We love winterwear. As the cold weather comes around, we dig out our chunky knits and padded jackets — our cashmere scarves and leather boots. It’s a snug, cosy, comfortable time of year.
But that’s not all we wear to get us through the chilly months. Our aftershave is also a key part of our winter get-ups; spritzing into our daily routines and ensuring we have a signature scent for every season. And, whereas our spring and summer fragrances are softer, fresher and more citric, in winter we delve into the deep, dark depths of leather, spices and oud. These are the best winter fragrances for men…
To combat the cold, Floris Leather Oud Eau De Parfum
Notes of: Bergamot, Leather, Oud, Vetiver and Woody Amber.
Why it suits winter: That deep, sensual heart — it combines rose with sandalwood. The warm woody base is a perfect tonic to the dark, dreary days of winter — and the oud oil with which this fragrance is formulated is created using a certified sustainable source of agarwood.
Wear with: The thickest-knit roll-neck you can find, paired with a woollen overcoat and a statement scarf.
To channel your inner Norseman, Creed Viking
Notes of: Black Peppercorns, Bergamot, Patchouli, Vetiver and Peppermint.
Why it suits winter: Inspired by Iceland — the land of ice and fire — Creed’s fieriest, more fearsome eau de parfum is at once coolly refined and ablaze with woody aromas. Assertive and masculine, it’ll bring out your inner Norseman.
Wear with: A plaid shirt tucked and buckled into black jeans. This is a hiking-boot, big-bearded, axe-over-the-shoulder kind of scent.
The House of Creed's Viking Cologne is available here.
For seasonal soirées, Czech & Speake Frankincense & Myrrh Cologne Spray
Notes of: Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Basil and Orange.
Why it suits winter: Well, it’s almost Christmas, isn’t it? And what better scents to spritz on than the traditional, classic, ancient aromas of Frankincense and Myrrh? Oriental and warming, these resins are comforting and enduring; true gifts from God.
Wear with: Your finest black tie. Christmas parties may be on hold, but there’s not a velvet dinner jacket in the world that wouldn’t be made more elegant with a dab of this.
Czech Speake's Frankincense & Myrrh Cologne Spray is available here.
For your wintry working week, Penhaligon’s Blenheim Bouquet
Notes of: Lemon, black pepper and pine.
Why it suits winter: Forget the wood fires and winter spices with this one. Instead, Penhaligon’s olfactory offering is like a crisp, dry gin — and calls to mind the clean snows and fresh mornings of the season.
Wear with: Your workwear. Whether that’s a three-piece suit or jeans and a button-down, this dazzling eau de toilette will give you the burst of brisk energy you need to get on with your wintry working day.
Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet Eau de Toilette is available here.
For inimitable indulgence, Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense
Notes of: Earl Grey Tea, Cedarwood, Bergamot, Praline and Oud.
Why it suits winter: Decadent and rich, this is one of the most sumptuous scents on this list. It’s perfect for the festive season; synonymous with opulence and indulgence. The delectable ‘foody’ notes somehow work, giving the scent a gourmand quality.
Wear with: We said decadence, didn’t we? Then slip into your smoking jacket, fire up a cigar and live your most hedonistic life.
Jo Malone's Malone Oud & Bergamot Cologne is available here.
For a strong seasonal scent, Tom Ford Oud Wood
Notes of: Chinese Pepper, Oud, Rosewood and Eastern Spices.
Why it suits winter: Because no matter how blocked your nose may be — and how frozen you may feel — this scent packs such a potent punch that it’ll warm you to the core. Smokey, spicy, sensual.
Wear with: Your après-ski gear. Or, better yet, your normal ski gear — even carving down the slopes at speed, you’ll still catch a waft of this strong scent.
Tom Ford's Oud Wood Cologne is available here.
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