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The 16 Best Summer Fragrances for Men in 2025: A Cologne for Every Occasion

Scents he won't be able to resist spritzing

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Look good, smell good. A stylish outfit isn't complete without a captivating fragrance that makes people pay attention, and nothing ruins an outfit faster than smelling like sweat—summer sweat at that. There's no question that the season makes things slightly more challenging due to its very high temperatures and humidity, and that is where a good scent comes in handy. Don't worry fellas, I've rounded up the best summer fragrances for men that will have you smelling great all day, no matter where you're going. From date-night classics like Versace Eros ($41) or a tried and true classic like the Calvin Klein Eternity ($80), these are the best of the best.

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What to Look for in a Men's Summer Fragrance

Other than (obviously) making sure the scent of the fragrance is one he likes, there are a few other factors to consider. 

  • Scents: Is he more into woody, beachy (or ozonic), fruity or floral scents? Most summer fragrances fall into one of those categories, reminding you of summer staples such as beach days, fresh blooms, resort getaways and tropical escapes. Knowing where his taste falls on that spectrum is crucial.
  • Concentration: If you look at the front of a fragrance bottle or package, you'll might see the terms "eau de cologne" or “eau de toilette.” This is referred to as the fragrance concentration, and there are four major categories: eau de cologne, eau de toilette, parfum and eau de parfum. Eau de cologne is a lighter scent, estimated to have 1- to 5-percent concentration, and will last you roughly 1.5 hours. Eau de toilette is estimated to have 8-to-12 percent concentration, and will last you roughly two hours. Eau de parfum is a slightly stronger scent that has about 12- to 20-percent concentration, and will last you about a half day. And lastly, anything labeled parfum is a strong scent with an estimated 20-to 40-percent concentration that will last you about eight hours—so roughly the whole workday.
  • Price: As I always say, only you know what your personal budget is. The price is something that's up to you and what you are personally willing to spend. 
  • Consider your climate: If you live in a humid area—like the South—look for fragrances with a higher concentration. It'll give it more stay power as you go through your day

The Best Summer Fragrances for Men, at a Glance:

1

Best for the Office

Tom Ford Black Orchid

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2

Best Date Night Fragrance

Versace Eros

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3

Best Casual Fragrance for Men

Calvin Klein Eternity

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4

Best Rare Fragrance

Creed Aventus Fragrance

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5

Best Signature Scent

Armani Acqua Di Gio

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Best for the Office

1. Tom Ford Black Orchid

Tom Ford

Since parfums are known to last roughly eight hours, this makes Tom Ford's Black Orchid fragrance the perfect choice for the office, as it has a floral scent that smells amazing—and lasts all day—but not to the point where it's so overbearing your fellow co-workers will be coughing and sneezing every time you walk by. The balance of black orchid, patchouli and ylang ylang are a pleasant one sure to add a more confident pep to your step. It's also a favorite of Beauty and Culture Editor Chelsea Candelario's brother Christian, who says, "I love how it has a strong scent that lingers on the skin. I also like the bottle design, which is a great addition to my collection."

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: bergamot, lemon, mandarin, ylang-ylang, blackcurrant
  • Middle Notes: lotus wood, orchid, fruity notes, floral notes
  • Base Notes: sandalwood, chocolate, incense, patchouli, vetiver
  • Type: parfum

Best Mature Scent

2. Diptyque Eau Nabati 

Diptyque

Christian also recommends giving Diptyque a try, as they offer a wide range of fragrances for all seasons. The brand's Eau Nabati is one of his favorites for its versatility. "It has a very mature smell and is a subtle fragrance, but still gets the job done," he notes. And if he likes the smell of this, then he's sure to love Orpheon ($240), which is a scent that works for all seasons. "It has a scent that seems to change after a while from a woody fragrance before settling into the richness of the jasmine," adds Christian.

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: bergamot, petitgrain
  • Middle Notes: Balsam of Peru
  • Base Notes: immortelle
  • Type: eau de parfum

Best Date Night Fragrance

3. Versace Eros

Versace

Making its debut in 1992, Versace Eros represents the elements of confidence, seduction and playfulness. Over thirty years after its original release, it remains a date-night favorite, especially in the summer, thanks to its mix of warm, cozy-up notes (like vanilla Madagascar) and crisp, refreshing ones (ahem, mint leaves and orange blossom, among others). 

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: mint, green apple, lemon
  • Middle Notes: tonka Bean, ambroxan, geranium
  • Base Notes: madagascar vanilla, virginian cedar, atlas cedar, vetiver, oakmoss
  • Type: eau de toilette

Best Casual Fragrance for Men

4. Calvin Klein Eternity

Calvin Klein

If there's one universal fragrance that defines the Calvin Klein brand, it's Eternity. Originally launched as a women's fragrance in 1988, the men's version followed two years later in 1990, and has been a tried and true go-to for many. "Calvin Klein Eternity Eau de Toilette is my husband's favorite cologne, and I buy it for him every time he runs out," writes one buyer, who adds, "The scent is classic, fresh and subtly masculine, making it perfect for everyday wear or special occasions. It’s not overpowering, but has a lasting fragrance that’s just right—elegant yet approachable."

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: bergamot, mandarin orange, lemon, lavender
  • Middle Notes: sage, juniper berries, basil, geranium, coriander, jasmine, orange blossom, lily-of-the-valley, lily
  • Base Notes: sandalwood, vetiver, musk, Brazilian rosewood, amber

Best Rare Fragrance

5. Creed Aventus Fragrance

Creed

Creed Aventus is that one fragrance he'll know is going to A classic that has been around for a while, its rich, fruity properties make for a cologne that's appropriate for all settings, any time of the day. He'll have to reapply after a few hours, which is something to consider as far as which size you get him, but he'll only need a couple of pumps to make a difference, making this a great investment.

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: pineapple, bergamot, black currant, apple
  • Middle Notes: moroccan jasmine, rose, patchouli, rose, birch
  • Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, vanille
  • Type: eau de parfum

Best Signature Scent

6. Armani Acqua Di Gio

Armani

If you haven't found your signature scent yet (or, perhaps, are still searching for a new one), it doesn't get any better than Armani's Acqua Di Giò, which is practically bound to capture the attention of anyone he walks past. Inspired by the intensity and mystery of the deep blue sea, he'll definitely leave folks curious as to what he's wearing. Or as one buyer writes, "There are many good fragrances for men. However, there are only but a handful that have stood the test of time as a superlative fragrance. Then, there is Acqua Di Gio. This is an all-time classic since it came out nearly 20 years ago."

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: lime, lemon, bergamot, jasmine, orange, mandarin orange, neroli
  • Middle Notes: cyclamen, coriander, violet, nutmeg, rose, mignonette, jasmine, calone, peach, freesia, rosemary, hiacynth
  • Base Notes: white musk, cedar, oakmoss, patchouli and amber
  • Type: eau de parfum

This fragrance is packed with a citrus blend combined with a woody scent that's designed to give you a captivating smell—the smell of romance that is. If he's already a fan of the Chanel brand, then he'll definitely want to give this scent a shot. And with Father's Day approaching, why not grab one for him?

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: citrus notes, pink pepper, vetiver
  • Middle Notes: grapefruit, cedar, labdanum
  • Base Notes: ginger, sandalwood, frankincense
  • Type: eau de toilette

A Fragrance for All Occasions

8. Dior Sauvage

Dior

Leave it to Dior to create one of the sexiest fragrances of all time. Inspired by blue skies, Sauvage blends citrus and the outdoorsy, amber-y nature of woods, resinous elemi and ambroxan, all of which will leave him feeling energized, fine and flirty.

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: pepper, calabrian, bergmot
  • Middle Notes: vetiver, patchouli, geranium, elemi, sichuan pepper, lavender, pink pepper
  • Base Notes: ambroxan, cedar, labdanum
  • Type: eau de toilette

The Unexpectedly Great Scent

9. PI by Givenchy

Givenchy

Gents, I present to you PI by Givenchy. A favorite amongst scent lovers since its release in 1999, PI comes in a super luxe bottle that looks like an ancient artifact you'd see in a museum, and is infused with a dreamy mixture vanilla and citrus. Consider this the unexpected perfume you didn't know would smell so good.

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: mandarin orange, tarragon, rosemary, basil
  • Middle Notes: anise, neroli, geranium, lily-of-the-valley
  • Base Notes: vanilla, almond, tonka bean, benzoin, cedar
  • Type: eau de toilette

Best Bottle Design

10. Jean Paul Gaultier "Le Male"

Jean Paul Gaultier

Released in 1995, "Le Male" not only has an attractive design, but it's also got an intoxicating scent to accompany in it. "I'd strongly recommend this if you wanted to go out to lunch or just run some errands," raves one shopper. "It smells amazing, and reminds me of my father wearing it when I was younger. It's powerful and lingers for a long time." Did I mention I love the bottle?

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: lavender, mint, cardamom, bergamot, artemisia
  • Middle Notes: orange blossom, caraway, cinnamon
  • Base Notes: tonka bean, amber, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla
  • Type: eau de parfum

11. Acqua di Parma Colonia

Acqua di Parma

With roots that date all the way back to 1916, Acqua di Parma truly stands the test of time. The top and middle notes blend together beautifully into the vetiver musk base, giving you a slightly tangy, slightly citrus-like smell he (and you) will be addicted to.

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: neroli, mint, galbanol
  • Middle Notes: lavender, rosemary
  • Base Notes: vetiver, musk
  • Type: eau de cologne

A beloved, aromatic scent from Prada that is also dynamic and sporty, Luna Rossa stands out because it's a relaxed smell that is distinct, but not super strong. Or as Amazon shopper, Darnell says, "I own all three Prada fragrances for men, and this one and sport are my favorites. I get compliments every time I have it on. I work in a mill, and the fragrance stays on all day."

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: lavender, bitter orange
  • Middle Notes: mint, clary aage
  • Base Notes: ambroxan, ambrette
  • Type: eau de toilette

Honestly, not sure if I like the bottle or the scent more. YSL brings forth a crystal clear and crisp fragrance that's made up of a woody, earthy scent reminiscent of nature walks and outdoor breezes that separates it from the pack. "This is one of my favorites cologne for summer. It has a great bottle design and a calming scent that isn't overwhelming, but gets people's attention. It's also long-lasting and I highly recommend it." writes Christian.

14. Carolina Herrera Bad Boy

Carolina Herrera

For all the bad boys out there, this fragrance was literally designed for you. Its meant to "seduce and captivate at a lightning speed (hence the lightning design of the bottle)," according to the brand, and it's an unexpected—yet refreshing—pick for summer, thanks to its peppery notes. He can wear this during the daytime or at night—whatever floats his boat.

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: black pepper, white pepper, bergamot
  • Middle Notes: cedar, sage
  • Base Notes: amberwood, cacao, tonka bean
  • Type: eau de toilette

Summertime is about kicking back and enjoying life at a more casual pace, and this scent, while bold, captures that perfectly. Designed by Le Labo in 2010, it contains top notes of citruses, apple and pear, which transitions into floral-but-not-overly-so middle notes of moss, jasmine, ambrette and amyl salicylate. The base features musky notes, making it an alluring pick for balmy summer nights and tropical vacations alike. 

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: citrus, apple, pear
  • Middle Notes: amyl salicylate, moss, jasmine, ambrette
  • Base Notes: iso s super, cetalox, ambrettolide, helvetolide
  • Type: eau de parfum

An Underrated Scent

16. Parfum de Marly Althair

Parfums de Marly

If you're looking for an under-the-radar scent to surprise you, look no further than Althair from Parfums de Marly, which Christian recommends for its distinct blend of citrus, spice and sweet vanilla. "This is one of my favorites and manages to stand out from other colognes in my collection. It has a unique and warm scent that smells almost like a vanilla candle," he says, noting that the fragrance comes is available two different sizes.

Fast Facts

  • Top Notes: orange flower, bergamot Italy, cinnamon ceylan, Cardamom Guatemala
  • Middle Notes: Vanilla Madagascar, Elemi Philippines
  • Base Notes: ambrofix, gaiac wood, praline, musk
  • Type: eau de parfum

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a summer fragrance smell like?

A summer fragrance should be light, airy and anything that reminds you of summer. When it comes to selecting one for yourself, you can go for a citrus scent, vanilla or even something cooler like aqua coconut.

What's the best cologne for a hot day?

I personally recommend Versace Eros because of it's warm and cool mixture that make it work for day and night. Plus, it's affordable and smells amazing.


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