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The 21 Best Summer Fragrances for Men in 2024: A Cologne for Every Occasion

To have you smelling so fresh and so clean

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Sephora, Calvin Klein

Look good, smell good. A wonderful stylish outfit isn't complete without a captivating fragrance that makes people pay attention, and nothing ruins a wonderful outfit quicker than... smelling like sweat. Smelling good is essential year-round, but there's no question that the summer season makes things slightly more challenging due to its very high temperatures and humidity. That's where a good perfume/cologne comes in handy. Don't worry fellas, we've rounded up a list of the best summer fragrances for men that will have you smelling great all day no matter where you go or what you do, and if you need some perfume and cologne selections for the winter season, we've got that covered as well with our men's winter fragrance list. Whether it's our best date night selection Versace Eros ($96) or a tried and true classic like the Calvin Klein Eternity for Men ($84 - $109), these are the best summer fragrances for men as a whole.

Before we get into our selections, however, let's take a minute to breakdown what makes an elite summer fragrance, and what you should be looking for as you shop.

RELATED: The 31 Best Sunglasses for Men to Cop Ahead of Summer 2023

What to look for in a summer fragrance:

The beauty in shopping for fragrances in-person is that you get to personally test out each fragrance to see how it smells, and if that smell suits you. Obviously, you aren't going to be able to get that same experience online, so unless you've personally worn the fragrance you plan on purchasing in the past, you'll have to do some more research.

  • Scents: Since you won't be able to actually smell the fragrance beforehand, you'll need to look at the specs. Most summer fragrances have a citrus or floral-like smell that remind you of summer staples such as the beach, flowers, swimming, resorts, etc.
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Sephora
  • Concentration: The concentration part of shopping for fragrances is one that can trip people up. In fact, what is concentration? If you look at the front of a fragrance bottle or package, you'll might see the terms "eau de cologne" or “eau de toilette.” This is referred to as the fragrance concentration, and there's four major categories: eau de cologne, eau de toilette, parfum, and eau de parfum. Eau de cologne is a lighter scent estimated to have 1 to 5% concentration, and will last you roughly 1.5 hours. Eau de toilette is estimated to have 8 to 12% concentration, and will last you roughly 2 to 3 hours. Eau de parfum is a slightly stronger scent that has about 12 to 20% concentration, and will last you about 5 to 6 hours. And lastly, anything simply labeled parfum is a strong scent with an estimated 20 to 40% concentration that will last you about 8 hours—so roughly the whole workday.
  • Price: As we always say, the price is something that's up to you and what you are personally willing to spend. Only you know what your budget is.
  • Consider your climate: Where you live also has an impact on what type of fragrance you should purchase. Some places (the southern states for example) have very strong humidity meaning that while temperature says its 75 degrees out, the humidity has it feeling 90 or 100. If you happen to live in one of those areas, a higher concentration perfume might be needed.

The Best Summer Fragrances for Men, at a Glance:

1. Versace Eros

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Sephora

Best Date Night Fragrance

  • Top Notes: Mint, Green Apple and Lemon
  • Middle Notes: Tonka Bean, Ambroxan and Geranium
  • Base Notes: Madagascar Vanilla, Virginian Cedar, Atlas Cedar, Vetiver and Oakmoss
  • Sizes: 3.4 oz, 1.7 oz, 6.7 oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Created in 1992, Versace Eros represents the elements of confidence, seduction, and playfulness. Over thirty years after its original release, Eros remains the calling card for love and sensuality with its fresh layerable scent that consists of Vanilla Madagascar, Mint Leaves, Orange Blossom, and plenty more. A mixture of warm and cool, Eros continues to make for a quintessential date night cologne.

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $96

2. Tom Ford Black Orchid

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Tom Ford

Best for the Office

  • Top Notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Mandarin, Ylang-ylang, Blackcurrant
  • Middle Notes: Lotus Wood, Orchid, Fruity Notes, Floral Notes
  • Base Notes: Sandalwood, Chocolate, Incense, Patchouli, Vetiver
  • Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
  • Type: Parfum

Since parfum scents are known to last roughly eight hours, that makes Tom Ford's Black Orchid fragrance the perfect choice for the office as it has a floral scent that smells amazing, but not to the point where it's so overbearing that your fellow co-workers will be coughing and sneezing every time you walk by. The balance of black orchid, patchouli, and ylang ylang are a pleasant one sure to add a more confident pep to your step.

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $190

3. Calvin Klein Eternity

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Calvin Klein

Best Casual Fragrance for Men

  • Top Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Lemon, Lavender
  • Middle Notes: Sage, Juniper Berries, Basil, Geranium, Coriander, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Lily-of-the-Valley and Lily
  • Base Notes: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Musk, Brazilian Rosewood and Amber
  • Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

If there's one universal fragrance that defines Calvin Klein, its Eternity. Originally launched as a women's fragrance in 1988, Eternity for Men followed up two years later in 1990, and has been what we at ONE37pm personally call our "tried and true go-to." The balance of the citrus and floral scents come together to make this a sexy summer scent that can accompany you to any event.

SHOP NOW AT CALVIN KLEIN, $84 - $109

4. Creed Aventus Fragrance

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Nordstrom

Best Classic Fragrance

  • Top Notes: Pineapple, Bergamot, Black Currant and Apple
  • Middle Notes: Moroccan Jasmine, Rose, Patchouli, Rose, Moroccan Jasmine, Birch
  • Base Notes: Musk, Oak Moss, Ambergris and Vanille
  • Sizes: 0.34 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.3 oz, 8.4 oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

Creed Aventus is that one fragrance that you know is going to work. It truly is a classic that has been around for a long time, and its rich fruity properties make a cologne that's appropriate for all settings anytime of the day. You'll have to reapply after a few hours which is something to consider as far as which size you get, but if you choose to make the investment in the 8.4 bottle, it'll last you. a long time.

SHOP NOW AT NORDSTROM, $95-$1,260

5. Armani Acqua Di Giò

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Armani Beauty

Also Great

  • Top Notes: Lime, Lemon, Bergamot, Jasmine, Orange, Mandarin Orange and Neroli
  • Middle Notes: Cyclamen, Coriander, Violet, Nutmeg, Rose, Mignonette, Jasmine, Calone, Peach, Freesia, Rosemary, Hiacynth
  • Base Notes: White Musk, Cedar, Oakmoss, Patchouli and Amber
  • Sizes: 1.4 oz, 2.4 oz, 4.3 oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

If you haven't found your signature scent yet (or perhaps are searching for a new one), it doesn't get any better than Armani's Acqua Di Giò which is scent automatically bound to capture the attention of anyone you walk past. Inspired by the intensity and mystery of the deep blue sea, you'll definitely leave folks curious.

SHOP NOW AT ARMANI BEAUTY, $86 - $160

6. Chanel "Bleu de Chanel"

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Chanel
  • Top Notes: Citrus notes Pink pepper Vetiver
  • Middle Notes: Grapefruit Cedar Labdanum
  • Base Notes: Ginger, Sandalwood, Frankincense
  • Sizes: 3.4 oz, 1.7 oz, 5 oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

If you're already a fan of the Chanel brand as a whole, then perhaps you should give their Bleu de Chanel scent a shot. There's a citrus blend intertwined with a woody scent that's designed to give you a captivating smell. The smell of romance that is. Bleu de Chanel is the real deal—one that will have you smelling magnificent.

SHOP NOW AT CHANEL, $125 - $184

7. Coach Green

COACH GREEN INGREDIENTS 1 FULL master
Macy's
  • Top Notes: Kiwi Accord, Bergamot Essence
  • Middle Notes: Rosemary Essence, Geranium Essence
  • Base Notes: Crystal Moss, Cedarwood
  • Sizes: 2 oz, 3.3 oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

COACH's new Green perfume has a crystal moss/cedarwood base that's soothing to the soul and calming. You can spray this on before you go out, or you even right before you take a nap (spraying on a scent before you take a nap is a vibe). Propped up by Kiwi Accord and Bergamot Essence, COACH Green is a top choice for our scent of the summer.

SHOP NOW AT MACY'S, $108 - $160

8. Dior Sauvage

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Dior
  • Top Notes: Pepper, Calabrian Bergmot
  • Middle Notes: Vetiver, Patchouli, Geranium, Elemi, Sichuan Pepper, Lavender, Pink Pepper
  • Base Notes: Ambroxan, Cedar and Labdanum
  • Sizes: 1.0 oz, 3.4 oz, 2.0 oz, 6.8 oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Leave it to Dior to create one of the most notable and sexy men's fragrances of all time—the Sauvage. Inspired by blue skies, Sauvage has an instantly recognizable scent concocted with citrus and the outdoor ambery nature of woods, resinous elemi, and ambroxan, leaving you feeling energized, fine, and flirty.

SHOP NOW AT DIOR, $68 - $175

9. PI by Givenchy

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Amazon
  • Top Notes: Mandarin Orange, Tarragon, Rosemary and Basil
  • Middle Notes: Anise, Neroli, Geranium and Lily-of-the-Valley
  • Base Notes: Vanilla, Almond, Tonka Bean, Benzoin and Cedar
  • Sizes: 3.3 oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Gents, we present to you PI by Givenchy—sugar, spice, and everything nice. A favorite amongst Givenchy scent lovers since its release in 1999, PI comes in a very fancy bottle that looks like an ancient artifact you'd see in a museum, and is infused with vanilla and citrus. If you're a longtime lover of this fragrance, then it should be noted that the packaging is different with the new bottle missing the Givenchy logo, but that really shouldn't matter because it's the smell that counts most.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $55.95

10. Jean Paul Gaultier "Le Male"

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Amazon
  • Top Notes: Lavender, Mint, Cardamom, Bergamot, Artemisia
  • Middle Notes: Orange Blossom, Caraway, Cinnamon
  • Base Notes: Tonka Bean, Amber, Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla
  • Sizes: 2.5 oz, 4.2 oz, 6.7 oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

Dating all the way back to 1995, "Le Male" has become one of the most recognizable scents for Givenchy due its overall smell (any perfume enthusiast can easily recognize it) and bottle design. So many elements of the 1990s are making a comeback in style at the moment, so why not take a notch further and smell like the 1990s too?

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $134.99

11. Hugo Boss "Boss"

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Hugo Boss
  • Top Notes: Green Apple
  • Middle Notes: Lavender
  • Base Notes: Woody Notes, Pine, Balsam Fir
  • Sizes: 1.60z, 3.30z
  • Type: Parfum

In the famously spoken words of Outkast, "Boss" is so fresh and so clean, and includes notes of green apple, lavender, and pine to create an easy-to-transition smell that can move with you from the office to your after work activities. The sophisticated design of the bottle is also quite striking.

SHOP NOW AT AMAZON, $99 - $176

12. Acqua di Parma Colonia

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Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Top Notes: Neroli, Mint, Galbanol
  • Middle Notes: Lavender, Rosemary
  • Base Notes: Vetiver, Musk
  • Sizes: 1.7oz, 6oz
  • Type: Eau de Cologne

With roots that date all the way back to 1916, Acqua di Parma is a scent that has been perfected over and over again over the course of this past century. The top and middle notes blend together beautifully into the Vetiver Musk base, giving you a slightly tangy slightly citrus-like smell.

SHOP NOW AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, $137-$245

13. Prada Luna Rossa

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Sephora
  • Top Notes: Lavender and Bitter Orange
  • Middle Notes: Mint and Clary Sage
  • Base Notes: Ambroxan, Ambrette
  • Sizes: 1.7oz, 3.4oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

A beloved aromatic scent from Prada that is also dynamic and sporty, Luna Rossa stands out due to its relatively relaxed smell that is distinct, but not super strong. You know it when you smell it, but it's a scent you'll smell from miles away which is a good thing in this case. Once again, the mixtures are on point, which is to be expected from a fashion house like Prada.

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $95 - $115

14. Yves Saint Laurent "Y Eau de Toilette"

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Sephora
  • Top Notes: Bergamot, Ginger, Aldehydes
  • Middle Notes: Geranium, Clary Sage, Lavender
  • Base Notes: Vanilla, Olibanum, Ambergris, Cedar
  • Sizes: 2 oz, 3.4 oz
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

Honestly not sure if we like the bottle or the scent more. Jokes aside, YSL brings forth a crystal clear and crisp fragrance that's made up of a woody earthy scent reminiscent of nature and outdoor breezes to give you a different fragrance smell to separate you from the pack.

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $98 - $120

15. Maison Margiela "Replica Jazz Club"

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Sephora
  • Top Notes: Neroli, Lemon, Pink Pepper
  • Middle Notes: Java Vetiver Oil, Clary Sage
  • Base Notes: Tobacco Leaf, Vanilla Bean, Styrax
  • Sizes: 0.34oz, 1oz, 3.40z
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

If going to a jazz club is on the agenda for this summer, you might want to pick up a bottle of Maison Margiela's "Jazz Club," which is categorically defined as a cocktail of warm and spicy ingredients. Perfect for a evening of dancing the night away, don't you think?

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $85 -$160

16. Carolina Herrera Bad Boy

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Sephora
  • Top Notes: Black Pepper, White Pepper and Bergamot
  • Middle Notes: Cedar, Sage
  • Base Notes: Amberwood, Cacao, Tonka Bean
  • Sizes: 1.70z, 50ML
  • Type: Eau de Toilette

For all the bad boys out there, Carolina Herrera has their Bad Boy Eau de Toilette that is designed by the brand to "seduce and captivate at a lightning speed (hence the lightning design of the bottle). You can wear this during the daytime or the night—whatever floats your boat.

SHOP NOW AT SEPHORA, $91 - $117

17. Elorea Fire

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Elora
  • Top Notes: Camellia, Nutmeg, Lime
  • Middle Notes: Violet, Lemon, Iris and Mandarin Orange
  • Base Notes: Amber, Rose, Juniper Berries, Mandarin Orange
  • Sizes: 1.70z, 50ML, 100ML
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

Elora Fire hits all the bases you'll need for this summer season as it features mood lightening blends of camelia, iris, and mandarins, along with notes of amber and leather to bring you elements of nostalgia. Its warm and cozy nature makes it a good transitional fragrance for the fall and winter as well, giving you that edge of versatility.

SHOP NOW AT ELORA, $125 - $195

18. Celine "Bois Dormant"

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Celine
  • Top Notes: Juniper Berries and Bergamo
  • Middle Notes: Orris Root
  • Base Notes: Cedar and Vetiver
  • Sizes: 3.4 oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

All you have to do is sit back, relax, and Celine work its magic. The combination of Juniper Berries, Cedar, and Orris Root blend together to create a wonderful unique smell that captivate and allow you to flex on em a little bit.

SHOP NOW AT CELINE, $280

19. Le Labo Another 13 Eau de Parfum

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Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Top Notes: Citruses and apple, pear
  • Middle Notes: Amyl salicylate, moss, jasmine, ambrette
  • Base Notes: Iso E super, cetalox, ambrettolide, helvetolide
  • Sizes: 0.5oz, 1.7oz, 3.4oz
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

A bold fragrance with a hint of subtlety, the Le Labo Another 13 Eau de Parfum contains top notes of citruses, apple, and pear, which transitions into middle notes of moss, jasmine, ambrette and amyl salicylate. The fragrance is finished with base notes of Iso E super, cetalox, ambrettolide and helvetolide, the result of which is a citrusy fruit like fragrance that can be worn at all times. Sizes are available in a 0.5oz, with the asking price $99.

SHOP NOW AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, $99 - $322

20. Elysium Parfum Cologne

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Bloomingdales
  • Top Notes: Grapefruit, lemon, bergamot, lime, thyme, artemisia and galbanum
  • Middle Notes: Vetiver, juniper berries, black currant, Apple, pink pepper, cedar, cypriol oil or nagarmotha, lily-of-the-valley, rose and jasmine
  • Base Notes: Labdanum, leather, vanilla, benzoin, ambergris
  • Sizes: 3.4oz
  • Type: Parfum

With a scent that is earthy and fresh, the Elysium Parfum Cologne gets the job done as a summer fragrance with its grapefruit, lemon, juniper berries, pink pepper, and vanilla powerful note blend. This is a fragrance that you can wear walking around the office, or on a casual summer date night. Whatever the occassion, the Elysium Parfum Cologne has you smelling mighty fine. The cologne is sold in a 3.40z bottle, and is priced at $345.

SHOP NOW AT BLOOMINGDALES, $345

21. INITIO Parfums Prives The Black Gold Project

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Saks Fifth Avenue
  • Top Notes: Saffron, nutmeg, lavender
  • Middle Notes: Agarwood (Oud)
  • Base Notes: Patchouli, musk
  • Sizes: 30z
  • Type: Eau de Parfum

Containing top notes of saffron, nutmeg, and lavender that seamlessly blend into the agarwood (OUD) middle note, the fragrance is finished with patchouli and musk, resulting in a woody slightly maple scent that smells intoxicating, we have had the pleasure of testing this black gold scent and can confirm its incredible smell. Originating from the French house of INITIO, the fragrance is an Eau De Parfum, meaning that you can get about four to five hours of wear out of it, and you don't have to apply much for it to make an impact. Priced at $410, this scent is an investment, but worth it.

SHOP NOW AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, $410

Summer Fragrance FAQs

What should a summer fragrance smell like?

A summer fragrance should be light, airy, and anything that reminds you of summer. You could go for a citrus smell, vanilla, or something cooler such as an aqua coconut. Like we just said, anything that reminds you of summertime.

What's the best cologne for a hot day?

Anything we listed on here! We recommend the Hugo Boss perfume as its classified as a parfum, which is the strongest you can get, and will last you all day without having to reapply much if at all.

This article was updated December 19.

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