Some guys stick to one cologne for years, while others switch it up as often as they change their socks. No matter your approach, understanding cologne can be tricky—it’s almost like learning a new language. But don’t stress, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the world of fragrance. More importantly, after extensive testing, we’ve rounded up the best colognes for men in 2025.
How to Choose the Right Cologne
Finding the perfect cologne is all about matching it to your lifestyle and personal taste. Whether navigating city life’s energy or enjoying the outdoors, your fragrance should complement the occasion. Fragrances are grouped into families—fresh, woody, amber and floral. From there, individual notes come into play. Top notes (usually lighter and citrusy) are what you smell first, heart notes develop next, while base notes (deeper and richer) last the longest.
READ MORE: Warm Up Your Fragrance Game With These Cold-Weather Colognes
Colognes are also categorised by intensity:
- Eau de Cologne – Light and fresh, great for hot summer days in Joburg or Cape Town.
- Eau de Toilette – A step up in strength, ideal for daily wear.
- Eau de Parfum – More concentrated, perfect for evening events or winter months.
Whether you’re after a new signature scent, a thoughtful gift, or just an addition to your grooming routine, this list is your best starting point.
Fragrance Families Explained
Understanding scent categories can help narrow down your choices. Most colognes fall into one of these four main families:
Fresh
Crisp, citrusy, and perfect for South Africa’s hot summers. Think notes like lemon, bergamot, and aquatic elements.
Floral
Often softer, with sweet undertones. While more common in unisex and women’s fragrances, some men’s colognes use floral notes like lavender or rose.
Woody
Rich and earthy, featuring scents like sandalwood and cedar. These warm tones work well in the cooler months or for evening wear.
Amber
Warm, spicy, and slightly musky, amber fragrances have a bold character. Oud, a popular Middle Eastern note, falls into this category and is growing in popularity in SA.
READ MORE: Date Night? Try One of These Bold Fragrances to Make a Strong Statement
Key Notes to Look For
Beyond fragrance families, certain key ingredients define a cologne’s personality. Here are some commonly found in men’s fragrances:
Woods
A staple in men’s colognes, woodsy notes like cedar, pine, and sandalwood bring depth and masculinity to a scent.
Leather
Just like a classic leather jacket, colognes with leather notes exude timeless sophistication.
Fougère
A mix of citrus, herbs, and lavender, fougère scents feel fresh yet masculine—great for a laid-back summer braai or beach holiday.
Smoke
Notes like tobacco and birch tar add a deep, mysterious vibe without being overpowering.
Oud
This luxurious, resinous note has an intense, earthy aroma and is becoming increasingly popular in South African fragrances.
Choosing the Right Size
Cologne can be an investment, so picking the right bottle size is important. If you’re testing a scent or only plan to wear it occasionally, a smaller bottle is a smart choice. But if you’ve found your go-to fragrance, opt for a larger size—it’s usually better value for money. Whether you need a scent for sweltering Durban summers, cool Cape Town evenings, or a sophisticated night out in Sandton, there’s a cologne out there for you.
Acqua Di Parma Colonia IL Profumo
This modern take on a classic fragrance highlights bright citrus, balanced by warm ylang-ylang and rich patchouli. The result is a fresh yet sophisticated scent that works for any occasion, making it an elegant addition to your collection.
| Fragrance Family | Fresh |
| Key Notes | Citrus, Ylang-Ylang, Patchouli |
| Size | 100ml |
Aqualis Coda Extrait de Parfum 100ml
TOud takes centre stage in this bold scent, blended with red berries, bergamot, and cinnamon for a rich, spiced opening. The warmth of saffron and amber follows, adding intensity and depth. Perfect for those who love powerful, long-lasting fragrances.
| Fragrance Family | Amber |
| Key Notes | Bergamot, Cinnamon, Oud, Amber |
| Size | 100ml |
BORNTOSTANDOUT Sin & Pleasure
This daring scent starts with sweet white flowers and creamy ylang-ylang before unfolding into caramel and almond. As it dries down, smoky oud and leather take over, creating a bold contrast between sweetness and dark sensuality. A true statement fragrance.
| Fragrance Family | Woody/Gourmand |
| Key Notes | White Flowers, Oud, Vanilla, Leather |
| Size | 50ml |
BOSS Bottled ABSOLU
A refined take on masculinity, this scent blends woody and leathery notes with an addictive roasted signature. Deep and intense, it builds upon the iconic BOSS Bottled DNA while adding a richer, more sophisticated twist. Ideal for evening wear.
| Fragrance Family | Woody |
| Key Notes | Roasted Signature, Leather Accents |
| Size | 100ml |
Chanel Allure Homme Sport Superleggera
Inspired by high-performance sports cars, this fragrance delivers a dynamic mix of woods and patchouli. A fresh burst of grapefruit and white musk keeps things light, making it the perfect go-to scent for post-workout freshness or everyday confidence.
| Fragrance Family | Woody |
| Key Notes | Patchouli, White Musk, Amber, Grapefruit |
| Size | 100ml |
Louis Vuitton Eau de Parfum LVERS
Galbanum and ginger combine in this fresh and invigorating scent, evoking fields of greenery and the warmth of golden sunlight. Perfect for those looking for a clean yet sophisticated fragrance that feels both modern and timeless.
| Fragrance Family | Fresh |
| Key Notes | Galbanum, Ginger |
| Size | 100ml |
Maison Crivelli Oud Stallion Extrait De Parfum
A galloping blend of saffron, cardamom, and nutmeg meets smoky oud and patchouli. This leathery, woody scent is bold and unforgettable, evoking the feeling of a powerful stallion in full stride.
| Fragrance Family | Woody |
| Key Notes | Saffron, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Oud |
| Size | 50ml |
Mont Blanc Legend Blue
Mint and lavender provide a fresh, invigorating start, leading into a woody heart of cedar and sandalwood. Whether you’re in the city or out in nature, this scent offers an effortless blend of freshness and masculinity.
| Fragrance Family | Fresh/Woody |
| Key Notes | Mint, Lavender, Cedar, Sandalwood |
| Size | 100ml |
Tom Ford Neroli Portofino EDP
Bright citrus meets herbaceous rosemary and myrtle in this sophisticated summer scent. With blood orange and angelica in the mix, it brings to mind the elegance of the Mediterranean, making it a must-have for warm weather.
| Fragrance Family | Fresh |
| Key Notes | Rosemary, Myrtle, Blood Orange, Angelica |
| Size | 50ml |
WBeauty Imperial Earth Premium
Tobacco, leather, and dried wood combine with citrus and spices for a rich, smoky scent. This fragrance has a deep, luxurious warmth that adds confidence to any outfit, whether for business or a night out.
| Fragrance Family | Woody |
| Key Notes | Tobacco, Lemon, Dried Wood, Clary Sage |
| Size | 100ml |
How to Apply Cologne
Apply cologne on the places where you can feel the beats of your heart. This means wrists, the sides of your neck, and over your ticker. The throb adds impact to the scent.
Keep It Light
If you’re constantly smelling the fragrance, you’ve applied too much. People should have to get close to you to say, ‘Gee, you smell nice.’ A couple of spritzes or splashes is enough.
Don’t Clash Scents
You don’t have to use every variation of a fragrance—cologne, aftershave, body wash, deodorant, etc. One at a time is fine. But make sure the other products don’t clash with the scent you choose.
Make It Last
Dry skin? Apply fragrance more often. Oily skin holds scent longer.
Wake Up with a Midday Splash
Cologne can beat the 3 p.m. slump. A quick splash midafternoon is a psychological pick-me-up and keeps you smelling wonderful.
Wear Different Scents for Different Seasons
Heat intensifies any fragrance, and scents are stronger when combined with sweat. That’s why an aromatic or citrus scent works in the summer; you can go heavier in the winter.
How to Test Cologne
No cologne is perfect for every person, but there are a few best practices to follow when testing a new scent to find the right fit for you. For starters, don’t bombard your skin with too many scents. “When shopping for a fragrance, one should never apply more than three to the skin because it is more difficult to assess each distinct fragrance,” explains fragrance developer Ann Gottlieb.
So be selective with which you want to trial when browsing in-store because, as Gottlieb warns, testing too many too quickly can lead to “nose fatigue”. Gottlieb also recommends allowing a scent to linger on you for at least 30 minutes before deciding to buy. “This affords the opportunity to see how a particular scent mixes with one’s own body chemistry,” she adds.
This article by originally published on Men’s Health US – additional reporting and products added by the Men’s Health SA team.
