The Best Colognes for Men 2023

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Before we start sniffing, a little clarification: Although the word "cologne" is used as general term for most men's fragrances, a true cologne is a more specific beast. Eau de Cologne was invented by Giovanni Maria Farina, an Italian perfumer living in Cologne, Germany in the early 1700s. Originally intended to be a unisex tonic that could also be imbibed, the citrus-forward blend, which included petit grain, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and lemon essential oil, became all the rage at European courts. Napoleon was famously a glutton for the stuff—by the time of his death in 1821, he was going through 50 bottles of it a month. Eau de Cologne, one might surmise, appealed primarily to men because it was lighter than many of the scents of the era, and eventually it became the blueprint for a certain type of airy, fresh fragrance that perfumers still love to riff on today. While men's fragrance has come a long way—we've been through smoke, tobacco, oud, wood, booze, and even florals—there's still something untouchably timeless about cologne. Here, some of the best classics, as well as some of the most exciting new interpretations.

Before we start sniffing, a little clarification: Although the word "cologne" is used as general term for most men's fragrances, a true cologne is a more specific beast. Eau de Cologne was invented by Giovanni Maria Farina, an Italian perfumer living in Cologne, Germany in the early 1700s. Originally intended to be a unisex tonic that could also be imbibed, the citrus-forward blend, which included petit grain, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and lemon essential oil, became all the rage at European courts. Napoleon was famously a glutton for the stuff—by the time of his death in 1821, he was going through 50 bottles of it a month. Eau de Cologne, one might surmise, appealed primarily to men because it was lighter than many of the scents of the era, and eventually its herbal-citrus signature became the blueprint for a certain type of airy, fresh fragrance that perfumers still love to riff on today.

While men's perfume has come a long way—we've been through waves of smoke, tobacco, oud, wood, booze, and even florals—there's still something untouchably timeless about cologne. Here, some of the best classics, as well as some of the most exciting new interpretations.

MORE: The Best Perfume for Women to Wear Year Round

Jean Marie Farina

This is the closest you may get to Giovanni Maria Farina's OG blockbuster eau. When French brand Roger & Gallet purchased a perfume house run by Giovanni's descendent Jean Marie Farina in the 1800s, they also secured the recipe for the family eau de cologne, and it still exists today—a blend of citrus, aromatic herbs and Mediterranean flowers, the exact quantities of which remain a closely guarded secret.

Number Six Eau de Parfum

The longest continuously manufactured fragrance in the United States, Number Six was introduced in 1772 and was worn by none other than George Washington. How's that for an American classic? Opening with citrus, neroli, bergamot and rosemary, the scent progresses with heart notes of rose, clove, and amber into a warm musk dry down, making it much more cocooning and lingering than a traditional cologne.

Men's Eau de Cologne Imperiale - Size 2.5-3.4 oz.

A little living history illustrating eau de cologne's gender-agnostic appeal, Guerlain Eau de Cologne Imperiale was created in 1853 especially for Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. A radiant burst of bergamot, lemon, neroli and petit grain, it still smells modern today.

Frédéric Malle Cologne Indélébile

Here's the catch with colognes: Because they are typically comprised of smaller-molecule top notes, they evaporate quickly from skin. Perfumer Dominique Ropion has masterfully suspended that fleeting freshness by couching lemon, orange blossom, bergamot, and narcissus in a soft haze of musk. Indelible? Maybe not. But certainly a long-lasting delight.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Aqua Media Cologne Forte

The newest addition to Francis Kurkdjian's rainbow of unique colognes, Aqua Media Cologne Forte brings a surprising hit of fennel to the mix. The result is a multi-faceted green scent, with verbena, bergamot, and musk giving it the sparkling effect of sunlight in a garden.

Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne Natural Spray

Nothing invites you to channel your inner Old Hollywood leading man like Acqua di Parma Colonia. Opening credits feature lemon, sweet orange, and Calabrian bergamot; key plot points include lavender, Bulgarian rose, verbena, and rosemary; and the denouement is vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli. Originally launched in 1916, there's a reason why it has spawned so many sequels.

Byredo Sunday Cologne Eau de Parfum 1.7 oz.

Classy and classic, this is a scent that adds a dash of dapper to the everyday. Traditional bergamot at the top is flecked with spicy cardamom and star anise, a lavender heart note is matched with crisp geranium, and vetiver, moss, and patchouli add an earthy, grounding element to the dry-down.

LOEWE 001 Eau de Cologne 50ml

LOEWE's ultra-modern cologne sprays on like a transparent watercolor of bergamot, tonka bean, and white musk.

Hermès Eau d'orange verte - Eau de cologne

Surely no one can resist the siren call of this spectacular citrus. Eau d'Orange Verte was created by perfumer in Francoise Caron in 1979 and has become an Hermes icon—a zesty, addictive hit of orange, supported by lemon, mandarin, mint, and just enough patchouli to lend it depth and tenacity.

Rosemary Cologne

From Spanish natural perfume house Bravanariz, this rosemary, pine, and bergamot spritz captures the freshness of a traditional eau de cologne but with a distinctly herbaceous, Mediterranean twist.

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