forest after the rain.
Spanish Leather Cologne by Geo F. Trumper (1902) –
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
4.5/5
• Longevity
3.2/5
• Value for Money
3.7/5
It is a classic in everyday perfumery, a light and elegant eau de toilette that is still available in a large bottle and at a reasonable price. What does it smell like? Despite its name, Spanish Leather smells more like Spain (lemon, geranium, rose) than leather.
It old cologne brands, lightness prevails and can be applied in generous amounts without fear of stinking. Who signs it? The London firm Geo F. Trumper.
Mouchoir de Monsieur (1904) –
Why you have to know it. Because to taste, it is to know how the elegant people who attended the premiere of ‘Peter Pan’ (1904) smelled. Its name comes from the custom of spraying men’s handkerchiefs with perfume. Until a few years ago it was discontinued and was only produced to order for a handful of select clients (one of them, King Juan Carlos I).
Today it is available again. And it’s a journey back in time. What does it smell like? How the world should smell before two World Wars, the deforestation of the Amazon, and the ‘animalization’ of perfumery. Citrus, green notes, and tranquility. Who signs it? Jacques Guerlain for Guerlain.
Caron Pour Un Homme (1934) – Classic Men Cologne
Perfume Features
• Giftable
4.1/5
• Scent
5/5
• Longevity
4.0/5
• Value for Money
5/5
It does not look like any other and because any day it could be discontinued and give us considerable displeasure. We don’t say it just to say. It is the only masculine fragrance from the 1930s that survives today in the catalog of this Parisian house, a kind of Guerlain ‘indie’. What does it smell like? Lavender, vanilla, and nothing else.
In an age when fragrances are made up of hundreds of notes, Caron Pour Un Homme is in a class of its own, with no trace of spices, woods, or animal notes. It is so simple that it scares. Who signs it? Ernest Daltroff for Caron. Its smell is refresh and good.
Pour Monsieur de Chanel (1955) –
It was the first post-war men’s fragrance, and the men’s equivalent of Chanel No. 5. The most famous perfume of all time. And because, in the Platonic world of ideas, all men’s fragrances smell like this.
What does it smell like? Technically it is an amalgam of green, wood, and citrus notes, but it can be simplified by saying that it is the classic masculine fragrance par excellence. It smells like a calm, elegant man and (of course) well scented. Who signs it? Henri Robert for Chanel.
Cologne Water Concentrate Álvarez Gómez (1912) –
She is the dean of Spanish perfumery, a centuries-old unisex fragrance that remains extraordinarily affordable and retains the same old quality. What does it smell like? Colonies, due to their low concentration of perfume, are by definition light, fresh, and ephemeral.
Our grandparents used them as a cleaning product, literally bathing in them. Álvarez Gómez adds to the traditional floral mix an overdose of lemon capable of taking us to the citrus heaven. Who signs it? Álvarez Gómez.
Conclusion
These are the best old-school men’s colognes. We know that in instant time many new fragrances are released butDior Eau Sauvage or Guerlain Vétiver’s. classic cologne has its own taste and impression. These are the time test and stand different from the rest of the crowd.
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