The Best Summer Colognes For Men To Wear

There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the summer season. Warmer weather, longer days, beach vacations, and even romance. Now, while enjoyment of the former can be accomplished without the assistance of others, we all know that it does, in fact, take two to tango, as the saying goes. However, this may be a bit tougher to achieve if your personal hygiene isn’t in check.

It’s for this reason, in particular, we not only suggest keeping yourself spick and span as much as possible but work to offer a little something extra from time to time. And while dousing yourself in aggressive cologne is never a good idea, slightly noticeable subtleties of scent can go a long way in impressing whoever you’re hoping to impress. So, with that in mind, it could be worth your while to upgrade to a seasonally-appropriate scent from our best summer colognes guide, for those summer evenings around town.

What should a summer cologne smell like?

A summer fragrance should smell fresh and not too musky (if at all), but if you have allergies or aversions to certain summer scents, then there are enough choices to find the right one. The best summer colognes include floral, aquatic, or citrus scents that aren’t too heavy. Because you want something that evokes the feeling of summer, but also freshness.

EDT vs. EDP

Eau de Toilette (EDT) and Eau de Parfum (EDP) are French terms that refer to a fragrance’s strength. In the States, we sometimes call these “colognes”, which can sometimes be referring to Eau de Cologne (which usually contains 2 to 4 percent fragrance oil).

Eau de Toilette: EDT is the lighter choice, with 5 to 15 percent fragrance oil in the mixture, and they can last up to seven hours.

Eau de Parfum: EDP is the heavier choice, with 10 to 20 percent fragrance oil included in the fragrance, and lasts up to ten hours.

What to look for

Scent: This is really the most important factor for any cologne, but especially for a seasonal fragrance because you want something that’s in line with the weather and overall feeling. For a summer fragrance, you should go for light scents like citrus and sea salt, and save the deep and leathery aromas for colder weather.

Concentration: Generally speaking, EDT (or EDC) is best for summer fragrances because they’re lighter and feel better in hot weather. But there are plenty of great EDP options that aren’t too heavy.

Fulton and Roark Palmetto

Offering subtle hints of Brazilian Pepper, Cedarwood, and Magnolia, this delicately balanced solid cologne is both warm and welcoming to those who encounter it. Palmetto also shrouds the wearer in a cloak of mystery as well – making it ideal for those balmy spring and summer evenings thanks to lingering notes of light incense and cedar.

Le Labo Fleur D’Oranger 27

Another name for the Orange Blossom, it’s quite clear what Le Labo is working to accomplish with this attractive cologne. At its core, what we have is a light scent with a sunny floral character complemented by a warm base to work from. Expect notes of musk, mandarin orange, bergamot, lemon, and petitgrain, all working together for the greater good.

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau

After years of workshopping, Jean Paul Gaultier released this scent right here, a woody and refreshing cologne with bergamot and tonka bean. Although woody scents aren’t typically best for summer fragrances, Le Beau uses coconut wood which is much lighter and sweeter compared to other woods. That also means this choice is also a bit more versatile than more floral or citrusy colognes.

Aesop Marrakech Intense Eau de Toilette

With woody, oriental, and fresh floral notes, it’s hard not to immediately appreciate what Aesop has to offer here with their Marrakech cologne. An ideal summer offering indeed, it’s the likes of clove, sandalwood, and cardamom that take center stage and keep your audience entertained.

Tom Ford Costa Azzurra

Tom Ford is a lux name that rarely – if ever disappoints. And the label’s Costa Azzurra cologne is no different, thanks in part to a composition of fresh aromatics like evergreen and citrus and notes of sea air that evoke feelings of a relaxing day on the sand without a care to be found. Dynamic, fresh, and energizing. Need we say more?

Maison Margiela Replica Sailing Day

Made to transport you to a sunny day out on the boat, this Sailing Day fragrance from Maison Margiela is a refreshing and invigorating choice. The red seaweed provides that salty and fresh scent, and works with the herbal coriander and ambergris to make a complete marine aroma.

AIR Eau de Parfum

Not only is this a unique-smelling cologne, but it’s also one of the first carbon-negative fragrances as it’s made with carbon dioxide that’s been transformed into alcohol. The AIR company is truly pushing sustainability forward with its carbon conversion technology, while still making great products. Like this fragrance here, an EDP made with floral and musky scents (like orange peel and tobacco), that’s inspired by the elements of the Earth.

Diptyque Do Son

Influenced by one of the founder’s childhood summers at the coast, the floral, orange blossom, and jasmine notes contained within this refined cologne work to capture those brilliant summer days by the sea. Its delicate yet persistent nature elegantly personifies misty mornings in coastal Indochina – exactly what Do Son hopes to impart.

Byredo Mister Marvelous

Byredo’s Mister Marvelous is a re-release of a cult classic fragrance and a modern take on the classic blueprint. It’s made with a vegan formula that leans heavily towards a citrus vibe. It’s also got a bit of edge to it with some amber and cedarwood base notes, but they definitely complement the floral opening of this cologne.

CREED Virgin Island Water

If your vision of a summer scent harnesses the open tropical waters of the Caribbean, Creed’s Virgin Island Water could be the seasonal scent of choice this summer. Influenced by the trade winds of tropical archipelagos, notes of soft coconut, ylang-ylang flowers, and green lime juice impart temporary transport to paradise with every encounter.

The Best Pomades for Your Hair

Now that you’ve got a summer scent, your hair might need some help too. So check out our best pomades guide to make sure you’re covered.