The correlation between smelling good and being found attractive is undeniable. According to a 2014 study by Monell Chemical Senses Center, a scent or odour – pleasant or unpleasant – can actually change the way we interpret faces. Yes, really.
Given the adage that “you only get one first impression”, it can’t hurt to hedge your bets with a good scent by your side (or on your collar).
That’s what brings me to the five best classic fragrances for men in 2026. Have a scroll, and see what takes your fancy.
Read more: This men's grooming brand is combining scents with self-care, and I'm into it
Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Cologne
Now, in the scent game, it doesn’t get much more emblematic than Jo Malone. Famed for its candles and home scents, you shouldn’t be overlooking the label’s line of men’s colognes by any means.
My recommendation goes to the Pomegranate Noir scent: rich in notes of (surprise, surprise) pomegranate, and grounded in the woody depths of patchouli.
- Bottle size: 9ml/30ml/50ml/100ml
- Fragrance type: Cologne
Salt & Stone Saffron & Cedar body mist
What sets Salt & Stone apart from its counterparts (other than its price point) is its nutrient-rich approach to formula, combining good scent with good self-care. Infused with glycerin and red algae to leave the skin soft, this body mist is grounded with top notes of saffron and cedar wood.
- Bottle size: 100ml
- Fragrance type: Body mist/eau de toilette
Le Labo Another 13
Le Labo is likely the perfumery that you’ve heard hyped and re-hyped by your most city-dwelling friends and peers, with a luxury reputation that stretches from NYC to London. But this particular Le Labo scent? It’s a little layered.
Created in collaboration with AnOther Magazine, Another 13 is described as an “addictive dirty potion”, defined by its notes of jasmine, moss and musk.
- Bottle size: 15ml/50ml/100ml/500ml
- Fragrance type: Eau de parfum
Horace Oud Rose
Horace is an absolute stalwart of the grooming game, thanks to its mid-tiered price point and enduring quality. But my pick of the Horace scent selection? Easy.
Oud Rose is, precisely as it sounds, enriched with floral and oud notes, for a refined, elegant and lightly sensual finish.
- Bottle size: 50ml/100ml
- Fragrance type: Eau de parfum
Acqua di Parma Arancia di Capri
Acqua di Parma is a fragrance brand that encapsulates the Italian “arte di vivere” of the nation’s heritage, richness and culture. Energetic and bright, this Arancia di Capri scent is defined by its light, breezy notes of mandarin, lemon essential oils and oranges.
- Bottle size: 50ml/100ml/180ml
- Fragrance type: Eau de toilette
