We get it. Whether it’s clothes, books, tech or fragrance, having something unique feels great. But there’s also a lot to be said for popular items. They become popular because they work well. That’s why many of us choose certain products—they deliver on their promise effectively.
Fragrance is no different, although the industry sometimes frowns upon popularity. This perspective is puzzling. Being popular isn’t bad. While colognes follow trends like everything else, popular winter colognes often rise above trends simply because they smell fantastic. Ultimately, the main requirement for a cologne is that it smells good enough for you to want to wear it.
READ MORE: Date Night? Try One of These Bold Fragrances to Make a Strong Statement
Whether you’re new to fragrances or have been collecting them for years, don’t dismiss popular colognes. Just because other people wear them doesn’t mean they won’t smell great on you too. Remember, fragrance interacts uniquely with your body chemistry, so the same scent can smell different on different people. We’ve put together this list of top winter colognes because they’ve earned their popularity for a reason. They deserve a spot in your collection. There’s something for everyone here, which isn’t surprising. They’re popular winter colognes, after all.
1. Acqua di Gio
No list of iconic men’s colognes would be complete without Acqua di Gio, a fragrance that has dominated the industry since its debut in 1996. Renowned as one of the most popular men’s scents of all time, Acqua di Gio is celebrated for pioneering the aquatic fragrance category, inspiring countless imitations. Its blend of citrusy top notes—lime, lemon, bergamot, neroli and mandarin orange—creates a bright and refreshing opening. These are complemented by sea notes that evoke watery minerals, adding a unique depth.
For winter, Acqua di Gio’s composition offers more than just summer freshness. Its cedar, oakmoss, patchouli and amber base notes provide a warm and comforting foundation.
This juxtaposition of fresh citrus and aquatic notes with deeper, earthy elements makes Acqua di Gio versatile enough to transition seamlessly from the crisp outdoor air to cosy indoor settings during colder months. Its timeless appeal and balanced scent profile ensure that it remains a go-to choice for any occasion, offering a touch of sophistication and freshness even in winter.
2. Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce
Crafted by the renowned Carlos Benaim, Fierce transcends mere cologne—a proclamation. Benaim himself captures its essence perfectly: “Like the A&F brand, Fierce is iconic, bold and revolutionary. Its enduring appeal lies in its unforgettable, masculine signature and timeless, Woody Aromatic composition that remains eternally stylish.”
What sets Fierce apart for the winter season? It’s the fusion of notes that evoke warmth and depth. Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce harmonises marine breeze, sandalwood and seductive musk notes, creating a scent that’s truly distinctive and immediately recognisable for its iconic aroma. This fragrance embodies confidence, exploration and a hint of defiance—an olfactory ode to audacity that’s perfect for the colder months.
3. Azzaro The Most Wanted
Azzaro The Most Wanted is a captivating fragrance that embodies the spirit of audacity and allure. Created for the modern man who exudes confidence and charisma, The Most Wanted is a testament to boldness and individuality in fragrance design.
Crafted by perfumers Michel Girard and Olivier Pescheux, Azzaro The Most Wanted opens with a burst of freshness from its top notes of lemon, ginger and lavender. These lively citrus and herbal accords provide an invigorating and energetic introduction, perfect for making a memorable first impression.
At its heart, The Most Wanted reveals its distinctive character with aromatic notes of mint and green apple, adding a crisp and refreshing quality to the fragrance. These elements enhance the dynamic and vibrant personality of the scent, making it suitable for colder months.
What sets Azzaro The Most Wanted apart is its base notes of Haitian vetiver and tonka bean, which contribute to its sensual and masculine appeal. These deeper accords create a warm and enveloping aura that lingers on the skin, leaving a lasting impression.
4. Creed Viking
Creed Viking is a bold and dynamic fragrance that pays homage to the fearless spirit of the modern man. Created by Olivier Creed and his son, Erwin Creed, Viking embodies strength, resilience and adventure through its captivating scent profile.
At the heart of Creed Viking lies a powerful blend of fresh citrus notes, including bergamot and lemon, which provide an invigorating and energetic opening. These vibrant top notes are complemented by aromatic spices such as pink pepper and peppermint, adding a spicy and refreshing twist to the fragrance.
READ MORE: Montblanc Legend Red Celebrates a Decade of Legends
What sets Creed Viking apart is its heart of Bulgarian rose and peppery notes, which give the fragrance a sophisticated and masculine edge. These elements contribute to the complexity of the scent, creating a harmonious balance between freshness and warmth.
Creed Viking’s base notes of sandalwood, vetiver, and patchouli provide a solid foundation that exudes depth and sensuality. These woody accords add richness to the composition, making Creed Viking a versatile fragrance that transitions seamlessly from day to evening wear.
5. Diesel D Red
Created by master perfumers Hyamala Maisondieu and Mary Pierre Julien Givaudan, Diesel D Red is more than just a cologne—it’s a declaration. This fragrance captures the essence of the Diesel brand: bold, distinctive and edgy. Its lasting appeal comes from its unforgettable, masculine signature and timeless composition that remains perpetually stylish.
What sets D Red apart for the winter season? It’s the unique blend of notes that exude warmth and richness, perfect for colder months. D RED’s Hot Freshness is an olfactory sensation created by a hypnotic contrast of fresh top notes, clean heart notes and sensual base notes.
Top notes of red grapefruit trigger a fresh buzz, enhanced by the aromatic masculinity of geranium. Sustainably sourced, clean and crisp bleached lavender from Provence invigorates the heart notes, getting the blood flowing with firm robustness thanks to aldehydes. The base notes run hot with a sensual sandalwood accord, ready to spark with the intense amber wood accord.
Perfect for winter, Diesel D Red harmonises spicy cinnamon, deep amber and warm leather notes, creating a scent that’s both unique and instantly recognisable. This fragrance embodies confidence, adventure and a touch of rebellion—an olfactory tribute to audacity that’s ideal for the colder months.
6. Dior Sauvage
Dior Sauvage is an iconic fragrance that epitomises the spirit of freedom and adventure. Created by François Demachy, Dior’s Perfumer-Creator, Sauvage has become a modern classic loved for its fresh and spicy aroma that captivates the senses.
At its heart, Dior Sauvage features a bold and invigorating blend of bergamot and pepper, creating a burst of freshness that immediately energises. These top notes are complemented by the warm and sensual nuances of ambroxan, which add depth and sophistication to the fragrance.
READ MORE: Discover the Alluring Elegance of Jimmy Choo Man Aqua
One of Sauvage’s distinguishing features is its base notes of patchouli and cedarwood, which provide a sturdy foundation and a touch of earthiness. These elements give Sauvage a versatile appeal that transitions seamlessly from day to night, making it suitable for any occasion, including the winter months.
Dior Sauvage is more than just a cologne; it is a statement of masculine elegance and modernity. Its fresh yet substantial character makes it a timeless choice that exudes confidence and refinement, embodying the essence of the adventurous spirit that Dior celebrates.
7. Hugo Intense EDP
Hugo Man Intense EDP is a sophisticated and invigorating fragrance designed for the modern man who seeks to make a powerful impression. This fragrance amplifies the original Hugo Man’s freshness while adding depth and intensity to its composition, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a more robust scent.
The fragrance opens with a burst of fresh, crisp green apple, which immediately energises and awakens the senses. This vibrant top note is complemented by aromatic lavender and sage, adding a touch of herbal elegance and refinement to the initial freshness.
At its heart, Hugo Man Intense features geranium and clove, which introduce a warm and slightly spicy character to the fragrance. These notes add complexity and depth, enhancing the overall scent profile and making it more intriguing and captivating.
The base notes of Hugo Man Intense consist of cedarwood, vetiver and balsam fir. These woody and earthy elements provide a solid and masculine foundation, giving the fragrance a lasting, enduring quality. The combination of these notes creates a sense of warmth and richness, making Hugo Man Intense a versatile choice for both day and evening wear, particularly during the colder months.
8. Le Labo Santal
Le Labo Santal 33 is a cult favourite fragrance renowned for its distinctive and luxurious scent profile. Created by the perfumer Frank Voelkl, Santal 33 is celebrated for its rich, woody aroma that has garnered a dedicated following among fragrance enthusiasts worldwide.
At its heart, Le Labo Santal 33 features a prominent note of sandalwood, known for its creamy, smooth and slightly spicy character. This central note is complemented by cedarwood, creating a warm and earthy base that evokes a sense of sophistication and depth. These woody accords make Santal 33 particularly suitable for the winter season, offering a comforting and enveloping scent experience.
Beyond its woody foundation, Santal 33 incorporates aromatic notes of cardamom, iris and violet, which add layers of complexity and elegance to the fragrance. These nuances contribute to Santal 33’s allure and versatility, making it a timeless choice that can be enjoyed year-round but particularly cherished during the colder months for its cosy and inviting aura.
Le Labo Santal 33’s blend of sandalwood, cedarwood and aromatic spices creates an olfactory journey that is both modern and timeless, embodying a sense of urban sophistication and effortless elegance. Whether worn casually or for more formal occasions, Santal 33 leaves a lasting impression with its refined and captivating fragrance profile.
9. Valentino Uomo Born
Valentino Uomo Born is a fragrance that exudes sophistication and charm, crafted for the modern man who embraces his elegance with confidence. Created by perfumers Sonia Constant and Antoine Maisondieu, Uomo Born captures the essence of Italian craftsmanship and refinement.
At its core, Valentino Uomo Born features a blend of roasted coffee and precious iris, creating a rich and luxurious aromatic profile. The roasted coffee note provides a warm and inviting character, perfect for the winter season when deeper, more comforting scents are favoured. This element is complemented by the powdery sweetness of the iris, adding a touch of elegance and depth to the fragrance.
Beyond its coffee and iris heart, Uomo Born incorporates notes of ginger and clary sage, which lend a subtle freshness and spice to the composition. These elements balance the richness of the coffee and iris, creating a harmonious blend that is both inviting and sophisticated.
Valentino Uomo Born is more than just a fragrance; it is a statement of refined masculinity and Italian luxury. Ideal for winter wear, its warm and comforting aroma evokes a sense of coziness and sophistication, making it a versatile choice for both everyday use and special occasions.
10. Versace Eros
Versace Eros is an iconic fragrance that embodies the essence of passion and allure. Crafted by perfumer Aurelien Guichard, Eros is more than just a cologne—it’s a statement of masculinity and sensuality that captivates with its bold and distinctive composition.
The heart of Versace Eros lies in its blend of fresh, vibrant notes and warm, enticing accords, making it a versatile choice year-round, including for winter. Its top notes of mint, green apple and lemon zest provide an invigorating burst of freshness, ideal for awakening the senses on
READ MORE: Introducing the Montblanc Explorer Platinum
Men’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
